Roland Juno-60

Last updated
Roland Juno-60
Roland Juno-60 (6935222973).jpg
Roland Juno-60
Manufacturer Roland
Dates1982–1984
PriceUS$1,795 [1]
UK£1,199
JP¥238,000
Technical specifications
Polyphony 6 voices
Timbrality Monotimbral
Oscillator 1 DCO per voice
(pulse, saw, square)
LFO triangle
Synthesis type Analog Subtractive
Filter Analog 24dB/oct resonant
low-pass, non-resonant high-pass
Attenuator 1 ADSR envelope generator
Aftertouch expression No
Velocity expressionNo
Storage memory56 patches
Effects Chorus
Input/output
Keyboard 61 keys
External control DCB

The RolandJuno-60 is an analog synthesizer manufactured by the Roland Corporation between 1982 and 1984. It followed the Juno-6, an almost identical synthesizer released months earlier. The Juno synthesizers introduced Roland's digitally controlled oscillators, allowing for greatly improved tuning stability over its competitors.

Contents

The Juno-6 and Juno-60 were introduced as low-cost alternatives to polyphonic synths such as the Sequential Circuits Prophet-5 and Roland's own Jupiter-8. Its built-in chorus effect was designed to make up for the weaker sound of its single oscillator, and it went on to become its signature effect. The Juno-60 had an immediate impact in 1980s pop music, being used on hits such as "Take On Me" by a-ha, "A Different Corner" by George Michael, and "Time After Time" by Cyndi Lauper.

The Juno-60 continued to be popular in the 1990s, being used by house and techno artists. It experienced a resurgence in the 2000s and beyond, gaining popularity amongst modern pop, indie and synthwave artists. It has inspired numerous software emulations.

Development

We used a one-oscillator design for the JUNO series to reduce its price, but its sound naturally ended up being thinner than say the JUPITER-8 or JX-3P, which used two oscillators. So our main priority in developing the JUNO series was to produce thick and dense sounds with just one oscillator. To this end, we employed a variety of strategies, such as adding a chorus function and boosting the lows when the high-pass filter was not being applied. So the flat setting is actually just one increment up from zero on the high-pass filter.

— Hideki Izuchi, engineer at Roland Corporation [2]

The late 1970s and 1980s saw the introduction of the first digital synthesizers, such as the Fairlight CMI and Synclavier. Roland president Ikutaro Kakehashi recognized that the synthesizer market was moving away from analog synthesis, but Roland had no commercially viable digital technology. He approached American engineer John Chowning about his recently developed means of FM synthesis, but Yamaha had already secured exclusive rights. [3]

Prior to the release of the Juno-6, polyphonic synthesizers were expensive and subject to tuning issues caused by the components in synthesizers' oscillator circuits being sensitive to temperature. At the time, Roland's flagship synthesizer was the Jupiter-8, released in 1981, which cost $5,000 (equivalent to nearly $18,000 in 2024). [4] With the Juno range, Roland aimed to create a polyphonic synthesizer that was less expensive than competitors, whilst also improving tuning reliability. [4]

Release

Roland released the Juno-6 in May 1982 [5] with a list price of US$1295. It used mostly traditional analog technology, with a voltage-controlled filter, voltage-controlled amplifier, low-frequency oscillator and ADSR envelope generators. However, it also used digitally controlled oscillators (DCOs), analog oscillators controlled by digital circuits. As opposed to the voltage-controlled oscillators of previous synthesizers, which frequently went out of tune, the DCOs ensured tuning stability. [3] According to Sound on Sound, "The Juno-6 was the first analog polysynth that you could carry onto a stage, switch on, and play with complete confidence that the instrument would be in tune." [3] It also included performance controls, an arpeggiator, and an ensemble effect. [3]

Roland released another version, the Juno-60, in September 1982, [5] which added patch memory (allowing users to save and recall up to 54 sounds) and a DCB connector, a precursor to MIDI. [3]

Production of the Juno-60 ended in February 1984, when Roland released the Juno-106. [6]

Sounds and features

Gnome-mime-sound-openclipart.svg
Juno-60 Envelope PWM strings
An example of the Juno-60's unique ability to assign its PWM to the envelope generator, creating a rich "swell" effect. Not possible on the Juno-106, or most synthesizers in general.
Juno-60 Resonance sweep
Creating a "cat's meow" effect with the IR3109 resonance assigned to the envelope, very difficult for most software or digital emulations to get right due to the complexities of analog resonance.
Juno-60 Manual PWM
Manually controlling the PWM while playing chords on the Juno-60.
Juno-60 and Jupiter-4
A Juno-60 playing a lead alongside a Jupiter-4 for the random arpeggio. No external effects only onboard chorus for both.
Problems playing these files? See media help.

