Introducing the Roland Juno 106 Analog Synthesizer from 1984

video upload by TONELAB

"In this viewtorial, I provide an in depth look at all the features on one of Roland's most popular synthesizers.. the notorious Juno 106 from 1984, the first of the Juno's with MIDI!

First up, a small demo noodle, then a short introduction.. then a comprehensive walk-through of all the features including 'how to back up your patches' with the Tape Interface!

Plus, a big shout out to all the Tonelab-tubers out there who've helped me reach a thousand members 🤓🍿

Index:
0:00 Demo
0:57 Introduction to the Juno 106
1:40 Patch Shift
2:00 Hold Pedal
2:20 Master Tune
2:40 SysEx
3:40 Manual Button
3:52 LFO
6:21 DCO
11:25 HPF
12:49 VCF
21:10 VCA
22:43 ENV
25:40 Chorus
27:10 MIDI button
27:48 Key Transpose
28:48 Poly Modes
30:38 Portamento
32:30 Bender
35:18 Patch Write
36:38 Function
37:10 Memory Protect
37:35 Tape Interface (saving and loading patches)"

Roland JX-3P - It can sound crazy

video by synthlegends

"My own presets of the JX-3P. The JX-3P is from 1983, it came between the JUNO-60 and JUNO-106, it has the great JUPITER-8, SH-101, JP-4 (late version) and JUNO-60 IR 3109 VCF Chips, so it sounds really fat and warm. The Chorus is a bit different from the JUNOs, but it has 2 DCO, a ring modulator and sync of the DCOs. You can route the DCO and Filter to the envelope and LFO, so it is quite a capable synth to get crazy sounds of it. In this video I only used the internal chorus and no external effects or plug ins. There is no mastering or processing of this synth. Just recorded life into the audio interface."

RH 1 Synthesizer boards are ready

video by RH Electronics

"Information here, documentation and schematic
https://rhelectronics.co.uk/new/rh-1-...​"

"The RH-1 is a digitally controlled (DCO) Synth based off the Juno 106 design. It will be available as a kit to build allowing the user flexibility of a desktop unit or rack mount unit.

It’s a mono synth with programmed ‘key rollover’ if a key is held down and another pressed it will change the pitch and re trigger the envelope.

Specification

Single Digitally Controlled Oscillator, Saw + Pulse (PWM Adjustable)
Single ADSR analog envelope (AS3310)
PWM and Filter envelope mod, adjustable
External inputs for Filter and PWM summer
0 to 5 volt analog CV
12 volt digital CV
AS3372 signal processor
Envelope re-trigger on second key press
Adjustable audio out ~650mV p-p
PIC16F18344 controller running with a 4MHz crystal oscillator
Power requirements are +/- 12 volts. A standard eurorack connector will be on the PCB"

RH-1 Single Board Synth - PCB prototype

video by RH Electronics

"This is the RH-1 single board synth PCB prototype.
Next to build and test!
This is running a DCO similar to the Roland Juno 106"

Introducing the RH-1 DIY Analog Synthesizer

video by RH Electronics

RH-1 Synthesizer Sound Demo

video by RH Electronics

via https://rhelectronics.co.uk/new/products/

"The RH-1 is a digitally controlled (DCO) Synth based off the Juno 106 design. It will be available as a kit to build allowing the user flexibility of a desktop unit or rack mount unit.

It’s a mono synth with programmed ‘key rollover’ if a key is held down and another pressed it will change the pitch and re trigger the envelope.

Specification

Single Digitally Controlled Oscillator, Saw + Pulse (PWM Adjustable)
Single ADSR analog envelope (AS3310)
PWM and Filter envelope mod, adjustable
External inputs for Filter and PWM summer
0 to 5 volt analog CV
12 volt digital CV
AS3372 signal processor
Envelope re-trigger on second key press
Adjustable audio out ~650mV p-p
PIC16F18344 controller running with a 4MHz crystal oscillator
Power requirements are +/- 12 volts. A standard eurorack connector will be on the PCB

Disclaimer
This is a DIY kit, and is not being sold as a ‘product’ it is up to the end user to build and test. RH Electronics accepts no liability for any damage that may occur to the end product or any external device. It is the responsibility of the builder to provide a suitable power supply in line with the specification. All efforts have been made to stop interference with any other device, however being a kit it is not possible to test due to differences in build.
All boards and components that are suppled are RoHS certified and proof of this can be downloaded with the product files."

