The Roland JUNO-DS88 88-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 88 hammer action keys ensure high-end touch response and playability that 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-DS88 88-Note Synthesizer Keyboard include:
Highly recommended, typical Roland build quality. Vast selection of high quality sounds on board with options to create and download more providing virtually unlimited sound possibilities.
Very pleased, fantastic value for money!
For the price; I don't think that you will find a better all-round keyboard; which can be used professionally on stage, in the studio or at home.
The weighted keys are ok, although not up to the standard of a more expensive digital piano. However; with all of the other features on this keyboard and for the price, they are pretty good.
The great thing about the Roland Juno DS is it's flexibility: It can do pretty much anything you want and has a vast array of in-built sounds from which to choose as well as knobs and sliders to adjust the sound. I was also impressed with the function allowing me to change the sensitivity of the keys.
The only slight negative I have is that the plastic case feels a bit cheap.
Overall: A great all-round keyboard / synthesizer.