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..."
---
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

Roland SN-R8-04 TR-808 Sample Expansion Card for Roland R-8

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

via this auction - learn how to sell on eBay here


Roland SN-R8-04 Electronic Expansion Card for Roland R-8 R-8M
with original box and inlay leaflet, fully working, it features the great TR-808 sounds!!!

SN-R8-04 Electronic

No. Instrument Name R8 Display Name Nuance
1 Electronic Kick ELEC_K Y
2 Control Kick CTRL_K Y
3 Flanging Kick FLANG_K Y
4 808 Kick 808_K Y
5 Electronic Snare ELEC_S Y
6 Reverb Snare 2 RVB_S2 Y
7 Flanging Snare FLANG_S Y
8 808 Snare 808_S Y
9 808 Side Stick 808SIDE
10 Bend Tom BEND_T Y
11 Electronic Tom ELEC_T Y
12 808 Tom 808_T Y
13 808 Closed Hi hat 808CHH Y
14 808 Open Hi hat 808OHH Y
15 Electronic Crash Cymbal EL_CRSH
16 808 Ride Cymbal 808RIDE Y
17 Electronic Ride Bell EL_BELL Y
18 808 Conga 808CNG
19 808 Maracas 808MARC
20 808 Clave 808CLAV
21 808 Cowbell 808COW
22 Slap 2 SLAP2
23 High Q HIGH_Q
24 Rap Noise RAPNOIS
25 Wood Box WOODBOX
26 Synthesizer Bass SY_BASS

Roland Promars Compuphonic | The Red Planet

Published on Dec 13, 2019 Alex Ball

"A musical demo of the Roland Promars Compuphonic from 1978.

This guy accompanied the release of the Jupiter-4 and is basically its monophonic sibling, although it has some differences.

The Promars has a “dual VCO” and it works as follows: The master VCO has sawtooth, square, variable pulse, sub oscillator and separate white noise. There is a second VCO (which also has its own sub oscillator) which is slaved to the waveshape and modulation of the master VCO, but can be tuned independently.

There’s a switch to the bottom right of the instrument that flicks between'“A-Tune, off and B-Tune' for VCO 2. These are two manual tuning settings for the second oscillator and a mute in case you just want one VCO. An example would be tuning the second oscillator up an octave and turning on the sub oscillator which would give you three octaves of a note with the middle note being duplicated. You can also create some very cool detuned sounds that really reminded me of the Prodigy (listen the pitch-bent lead line in the verse sections of my track).

There’s the usual Roland resonant low-pass / basic high-pass combination and then two envelopes (one is invertible), which makes the Promars more flexible than the Roland SH synths of the era. You can overload the VCA for drive too, which is a welcome feature.

The LFO is excellent on the Promars with a very wide frequency range. There’s four waveshapes available: sine, square, sawtooth and inverted sawtooth.

There’s also the familiar performance section to the bottom left of the synth which can be used to modulate VCO, VCF and VCA with bender or LFO. Portamento is found in this section as well as a “hold” switch that sustains a note indefinitely. I used this in the breakdown section where Carl Sagan joins us.

The “Compuphonic” name refers to the fact that it has eight memory slots. There’s also ten pretty terrible presets available, but they have their charms.

On the rear it has mono output, headphone output, CV/Gate in and out and external control of the bender if you wish to connect a foot pedal.

I created as many sounds as possible on the Promars including most of the drums with the exception of the hi-hats, cymbals and claps that came from the TR-606 and TR-808 respectively. I also made a subby kick on the Promars and then layered a filtered kick from the TR-707 to add a click to it in certain sections.

In the chorus section of my track I tuned the VCOs in intervals for some stacked chords. One pass was tuned in 5ths, the next in 4ths, the next a major 3rd and the next a minor 3rd. You have to be careful about what you’re playing in each part, but you get some interesting chord voicings and interactions that you wouldn’t be able to play on a poly in the normal manner.