Roland Announces JUNO-60 Software Synthesizer

video by RolandChannel

"The Roland JUNO-60 helped define the sound of the ’80s and is highly prized for its vintage vibe and unmistakable character. Simply put, it’s the sound you hear in your head when you think of fat, punchy analog synthesizers.

With the JUNO-60 Software Synthesizer, you get the full authentic experience of this legendary keyboard in a modern software instrument for DAW-based music production. Roland’s PLUG-OUT format is also supported for computer-free operation via the SYSTEM-8 hardware synth, with all parameters automatically mapped to capture the hands-on JUNO-60 workflow.

The JUNO-60 Software Synthesizer is just the latest member of Roland Cloud’s Legendary series, which includes plug-in versions of the JUNO-106, JUPITER-8, TR-808, TR-909, D-50, and many other classics. Roland Cloud is also home to an ever-expanding collection of creative tools to keep your music flowing, including the powerful ZENOLOGY software synth, Model Expansions, Sound Packs, Zenbeats, and much more."

And the press release:

Iconic 1980s Polysynth Now Available as a Legendary Series Plug-In Through Roland Cloud

Los Angeles, CA, February 16, 2021 — Roland announces the JUNO-60 Software Synthesizer, the latest addition to the Legendary series of software-based Roland instruments available through Roland Cloud. The original Roland JUNO-60 hardware synth helped define the sound of ’80s music and is still highly prized for its vintage vibe and unmistakable character. With the JUNO-60 Software Synthesizer, the authentic experience of this influential keyboard is now available as a modern software instrument for Mac and Windows DAWs.

Released in 1982, the JUNO-60 was among the earliest models in Roland’s iconic JUNO series, and is an all-time favorite for many synth aficionados. With a winning formula of a single DCO, fat sub-oscillator, and characterful VCF—plus a massive swirling chorus effect—the instrument has found its way onto innumerable tracks through the years. Powered by Roland’s proprietary Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology, the software version recreates the sonic experience and approachable architecture of the JUNO-60 in startling detail, allowing users to craft rich, inspiring sounds with little effort.

The JUNO-60 Software Synthesizer fully captures the original’s balanced magic—including the odd quirks and charming limitations—and enhances it with useful modern additions. The filter has been modeled to perfection, and users have the ability to switch to the HPF circuit of the next-generation JUNO-106 and its characteristic bass bump. The oscillator range has also been extended, and there’s a second envelope for extra flexibility. Polyphony has been expanded to eight notes, with the option to limit it to the original’s six (or less) for an old-school vibe.

A huge part of the JUNO-60 sound is its lush chorus circuit. Like the original, the software version has two push-button chorus modes, plus a third “secret” mode accessed by pressing both buttons at once. Taking things further, there’s an additional chorus option with the sound of the vintage BOSS CE-1 pedal, along with a selection of reverb, delay, flanger, and overdrive effects.

The JUNO-60 Software Synthesizer is VST3, AU, and AAX compatible and also supports Roland’s PLUG-OUT format for computer-free operation with the SYSTEM-8 hardware synth. And for DAW-focused workflows, it’s possible to use the SYSTEM-8 or a Roland Boutique JU-06/JU-06A for one-to-one, hands-on control of the JUNO-60 plug-in.

The JUNO-60 Software Synthesizer is just the latest member of Roland Cloud’s Legendary series, which includes plug-in versions of other Roland classics like the JUNO-106, JUPITER-8, TR-808, TR-909, D-50, and more. Legendary titles are available with the Ultimate membership level of Roland Cloud. All paid levels – including Core and Pro – start with a free 30-day trial of Ultimate, allowing users to try out the JUNO-60 and all Ultimate features. In addition, any Roland Account holder can purchase Lifetime Keys for individual Legendary series titles. This provides unlimited access for as long as their account is active, even if they don’t have a Roland Cloud membership.

