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{{Short description|Synthesizer}}
{{Infobox_synthesizer
{{Infobox synthesizer
<!-- Commented out because image was deleted: | image = RolandJuno60.jpg -->
| synth_name = Roland Juno-60
| image = Roland Juno-60 (6935222973).jpg
| image_size = 250
| alt = The Roland Juno-60: a keyboard instrument with a row of faders above it.
| image_caption = Roland Juno-60
| synth_name = Roland Juno-60|
| synth_manufacturer = [[Roland Corporation|Roland]]
| synth_manufacturer = [[Roland Corporation|Roland]]
| synthesis_type = [[Analog synthesizer|Analog]] [[Subtractive synthesis|Subtractive]]
| synthesis_type = [[Analog synthesizer|Analog]] [[Subtractive synthesis|Subtractive]]
| polyphony = 6
| polyphony = 6 voices
| timbrality = [[Monotimbral]]
| timbrality = [[Monotimbral]]
| oscillator = 1 [[Digitally-controlled oscillator|DCO]] per voice<br>(pulse, [[saw wave|saw]], [[square wave|square]])
| oscillator = 1 [[Digitally controlled oscillator|DCO]] per voice<br>(pulse, [[saw wave|saw]], [[square wave|square]])
| filter = Analog 24dB/oct resonant<br>[[low-pass filter|low-pass]], non-resonant [[high-pass filter|high-pass]]
| filter = Analog 24dB/oct resonant<br>[[low-pass filter|low-pass]], non-resonant [[high-pass filter|high-pass]]
| attenuator = 1 [[ADSR envelope]] generator
| attenuator = 1 [[ADSR envelope]] generator
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| memory = 56 patches
| memory = 56 patches
| fx = [[Chorus effect|Chorus]]
| fx = [[Chorus effect|Chorus]]
| dates = [[1982]]-[[1984]]
| dates = 1982–1984
| price = US$1,795<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Future Music |date=2021-10-28 |title=Vintage music tech icons: Roland Juno-60 |url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/vintage-music-tech-icons-roland-juno-60 |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=MusicRadar |language=en}}</ref><br>UK£1,199<br>JP¥238,000
| keyboard = 61 keys
| keyboard = 61 keys
| velocity = No
| velocity = No
Line 19: Line 24:
| split = No
| split = No
}}
}}
The '''Roland''' '''Juno-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 oscillator]]s, allowing for greatly improved tuning stability over its competitors.


The Juno-6 and Juno-60 were introduced as low-cost alternatives to polyphonic synths such as the [[Prophet-5|Sequential Circuits Prophet-5]] and Roland's own [[Roland Jupiter-8|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 (Cyndi Lauper song)|Time After Time]]" by [[Cyndi Lauper]].
The '''Roland Juno-60''' is a popular analogue 61-key polyphonic [[synthesizer]] produced by [[Roland Corporation]] in the early 1980s and a successor to the slightly earlier [[Roland Juno-6|Juno-6]]. Like its predecessor, the Juno-60 has some digital enhancements, used only for clocking the oscillators and for saving/loading patches. This instrument was succeeded by the [[Roland Juno-106]] in [[1984]].


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.
Roland was losing market share with the Juno-6 in competition against the [[Korg Polysix]]. Related in features and price-class, the Polysix featured external control and patch memory, which the Juno-6 lacked. These features were quickly added to the Juno-6's design, which sonically and architecturally did not change notably between the two versions, and then released as the Juno-60.


== Development ==
==Software Clones and Emulators==
{{Quote box
The popularity of the Juno 60 is such that many companies have seen fit to cater to a significant market of musicians who want the sound of the Juno 60 but are not able to pay for one. This has led to a rise in clones— hardware and software devices designed to emulate the Juno 60 for a much lower price, or in some cases free of charge. The sound of these virtual emulations--while close to the real thing--is not identical to the original hardware.
| quote = 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.
| source = — Hideki Izuchi, engineer at [[Roland Corporation]]<ref name=":6" />
| align = right
| width = 20em
}}
The late 1970s and 1980s saw the introduction of the first [[digital synthesizer]]s, such as the [[Fairlight CMI]] and [[Synclavier]]. Roland president [[Ikutaro Kakehashi]] recognized that the synthesizer market was moving away from [[Analog synthesizer|analog synthesis]], but Roland had no commercially viable digital technology. He approached American engineer [[John Chowning]] about his recently developed means of [[frequency modulation synthesis|FM synthesis]], but [[Yamaha Corporation|Yamaha]] had already secured exclusive rights.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=The History Of Roland: Part 2 |url=https://www.soundonsound.com/people/history-roland-part-2 |access-date=2020-02-05 |website=www.soundonsound.com}}</ref>


