Owner's Manual
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For the U.K.
IMPORTANT: THE WIRES IN THIS MAINS LEAD ARE COLOURED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING CODE.
BLUE:
BROWN:
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this apparatus may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying
the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:
The wire which is coloured BLUE must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter N or coloured BLACK.
The wire which is coloured BROWN must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter L or coloured RED.
Under no circumstances must either of the above wires be connected to the earth terminal of a three pin plug.
This product complies with the requirements of EMC Directive 2004/108/EC.
NEUTRAL
LIVE
For EU Countries
For the USA
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee
that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
– Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Unauthorized changes or modification to this system can void the users authority to operate this equipment.
This equipment requires shielded interface cables in order to meet FCC class B Limit.
For Canada
NOTICE
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
AVIS
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.
For C.A. US (Proposition 65
WARNING
This product contains chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects and other reproductive harm, including lead.
For the USA
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Compliance Information Statement
Model Name :
Type of Equipment :
Responsible Party :
Address :
Telephone :
JS-8
Audio Player with Guitar Effects
Roland Corporation U.S.
5100 S.Eastern Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90040-2938
(323) 890-3700
)
201a
Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” (p. 42) and “Important Notes” (p. 43). These
sections provide important information concerning the proper operation of the unit. Additionally, in order to feel assured that
you have gained a good grasp of every feature provided by your new unit, this owner’s manual should be read in its entirety,
and it should be saved and kept on hand as a convenient reference.
202
Copyright © 2009 BOSS CORPORATION
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced in any form without the written permission of
BOSS CORPORATION.
Contents
Main Features ................................................... 2
Setting Up the JS-8 ........................................... 4
Printing Conventions and icons in This Manual
Text or numerals
enclosed in
square brackets [ ]
(p. **)
Indicate buttons.
[WRITE] WRITE button
Indicates information that you should
be aware of when using the JS-8.
Indicates supplementary information
about an operation.
Indicates information about a convenient operation.
Indicates a reference page.
Basic setup for the JS-8 ....................................................................4
Basic operation of the JS-8 .............................................................5
Using the JS-8 with Other Devices ..............................................6
Play Your Guitar with Songs as Your
Playing Songs ......................................................................................8
Playing Songs on USB Memory ................................................8
Recording Performances ................................................................9
Selecting Songs ................................................................................10
Switching E ects..............................................................................12
Saving E ects ...............................................................................13
Convenient Practice Functions ...................................................14
Tuner/Metronome.......................................................................14
Phrase Trainer ...............................................................................15
Backing ....... 8
Importing Songs ............................................. 16
Checking the Package Contents
• JS-8
• AC Adaptor (Roland PSB-1U)
• Owner's Manual (This document)
• SD Card
• Roland Service (Information Sheet)
Technology that simulates existing physical structures,
materials, and the like using different, virtual means is
called “modeling technology.”
COSM (Composite Object Sound Modeling) is a technical
innovation from Roland that combines a number of such
sound-modeling technologies to create new and unique
sounds.
Importing Songs from CD Players and Other Devices .......16
Capturing Songs from Various Sound Sources .....................17
Using the JS-8 Song List Editor ...................... 18
Convenient Functions .................................... 20
Advanced Editing of E ect Parameters ...................................20
Saving E ects ....................................................................................20
About the JS-8's Internal E ects ................................................22
Adjusting the Guitar and Mic Input Sensitivity ....................31
Turning O the Internal Speakers ..............................................31
Calling Up the E ect Stored in a Song (Patch Sync) ...........31
Using Foot Switches and Expression Pedals ..........................32
Using USB Audio Interfaces .........................................................33
Using Commercial SD Cards ........................................................35
Initializing SD Cards ....................................................................35
Backing Up .........................................................................................36
Recovering Backed Up Data (RECOVER) ..................................37
Song Settings
(Song Information/Protect/E ects/Song Name) .................38
Converting songs and transferring them between media
Various System Settings ................................................................39
..........38
Appendices ..................................................... 40
Error Messages ................................................................................. 40
Troubleshooting...............................................................................41
USING THE UNIT SAFELY ................................................................42
Important Notes ...............................................................................43
Index .................................................................................................... 44
Speci cations ................................................................................... 44
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Chapter
Main Features
1
The JS-8 combines the functions of an audio playback device with a variety of popular BOSS guitar effects, all in a single unit.
Just plug in your guitar and enjoy performing along with songs while playing through great-sounding COSM amps and effects.
