I’m a curious person and have messed with computer synths for years. I’ve never owned a physical one, and this was a great buy. I can’t afford to get a big time real synth so this bridges that gap for me perfectly. It does what it should and I’m getting a taste of doing things for real.
I appreciate that rather than a sponsor, you direct folks to a shop where we can purchase your creations. That is a fine business practice, in my opinion.
I just placed an order for a JT-4000 today. I have seriously downsized to a very small, but usable, space to record my music. I am looking forward to playing with this synth and to the space it won't be taking up! Thanks for a nice, to the point introduction.
People who talk only of limitations are themselves limited by their own lack of imagination. Given its price I see this little box as a hardware hackers plaything rather than a toy. Proper MIDI will be added and (space permitting) an internal rechargeable battery.
As an electronic music producer for at least 10 years, I’ve been observing the escalating prices of the JP8000 in the second-hand market. If it weren’t for Behringer’s willingness to clone the JP, I might not have been able to afford one. Behringer even uses a 12-bit DAC, making the sound more analog-style than the original. From a production perspective, having the most affordable access to the sound-what’s not to like? Only players with a strict preference for the original would deliberately choose it.
I think it sounds great. £42 for a 4 voice synth with analog filter is a no-brainer! How can anybody say it's a toy? It's a full blown synth which slots in the mix really well. It has limitations yes. But so do many classic synths and they cost ten times more at least, even second hand!
Another very fair review with excellent music! My opinion on the JT-4000 so far is that THIS is one of the very best beginner synths for a young person, teens, non-musicians, and simply the curious who have wondered about fiddling around with one could be like. If they have even a decent ability to do multi-track recording on their computers, they have something there, a great beginning, to be sure. It's hard to compare it to anything since other than the Stylophone, there's nothing in its range, especially since it's polyphonic. The sound is excellent for what it is, I was shocked and impressed considering the size, cost, and so on. My own feelings are for the PRO-VS clone right now and, yes, being near-sighted, this could the better way to go for me than the JT-4000. But for children especially, this could be one of THE stocking stuffers for Christmas! Still, it isn't powered by cold fusion and doesn't have a coffee maker, so it is impure. ;0)
No, its not, because it hides all the fun that a synthesizer gives you through his KNOBS. Its like giving a child a guitar without strings for christmas. And no, not every product in the world must be available at the lowest possible price.
@@orangenotviolet You're right of course, I only feel pure when something costs far more than any normal human being can afford, and KNOBS. Next post somewhere, maybe here, you'll be pushing VSTs. Next...
Actually, even though it is not knob per function synth - it is super easy to use. Really great first hardware synth. As for VS micro - i have both and like them better I though I would. A bit limited but sound really great - gritty and dirty, exactly how I expected them to.😊
Hey it’s a Synth for under $50.00. This was unheard of years ago. The original Casio (Toy) VL Tone was over $70 in the 1970’s and it sounded like a toy. BTW, I still have mine in mint working condition, lol. So my point is stop FN’ it to death. It is polyphonic, full of features, sonically is sounds great for lots of musical genres and it’s under $50. People spend more on their weekly coffees at Starbucks!!!
I'm going to check out the MIDI implementation, as it would be great to write an editor for this little beast. If it does support control of the individual parameters, then I might justify the purchase of one on the basis that I could be the first person to write a full editor/librarian for it...
Yes, it looks like a comprehensive MIDI implementation. I've coded a few synth editors before, and I could base an editor for this machine off of one of those. Time to order one!
@@winesynths I've now written an editor for the JT-4000, and I've uploaded the source code to GitHub. It currently supports editing the currently selected patch in real time, but unfortunately there is no documentation on how to write a patch to memory or request one using System Exclusive messages. This may be possible, since there is an option in the settings menu of the JT-4000 to send a patch. I have raised a support request with Behringer to ask if the device has these features, as it would make allow me to add "librarian" support to my editor.
I bought mine a couple of weeks ago. I would have used your link, but now I follow your channel! My use case is to connect it to my iPad or phone with Korg gadget and make midi sequences. I mostly play around with it because I am not a musician but I like to make beats as a hobby. In my case it is great to learn! This should be for school kids. Imagine having a class and they teach you Synthesis and the size is perfect. In my school days we had to buy a “flute” to learn in music class.