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).<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Kirn |first=Peter |date=2021-02-17 |title=JUNO-60: The Whole Story |url=https://articles.roland.com/juno-60-the-whole-story/ |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=Roland Articles |language=en-US}}</ref> With the Juno range, Roland aimed to create a polyphonic synthesizer that was less expensive than competitors, whilst also improving tuning reliability.<ref name=":2" />
==Features and synthesis architecture==
===Tone generation===
The Juno-60 synthesizer is a six-voice [[polyphonic]] synthesizer. The single [[digitally-controlled oscillator]] (or DCO for short) per voice gave the Juno-60 a high degree of stability in maintaining tune; most analogue voltage-controlled oscillators ([[Voltage-controlled oscillator|VCO]]s) of the time would tend to drift in pitch and require re-tuning of the oscillator. The DCO provides sawtooth and square/pulse waveforms as a sound source, in addition to white noise and a square-wave suboscillator pitched one octave beneath the key played. Both of these additional sources can be mixed in with dedicated sliders.


== Release ==
The filters and envelope on the Juno-60 rely on control voltages sent by depressing the keys on the keyboard and were thus analogue. The Juno-60 features a rather distinctive-sounding 24 dB/octave [[lowpass filter]] with resonance. Unlike some synthesizer lowpass filters of the day, the Juno-60's is capable of self-resonance and thus could be used to some degree as a tone generator in and of itself. The filter section also features controls for envelope amount and polarity, [[LFO]] modulation, and keyboard tracking. In addition, a three-position non-resonant [[highpass filter]] is provided to thin out lower frequencies.
Roland released the Juno-6 in May 1982<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Corporation |first=Roland |title=Roland - Roland Icon Series: The JUNO-106 Synthesizer |url=https://www.roland.com/uk/blog/roland-icon-series-juno-106-synthesizer/ |access-date=2022-10-14 |website=Roland}}</ref> with a list price of US$1295. It used mostly traditional analog technology, with a [[voltage-controlled filter]], [[Voltage-controlled oscillator|voltage-controlled amplifier]], [[Low-frequency oscillation|low-frequency oscillator]] and [[ADSR envelope generator]]s. However, it also used [[digitally controlled oscillator]]s (DCOs), analog oscillators controlled by [[Digital electronics|digital circuits]]. As opposed to the [[voltage-controlled oscillator]]s of previous synthesizers, which frequently went out of tune, the DCOs ensured tuning stability.<ref name=":0" /> 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."<ref name=":0" /> It also included performance controls, an arpeggiator, and an [[Chorus effect|ensemble]] effect.<ref name=":0" />


Roland released another version, the Juno-60, in September 1982,<ref name=":4" /> which added patch memory (allowing users to save and recall up to 54 sounds) and a [[Digital Control Bus|DCB]] connector, a precursor to [[MIDI]].<ref name=":0" />
The signal is then sent through a voltage-controlled amplifier (or [[Variable-gain amplifier|VCA]]) and a simple four-stage [[ADSR]] filter envelope.


Production of the Juno-60 ended in February 1984, when Roland released the [[Roland Juno-106|Juno-106]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/bma7eq/synth-roland-juno-feature|title=The Story of the Synth that Changed Pop Forever|last=Nur|first=Yousif|date=2016-05-27|website=Vice|language=en|access-date=2020-02-17}}</ref>
The Juno-60 provides limited options for modulating the audio signal. A single triangle-wave variable-rate LFO is provided as a modulation source; this can be mixed into the DCO to create [[vibrato]] or into the lowpass filter to generate a [[tremolo]] effect. The LFO can either be triggered manually by the left hand using a large button above the pitch bend lever or set to engage automatically whenever a key was pressed.


