JP-4c

In 1996 Roland released the JP-8000, their first virtual analogue modeling synthesiser. The JP-8000 became very famous for one thing, the Super Saw. This unique sound helped define the trance music genre and is still commonly used in electronic dance music production today.

The JP-4c is a Reaktor patch designed to emulate the infamous Super Saw oscillator.

The JP-4c is built upon a combination of research conducted by myself and other individuals, with the patch being able to effectively emulate the original Super Saw's unique timbre. Detailed research and analysis of the Super Saw found that the oscillator exhibits some interesting characteristics giving it a particular sound.

Perhaps the most important element is the detune curve. Whereas many synthesisers would commonly use a linear detune amount, the Super Saw was found to have a varying detune amount through the use of a curve. This curve allows the user a much finer control over the detune amount applied to the oscillator, allowing them to create very smooth sounds with a minimal amount of detune or seemingly harsh textures as the amount is increased. This parameter has been accurately implemented within the JP-4c to achieve the same detune characteristics as the original.

The original Super Saw oscillator makes use of a high pass filter to cut the harmonics below the fundamental frequency. This filter helps give the Super Saw its characteristic bright sound by attenuating the low frequencies while also shaping the waveform, producing a smoothing effect seen at the peaks. This effect has been carefully recreated within the JP-4c to achieve the same rich tone as the original.

Along with these, additional features have also been reproduced and implemented including a built array of sound shaping controls and effects detailed below.

Specifications:

• Super Saw Oscillator - Effective emulation of Roland's original layering of seven sawtooth waveforms.
• Second Oscillator - Four switchable waveform types (Triangle/Sine/Saw/Pulse).
• Filter - Selectable Low Pass, Band Pass and High Pass with key follow.
• Modulation - 2x LFOs, Filter Envelope and Pitch Envelope.
• Effects - Tone Control, Distortion, Reverb, Chorus, Stereo Spread and Portamento.
• 32 Factory Presets - 12 Leads, 8 Pads, 5 Plucks, 4 Basses and 2 Effects.

Download Includes:

• JP-4c Reaktor Patch.
• An Analysis of the Super Saw Oscillator and its Relation to Pads within Trance Music (Research Project).
• Read Me Guide.

Demo:
All sounds are directly from the JP-4c with no external effects used.

https://soundcloud.com/alexshore/jp-4c-demo