UVX80 is based on a well known Japanese manufacturer’s first analog polyphonic synth, a digitally-controlled 2+1 oscillator, 8-voice, 61-key instrument launched in 1984 with a gorgeous and futuristic-looking visual stance. Technically comparable to the JX-3P, this synth boasted a more robust architecture with 2 extra voices, a sub-oscillator and real pulse-width modulation.

Despite its technical advantages and profound sonic capability it would find a similar fate, never managing great commercial success but attracting a cult following that’s present even today. While not as difficult to edit as the 3P, this synth shared the lack of explicit controls found on the wildly popular but more basic Juno-106 that launched the same year. A truly progressive design for the time, you’d never know it was analog by looking at it, but there’s no mistaking the warm and punchy sound this keyboard produces - it’s a legitimate analog beast, and somewhat of a sleeper gem from the era.

Due to the limited production of the original machines very few are left today, with even fewer in working condition. Our UVI Japan office was able to secure a pristine model, making sure it was calibrated to factory specs before passing to our sound design team. Once here in Paris, we pushed it to its limits, designing tones from classic to modern and letting the unique character of this synth shine. Recordings we made using the highest-quality processors and converters available, resulting in a fantastically rich and vivid library to serve as the basis for UVX80. Once loaded into the UVI Engine our sound designers further polished these patches creating the hybrid instrument we proudly present to you today. Now you can explore the distinct and powerful analog sound of this vintage ‘80s synth with all the conveniences and flexibility of a modern studio instrument.