===Other features===
== Sounds and features ==
{{listen
The Juno-60, like the other Juno synthesizers, carries an on-board stereo [[chorus effect]] which, while noticeably noisy, adds a rather distinctive character to the sound of the instrument.
|filename=JUNO-60_PWM_Strings.ogg
|title=Juno-60 Envelope PWM strings
|description=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.
|filename2=JUNO-60_Resonance_Sweep.ogg
|title2=Juno-60 Resonance sweep
|description2=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.
|filename3=JUNO-60_Manual_PWM.ogg
|title3=Juno-60 Manual PWM
|description3=Manually controlling the PWM while playing chords on the Juno-60.
|filename4=Juno-60-jp4.ogg
|title4=Juno-60 and Jupiter-4
|description4=A Juno-60 playing a lead alongside a Jupiter-4 for the random arpeggio. No external effects only onboard chorus for both.}}


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.
In addition, the Juno-60 features an on-board up/down/up-down [[arpeggiator]] capable of spanning three octaves. The arpeggio speed can be controlled by either using a slider or an external trigger source. It is possible to improvise a trigger for the arpeggio by sending a short duration loud audio signal (for example a [[Roland TR-808]] [[Rimshot]] sound) into this input.


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.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Corporation |first=Roland |title=Roland - An Interview with the Legendary Developers |url=https://www.roland.com/uk/promos/roland_boutique/interview_2/ |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=Roland}}</ref> The chorus effect is engaged using two push buttons which give slow modulation rates of 0.4&nbsp;Hz and 0.6&nbsp;Hz.<ref name=":3">{{Cite journal |last1=Jenkins |first1=Mark |last2=Beecher |first2=Mike |date=July 1982 |title=Roland Juno 6 (EMM Jul 1982) |url=http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/roland-juno-6/4296 |journal=Electronics & Music Maker |issue=Jul 1982 |pages=12–14}}</ref> Additionally, the two buttons can be engaged simultaneously to create an even stronger chorus effect.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Corporation |first=Roland |title=Roland - JUNO-60 Chorus {{!}} Software Effect |url=https://www.roland.com/uk/products/rc_juno-60_chorus/ |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=Roland}}</ref> Although regarded as noisy, the Juno chorus effect is considered a signature feature of the Juno-60. It was based around [[Bucket-brigade device|bucket brigade]] designs from the 1970s, such as those in the Roland DC-50 "Digital Chorus" effect unit from 1976,<ref>{{Cite web |last=ericadmin |date=2019-03-28 |title=The Genesis of Synthesis: 10 Reasons Why The Roland Juno Is The Greatest Synthesizer Of All Time |url=https://www.attackmagazine.com/features/long-read/the-genesis-of-synthesis/ |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=Attack Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> and uses two identical circuits incorporating two ICs (MN3009 and MN3101).<ref name=":3" />
The Juno-60 also contains 56 memory slots to retain and instantly recall patch settings. Interestingly, the Juno-60's memory can be dumped to (or loaded from) a magnetic [[cassette tape]] simply by plugging a tape recorder into the appropriate jack in the instrument's rear. Patch information is being transmitted as an audio signal similar in quality to that produced by a [[computer modem]].


