With the JU-06A, Roland presents the four-voice, virtual-analog reproduction of the two synthesizer classics Juno 60 and Juno 106 in one device. The JU-06A is now the 14th instrument in Roland's boutique series and is dedicated to two synthesizer legends. With the addition "A" in the name, Roland has given the JU-06, which was released a few years ago, a great update and accommodated both Junos under one hood. Since the structure of both originals is almost identical, it was easy to take over the user interface 1:1. The simplicity of the classic subtractive signal path of both Junos is also to be owed to its large popularity, because "musical" results can be produced with most setting. Layers, pads, brass, basses and much more belong to the typical sound repertoire of the historic Juno series. Of course, the popular chorus effect was not abandoned, which has a decisive share in the overall sound. A completely new addition is a delay effect.
The toggle switch determines which Juno is currently used. Each instrument has 64 memory locations. Chord mode and sequencer each have 16 memory locations and can be used for both synths like the arpeggiator.
Since both originals are each equipped with a DCO (Digital Controlled Oscillator) and the same functionality, the fine difference can be found in the control of the tone generator, the formation of the waveforms and the smoothing of the pitch parameters. There are also small but audible differences between the filters. The most striking difference is probably the arpeggiator contained in the Juno-60, which the 106 didn't have.
I've really been a fan of the Juno 60 sound for some time. Since discovering Olafur Alnalds and Kiasmos I've been hankering after the lush pads and deep bass sounds that he regularly employs in his tracks but until the release of the JU-06a it was a long way out of my price range. The JU-06a delivers in spades. The sound is bang on, build is superb and although it's a small package the sliders are eminently useable. It's so easy to use and with its built in speakers and batteries included you can get it running right out of the box. The only slight disappointment is the 4 rather than 6 note polyphony so the richest pad sounds are out of reach live. However, if you were desperate you could pick up another and chain them to get 8 note polyphony - and you'd still be paying a fraction of the cost of the original 2 synths. I absolutely love it.
You get two synth models in the one micro synth. The Juno 60 and the Juno 106. Classic sounds from the 80’s. Timeless classics!
I doubt in this lifetime I’ll ever be able to afford an original Juno 60 vintage synth but with this little beast I won’t need to. Life is great