It’s only the second time I’ve played a Promars and it’s a really cool synth and it certainly looks the part!

Sounds used:
Roland Promars Compuphonic (1978)
Roland Juno-6 (1982) into Seekers Voice Spectra Vocoder
Roland TR-606 (1981)
Roland TR-808 clap sample (1980)
Roland TR-707 (1984)

Thanks for watching."

Reverb Drum Machines | The Complete Collection Sample Pack for Free

You can find them here.

"Over 50 volumes of vintage, rare, and landmark drum machines that narrate the history of this modern instrument—from the inception of this invention to relevant contemporary devices—this collection covers any and all electronic rhythm needs and sonic character.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Roland TR-808 Analogue Drum Machine with Roland Case & Extras

via this auction

"Roland TR-808 Analogue Drum Machine, with original flight case, plastic cover sheet, owners manual, and a Kenton Kadi conversion kit...

I had previously installed a Kenton Kadi kit, which is included in the sale, but when I powered up the 808 and programmed a few rhythms into it, it didn't play the hand claps or hi-hats as they should, although sound was still coming out, just a bit quieter and a little oddly. I then played the 808 via my Kenton Pro2000 Kadi port, and all of the sounds worked perfectly. I decided to remove the Kadi port, and since then the 808 has been playing all of the sounds perfectly well. The Kadi port is included in the sale, so if you want you can re-install the kit so that you can play the 808 over midi. That is if you have a Kenton Kadi controller, and you are reasonably good at soldering! The down side is that removing the Kadi port has left an unsightly hole in the right side panel of the 808, but this does not affect the sound or performance in any way."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Roland TR-0815 (808-DIY-clone) & Spring Reverb

The cheapest way to get the original spring reverb effect - demosong

Published on Aug 24, 2013 stereoping·22 videos

"This video demonstrates an interesting and imho not so commonly known trick: the use of a bare spring reverb tank with a mixer-insert to get that great spring reverb quite cheap without additional electronics: connect one of your mixers send-outputs with the tanks input and plug the tanks output just into a mic-in of the mixer. Adjust levels. Now this mixerchannel supplies the 100% wet springreverb signal of all channels, which send something into the tank using the mixers send-pots. Play with the reverb channels EQ or insert an external EQ to shape the reverbs color. In the demosong i add and remove tracks and play them dry and with springreverb to show the benefit of real springreverb. I inserted a Vermona EQ to play around with the frequencies. Please use the videoplayers pause-button if screens go to fast for reading - but i guess you are clever enough for having figured that out on yourself. Features machines: FL-Studio, TR-0815 (808-DIY-clone) synced by midiclock running internal sequencer, Yamaha TX7, Microwave 1, Ensoniq ESQ-1, Roland JX8P, Line6 EchoPark on some voicesamples."

This is the first TR-0815 post.

Update:

TR-0815 drumsynth - audiodemo and Making Of

Published on Aug 25, 2013 stereoping·24 videos

"Video about the developement of my TR-808 DIY-Clone called TR-0815. While listening to some patterns of the finished machine you can have a look at some pictures of the inner parts and the making. All patterns are played by the TR-0815 with the internal stepsequencer, no midi here. Some of the features demonstrated in the audio are swing (0:49), flams (3:22), sequenced 'muted' (long/short) BassDrum (1:12) and Cowbell (0:24), sample/hold of digivoice (0:35 & 1:46), long decay of toms (2:39). If something is not sounding like 808 this might be the DigiVoice, one of the 2 voices i added to the clone because i had 2 triggerchannels left over. The DigiVoice can make some square-blibs, 8bit-noises, dirty Claps, broken Guiros and some sample/hold."


TR-0815 drumsynth - 8 min. parameter tweaking

Published on Aug 25, 2013

"This video shows each the voices parameters of my TR-808-clones in detail. Be prepared for 8 minutes of enoying pot dialing with some additional explaining text."