Basic Structure of the JS-8
Basic Routing of Sounds
You can easily play along with your favorite songs.
”Playing Songs” (p. 8)
Audio Signal
Song (Audio File)
Song
(MP3 or other format)
Internal Speaker
Play back
directly.
GUITAR IN
Audio Player Section
Eects Section
Recording Performances
As you can play, you can record your performance (along with the backing music) to assess your playing or create a new backing track.
”Recording Performances” (p. 9)
Internal Speaker
Song
(MP3 or other format)
Audio Player Section
GUITAR IN
Eects Section
Audio Recorder Section
Recording is possible
only to SD card.
Song
2
Sound Path When Used with Connected Devices
You can use the JS-8 with digital audio players, computers, and other devices to play sounds and more.
Audio Signal
Main Features
Computer Computer
USB
AUX IN
CD Player, Digital Audio Player,
or other equipment
GUITAR IN
Song
(MP3 or other format)
Types of Memory Supported by the JS-8
and Their Applications
You can use two kinds of storage with the JS-8, SD cards
and USB memory.
SD (or SDHC) Cards
The JS-8 can record your performances, and can play back
songs from an SD card (JS-8 songs, MP3, or WAV).
Song
(Audio File)
USB
OUTPUT
Stereo, other equipment
Audio Player Section
Internal Speaker
PHONES
Eects Section
Songs Supported by the JS-8
The JS-8 works with songs in the following formats.
JS-8 Songs ( Recording/ Playback)
• Roland/BOSS proprietary compression format
MP3 ( Playback only)
• Sampling Rate: 44.1 kHz
• Bit Rate: 32-320 kbps
• You'll need an SD card in order to record and play back
on the JS-8.
990, 991
• The JS-8 supports SDHC cards.
• Some SD card types or SD cards from some manufac-
turers may not record or play backproperly on the JS-
8.
USB Memory
You can play back MP3 and WAV files stored in USB memory just as they are and import song data to SD cards.
• Operation of the JS-8 does not require USB memory.
• No USB memory is included with the JS-8. Purchase
USB memory separately.
WAV ( Playback only)
• Sampling Rate: 44.1 kHz
• Quantization Bit Rate: 8/16/24-bit
• Monaural or Stereo Data
• Uncompressed (Linear)
The JS-8 does not support song formats other than those
described above.
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Memory Con rmed as Functional with
the JS-8
Information on SD cards and USB memory confirmed to
work with the JS-8 can be found on the Roland website.
http://www.roland.com/
3
Chapter
2
Setting Up the JS-8
Basic setup for the JS-8
AC Adaptor
(PSB-1U)
Be sure to use a PSB-1U adaptor.
The use of any other adaptor may
cause malfunction.
Place the AC adaptor so the side
with the indicator (see illustration)
faces upwards and the side with
textual information faces downwards.
The indicator will light when you
plug the AC adaptor into an AC
outlet.
Electric Guitar
Top
Front side
921
To prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other devices, always turn
down the volume, and turn off the power on all devices before making any connections.
983
Howling could be produced depending on the location of microphones relative to
speakers. This can be remedied by:
1. Changing the orientation of the microphone(s).
2. Relocating microphone(s) at a greater distance from speakers.
3. Lowering volume levels.
4
Microphone
“Adjusting the Guitar and Mic Input Sensitivity” (p. 31)
“Turning Off the Internal Speakers” (p. 31)
Basic operation of the JS-8
Song playback
time (Min:Sec)
Song
MENU Button
This calls up various different
functions depending on the
screen displayed.
Setting Up the JS-8
Cursor Button
This moves the position of the
cursor (highlighted portion) in the
display.
Use the dial to adjust the highlighted value.
Turning the Power On/
Turning the Power O
941
Once the connections have been completed (p. 4) (p. 6), turn on power to your various devices in the order specified. By turning on devices in the wrong order, you
risk causing malfunction and/or damage to speakers and other devices.
When powering up
• Turn on the power to your component stereo system
or mixer last.
When powering down
• Turn o the power to your component stereo system
or mixer rst.
942
This unit is equipped with a protection circuit. A brief interval (a few seconds) after
power up is required before the unit will operate normally.
About the Top Screen
This screen will appear when you turn on the JS-8's power.
The procedures explained in this manual will start from this
screen.
Number and
name of the currently selected
effect patch
EXIT Button
Press this to cancel
settings and return
to previous screens.
Name of
the currently
selected song
Dial
Use this to change values
and settings.
ENTER Button
Use this to confirm selection of an
item, and to adjust the values of
settings and switch among them.