For more information on the JUNO-60 Software Synthesizer: ➤ JUNO-60: https://www.roland.com/us/products/rc..."
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If you are curious why the JUNO-60 is available as a PLUG-OUT for the SYSTEM-8, but not the Jupiter-X or Jupiter-Xm, the SYSTEM-8 uses ACB (Analog Circuit Behavior) technology, while the Jupiter-X and Xm use ABM (Analog Behaviour Modeling) via Roland's new ZEN-Core engine. The following touches on the differences between them.

Roland ACB versus ABM - Getting real answers from #Roland​
video by Nu-Trix The Synth Guy

CherryCherry Audio Releases Polymode Synthesizer Plugin

Polymode patches video by boxoftextures

"OK, I’ve owned the new Cherry Audio Polymode Synthesizer for about an hour and a half and have already made five fine patches. Should have full patching video ready tomorrow. Totally worth getting even if you already have the Polymode Module.

Polymode Synthesizer: https://cherryaudio.com/instruments/p...​

Twitter: @selgart
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boxoftextures​

©2021 Box of Textures Music"
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Cherry Audio Polymode was released today. It was actually previously released as a module version as you can see in additional posts here. The following is a quick promo video for the new release.

Cherry Audio | Polymode Synthesizer
video by Cherry Audio

"The latest Cherry Audio instrument is here! Joining the ranks of the lauded DCO-106, CA2600, and MG-1 Plus comes the Polymode Synthesizer.

The Polymode Synthesizer is inspired by the groundbreaking Moog Polymoog synthesizer. One of the world’s first polyphonic synthesizers, its unique multiple parallel filter implementation and mod routings give it a sound like no other synth, The original Polymoog sounded incredible but could be challenging to operate and was prone to breakdowns.

Cherry Audio’s Polymode sidesteps all of the drawbacks of the original instrument and massively expands its capabilities. With a streamlined user interface and immense modulation capabilities, Polymode sets a new standard for animated, sonically evolving string, pad, and choral tones."

New Cherry Audio Teaser: A Classic, Reimagined | 11.1.20

Cherry Audio

Cherry Audio recently brought us the DCO-106, Roland Juno-106 emulator. Curious what this one will be.

J3PO tries out the DCO-106 Juno-106 emulator

J3PO

"Thanks to my friends over at Cherry Audio for sending over their new Juno-106 emulator. This thing is really fun to make sounds on! Light on the CPU, and the FX are great. This is an overdubbed jam with some of the first sounds I made on the synth when I got it. Pardon the shaky camera on the keyboard, this was the first video I made in my new studio!"

See the Cherry Audio label below for more.

Making Synthwave with Cherry Audio DCO-106

Cherry Audio

"In this video, we'll be harnessing the full power of DCO-106 to create an entire track using only this one instrument!

Recreating the sound of a classic synthesizer is no easy task. DCO-106 lovingly recreates the unique sonic footprint of one the most iconic 80’s polysynths in exhaustive detail, while adding modern features for massively expanded creativity.

The DCO-106 is both easy to understand and powerful to explore, creating a massive array of sonic landscapes, cutting lead sounds, warm and hazy pads, punchy synthetic electro drums, and far more."

Exploring DCO-106 with J3PO

Cherry Audio

"The producer extraordinaire J3PO recently sat down with the DCO-106, and shared the results!

DCO-106 offers a precise recreation of the iconic polysynth, with over 300 presets, 16 voice polyphony, three reverb modes, MPE support, and much more.

The DCO-106 is both easy to understand and powerful to explore, creating a massive array of sonic landscapes, cutting lead sounds, warm and hazy pads, punchy synthetic electro drums, and far more."

New Cherry Audio DCO-106 - Juno-106 Software Emulation

Exploring DCO-106 with Phil Bennett (Starship)

Cherry Audio

"The new DCO-106 has arrived!

Recreating the sound of a classic synthesizer is no easy task. DCO-106 lovingly recreates the unique sonic footprint of one the most iconic 80’s polysynths in exhaustive detail, while adding modern features for massively expanded creativity.

The DCO-106 is both easy to understand and powerful to explore, creating a massive array of sonic landscapes, cutting lead sounds, warm and hazy pads, punchy synthetic electro drums, and far more.