9:56 "If it sounds like a Roland JP-8000 is really not the point here" You like it is because you're not expecting it to sound like a Roland. If you compared the Super Saw to a JP-8080 it probably sounds very different. I think you'd like the JX-08 a lot more if you gave it the same leniency. 🙂
What?!? No direct MIDI input from a MIDI controller? What were they thinking? Nice review, but I won't be tossing this into my backpack for playing outside of my studio. I have the Donner B-1 for that! By the way - are your tweezers zircon encrusted?
@@winesynthsNot really. I have a bunch of other hardware synths and some of them have very limited hardware controls or some function not accessible unless you do menu diving. So I assign CCs from midi controllers or my other keyboards to tweak those parameters. Not much of a difference.
@@markaprill6501 You mean a cable? Doesn't work. Midi to USB adapters are meant to connect midi-only devices to a PC. To connect a keyboard to a USB-only synth you need either a computer or a USB host. It's a shame manufacturers are starting to drop midi connectors. Not everyone wants to use a DAW.
I love that you show it under an electron microscope so we can see it properly, and that you use a laser pointer to indicate its features 😄 But a great review 👍
Hard to say, as there is only the phones output. And having sound on two channels doesn't necessarily mean that it is stereo... I can't check it, because I already gave it back again. 🤖
By that same logic any digital synth is a plugin in a box right up to high end offerings by Waldorf and the like. I suppose having USB MIDI only and not a lot of knobs would reduce it's utility for those who don't have a keyboard or sequencer capable of being a USB MIDI host.
I have one, and I love it. I don't have space for another big Synth. And I have most of my MIDI connected stuff going thru Ableton (for the shit load of VSTs i have) So this acts like a VST to me. Lol Plus since all the Midi CCs are listed in the manual, I dont even really have to touch the unit that much, ill just control it with my Minifreak lol.
Excellent demo, wish you'd mention something about power supply, though.. How much power does it need? How to connect power and midicontroller at the same time without computer? I think this is for anyone with a mini portable setup and wants a phat sound quickly, I love it and can't wait for mine to arrive.. Don't need it but it's kinda cute and like the sound of jp 8000 but don't want to buy it.. Looking forward to a comparison between it and the jp8000 :)
You Can use a MIDI Host box for that. IMO they should have upped the cost just the tad it costs to add a MIDI-part - even just an annoying minijack one.
Behringer are potentially releasing a hub that would act as a USB MIDI host and mixer for 4 of these synths with full size MIDI in and out and polychaining support.
So is Behringer jumping on the bandwagon of mini/micro synths like Korg and Roland? I really enjoy the Korg Volca series and their NT-1 and NT-3 series. These are great synths to hook up to my NDLR device since you don't need a keyboard to play. This is probably the best use of these mini/micro synths in my opinion. Otherwise, the small size makes it nice to play when you're away from your music desk, especially the Korg Volcas which are battery powered and have a small speaker built in!
They're not paraphonic, that is: you can't play chords (pads) on 'm. Well, you can on the Volca FM but that's FM synthesis (read: Yamaha DX7). This one sounds just a little more 90's than the DX7, which is more metallicy and 80's.
I use it with my phone and it does not drain the battery (iPhone) as Pierssegal said, it does not have a speaker so basically takes little amount of energy. It is super fun to play with. I also power it from my iPad and use midie from Korg gadget.
I think there’s potential for a synth this size. I don’t know what it looks like, but this one and the other “UB” micro they have planned feel like they miss the mark. The minis look much more interesting to me.
this is called gear snob i have a bastl bestie , a bastl kastl drum , an op1 and 3 pocket operators (that i use and currently own) in different stages of my production life ive had a nord . Microkorg ( the one that was big ) . ( and i have music mates that are huge gear snobs , everything ellijel , amazing sound ) BUT ive seen overall that the ones who make cool music and not some variant of derivative synth music are the ones that are willing to include small stuff .(but yeah im probably getting an octatrack or something) , the op1 is lovely to be honest Limited but if not i would use a daw , if i wanted limitless
Mine is in the post. Use case... when u can.t afford or don.r want to commit to an access virus or system 8 and u still need a useable psytrance supersaw arp...