Cursor (highlighted
display)
Level Meter
Deutsch Français Italiano PortuguêsEspañol NederlandsEnglish
Play Mode Display
Displayed Description Displayed Description
The current song
plays to the end
and stops.
Playback of the
current song is
repeated.
Songs are played
back in the listed
order.
Playback of songs
in the list is repeated.
Songs in the list
are played back in
random order.
Playback of songs
in list is repeated in
random order.
Time location “A”
has been registered
for AB Repeat.
Playback will repeat between time
locations "A" and
"B" (AB Repeat).
Song
playback
location
Song playback
time (Min:Sec)
985
The explanations in this manual include illustrations that depict what should
typically be shown by the display. Note, however, that your unit may incorporate a
newer, enhanced version of the system (e.g., includes newer sounds), so what you
actually see in the display may not always match what appears in the manual.
REMAIN: Remaining time available
for recording
REC: Elapsed recording time
(displayed while recording)
5
Setting Up the JS-8
Using the JS-8 with Other Devices
Ground
Ground
Terminal
Terminal
Computer
USB Cable
USB Cable
(Commercially available)
(Commercially available)
Expression Pedal
(EV-5, etc.)
SD Card
SD Card
Connector
Connector
(BOSS FS-6, etc.)
USB Memory
USB Memory
Connector
Connector
Footswitch
Security
Slot
Top
Cover Holder
(indentation)
About the USB Cable
A USB cable is not included with the JS-8.
Please use a commercially available cable.
About the Cover Holder
(indentation)
If you detach the cover of
the USB connector, place
it in the cover holder so
that it won’t be lost.
Cover
Holder
Ground
Terminal
About the
Ground Terminal
927
Depending on the circumstances of a particular setup,
you may experience a discomforting sensation, or
perceive that the surface feels gritty to the touch when
you touch this device, microphones connected to it, or
the metal portions of other objects, such as guitars. This
is due to an infinitesimal electrical charge, which is absolutely harmless. However, if you are concerned about this,
connect the ground terminal (see figure) with an external
ground. When the unit is grounded, a slight hum may
occur, depending on the particulars of your installation.
If you are unsure of the connection method, contact the
nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland
distributor, as listed on the “Information” page.
Unsuitable places for connection
•Water pipes (may result in shock or electrocution)
•Gas pipes (may result in fire or explosion)
•Telephone-line ground or lightning rod
(may be dangerous in the event of lightning)
SD Card
USB Memory
About the SD Cards and the
SD Card Connector
Insert the SD card, label side up, into the slot in the JS-8’s
rear panel.
Press the inserted SD card until you hear an audible “click.”
Recording and playback on the JS-8 requires an SD card.
930
Never insert or remove an SD card while this unit’s power
is on. Doing so may corrupt the unit’s data or the data on
the SD card.
931
Carefully insert the SD card all the way in-until it is firmly
in place.
To prevent dust from entering the SD card connector and
to prevent the SD card from being stolen, you should
screw on the connector cover.
About the USB Memory
Connector
Only USB memory can be connected to the USB memory
connector. Do not connect devices such as a hard disk or
CD-ROM drive.
About the Expression Pedal
and Footswitch
925
Use only the specified expression pedal (Roland EV-5,
BOSS FV-500L, or FV-500H; sold separately). By connecting any other expression pedals, you risk causing
malfunction and/or damage to the unit.
Never connect or disconnect the expression pedal or the
footswitch while this unit’s power is on.
About the Security Slot
988
Connect a commercially available anti-theft security
cable here.
http://www.kensington.com/
6
Stereo Headphones
White (Left channel)
Stereo Headphones
Microphone
Electric Guitar
Setting Up the JS-8
Front side
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Right side
AUX IN jacks
AUX IN jacks
LINE OUT jacks
LINE OUT jacks
Microphone
CD Player, Digital Audio Player,
or other device
White (Left channel)
Red
(Right channel)
Component stereo system
or other device
About the AUX IN Jack
Input audio from line-level devices here.
About the LINE OUT Jacks
Output audio to a component stereo system or other device from here.
Caution When Making Connections
921
To prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other devices, always turn down
the volume, and turn off the power on all devices before making any connections.
983
Howling could be produced depending on the location of microphones relative to
speakers. This can be remedied by:
1. Changing the orientation of the microphone(s).
2. Relocating microphone(s) at a greater distance from speakers.
3. Lowering volume levels.
7
Chapter
1
1
2
2
To AUX IN
Play Your Guitar with Songs as Your
3
Playing Songs
CD Player,
Digital Audio Player,
or other device
Step
Step
Use a commercially available cable
that's appropriate for the device to
which you are connecting.