TR-0815 drumsynth - sequencer features and noise selector

Published on Aug 25, 2013

"Some of the sequencer features like step-programming and realtime programming, swing, flam, A/B copy, muted Steps for Bassdrum and Cowbell and voice muting. In the last third of the vid i show the function and sound of the noise-selector to guide the 3 noise-sources to Hihats/Cymbal and Clap/Maracas."

Bad Gear - The Dark Knight

video upload by AudioPilz

"Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world’s most-hated audio tools. We can all agree that Roland created a few quite respectable drum machine like the Roland TR-808 , Roland TR-909 , Roland TR-606 and Roland TR-707 . However, since then their target demographic has dwindled: analog enjoyers have joined the Cult of Uli, people willing to RTFM are using next-generation Scandinavian abaci like Elektron Digitakt or Elektron Octatrack and real musicians switched to computers decades ago.

Today we are going to talk about Roland TR-8s. This 2018 flagship rhythm performer not only boasts a design language that clearly focuses on inner beauty - it also combines the played-out sounds of the 80s with the workflow of a 90s ROMpler.

Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
00:57 Overview Roland TR8s
01:34 Sound Generators ( ACB , PCM Samples , User , FM Drum Synth )
01:55 Updates ( Roland CR-78 )
02:05 User Interface , Sound Parameters
02:20 Menu Diving
02:34 Kits, LFO
02:42 Buttons , Akai MPC - Style Pad
02:52 Sequencer , Workflow, Swing, Accents, Fills
03:29 Additional Features (Rolls, Substeps, Microtiming )
03:41 Motion Recording , Parameter Locks ,
03:57 Limitations, Melodies, 808 Bass
04:16 FX ( Roland SP-404 - Style Vinyl Effect )
04:46 What else? ( SD Card , Computer Integration, Thanks)
05:35 Hate
05:58 Jam 1 (Triple Roland TB-3 Jam)
06:53 Jam 2 ( Elektro )
07:47 Finale ( Footwork / Juke )
08:17 Verdict"

Baseck Plays: Roland TR-6S

Perfect Circuit

"@baseck shows us that the size of the Roland TR-6S is no representation of its booming sound. The TR-6S is the latest drum machine from Roland that carries the torch which has been burning bright for decades now.

This is a 6 channel drum machine with an FM sound engine, an expansive preset sample library, and detailed circuit models of the Roland TR-808, TR-909, TR-606, TR-707, and more. This is undoubtedly a powerful addition to Roland's hardware lineage that is sure to bring unexpected movement to your live sets.

Roland TR-6S available here: https://www.perfectcircuit.com/roland..."

x0xb0x And Roland TR-808: Roland Makes The Folger's Switch

YouTube via gearwire
"Shh!
Don't tell Roland TR-808, but we're switched his regular TB-303 bass sequencer with the new x0xb0x TB-303 clone. Let's see if he can tell the difference!
Sound designer Justin McGrath gives GW a little tour of the classic -- dare way say, played out? -- Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer. If you've ever been a slave to the beat, take a look at your master.
See more on Gearwire.com."

Yocto 808 TR-808 Clone V2 with PC2 synthesizer onboard

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

via this auction

"This is a new and mint Yocto 808 v2 with the Boss PC2 percussion synthesizer on board. It has the latest firmware, works great and was made by one of the best Yocto builders in the community. It has a tiny blemish on the case that I have taken a high-resolution picture of. Otherwise, it all works and looks perfect. It will be shipped in a custom box and packed extremely well.
-----------------------------------
Yocto v2.0 is a clone of the legendary Roland TR-808 with some extended features.