Nice toy, sounds really good for the money, but nothing for me. A desktop or rack poly with a digi osc/supersaw/wavetable and a grown up analog filter per voice would be somethig I could imagine to buy.
Thouh I like some of the Behringer replicas (TD-3-MO, BARP, Bolina, ...) the formfactor of this one tells just one thing to me: Don't! Therefore I don't.
It sounds good, I agree. Is it inspiring to use? Meh… It has various small annoying things, they could have easily fixed, which makes it even more annoying.
@@martijn_yt- He don't have. He simply is an blithering idiot. This little Synth is a great piece of Hardware. It sounds good, and better with every single Update. It can easily integrated into a DAW. This synth isn't made for live performances, it is made for DAWs (Studio Recordings). And there it works perfect.
Is this what you get if you have the engineers of Klark, TC, Midas and some others inhouse? Something that looks like a seventies chinese alarmclock mimicking a Synthesizer? Behringer is becoming more and more the bad joke of music industry. I sincerly hope that the right of repair, that EU is going to inflict puts an end to Behringer once and forever.
I’m a curious person and have messed with computer synths for years. I’ve never owned a physical one, and this was a great buy. I can’t afford to get a big time real synth so this bridges that gap for me perfectly. It does what it should and I’m getting a taste of doing things for real.
Nice!!! Finally a demo that coming out if the bedroom speakers!! Great video!
I appreciate that rather than a sponsor, you direct folks to a shop where we can purchase your creations. That is a fine business practice, in my opinion.
I just placed an order for a JT-4000 today. I have seriously downsized to a very small, but usable, space to record my music. I am looking forward to playing with this synth and to the space it won't be taking up! Thanks for a nice, to the point introduction.
People who talk only of limitations are themselves limited by their own lack of imagination. Given its price I see this little box as a hardware hackers plaything rather than a toy. Proper MIDI will be added and (space permitting) an internal rechargeable battery.
Say it loud enough so the women can hear ;)
Very good review! Just ordered one via your link! 😀
Cool! Thanks for that! 🤩
Nice companion for my AKAI MPC One.
As an electronic music producer for at least 10 years, I’ve been observing the escalating prices of the JP8000 in the second-hand market. If it weren’t for Behringer’s willingness to clone the JP, I might not have been able to afford one. Behringer even uses a 12-bit DAC, making the sound more analog-style than the original. From a production perspective, having the most affordable access to the sound-what’s not to like? Only players with a strict preference for the original would deliberately choose it.
I've always loved the german approach of digital music, in the 70s, I was a huge fan of Neu !
I think it sounds great. £42 for a 4 voice synth with analog filter is a no-brainer! How can anybody say it's a toy? It's a full blown synth which slots in the mix really well. It has limitations yes. But so do many classic synths and they cost ten times more at least, even second hand!
I got mine last month right after foot surgery. It was perfect for laying in bed and playing. I leave it on my nightstand next to to monotron delay
Lol the tweezers are a nice touch. Looks fun. 😁
This joke never gets old!
Great synth for live shows also!
Another very fair review with excellent music! My opinion on the JT-4000 so far is that THIS is one of the very best beginner synths for a young person, teens, non-musicians, and simply the curious who have wondered about fiddling around with one could be like. If they have even a decent ability to do multi-track recording on their computers, they have something there, a great beginning, to be sure. It's hard to compare it to anything since other than the Stylophone, there's nothing in its range, especially since it's polyphonic. The sound is excellent for what it is, I was shocked and impressed considering the size, cost, and so on. My own feelings are for the PRO-VS clone right now and, yes, being near-sighted, this could the better way to go for me than the JT-4000. But for children especially, this could be one of THE stocking stuffers for Christmas! Still, it isn't powered by cold fusion and doesn't have a coffee maker, so it is impure. ;0)
No, its not, because it hides all the fun that a synthesizer gives you through his KNOBS. Its like giving a child a guitar without strings for christmas. And no, not every product in the world must be available at the lowest possible price.
@@orangenotviolet You're right of course, I only feel pure when something costs far more than any normal human being can afford, and KNOBS. Next post somewhere, maybe here, you'll be pushing VSTs. Next...
Actually, even though it is not knob per function synth - it is super easy to use. Really great first hardware synth. As for VS micro - i have both and like them better I though I would. A bit limited but sound really great - gritty and dirty, exactly how I expected them to.😊
@@MJanovicable What is wrong with VST's? This is almost a vst in a box with not enough knobs...