You can mix in
sound from external audio devices.
Adjust the Volume
Step
Step
Play[] and
Stop[]
Use these buttons to start and
stop performances.
1. Turn the MASTER VOLUME knob completely counterclockwise (minimum level).
2. Press [](PLAY), and while the song is playing back,
gradually turn the MASTER VOLUME knob clockwise
until you reach the desired volume level.
Backing
To AUX IN
Stereo miniature
phone type
Rewind[
Fast Forward[
These let you move rapidly to
points before and after the current playback location in the
song.
Electric Guitar
While stopped, pressing [o](STOP) will return the song playback location to the beginning (00:00) (Zero Return).
] and
]
3
Step
Step
3
Adjust the Guitar Level
1. Turn the MASTER VOLUME knob completely counterclockwise (minimum level).
2. While playing the guitar, gradually turn
the GUITAR VOLUME knob clockwise until
you reach the desired volume level.
Playing Songs on USB Memory
1. Connect the USB memory device to the USB memory connector.
The contents of the USB memory device will be displayed.
2. Using the dial, select the song that you want to play, then press [ENTER].
3. Continue by following the procedure in “Playing Songs.”
8
Recording Performances
You can record the exact sounds you hear from the JS-8.
Recording Performances
1. Press []( REC).
Play Your Guitar with Songs as Your Backing
Deutsch Français Italiano PortuguêsEspañol NederlandsEnglish
To Stop Recording
1. Press [](STOP).
Saves the recorded
song and starts
playback.
• Recorded data (songs) are automatically assigned the name "SONG****" (with **** indicating the number).
• You can easily nd songs you’ve recorded in the JS-8 by using the “USER” category in the SEARCH function.
To select the "USER" category, refer to “Narrowing the Number of Songs Appearing in the Display (SEARCH Function)” (p. 10)
With the MENU button...
You can do the following by pressing the MENU button.
MENU Category Description
Add the current song to the BEST 30.
BEST 30 EDIT
AB EDIT
CAPTURE
METRONOME
”Ranking Your Favorite Songs (BEST
30)” (p. 10)
Make precise settings for the AB REPEAT
function.
”Repeating Playback of a Fixed Segment (AB REPEAT)” (p. 15)
Capture audio. This is a convenient way to
capture a song.
”Importing the Song (CAPTURE)” (p. 16)
Sound the metronome.
Discards the recorded content.
At the message "Are you sure?", press
[ENTER] to discard the recording. (The
recorded content will not be saved.)
MENU Category Description
SONG INFO
SYSTEM
ERASE
EXPORT
IMPORT
CONVERT
PHRASE LOOP
Confirm song information and edit song
names.
Make a variety of JS-8 settings.
Delete the selected song.
Convert the selected song to WAV format
and write it to USB memory.
Store the songs on the selected USB memory to the SD card.
Convert MP3 data on the SD card to JS-8
song format.
Use the Phrase Loop function.
”The PHRASE LOOP function” (p. 29)
9
Play Your Guitar with Songs as Your Backing
Selecting Songs
Selecting Songs
1. Press [SONG LIST].
2. Turn the dial to select a song.
3. Press [ENTER].
Select the song you want to hear or the rhythm you want
played.
You can narrow the number of songs displayed by specifying
certain conditions ( SEARCH Function).
Narrowing the Number of
Songs Appearing in the Display
( SEARCH Function)
1. Press [SONG LIST].
2. Press [MENU].
3. Select the search type with the dial
and press [ENTER].
Narrowing down the songs listed in the display helps you
find the songs you are looking for more quickly.
981b
Use of the demo song and rhythm data supplied with
this product for any purpose other than private, personal
enjoyment without the permission of the copyright holder
is prohibited by law. Additionally, this data must not be
copied, nor used in a secondary copyrighted work without
the permission of the copyright holder.
Ranking Your Favorite Songs
( BEST 30)
1. Before starting, first select a song you
want to list in the BEST 30.
2. Press [MENU].
3. Select BEST 30 EDIT with the dial and
press [ENTER].
4. Determine the order using the dial,
then press [ENTER].
• Narrowing search results with the SEARCH function applies to songs shipped with the JS-8 and songs saved to
the JS-8 using the JS-8 Song List Editor.
• You can display up to a maximum of 4,000 songs.