12 analog instruments cloned of the Roland TR-808 and Boss PC-2 Percussion Synthesizer
128 Rhythm patterns from 1 to 16 steps
16 tracks of 999 measures
1 external instrument track by pattern that can store 99 notes like SH101 sequencer style.
A Midi keyboard mode allow you to play external Midi device
Multi out for each instruments
Individual accent for BD, SD, LT, MT, HT, RS, HC and CH
A total accent track
Master out (L/R Mono) 6Vp-p 1Kohm
tempo 30 - 250 Bpm
7 shuffle levels
4 scales (1/8t, 1/16, 1/16t and 1/32)
4 sequencer directions (forward, backward, ping-pong and random)
Easy copy and paste pattern function
Shift left or right the entire pattern or individual instrument
In/Out/Thru Midi
DinSync 24ppqn Out
Trig Out 2ms +5V
And More..."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Urusei Yatsura BGM-5 part 1 Rhythm / Roland TR-808 & SH-2

YouTube via btpro | January 25, 2011 |
Update: Re-Published on Mar 18, 2015 as Urusei BGM-1 making step-1 : Rhythm (TR-808, SH-2)

"Animation Urusei Yatsura's chase scene music (Title=Ten-Chan Toujou), part-1 Rhythm.

I used Roland TR-808 and SH-2."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Racked Roland TR-808 DIY Clone

DIY TR-808 Test

Published on Nov 7, 2012 by Sebo Synth

"Prueba de mi clon DIY de la TR-808.
Test of my TR-808 DIY clon."

via Sebastián Cordovés on The MATRIXSYNTH Lounge

"Hi, here is a test of my TR-808 DIY clone. Some known patterns and then some knob tweaking. I tried not to use the extra mods of my clone, not featured in the original 808. A video showing the extra mods is comming soon..."

RC-808 Re-Create the 808 Official Website Update From the Makers of the Original Roland x0x Series

RC-808 Re-Create has a new home with some updates at https://rc-808.com. Click through for the new site. Note RC-808 Re-Create is from the original developers of the Roland TR-808 & x0x series. See this post for a pic of the "Analog Mafia" as they are known, along with some initial details on the project.

Regarding the new site:

"At the moment we are busy developing the VST / AU plug-in versions on Win / Mac environments. We are a very small entity with very much limited workforce, centered around Tadao Kikumoto, the project leader of the vintage TR-808. The sheer amount of parameters derived from the vast 8 partial architecture makes it a tough challenge to realize automation on DAW. Yet still, we will bring the plug-in edition to you very soon.

Again, because we are interested only in distributing our own vision of what we actually wanted the original 808 to be, and as the token of our deepest gratitude to all of our great beautiful fans of the 808, we are providing this as free of charge, still even now, as it was from the beginning of this endeavor.

The 808 is only the beginning. Create your own sonic universe, and voyage across the gulf of sound space from here.

Thank you so much for your patience.
Stay safe, stay healthy, stay cool, and please please do take good care of yourself."

https://rc-808.com/

Roland TR-808: Vocode me VP-330!

YouTube via retrosound72

"vintage synth demo by RetroSound

The 808 speaks over the VP330 Vocoder :)
Roland TR-808 output to Roland VP330 Vocoder Mic Input + analog strings and human voice sounds;
drums: TR-808"

"Planet Rock and Other Tales of the 808" - Roland TR-808 Documentary

"Planet Rock and Other Tales of the 808" - Teaser 1 from You Know on Vimeo.

You Know and Arthur Baker bring you a documentary on how the Roland TR-808 changed the musical world starting from its most seminal record Planet Rock.
COMING 2013 -
http://www.808tales.com

Directed by Alex Dunn
Written by Luke Bainbridge
Edit: Alex Dunn
Producers: Alex Noyer, Arthur Baker, Alex Dunn
Executive Producer: Alex Noyer
Cinematography Claudio Rietti, Stuart Birchall.
Sound Mix: Arthur Baker, Alex Dunn, Matt Jarman

© All Rights Reserved You Know Ltd & Baken Shaker Ltd - 2012

Arthur Baker: 808 Legacy

YouTube Published on Jun 13, 2012 by O2backstagechat

"Arthur Baker talks to O2 Academy TV about his 808 documentary film that he is working on in tribute to the 808 drum machine.