== Impact ==
The Juno-60 is controllable with [[music sequencer|sequencers]] using proprietary [[Digital Control Bus|DCB]] protocol, similar to [[MIDI]], but different. Roland produced several DCB-enabled sequencers, or, alternatively, MIDI-to-DCB converters can be used to drive DCB-enabled synths. In the Juno-106, DCB support was dropped in favor of MIDI.
The Juno-60 was widely used in 1980s pop, house, 1990s techno music, and even today by acts including [[Enya]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Enya Book of Days:Shepherd Moons Article|url=https://www.enyabookofdays.com/articles/sm-27.htm|access-date=2021-05-21|website=www.enyabookofdays.com}}</ref> [[Vince Clarke]],<ref>{{Cite web|last=Danz|date=2020-05-20|title=Three Questions With Vince Clarke|url=https://www.synthhistory.com/post/three-questions-with-vince-clarke|access-date=2021-05-21|website=Synth History|language=en}}</ref> [[Howard Jones (English musician)|Howard Jones]],<ref>{{Cite web|last=Andy Jones|date=2019-04-23|title=80s electro-pop pioneer Howard Jones is still obsessed with synths|url=https://www.musictech.net/features/interviews/howard-jones-robbie-bronnimann-transform/|access-date=2021-05-21|website=MusicTech|language=en-GB}}</ref> [[Nik Kershaw]], [[John Foxx]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Story of the Synth that Changed Pop Forever|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/bma7eq/synth-roland-juno-feature|access-date=2021-05-21|website=www.vice.com|date=27 May 2016 |language=en}}</ref> [[a-ha]],<ref name=":1" /> [[Billy Idol]],<ref name=":1" /> [[Fingers Inc.]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Larry Heard Talks Us Through the Making of "Can You Feel It"|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/wjqv3b/larry-heard-can-you-feel-it-making-of|access-date=2021-05-21|website=www.vice.com|date=27 June 2017 |language=en}}</ref> [[Berlin (band)|Berlin]],<ref name=":1" /> [[Eurythmics]],<ref name=":1" /> [[A Flock of Seagulls]],<ref name=":1" /> [[Cyndi Lauper]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mixonline.com/recording/classic-tracks-cyndi-laupers-girls-just-wanna-have-fun-365403|title=Classic Tracks: Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun"|date=2004-04-01|website=Mixonline|language=en-US|access-date=2020-02-18}}</ref> and [[Wham!]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Aroesti|first=Rachel|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/dec/14/still-saving-us-from-tears-story-george-michael-last-christmas|title=Still saving us from tears: the inside story of Wham!'s Last Christmas|date=2017-12-14|work=The Guardian|access-date=2020-02-18|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> It was also a key instrument in [[Chicago house]].<ref name=":1" /> The 2010s saw a resurgence of popularity among indie and electro acts such as [[Metronomy]], driving up the price on the used market.<ref name=":1" />


== Successors ==
Finally, there is the test mode (only explained in the service manual):
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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.soundonsound.com/people/history-roland-part-2|title=The History Of Roland: Part 2|website=www.soundonsound.com|access-date=2020-02-18}}</ref>


The [[Roland Alpha Juno|Alpha Juno&nbsp;1]] and Alpha Juno&nbsp;2 were released in 1985. These synths offered new programming capabilities, backlit screens and a new interface. The Juno&nbsp;2 also featured a velocity‑ and aftertouch‑sensitive keyboard as well as a cartridge slot for storing patches.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Roland Alpha Juno 1 & 2 |url=https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/roland-alpha-juno-1-2 |access-date=2022-10-14 |website=www.soundonsound.com}}</ref> They were seen as too expensive and difficult to program, so were a commercial failure,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Twells |first=John |date=2016-09-15 |title=The 14 most important synths in electronic music history – and the musicians who use them |url=https://www.factmag.com/2016/09/15/14-most-important-synths/ |access-date=2022-10-14 |website=Fact Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> ceasing production in 1986.
To access the test mode, power up the Juno with the KEY-TRANSPOSE button pressed.
You have three different key-assign modes while in test mode. You can select a key-assign mode with the [[arpeggio]] mode-switch (the switch has to be in the preferred position before powering up the Juno in test mode).
Arpeggio mode-switch:


Roland revived the Juno name in the 00s, releasing the [[Roland Juno-D|Juno-D]] in 2004, the [[Roland Juno-G|Juno-G]] in 2006, the Juno-Stage in 2008, the Juno-Di in 2009 and the [[Roland Juno-Gi|Juno-Gi]] 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |last=U.S |first=Roland |date=2014-02-19 |title=Roland Synth Chronicle: 1973 - 2014 - Roland U.S. Blog |url=https://www.rolandus.com/blog/2014/02/19/roland-synth-chronicle-1973-through-2013/ |access-date=2022-10-14 |website=Roland U.S. |language=en-US}}</ref> Despite the name, these synths had nothing in common with the Juno or Alpha Juno synths,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Roland Juno-D |url=https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/roland-juno-d |access-date=2022-10-14 |website=www.soundonsound.com}}</ref> with Roland instead using the name Juno to denote 'affordable' synthesizers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Roland Juno-G |url=https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/roland-juno-g |access-date=2022-10-14 |website=www.soundonsound.com}}</ref>
UP - All 6 voices are assigned to the last key pressed. This puts the Juno in [[unison]] mode (also transforming it into a [[monosynth]]).


