The Roland JUNO-DS61 61-Note Synthesizer Keyboard evolves on from Roland’s popular iconic synths from the past. Known for their high quality sound and intuitive operation, the DS is lightweight and portable – the Roland Juno-DS delivers!
The DS now has enhanced acoustic and electric pianos with an improved tonal response. The selection of organs to choose from has also increased significantly. The weighty 1000-plus sound set from the previous generation Juno-DI has also been added to the already impressive synth mixture as well as the DI’s patches – making the Juno-DS fully compatible!
The Juno-DS also supports an internal waveform expansion unit via USB that gives an unlimited tonal range. Paying Roland’s Axial website is crucial: over 1000 EXP sounds are available for free download and include acoustic piano collections, percussion, world instruments, loops and a whole lot more! Users can also load in the high-quality WAV format from their own personal library collection and play them directly from the new Roland Juno keyboard.
The 61 velocity-sensitive keys with synth action ensure high-end touch response and playability, which eloquently guides the hand actions in this beautifully ergonomic and lightweight device.
The design features on the new Juno offer up new and more spacious additions such as adjustable parameters and real-time controls. Eight Phrase Pads that come embedded to the Juno-DS front panel allow users to supplement live performances with samples or music files stored on USB memory. A conveniently placed mic input is housed on the DS’ body – great for solo performers and singer/songwriters. The dedicated vocal reverb, plus built-in vocoder with Auto Pitch effect produces a ‘stepped’ electronic vocal that’s present in many of today’s modern pop compositions.
The Juno-DS comes with an eight-track pattern sequencer for easy capture of ideas and song beats. The sequencer also supports live performance with pre-made backing music and on-the-fly looping. It also has an integrated USB audio/MIDI interface that makes the DS perfect for any mobile and studio recording activities!
The main features of the Roland JUNO-DS61 61-Note Synthesizer Keyboard include:
I live in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I received mine this week from Music Store (via DHL) in time and perfectly packed.
Being a film composer and performing with keyboards for more than 30 years, all I can tell, is that this instrument exceeds my expectations.
Its construction is robust yet light, its has a sleek design, the sounds and "performances" (Combinations of various sounds) really denote a distinctive attribute from Roland clean and neat. The software interface and menus are simple to understand and the screen displey is brilliant and clear, bringing usefull and precise information.
I have always liked the Roland keys, especially their refined rounded corners.
The new Juno DS has plenty of features, buttons and sliders to play around with and combine, it can even be used as a MIDI controller by switching modes.
This keyboard is a high quality instrument and a perfect companion for my professional activities.
So after a week of playing I'm realising theres alot more to this synth than I originally thought. The more sounds I hear the more I realise theres more to it. The pre-made patches are fantastic and there are more on Roland's axial website.. the orchestra is amazing on there... the tones sound so good.
The only down side is instead of coming with a UK plug, it came with a European plug and an adapter... not ideal for an expensive musical instrument.