ROLAND JUNO-60 - The Best Gateway into the World of Digital/Analog Poly-Synthesizers

In the early 1980s, the music world was experiencing a period of rapid technological evolution. Digital synthesis was beginning to gain popularity, but many musicians still preferred the warm sound of analog synthesis. Released in 1982, the Roland Juno-60 was an answer to this situation - combining classic analog synthesis with digital control, enabling stable tuning, easy operation, and the ability to store presets.

Juno-60 was designed as a more affordable alternative to high-end polyphonic synthesizers such as Sequential Circuits Prophet-5 and Roland Jupiter-8. Despite having only one oscillator per voice, its legendary chorus effect provided a rich and spacious sound, making it an icon of electronic music.

Sound Architecture and Flexibility

Juno-60 features one DCO (digitally controlled oscillator) per voice, ensuring stable tuning and rich harmonic possibilities.

Key Components of the Sound Architecture:

•  6-voice polyphony – Enables complex layering of sounds.
•  Oscillator with pulse, saw, and square waves – Provides a wide range of tonal possibilities.
•  Sub-oscillator – Adds depth and power to bass sounds.
•  Multi-mode resonant filter (24dB/oct low-pass, high-pass) – Enables fine frequency shaping
   for sound sculpting.
•  One LFO per voice – Allows modulation of pitch, filter, and amplitude.
•  One ADSR envelope – Used for shaping amplitude and filter dynamics.
•  Built-in stereo chorus – Adds depth and spatial dimension to the sound.

Built-in Arpeggiator – A Creative Sequencing Tool

The arpeggiator on Roland Juno-60 is one of its most distinctive and frequently used features. This automatic sequencer generates rhythmic and melodic phrases based on the played notes, making it an excellent instrument for live performance and studio production.

Main Arpeggiator Modes

•  UP – Plays notes from lowest to highest.
•  DOWN – Plays notes from highest to lowest.
•  UP/DOWN – Combines both directions for fluid transitions.

Additional Control Options

•  Speed adjustment – Allows tempo customization based on musical style.
•  Synchronization with external devices – Can be linked to drum machines or other synthesizers.
•  Hold function – Maintains arpeggiation without needing to hold down keys.

Synchronization of the Arpeggiator with External Devices

One of the biggest advantages of Juno-60’s arpeggiator is its ability to sync with external sequencers and rhythm machines.

Synchronization Options

•  DCB interface – Enables connection to the Roland MSQ-700 sequencer.
•  External clock signal – Can sync the arpeggiator with analog rhythm machines.
•  MIDI synchronization modifications – Some users modify Juno-60 for modern MIDI integration.

These synchronization options allow the arpeggiator to be integrated into complex music setups, enabling real-time automated sequences.

Fast Analog Envelopes – A Direct Legacy of the Jupiter-8

Juno-60 utilizes hardware envelopes IR3R01, which are the same envelopes found in the Roland Jupiter-8.

This ensures:

Extremely fast and precise response, enabling aggressive basses and percussive sounds.
Much faster response than the software-controlled envelopes in Juno-106, which is why many musicians prefer Juno-60.

Filter with Unique Resonance

The filter in Roland Juno-60 is one of its most distinctive features, giving it its signature analog sound. It uses an analog 24dB/oct resonant low-pass filter, which is OTA-based and powered by the IR3109 chip, the same filter used in Jupiter-8 and Juno-106.

Not just “liquid,” but truly colors the sound, making it highly valued. At high resonance, it behaves similarly to Moog filters, giving it a unique character.

The Role of the Filter in Juno-60’s Sound

The filter in Juno-60 is a key element in shaping its sound.

How It Affects Various Sound Types:

•  Bass – The filter adds depth and fullness, especially when using the sub-oscillator.
•  Pads – Due to its smooth resonance, pads sound rich and spacious.
•  Lead sounds – With high resonance, the filter delivers an aggressive character.
•  Arpeggiated sequences – The filter allows fluid transitions between notes, making it ideal
   for live performance.

Chorus Effect – Magic, but with Some Noise

Juno-60 features a legendary stereo chorus, adding width and depth to the sound, though it is notably noisy.

Chorus I is smoother, while Chorus II has stronger modulation.

The chorus noise became iconic, with some musicians intentionally leaving it in the mix.

Preset Storage – A Revolution in Digital / Analog Synthesis

Juno-60 was one of the first affordable synthesizers to allow preset storage.

Key Features of the Memory System:

•  56 memory slots – Enables quick sound saving and recall.
•  Simple operation – Saving done via buttons on the panel.
•  Expandable via the external JSQ-60 sequencer – Allows advanced sequencing.

This groundbreaking feature made Juno-60 much more practical compared to analog synthesizers that required manual parameter adjustments for every sound change.

Connectivity and MIDI Options

Juno-60 is equipped with a DCB connector, allowing connection to external sequencers and MIDI converters.

Main Connectivity Options:

•  DCB interface – Enables connection to the Roland MSQ-700 sequencer.
•  MIDI conversion option – Allows modern DAW integration.
•  External CV/Gate modifications – Some users modify Juno-60 for better integration with
   modular systems.

Since Juno-60 lacks native MIDI, its connection with modern systems requires external converters.

Inputs and Outputs

The Roland Juno-60 features a straightforward yet effective interface for inputs and outputs. The rear panel includes the following connections:

Inputs

•  VCF Control input – Enables external filter control, such as with the FV-200 pedal.
•  Pedal Hold input – Connects a sustain pedal (DP-2).
•  Patch Shift input – Allows preset switching via an external pedal.
•  Arpeggio Clock input – Synchronizes the arpeggiator with an external clock signal
   (+2.5V or higher).
•  DCB connector – Digital communication for linking with the Roland MSQ-700 sequencer.
•  Memory Save/Load inputs – Enables saving and loading sound presets.

Outputs

•  Mono/Stereo output – Allows switching between mono and stereo modes.
•  Headphone output – Standard stereo jack for direct monitoring.
•  Output level selector – Switch between low (-30 dBm), medium (-15 dBm), and high (0 dBm)
   signal levels.

Iconic Tracks Featuring Juno-60’s Arpeggiator

Juno-60 appeared in many legendary tracks, where its arpeggiator played a crucial role.

Famous Tracks Featuring Juno-60’s Arpeggiator

•  A-ha – "Take On Me" – Fast arpeggiated sequences in the intro.
•  Cyndi Lauper – "Time After Time" – Gentle arpeggiated textures in the background.
•  The Cure – "Just Like Heaven" – The arpeggiator provides a pulsating rhythm.
•  Daft Punk – "Da Funk" – Used for hypnotic sequences.

Artists Who Used Roland Juno-60

Juno-60 became a favorite instrument for many musicians due to its analog sound and digital control. Famous artists who used Juno-60 include:

•  Enya – Juno-60 was key to her ambient soundscapes.
•  George Michael – Used Juno-60 in "A Different Corner".
•  The Cure – Used Juno-60 for experimental sound design.
•  Eurythmics – Featured Juno-60 in synth textures.
•  Cyndi Lauper – Juno-60 was featured in "Time After Time".
•  A-ha – Used Juno-60 in "Take On Me".

Conclusion

The Roland Juno-60 is a unique synthesizer, introducing a new level of sound design through digital control, a built-in arpeggiator, preset storage, and a legendary chorus effect.

With six-voice polyphony, expressive modulation capabilities, and intuitive controls, it became a favorite instrument for electronic musicians. To this day, Juno-60 remains highly sought after, offering classic “analog” warmth alongside modern connectivity options.