Check out more videos and subscribe here: http://www.youtube.com/o2academytv"

First Patch - Roland TR-808 | Red Bull Music Academy w/ Tatsuya Takahashi

Introducing First Patch | Red Bull Music Academy Published on Aug 8, 2018

Update: intro video added above. 808 video below.

"First Patch: Everything you need to get started making music on electronic instruments in five minutes or less."

Tatsuya Takahashi was the man behind KORG's re-entry to analog. He is responsible for 21 products starting with the monotron and culminating in the Monologue. Some of that design of course made it's way into the new Prologue. He left Korg in early 2017.

First Patch - Roland TR-808 | Red Bull Music Academy

Published on Aug 8, 2018 Red Bull Music Academy

"How to get started making music on the TR 808, an instrument by Roland used by the likes of Kanye West, Marvin Gaye and Drexciya.

First Patch: Everything you need to get started making music on electronic instruments in five minutes or less.

For more on First Patch visit www.redbullmusicacademy.com/FirstPatch

The Red Bull Music Academy is a global music institution committed to fostering creativity in music. We celebrate music, its culture, and the transformative minds behind it. Begun in 1998, the Academy has taken the core principles that underlie its annual workshop for selected participants and applied this curatorial approach to events, lectures, and city-wide festivals throughout the year."

First Patch Red Bull Music Academy Videos

Roland TR-808 Vintage Analog Drum Machine with MIDI

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
Published on Mar 1, 2018 synthignition

"Roland TR-808 currently on eBay:"

via this auction

"Listing is for a Roland TR-808 Drum Machine with CHD MIDI retrofit! Works good, sounds wonderful, and is in good cosmetic condition.

When syncing the internal sequencer to MIDI clock, timing is not as tight so the purchaser should plan on using it as a velocity-sensitive MIDI triggered sound source or DIN-synched unit. Samples, VST instruments, clones, etc. cannot touch the sound of the real thing."

CLICK FOR MORE »

Roland Jupiter-4 + JX-8P + TR-808

YouTube via retrosound72

"vintage synth demo by RetroSound

bass: Roland Jupiter-4, the internal arpeggiator is triggered by the Roland TR-808
soft pad: Roland JX-8P
drums: Roland TR-808


Happy easter to all vintage synth friends!"

Drum Robot MR-808 Interactive - Massive Acoustic Roland TR-808 Art Installation

Published on Aug 18, 2016

"The Drum Robot MR-808 Interactive at the Krake Festival Berlin."

Some of you might remember the Sonic Robots MR-808 from this post back in 2012.  It looks like it was shown at a number of festivals.  You can find the list of events on the right of the Sonic Robots website here.  The following are some details and pics via Sonic Robots:

"MR-808 interactive is a drum robot installation featuring an oversized robotic drum machine which is programmed live by the spectators!

The audience can program the drum robot in a collaborative process and listen to the emerging of the sound. At the exhibition site, the crowd can stand in front of the robot, composing the music in realtime.

The drum robot installation MR-808 Interactive (2015) is intended for a collaborative music creation process which turn the listener from a passive spectator to an active player, visualizing the ongoing bond of mobile digital interfaces and physical actions.

The original installation MR-808 was developed in 2012 by the collective Sonic Robots under the direction of Moritz Simon Geist. It got an upgrade with the interactive part in 2015 / 2016. The drum robot has so far been presented on various events, from techno club nights to media and hacking congresses. The robot installation is a replica of the famous 1980s electronic drum machine TR-808 with robots playing the drum sounds. For the installation eleven sounds of the 80s drum computer TR-808 are replaced by mechanical actuators and physical tone-makers. You can read more about the technique and background here."

via Ask.Audio

ARP Odyssey + Roland TR-808

YouTube via retrosound72

"vintage synth demo by RetroSound

ARP Odyssey MkIII Analog Synthesizer with different settings (OSC-Sync, PWM, VCF, Envelope...); sequenced by the SCI Pro-One internal sequencer (CV/Gate) and sync with the Roland TR-808:
drums: Roland TR-808"