@@miffebarbez There's nothing wrong with VSTs, but not everybody wants them over hardware when it's this affordable. VSTs have no knobs.
Hey it’s a Synth for under $50.00. This was unheard of years ago. The original Casio (Toy) VL Tone was over $70 in the 1970’s and it sounded like a toy. BTW, I still have mine in mint working condition, lol. So my point is stop FN’ it to death. It is polyphonic, full of features, sonically is sounds great for lots of musical genres and it’s under $50. People spend more on their weekly coffees at Starbucks!!!
Yes! Exactly! I also remember the Casio SK-1 times! And even if it‘s not the greatest synth ever it‘s definitely the greatest for 50€!
I'm going to check out the MIDI implementation, as it would be great to write an editor for this little beast. If it does support control of the individual parameters, then I might justify the purchase of one on the basis that I could be the first person to write a full editor/librarian for it...
Indeed, you can control most of its parameters with Midi-CC! So in theory you could use a Pro-800 or something similar as a controller.
Yes, it looks like a comprehensive MIDI implementation. I've coded a few synth editors before, and I could base an editor for this machine off of one of those. Time to order one!
@@chriswareham Someones made a Reaktor version.
ruclips.net/video/Mr3mJrcaMWA/видео.html
@@winesynths I've now written an editor for the JT-4000, and I've uploaded the source code to GitHub. It currently supports editing the currently selected patch in real time, but unfortunately there is no documentation on how to write a patch to memory or request one using System Exclusive messages. This may be possible, since there is an option in the settings menu of the JT-4000 to send a patch. I have raised a support request with Behringer to ask if the device has these features, as it would make allow me to add "librarian" support to my editor.
amazing hardware synth plugin for the MPC ONE
i am pretty happy with mine! (as well as my pro vs mini)
I bought mine a couple of weeks ago. I would have used your link, but now I follow your channel! My use case is to connect it to my iPad or phone with Korg gadget and make midi sequences. I mostly play around with it because I am not a musician but I like to make beats as a hobby. In my case it is great to learn! This should be for school kids. Imagine having a class and they teach you Synthesis and the size is perfect. In my school days we had to buy a “flute” to learn in music class.
9:56 "If it sounds like a Roland JP-8000 is really not the point here"
You like it is because you're not expecting it to sound like a Roland. If you compared the Super Saw to a JP-8080 it probably sounds very different.
I think you'd like the JX-08 a lot more if you gave it the same leniency. 🙂
If it sounds like a J8-8000 is actually the whole point, and, at least for me, the only reason I would buy it (not heard a comparison yet).
It sounds better to me, I owned a JP8000 for many years!
What?!? No direct MIDI input from a MIDI controller? What were they thinking? Nice review, but I won't be tossing this into my backpack for playing outside of my studio. I have the Donner B-1 for that! By the way - are your tweezers zircon encrusted?
Do you need to play it with tweezers
I use for my video production together with other instruments it is perfect tool for sound background.😊
Cool Idea! No copyright problems with your videos! 👍
Should be able to assign CCs to the Push’s knobs and control the synth much easier with the full size knobs.
That should work. But then it‘s really like a plugin.
@@winesynthsNot really. I have a bunch of other hardware synths and some of them have very limited hardware controls or some function not accessible unless you do menu diving. So I assign CCs from midi controllers or my other keyboards to tweak those parameters. Not much of a difference.
Does it work well over usb? No noises?
Always a pleasure to watch
Yes absolutely. And no disturbing noises.
@@winesynths You may want to reinvestigate this. It has the same USB ground loop issue that other synths have!
I think it has a very good sound, unfortunately I find almost unusable, I'need at least a non usb midi input
Why?
@@markaprill6501To connect a midi keyboard to it without the need of a computer?
Midi to usb adapter.
@@markaprill6501 You mean a cable? Doesn't work.
Midi to USB adapters are meant to connect midi-only devices to a PC.
To connect a keyboard to a USB-only synth you need either a computer or a USB host.
It's a shame manufacturers are starting to drop midi connectors. Not everyone wants to use a DAW.
@@Ni5ei ok.
Can this be used with just speakers or headphones, or does it require another instrument?
no as far as it has a small keyboard you can play it solo.