The Roland Juno-6 and Juno-60 are single-oscillator analog synthesizers, featuring a high-pass filter, a low-pass filter, a single ADSR envelope and a single LFO.

Many polyphonic synthesizers contained two oscillators, so to make up for the single oscillator, Roland implemented an onboard chorus effect as well as a high-pass filter that would boost the bass level in its lowest position. [2] The chorus effect is engaged using two push buttons which give slow modulation rates of 0.4 Hz and 0.6 Hz. [7] Additionally, the two buttons can be engaged simultaneously to create an even stronger chorus effect. [8] Although regarded as noisy, the Juno chorus effect is considered a signature feature of the Juno-60. It was based around bucket brigade designs from the 1970s, such as those in the Roland DC-50 "Digital Chorus" effect unit from 1976, [9] and uses two identical circuits incorporating two ICs (MN3009 and MN3101). [7]

Impact

The Juno-60 was widely used in 1980s pop, house, 1990s techno music, and even today by acts including Enya, [10] Vince Clarke, [11] Howard Jones, [12] Nik Kershaw, John Foxx, [13] a-ha, [6] Billy Idol, [6] Fingers Inc., [14] Berlin, [6] Eurythmics, [6] A Flock of Seagulls, [6] Cyndi Lauper [15] and Wham!. [16] It was also a key instrument in Chicago house. [6] The 2010s saw a resurgence of popularity among indie and electro acts such as Metronomy, driving up the price on the used market. [6]

Successors

Roland followed up the Juno-60 with the Roland Juno-106 in 1984. The Juno-106 featured MIDI, had patch storage of 128 sounds, replaced the arpeggiator with a portamento effect, and introduced Roland's now-standard left/right/push performance lever for pitch-bend and modulation. [17]

The Alpha Juno 1 and Alpha Juno 2 were released in 1985. These synths offered new programming capabilities, backlit screens and a new interface. The Juno 2 also featured a velocity‑ and aftertouch‑sensitive keyboard as well as a cartridge slot for storing patches. [18] They were seen as too expensive and difficult to program, so were a commercial failure, [19] ceasing production in 1986.

Roland revived the Juno name in the 00s, releasing the Juno-D in 2004, the Juno-G in 2006, the Juno-Stage in 2008, the Juno-Di in 2009 and the Juno-Gi 2010. [20] Despite the name, these synths had nothing in common with the Juno or Alpha Juno synths, [21] with Roland instead using the name Juno to denote 'affordable' synthesizers. [22]

In 2015, Roland released the JU-06 as part of their Boutique range. [23] The JU-06 is a 4-voice version of the Juno-106, using Roland's digital Analog Circuit Behaviour (ACB) technology. An updated version, the JU-06A, was released in 2019, which combines the continuous high-pass filter of the 106, the envelope-controllable pulse-width-modulation of the 60, and the filter of both switchable from the front panel. [24]

Roland released the Juno-X in 2022, a modern synth featuring digital emulations of the Juno-60 and Juno-106 as well as an additional Juno-X model that features a supersaw waveform, velocity sensitivity and an Alpha-Juno style pitch envelope control. [25] [26]

Software emulations

Due to its popularity and coveted sound, [27] the Roland Juno 60 has inspired several software plugin emulations of both the synthesizer engine and chorus effect.