In 2015, Roland released the JU-06 as part of their Boutique range.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Roland Boutique JU-06 Juno 106 Model |url=https://sonicstate.com/news/2015/11/09/sonic-lab-roland-boutique-ju-06/ |access-date=2022-10-05 |website=Sonicstate |language=en}}</ref> 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.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |date=2020-07-02 |title=Roland Icon Series: The Juno-106 Synthesizer |url=https://rolandcorp.com.au/blog/roland-icon-series-juno-106-synthesizer |access-date=2021-02-26 |website=Roland Resource Centre |language=en-US}}</ref>
UP/DOWN - The first key pressed might use voice 1, the next key pressed will use the next voice in the number order, and so on. If you keep 4 keys pressed and then release 3 of them, the next key will be assigned to voice 5. The available voices are always assigned in number order to the next key pressed, but the first key pressed doesn't necessarily assign voice 1.


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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rogersonpublished |first=Ben |date=2022-04-27 |title=Roland's Juno-X is a modern-day synth in '80s clothing |url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/roland-juno-x-synth |access-date=2022-10-05 |website=MusicRadar |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Douglas |first=Adam |date=2022-05-06 |title=What Connection To The Past Does The Roland Juno-X Have? |url=https://www.attackmagazine.com/reviews/gear-software/what-connection-to-the-past-does-the-roland-juno-x-have/ |access-date=2022-10-05 |website=Attack Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref>
DOWN - The first key pressed will use voice 1, the next key will use voice 2 and so on. However, if you keep 4 keys pressed and then release 3 of them in this mode, the next key will be assigned to voice 1 (except when it's unavailable). The available voice with the smallest number will always be assigned to the next key pressed.


== Software emulations ==
===Notable Juno-60 users===
Due to its popularity and coveted sound,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wiebe |first=David Andrew |date=2022-07-21 |title=8 Best Juno VST Plugins 2022 |url=https://www.musicindustryhowto.com/juno-vst-plugins/ |access-date=2022-10-05 |website=Music Industry How To |language=en-US}}</ref> the Roland Juno 60 has inspired several software plugin emulations of both the synthesizer engine and chorus effect.
*[[A Flock of Seagulls]]

*[[Kama Rupa]] (NYC)
* TAL U-NO-62 by Togu Audio Line, a Juno-60 emulation released in 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Togu Audio Line releases U-NO-60 v1.0 |url=https://www.kvraudio.com/news/togu_audio_line_releases_u_no_60_v1_0_7319 |access-date=2022-10-05 |website=KVR Audio |date=25 May 2007 |language=en}}</ref>
*[[Air (band)|Air]]
* TAL U-NO-LX, released in 2012<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-08-15 |title=Togu Audio Line Releases TAL-U-NO-LX ($35 Introductory Price)! |url=https://bedroomproducersblog.com/2012/08/15/togu-audio-line-releases-tal-u-no-lx-35-introductory-price/ |access-date=2022-10-05 |website=Bedroom Producers Blog |language=en-US}}</ref> as a fully rewritten replacement for TAL U-NO-62.<ref>{{Cite web |title=TAL U-NO-LX Review, TAL U-NO-LX Article, Download Free TAL U-NO-LX |url=https://www.pluginboutique.com/articles/158 |access-date=2022-10-05 |website=www.pluginboutique.com}}</ref>
*[[Animal Collective]]
* [[Arturia]] Jun-6 V, an emulation of the Juno-6 was released in 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rogersonpublished |first=Ben |date=2020-12-08 |title=Arturia launches the V Collection 8 vintage synth collection, with new Juno, Emulator II and Vocoder emulations joining the party |url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/arturia-launches-the-v-collection-8-vintage-synth-collection-with-new-juno-106-emulator-ii-and-vocoder-emulations-joining-the-party |access-date=2022-10-05 |website=MusicRadar |language=en}}</ref>
*[[Au Revoir Simone]]
* Roland released a software emulation of the Juno-60 in 2021<ref>{{Cite web |last=Corporation |first=Roland |title=Roland - Company - Press Releases - 2021 - ROLAND ANNOUNCES JUNO-60 SOFTWARE SYNTHESIZER |url=https://www.roland.com/us/company/press_releases/2021/Roland-Announces-JUNO-60-Software-Synthesizer/ |access-date=2022-10-05 |website=Roland}}</ref> as part of their Roland Cloud subscription, which can be used with Roland's PLUG-OUT format.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Roland has recreated the JUNO-60 as a software synthesiser |url=https://mixmag.net/read/roland-juno-60-software-synthesiser-tech |access-date=2021-05-26 |website=Mixmag}}</ref>
*[[Billy Idol]]