I love that you show it under an electron microscope so we can see it properly, and that you use a laser pointer to indicate its features 😄 But a great review 👍
Finally, it was the right occasion to use my macro lens! 😁
@@winesynths 😄
I have one and it’s a fun little unit, but the limited usb midi makes it hard to recommend for anyone. If you use a daw then maybe this is for you.
is it stereo? I have mine hooked up but its mono straight down the middle of the phasescope... no wide supersaw
Hard to say, as there is only the phones output. And having sound on two channels doesn't necessarily mean that it is stereo... I can't check it, because I already gave it back again. 🤖
I suspect it's probably not going to pan supersaws. I think I saw a chorus in the menu which may be the only reason for stereo output?
Maybe that is a cool Christmas gift for a band buddy. Cool Video!
Do you want it??? 😁
@@winesynths Oh, I am not your band buddy so far;-)
@@winesynthsi do!
I have a birthday in 3 days, am in band - pleasw someone be a buddy lol!
Do the forceps come with it? Because it looks like they should.
No microscope included either! 🤓
I would not use it in the studio, but even as a fun object to glue to my car's dashboard or as a prop for recording music videos 50 Euro is a steal.
You lack imagination, eh? I've used a dessert spoon as an instrument in my studio!
That is fun! I just rather not have small objects lying everywhere in my small room, but there is a place for it to many I am sure.
Another crackin' review! Fifty quid synth? Whats not to love? ;)
I send it back. Plugin in a box?
By that same logic any digital synth is a plugin in a box right up to high end offerings by Waldorf and the like. I suppose having USB MIDI only and not a lot of knobs would reduce it's utility for those who don't have a keyboard or sequencer capable of being a USB MIDI host.
how to connect the JT4000 to a keystep? I've bought a usb splitter but doesn't work
Toys are us! I gave it back. This format is too limited and quirky to my opinion. Same for the Mini VS.
Midi router app on phone + powered usb hub (and cables and adaptors)
Raspberry Pi?
I still cant find a demo where it sounds like a jp8000
I have one, and I love it.
I don't have space for another big Synth.
And I have most of my MIDI connected stuff going thru Ableton (for the shit load of VSTs i have)
So this acts like a VST to me. Lol
Plus since all the Midi CCs are listed in the manual, I dont even really have to touch the unit that much, ill just control it with my Minifreak lol.
Excellent demo, wish you'd mention something about power supply, though.. How much power does it need? How to connect power and midicontroller at the same time without computer? I think this is for anyone with a mini portable setup and wants a phat sound quickly, I love it and can't wait for mine to arrive.. Don't need it but it's kinda cute and like the sound of jp 8000 but don't want to buy it.. Looking forward to a comparison between it and the jp8000 :)
The power question is interesting indeed. Did not think about that, as I am used to connecting my synths to the Computer all the time.
You Can use a MIDI Host box for that.
IMO they should have upped the cost just the tad it costs to add a MIDI-part - even just an annoying minijack one.
If they'd put a midi in of some sort I'd buy a couple.
Behringer are potentially releasing a hub that would act as a USB MIDI host and mixer for 4 of these synths with full size MIDI in and out and polychaining support.
You made me buy it… instant bankruptcy! 😂😜🎅🏻
So is Behringer jumping on the bandwagon of mini/micro synths like Korg and Roland? I really enjoy the Korg Volca series and their NT-1 and NT-3 series. These are great synths to hook up to my NDLR device since you don't need a keyboard to play. This is probably the best use of these mini/micro synths in my opinion. Otherwise, the small size makes it nice to play when you're away from your music desk, especially the Korg Volcas which are battery powered and have a small speaker built in!
They're not paraphonic, that is: you can't play chords (pads) on 'm. Well, you can on the Volca FM but that's FM synthesis (read: Yamaha DX7). This one sounds just a little more 90's than the DX7, which is more metallicy and 80's.
One use I can think of is taking it outdoors with a power brick. It's compact size can fit a roomy pocket like the Monotrons do!
Berhinger claim you can just run it off your smartphone. Ymmv
@@pierssegal5910 Yeah, but it's definitely going to drain your battery as fast as the speed of light!
@@Hikaeme-od3zq why? It's not got a speaker and the screen is tiny.