Software emulations of the Juno chorus effect include:

Further reading

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Modular synthesizer</span> Synthesizer composed of separate modules

Modular synthesizers are synthesizers composed of separate modules for different functions. The modules can be connected together by the user to create a patch. The outputs from the modules may include audio signals, analog control voltages, or digital signals for logic or timing conditions. Typical modules are voltage-controlled oscillators, voltage-controlled filters, voltage-controlled amplifiers and envelope generators.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roland SH-101</span> Synthesizer

The Roland SH-101 is an analog synthesizer manufactured by the Roland Corporation between 1982 and 1986. Though it was something of a commercial failure during the time of its manufacture, it later became a staple of electronic music in the 1990s, particularly house music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roland JX-3P</span> Analog synthesizer

The Roland JX-3P is a synthesizer produced by Roland Corporation of Japan from 1983–1985. The "3P" in its name refers to "Programmable Preset Polyphonic". It is notable as one of the company's first synthesizers to incorporate a MIDI interface.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roland Jupiter-8</span> Synthesizer made by Roland in the 1980s

The Jupiter-8, or JP-8, is an eight-voice polyphonic analog subtractive synthesizer introduced by Roland Corporation in early 1981.

An analog modeling synthesizer is a synthesizer that generates the sounds of traditional analog synthesizers using digital signal processing components and software algorithms. Analog modeling synthesizers simulate the behavior of the original electronic circuitry in order to digitally replicate their tone.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Korg MS-20</span> Patchable semi-modular monophonic analog synthesizer

The Korg MS-20 is a patchable semi-modular monophonic analog synthesizer which Korg released in 1978 and which was in production until 1983. It was part of Korg's MS series of instruments, which also included the single oscillator MS-10, the keyboardless MS-50 module, the SQ-10 sequencer, and the VC-10 Vocoder. Additional devices included the MS-01 Foot Controller, MS-02 Interface, MS-03 Signal Processor, and MS-04 Modulation Pedal.

The Roland Juno-106 is a synthesizer released by Roland Corporation in February 1984.

Arturia is a French electronics company founded in 1999 and based in Grenoble, France. The company designs and manufactures audio interfaces and electronic musical instruments, including software synthesizers, drum machines, analog synthesizers, digital synthesizers, MIDI controllers, sequencers, and mobile apps.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Korg Prophecy</span> Synthesizer released in 1995

The Korg Prophecy is a monophonic synthesizer released by Korg in 1995. one of the earliest commercial DSP physical/acoustic and analog "virtual" modeling sound synthesizers and Korg's first monophonic synthesizer since the Mono/Poly. The Prophecy employs Korg's Multi Oscillator Synthesis System (MOSS), which features digital oscillators capable of emulating synthesis techniques such as analog synthesis, FM and physical modelling. Emphasized for its portability, expressiveness, and engaging playability, a distinctive feature of the Prophecy is its multifunctional Wheel 3, nicknamed the 'log'.

Synapse Audio Software is a software company located in Germany. Previously known as Sonic Syndicate and headed by Richard Hoffmann, they develop music production software for the Mac OS and Microsoft Windows platforms. They started developing software in November 1998 as Sonic Syndicate and changed their name to Synapse Audio with the release of Orion Platinum in 2002.

The Korg Polysix(PS-6) is a six-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer released by Korg in 1981. It was one of the first affordable polyphonic synthesizers on the market, and was released as a cheaper alternative to the Sequential Prophet-5 and Oberheim OB-X, priced at approximately a third of the cost of its contemporaries in the polysynth market. It includes one VCO per voice, enhanced by a chorus/ensemble effect for added richness. It also comes equipped with 32 program memories and an integrated arpeggiator.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roland JX-8P</span>

Roland JX-8P is a 61-key, velocity- and aftertouch-sensitive, six-note polyphonic, almost entirely analog synthesizer released by Roland in 1985. In a time of rising popularity of digital frequency modulation synthesizers, such as Yamaha DX7, JX-8P was marketed as the best of both worlds: while it was possible to create classic analog synth sounds, several new modulation parameters and redesigned hardware enabled it to produce certain types of sounds associated with FM synthesis, such as metallic percussive sounds. Likewise, traditional hands-on controls were replaced with a Yamaha DX7-style interface with membrane buttons and one "edit" slider.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Synthesizer</span> Electronic musical instrument

A synthesizer is an electronic musical instrument that generates audio signals. Synthesizers typically create sounds by generating waveforms through methods including subtractive synthesis, additive synthesis and frequency modulation synthesis. These sounds may be altered by components such as filters, which cut or boost frequencies; envelopes, which control articulation, or how notes begin and end; and low-frequency oscillators, which modulate parameters such as pitch, volume, or filter characteristics affecting timbre. Synthesizers are typically played with keyboards or controlled by sequencers, software or other instruments, and may be synchronized to other equipment via MIDI.