CLICK FOR MORE »

CRUMAR BIT-99 Vintage CEM Synthesizer + Original Preset Tape, Schematics and Manual

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Crumar Bit-99 in superb, mint conditions. Comes with the original Preset Tape Cassette, Schematics and Manual (Italian). Always handled with love and care this unit has been recently serviced: the battery has been replaced and the factory presets loaded via tape. This beauty looks great and works like a charm.

The Crumar Bit 99 is a spectacular polyphonic analog synthesizer made in Italy in 1985. Originally designed to compete against the Polysix and Juno 106, this compact black tank went further by implementing a dual-osc voice structure, more similar to that of the OB-8 and Prophet 5. The 2 DCOs, 6 CEM filters, 6 VCAs, 2 LFOs each per voice and a powerful Unison make the Bit-99 a very warm and flexible synthesizer.

The Bit-99 has its own very distinctive, solid and bright sound. Exceptionally bright compared to most analog instruments. This total black beauty can surprisingly generate DX-style electric pianos and harps, woody and dissonant percussive sounds, brilliant string ensembles, punchy basses and brasses, funky leads and organs and a wide array of classic synth sounds.

The Bit-99 is also very easy to use. The printing on the front panel reminds you the various settings for sound editing. Just type the parameter number to change and change it's value using the + and - buttons.

Key Features :

6 CEM 3328 VCF
Velocity sensitive keyboard with keyboard sensitivity pot
Full access to all the parameters via MIDI Sysex
99 memory locations
Normal Mode: 6 voice polyphony
Double/Split Mode: 3 voice polyphony for each sound
2 DCO (TRI - SAW - PW - Noise)
VCF : Cutoff, Resonance, Tracking, Invert , ADSR
2 Assignable LFO (VCA - VCF - DCO 1/2)
1 VCA ADSR with Dynamic Attack and Amount"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Roland EM-101 SoundPlus analog sound module demo (1985)

Published on Mar 21, 2018 Dr Ralf Madness

"A Berlin-school track only made with this rare sound module.it produces Juno-6/60/106 like pure analog sounds.The filter and DCO/VCA come from the Juno-6.Sequenced by MFB Step-64 and played with Roland A-30 keyboard."

You can find additional posts featuring the Roland EM-101 here.

White Roland MKS-7 Super Quartet Synthesizer Module

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

Pic of the inside below.

"The Roland MKS-7 is a vintage multitimbral bunch of great machines mashed together:
- 6 Juno 106 voices (DCO)
- 1 bass voice (DCO)
- 11 TR 707 drumsounds (PCM).

Fully serviced by Electro Acoustic Labs:
- PSU converted to 240v, serviced and tested
- All voices had their coating removed to prevent oxidation
- Old crumbling dust gaskets were replaces with new custom made gaskets
- Buttons & faders cleaned and lubed"

CLICK FOR MORE »

1980s Roland Juno-106 Vintage Analog Synthesizer Fully Serviced w/ MIDI

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"1980's Roland Juno-106 analog synthesizer in exceptional condition and in good working order. Recently imported directly from Japan, this synth has just been fully serviced and calibrated, fitted with an IEC power receptacle and wired for 120V. One of the most enduringly popular Roland synths of the '80s, the Juno-106 has virtually the same synth engine as its predecessor the Juno 60, yet with extensive MIDI capability and over twice the patch memory storage (128 patches).

The Juno-106 is a six-voice polyphonic and programable analog synth with one digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) per voice. The Juno-106 uses built-in Chorus to fatten up its sound to dramatic effect too. The nature of the Juno's DCO results in a sound that is stable, always in perfect tune, but still warm and analog. The Juno features an excellent 24dB/oct analog lowpass filter with plenty of resonance and self-oscillating possibilities as well as a non-resonant high pass filter. The programable pitch/mod bender can be assigned to control the DCO pitch, VCF cutoff, and LFO amount all at once or individually.

Cosmetically, this Roland synthesizer shows only light wear on the back and bottom of the enclosure, with clean and virtually unfaded key caps, all original slider caps intact, and bright graphics. This synth is straightforward, powerful, and the perfect balance of thick analog warmth and modern digital convenience."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Vintage Roland Juno 106

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
Published on Jan 15, 2020 Perfect Circuit

"If you want a synthesizer that evokes the sound of the 1980s, the Roland Juno-106 is it. Providing unprecedented patch storage and MIDI connectivity, the 106 was state of the art when it was released in 1984—and it still has a sound not quite like anything else.