I use it with my phone and it does not drain the battery (iPhone) as Pierssegal said, it does not have a speaker so basically takes little amount of energy. It is super fun to play with. I also power it from my iPad and use midie from Korg gadget.
I just feel like this is the cheapest way for me to get started in and not quit synths
I think there’s potential for a synth this size. I don’t know what it looks like, but this one and the other “UB” micro they have planned feel like they miss the mark. The minis look much more interesting to me.
wow it really is a replica of the Roland JP8000!!
For tiny sugar ants 🐜
Do you want trance sounds in tour pocket for 50 bucks? Here you are Sir! 😉😉😉
Sounds fat as hell!
Two questions:
How do the midi adapter work?
Is it possible to control any other parameters than notes via midi? :)
The answer to your second question is yes.
Compare the Korg NTS1 and the JT4000 (synths of the same size), and you'll see how well-made JT4000 is.
They really are made of solid plastic. And since the JT4000 sounds great running through the NTS-1 effects there's no reason not to compare them ;)
This little 50 Bucks Box is much more worth as any MC Donalds Meal 😂😂😂
For sure!
Fits inside a happy meal box with room!
Zis is a nais sunsezisah. 😁
I'm going to get one and start a Kraftwerk tribute act.
What ever makes you happy! 😁🤖
Chchch, wenn ein Synth mit ner Pinzette bedient werden muss :D Der Bass rotzt aber gut. Supersaw eh. Für Elektro und Drum and Bass nice.
The supersaw sound is too big for the size of this little box and its price 😀
this is called gear snob i have a bastl bestie , a bastl kastl drum , an op1 and 3 pocket operators (that i use and currently own) in different stages of my production life ive had a nord . Microkorg ( the one that was big ) . ( and i have music mates that are huge gear snobs , everything ellijel , amazing sound ) BUT ive seen overall that the ones who make cool music and not some variant of derivative synth music are the ones that are willing to include small stuff .(but yeah im probably getting an octatrack or something) , the op1 is lovely to be honest Limited but if not i would use a daw , if i wanted limitless
Mine is in the post. Use case... when u can.t afford or don.r want to commit to an access virus or system 8 and u still need a useable psytrance supersaw arp...
it's strange... you criticized the ubxa but liked this unit...
$49 dollars is like two people going to a medium priced restaurant
without the bottle of wine...
right?
@@winesynths
I'd buy it in a second if it had midi in. I may buy one anyway.
Nice toy, sounds really good for the money, but nothing for me. A desktop or rack poly with a digi osc/supersaw/wavetable and a grown up analog filter per voice would be somethig I could imagine to buy.
Thouh I like some of the Behringer replicas (TD-3-MO, BARP, Bolina, ...) the formfactor of this one tells just one thing to me: Don't! Therefore I don't.
Words of wisdom! Let it be! 😁
@@winesynths When in times of trouble after having bought the JT-4000 Micro...
I come from a hardware hacking background where there are NO limitations!
hahaha those tweezers
PO KO33 x JT
Better spend the 50 on wine than this ferrero-egg synth
Finally, it's exactly what I did! 🥂
No one...really? Ok... I'll be the guy...
A sub $100 synth still has a better screen than most Roland consumer level gear...🤦🏻♂️
It sounds good, I agree. Is it inspiring to use? Meh…
It has various small annoying things, they could have easily fixed, which makes it even more annoying.
Dead money best save up and buy something better
i like that you provide some valid arguments for your opinion ;)
@@martijn_yt- He don't have. He simply is an blithering idiot.
This little Synth is a great piece of Hardware. It sounds good, and better with every single Update. It can easily integrated into a DAW.
This synth isn't made for live performances, it is made for DAWs (Studio Recordings). And there it works perfect.
some people enjoy talking alot I guess .......
not a bad synth for 50 whim whams
Is this what you get if you have the engineers of Klark, TC, Midas and some others inhouse? Something that looks like a seventies chinese alarmclock mimicking a Synthesizer? Behringer is becoming more and more the bad joke of music industry. I sincerly hope that the right of repair, that EU is going to inflict puts an end to Behringer once and forever.
You can't complain for $50! It actually sounds pretty good. I'd have preferred if it was in the Pro VS Mini form factor with 5 pin MIDI and $100.