The Roland Alpha Juno is a series of analog polyphonic synthesizers introduced by Roland Corporation in 1985. The Alpha Juno 1 and Alpha Juno 2 were released at the same time, and feature the same sound engine but with the latter boasting additional performance features. The Alpha Junos were a departure from their predecessor, the Roland Juno-106, as they replaced the dedicated controls with soft touch buttons and a single dial for programming sounds. One of the factory presets, nicknamed a 'hoover sound', became a staple in jungle and rave music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Korg PS-3300</span> Polyphonic analogue synthesizer

The Korg PS-3300 is a polyphonic analog synthesizer released by Korg in 1977. It was released alongside the PS-3100, a more compact variant featuring a complete synthesizer voice board for each of its 48 keyboard notes. The PS-3300 essentially combines three PS-3100 units, triggering all voices simultaneously with each key press and mirroring the PS-3100's overall design, featuring a total of 144 synth voices. The PS-3300 uses the PS-3010, a detachable keyboard equipped with an assignable joystick called the X-Y Manipulator.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Steiner-Parker Synthacon</span> Monophonic analog synthesizer

The Steiner-Parker Synthacon is a monophonic analog synthesizer that was built between 1975 and 1979 by Steiner-Parker, a Salt Lake City-based synthesizer manufacturer. It was introduced as a competitor to other analog synthesizers, like the Minimoog and ARP Odyssey.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Akai AX60</span> Polyphonic analogue synthesizer

The AX60 is a polyphonic analogue keyboard synthesizer manufactured by Akai Professional in the mid-1980s. It was Akai's answer to the popular Roland Juno series synthesizers. The AX60 uses voltage-controlled analogue oscillators and filter circuitry based on the Curtis Electronics CEM 3394 integrated circuit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arturia MiniBrute</span> Synthesizer

The Arturia MiniBrute is a synthesizer manufactured by Arturia. Although the MiniBrute was the first piece of analog hardware created by Arturia—which had previously exclusively marketed software synthesizers—it generated strong sales.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Korg Minilogue</span> Polyphonic analogue synthesizer

The Korg Minilogue is a polyphonic analog synthesizer released in 2016 by Korg. It offers users four-voice polyphony with two analog VCOs per-voice and was designed to be affordable. It was designed by Korg engineer and synthesizer designer Tatsuya Takahashi, who said "the concept of the Minilogue was to build an analog synthesizer that doesn't rely on the fame and success of an old synth".