10
This process determines the songs listed when BEST 30 is
selected as the SEARCH type.
Including your favorite songs, allows you to always have the
songs you want appear in song lists.
With the MENU button...
Pressing [SONG LIST] and then [MENU] allows you to carry out the following procedures.
You can choose from the following types of searches.
SEARCH Type Description
ALL SONGS
USER
BEST 30
All songs included in the saved albums and artists are listed.
Data recorded with the JS-8 is automatically registered in this category.
Only the thirty favorite songs are listed, if these songs have already been ranked (1–30).
Songs are listed by album title (ALBUM) or artist name (ARTIST).
Play Your Guitar with Songs as Your Backing
ALBUM/ARTIST
RHYTHM
USB MEMORY
SD CARD
With “Selecting Songs,” songs are displayed according to the selected search type.
MENU Category Description
REMOVE
The MENU categories that are displayed may differ according to the screen and cursor position.
These headings are available when album titles and artist names are registered to the songs.
You can use the JS-8 Song List Editor to register and edit album titles and artist names.
Only short phrases ( RHYTHM LOOP) contained on the card included with the JS-8 are listed.
By using the JS-8 Song List Editor you can add a favorite audio file as a rhythm.
Browses files saved to the USB memory.
Browses files saved to the SD card.
Only if the VIEW SW parameter is ON. (p. 39)
Remove the selected song from the BEST 30 list.
How to Use the RHYTHM Data
Deutsch Français Italiano PortuguêsEspañol NederlandsEnglish
The rhythm data in the included card can be played back
repeatedly in place of the metronome or backing.
1. Press [SONG LIST].
2. Press [MENU].
3. Select RHYTHM with the dial and press
[ENTER].
4. Turn the dial to select the song (rhythm
data) and press [ENTER].
5. Use the dial to set the “Play Mode Display” (p. 5) to
.
6. Press [](PLAY); the rhythm will play.
11
Play Your Guitar with Songs as Your Backing
Switching E ects
Select E ects
1. Press [EFFECTS].
Switch to the SOLO E ect
1. Press [ SOLO].
Effect patch
number
Effect
category
Use the
dial to select
the effect.
With the MENU button...
Pressing [EFFECT] and then [MENU] allows you to carry out
the following procedures.
The SOLO icon
will light if SOLO
is on.
MENU Category Description
WRITE
EXCHANGE
INITIALIZE
The MENU categories that are displayed may differ according to the screen and cursor position.
Saves the effect currently being edited.
Also copies the currently selected effect.
Exchanges one effect for another.
Initializes the effect settings.
Switching Back and Forth Between Two E ects
Different JS-8 effect numbers are stored depending on whether SOLO is on or off.
The JS-8 will assign a different effect patch number depending on whether the SOLO button is on or off. Thus, you can
instantly switch between two different effects each time you press [ SOLO].
Switching Between Two Eects
with the SOLO Button
12
SOLO OFF
SOLO ON
SOLO On/O
PRESET 005
USER 001
USER 001
USER 100
PRESET 001
PRESET 100
Eect Patch
Play Your Guitar with Songs as Your Backing
Changing E ects to Get the Desired Sound
1. Press [EFFECTS].
2. Press the right cursor button.
You can create sounds by choosing song genres and using intuitive sound-shaping grids that adjust multiple parameters with
a single control.
Screen 1
Choose the basic
music style (Category).
Press the right cursor button to edit the
effect patch(Screen 2).
You can then select a sound
that is similar to what you
have in mind.
Distortion:
Soft
Screen 3
Delay time:
Short
Screen 2
Delay sound:
Dry (light)
For solos
For backing
Delay sound: Wet
(strong)
Press the right
cursor button to
switch to Screen 3.
Distortion:
Hard
To adjust the sound,
move the cursor's position with the cursor
buttons and dial.
You can save the
result by pressing [MENU]
and selecting WRITE.
Delay time:
Long
To adjust the sound,
move the cursor's position with the cursor
buttons and dial.
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You can edit effect patches even more precisely.
Please refer to “Advanced Editing of Effect Parameters” (p.
20)
Saving E ects
1. After editing the effect patch, press [MENU].
2. Select WRITE with the dial and press [ENTER].
Use the left and
right cursor buttons and the dial to
name the effect.
Press [ENTER] to save
the effect to the selected
effect patch number.
Switching effect patches with PATCH SELECT before you
save an edited effect patch will cause the edited content
to be lost.
Select the effect
patch number that
you want to save
your changes to.
13
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