*[[Cabaret Voltaire (band)|Cabaret Voltaire]]
Software emulations of the Juno chorus effect include:
*[[Cassius (band)|Cassius]]

*[[Clap Your Hands Say Yeah]]
* TAL Chorus-60 (2007)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Togu Audio Line updates U-NO-60 to v1.0.2 and releases Chorus-60 v1.0 |url=https://www.kvraudio.com/news/togu_audio_line_updates_u_no_60_to_v1_0_2_and_releases_chorus_60_v1_0_7329 |access-date=2022-10-05 |website=KVR Audio |date=30 May 2007 |language=en}}</ref>
*[[Dubstar]]
* TAL Chorus-LX (2012)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Togu Audio Line releases TAL-Chorus-LX for free (Win & Mac VST & AU) |url=https://www.kvraudio.com/news/togu-audio-line-releases-tal-chorus-lx-for-free-win-and-mac-vst-and-au-20388 |access-date=2022-10-05 |website=KVR Audio |date=29 October 2012 |language=en}}</ref>
*[[Enya]]
* Arturia Chorus JUN-6 (2020)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rogersonpublished |first=Ben |date=2020-12-23 |title=Arturia's Chorus Jun-6 is a free VST plugin that puts the classic Roland Juno chorus in your DAW |url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/arturias-chorus-jun-6-is-a-free-vst-plugin-that-puts-the-classic-roland-juno-chorus-in-your-daw |access-date=2022-10-05 |website=MusicRadar |language=en}}</ref>
*[[Eurythmics]]
* Roland JUNO-60 Chorus (2022)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rogersonpublished |first=Ben |date=2022-03-09 |title=Roland's new plugin delivers a "genuine recreation" of the Juno-60 chorus |url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/roland-juno-60-chorus-plugin |access-date=2022-10-05 |website=MusicRadar |language=en}}</ref>
*[[Excepter]]

*[[Fad Gadget]] (Juno-6)
== Further reading ==
*[[Faithless]]
*{{cite magazine|title=Roland Juno 6|date=Jul 1982|pages=12–14|url=http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/roland-juno-6/4296|magazine=Electronics & Music Maker|publisher=Music Maker Publications (UK), Future Publishing.|location=United Kingdom|access-date=2022-10-12}}
*[[Fountains of Wayne]] (Juno-6)
*{{cite magazine|last=|first=|date=Nov 1982|title=Roland Juno 6|page=39|url=http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/roland-juno-6/4602|magazine=One Two Testing|publisher=IPC Magazines Ltd, Northern & Shell Ltd.|location=United Kingdom|access-date=2022-10-12}}
*[[Future of the Left]]
*[[Holy Molar]]
*[[Howard Jones (musician)|Howard Jones]]
*[[Islands]] (Juno-6)
*[[John Foxx]]
*[[Junior Boys]]
*[[Jupiter One]]
*[[Južni Vetar]]
*[[Late of the Pier]]
*[[Matthew Bellamy]] (during his earlier years)
*[[Melody Club]]
*[[Men at Work]]
*[[Neon Indian]] (Juno-6)
*[[Nick McCarthy]]
*[[Nik Kershaw]]
*[[Nile Rodgers]]
*[[Neiv]]
*[[Olive (band)]]
*[[Radio Massacre International]]
*[[Phoenix (band)|Phoenix]]
*[[Passion Pit]]
*[[Sleepy Eyes of Death (band)|Sleepy Eyes of Death]]
*[[The Cure]]
*[[The Human League]]
*[[The Locust]]
*[[The Protomen]]
*[[Ultravox (band)|Ultravox]]
*[[Vince Clarke]]