References

  1. ↑ Future Music (2021-10-28). "Vintage music tech icons: Roland Juno-60". MusicRadar. Retrieved 2022-10-06.
  2. 1 2 Corporation, Roland. "Roland - An Interview with the Legendary Developers". Roland. Retrieved 2022-10-13.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 "The History Of Roland: Part 2". www.soundonsound.com. Retrieved 2020-02-05.
  4. 1 2 Kirn, Peter (2021-02-17). "JUNO-60: The Whole Story". Roland Articles. Retrieved 2022-10-13.
  5. 1 2 Corporation, Roland. "Roland - Roland Icon Series: The JUNO-106 Synthesizer". Roland. Retrieved 2022-10-14.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Nur, Yousif (2016-05-27). "The Story of the Synth that Changed Pop Forever". Vice. Retrieved 2020-02-17.
  7. 1 2 Jenkins, Mark; Beecher, Mike (July 1982). "Roland Juno 6 (EMM Jul 1982)". Electronics & Music Maker (Jul 1982): 12–14.
  8. ↑ Corporation, Roland. "Roland - JUNO-60 Chorus | Software Effect". Roland. Retrieved 2022-10-13.
  9. ↑ ericadmin (2019-03-28). "The Genesis of Synthesis: 10 Reasons Why The Roland Juno Is The Greatest Synthesizer Of All Time". Attack Magazine. Retrieved 2022-10-13.
  10. ↑ "Enya Book of Days:Shepherd Moons Article". www.enyabookofdays.com. Retrieved 2021-05-21.
  11. ↑ Danz (2020-05-20). "Three Questions With Vince Clarke". Synth History. Retrieved 2021-05-21.
  12. ↑ Andy Jones (2019-04-23). "80s electro-pop pioneer Howard Jones is still obsessed with synths". MusicTech. Retrieved 2021-05-21.
  13. ↑ "The Story of the Synth that Changed Pop Forever". www.vice.com. 27 May 2016. Retrieved 2021-05-21.
  14. ↑ "Larry Heard Talks Us Through the Making of "Can You Feel It"". www.vice.com. 27 June 2017. Retrieved 2021-05-21.
  15. ↑ "Classic Tracks: Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun"". Mixonline. 2004-04-01. Retrieved 2020-02-18.
  16. ↑ Aroesti, Rachel (2017-12-14). "Still saving us from tears: the inside story of Wham!'s Last Christmas". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 2020-02-18.
  17. ↑ "The History Of Roland: Part 2". www.soundonsound.com. Retrieved 2020-02-18.
  18. ↑ "Roland Alpha Juno 1 & 2". www.soundonsound.com. Retrieved 2022-10-14.
  19. ↑ Twells, John (2016-09-15). "The 14 most important synths in electronic music history – and the musicians who use them". Fact Magazine. Retrieved 2022-10-14.
  20. ↑ U.S, Roland (2014-02-19). "Roland Synth Chronicle: 1973 - 2014 - Roland U.S. Blog". Roland U.S. Retrieved 2022-10-14.
  21. ↑ "Roland Juno-D". www.soundonsound.com. Retrieved 2022-10-14.
  22. ↑ "Roland Juno-G". www.soundonsound.com. Retrieved 2022-10-14.
  23. ↑ "Roland Boutique JU-06 Juno 106 Model". Sonicstate. Retrieved 2022-10-05.
  24. ↑ "Roland Icon Series: The Juno-106 Synthesizer". Roland Resource Centre. 2020-07-02. Retrieved 2021-02-26.
  25. ↑ Rogersonpublished, Ben (2022-04-27). "Roland's Juno-X is a modern-day synth in '80s clothing". MusicRadar. Retrieved 2022-10-05.
  26. ↑ Douglas, Adam (2022-05-06). "What Connection To The Past Does The Roland Juno-X Have?". Attack Magazine. Retrieved 2022-10-05.
  27. ↑ Wiebe, David Andrew (2022-07-21). "8 Best Juno VST Plugins 2022". Music Industry How To. Retrieved 2022-10-05.
  28. ↑ "Togu Audio Line releases U-NO-60 v1.0". KVR Audio. 25 May 2007. Retrieved 2022-10-05.
  29. ↑ "Togu Audio Line Releases TAL-U-NO-LX ($35 Introductory Price)!". Bedroom Producers Blog. 2012-08-15. Retrieved 2022-10-05.
  30. ↑ "TAL U-NO-LX Review, TAL U-NO-LX Article, Download Free TAL U-NO-LX". www.pluginboutique.com. Retrieved 2022-10-05.
  31. ↑ Rogersonpublished, Ben (2020-12-08). "Arturia launches the V Collection 8 vintage synth collection, with new Juno, Emulator II and Vocoder emulations joining the party". MusicRadar. Retrieved 2022-10-05.
  32. ↑ Corporation, Roland. "Roland - Company - Press Releases - 2021 - ROLAND ANNOUNCES JUNO-60 SOFTWARE SYNTHESIZER". Roland. Retrieved 2022-10-05.
  33. ↑ "Roland has recreated the JUNO-60 as a software synthesiser". Mixmag. Retrieved 2021-05-26.
  34. ↑ "Togu Audio Line updates U-NO-60 to v1.0.2 and releases Chorus-60 v1.0". KVR Audio. 30 May 2007. Retrieved 2022-10-05.
  35. ↑ "Togu Audio Line releases TAL-Chorus-LX for free (Win & Mac VST & AU)". KVR Audio. 29 October 2012. Retrieved 2022-10-05.
  36. ↑ Rogersonpublished, Ben (2020-12-23). "Arturia's Chorus Jun-6 is a free VST plugin that puts the classic Roland Juno chorus in your DAW". MusicRadar. Retrieved 2022-10-05.
  37. ↑ Rogersonpublished, Ben (2022-03-09). "Roland's new plugin delivers a "genuine recreation" of the Juno-60 chorus". MusicRadar. Retrieved 2022-10-05.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.