The Juno-106 uses a DCO for its core sound generation, providing super-stable and reliable tuning. This combined with its distinctive Roland filter and unmistakable swirling chorus tones earned the 106 a strong place in the history of electronic instruments. Providing stellar pads, warm stabs, and rich, cascading atmospheres, the Juno-106 is perhaps one of the most compelling keyboard synths ever made."

via this auction

CLICK FOR MORE »

New SoundForce DCO Eurorack Module

SoundForce DCO - short demo video Published on May 6, 2019 SoundForce

"SoundForce introduces a digitally controlled oscillator module for Eurorack

The SoundForce DCO is an oscillator for Eurorack based on the architecture of the Juno-60/106 oscillator section. It is a modern homage to that sound using technology from the future. It provides true analog waveforms with digital stability.

Some tech-talk:
A DCO is not an all-analog VCO but also not a digital oscillator. It’s an hybrid design that combines the best of both. Similarly to some VCO’s, the DCO generates its core waveform, the saw wave, by charging a capacitor in an op-amp integrator configuration. A VCO will restart the waveform cycle when the signal has reached its maximum amplitude. But the DCO starts an new cycle when a micro-controller, a small computer chip, commands it to. The micro-controller also controls the rate at which the capacitor is charging, hence the frequency of the oscillator. As with a digital oscillator, the DCO acquires the CV input voltages and turns them into numbers that will later set the frequency of the oscillator. This is done inside the micro-controller using 16 bits sigma-delta analog to digital converters. All signals are true analog signals: the PULSE wave is derived from the SAW wave using a comparator and the SUB oscillators are generated using a flip-flop IC. Furthermore, the use of a very modern micro-controller with built-in 32 bits timers have improved the frequency accuracy a lot compared to the original design.

If you want to dive deeper in the technicalities of DCOs, check out this video from GOLT! [posted here]

Features:
The SoundForce DCO features 10 slide pots (faders) reminiscent of the vintage Roland synths. 5 sound sources are available: SAW, PULSE, SUB1 (1 octave lower), SUB2 (2 octaves lower) and NOISE. The built-in mixer allows you to mix them together using the faders and the MIX output jack. The PULSE has manual pulse width control, as well as PWM with a CV input and an attenuator. An FM input is also available with an attenuator. The oscillator can be hard synced to another oscillator using the SYNC input.

Specifications:
– 16HP
– Frequency range : 20Hz – 14kHz
– Depth: 24mm (+ power connector)
– Power: +12V 82mA, -12V 26mA
– V/OCT input range -3 to 7V
– FM input range -5V to 5V
– PWM input range -5V to 5V

Price and availability:
The module will be shown on the SoundForce booth this week at Superbooth (booth O501) along with some more upcoming modules. It’s available right now to pre-order at 229 euros incl. VAT (189 euros outside of Europe) on the SoundForce webshop. It will be shipping in June."

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Interesting side note: this is post 180,000 on the site.

Juno-106 vs. JX-8P: Basic Sounds-- Is the JX as Powerful as the Juno?? A Friendly Comparison

Published on Apr 25, 2019 MR TUNA Music

"Pour a fresh cup of coffee and have a seat on your comfiest wooden barstool, it's time for a friendly comparison between two awesome vintage synths: The Roland Juno-106 and JX-8P.
Both members of the Juno family and both 6-voice DCO analog synthesizers, there's a lot to compare; but we focus on the 106 feature-set and how well the 8P emulates that classic Juno sound.

Let me know what you think about how these two super impressive synths stack up against each other!"

Roland Chorus comparison - Juno-60 , Juno-106 , JX-3P

Published on Feb 4, 2019 RetroSound

"(c) 2019 vintage synthesizer demo by RetroSound

A lot user ask: Marko, please make a demo with the Roland chorus fx.

Ok here we are
Roland Chorus fx comparison:
1. Roland Juno-60 (1982)
2. Roland Juno-106 (1984)
3. Roland JX-3P (1983)

One DCO sawtooth wave, filter cutoff open, no resonance
No other fx or compression used. Pure sound."