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.juno60.htmlplanet.com Roland Juno-60 Patches]
*[https://www.roland.com Official Roland website]
*[https://www.roland.com/us/products/rc_juno-60/ Roland Juno-60 Software Synthesizer]


==References==
[[Category:Roland synthesizers|Juno-60]]
{{reflist}}


[[fr:Roland Juno-60]]
{{Roland}}

[[nl:Roland Juno-60]]
[[Category:Roland synthesizers|Juno-60]]
[[Category:Analog synthesizers]]
[[Category:Polyphonic synthesizers]]
[[Category:Musical instruments invented in the 1980s]]

Latest revision as of 15:24, 5 September 2024

Roland Juno-60
The Roland Juno-60: a keyboard instrument with a row of faders above it.
Roland Juno-60
ManufacturerRoland
Dates1982–1984
PriceUS$1,795[1]
UK£1,199
JP¥238,000
Technical specifications
Polyphony6 voices
TimbralityMonotimbral
Oscillator1 DCO per voice
(pulse, saw, square)
LFOtriangle
Synthesis typeAnalog Subtractive
FilterAnalog 24dB/oct resonant
low-pass, non-resonant high-pass
Attenuator1 ADSR envelope generator
Aftertouch expressionNo
Velocity expressionNo
Storage memory56 patches
EffectsChorus
Input/output
Keyboard61 keys
External controlDCB

The Roland Juno-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.

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

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]
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

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]

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.

  • TAL U-NO-62 by Togu Audio Line, a Juno-60 emulation released in 2007.[28]
  • TAL U-NO-LX, released in 2012[29] as a fully rewritten replacement for TAL U-NO-62.[30]
  • Arturia Jun-6 V, an emulation of the Juno-6 was released in 2020.[31]
  • Roland released a software emulation of the Juno-60 in 2021[32] as part of their Roland Cloud subscription, which can be used with Roland's PLUG-OUT format.[33]

Software emulations of the Juno chorus effect include:

  • TAL Chorus-60 (2007)[34]
  • TAL Chorus-LX (2012)[35]
  • Arturia Chorus JUN-6 (2020)[36]
  • Roland JUNO-60 Chorus (2022)[37]

Further reading

[edit]
  • "Roland Juno 6". Electronics & Music Maker. United Kingdom: Music Maker Publications (UK), Future Publishing. Jul 1982. pp. 12–14. Retrieved 2022-10-12.
  • "Roland Juno 6". One Two Testing. United Kingdom: IPC Magazines Ltd, Northern & Shell Ltd. Nov 1982. p. 39. Retrieved 2022-10-12.
[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Future Music (2021-10-28). "Vintage music tech icons: Roland Juno-60". MusicRadar. Retrieved 2022-10-06.
  2. ^ a b Corporation, Roland. "Roland - An Interview with the Legendary Developers". Roland. Retrieved 2022-10-13.
  3. ^ a b c d e "The History Of Roland: Part 2". www.soundonsound.com. Retrieved 2020-02-05.
  4. ^ a b Kirn, Peter (2021-02-17). "JUNO-60: The Whole Story". Roland Articles. Retrieved 2022-10-13.
  5. ^ a b Corporation, Roland. "Roland - Roland Icon Series: The JUNO-106 Synthesizer". Roland. Retrieved 2022-10-14.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h Nur, Yousif (2016-05-27). "The Story of the Synth that Changed Pop Forever". Vice. Retrieved 2020-02-17.
  7. ^ a b 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.
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