Roland Juno-106 6 Voice Analogue Synthesiser

The Roland Juno-106 is the last of the classic Juno synthesisers released by Roland in 1984. I said the last of the classic Juno synthesisers as the Roland Juno-6 and Roland Juno-60 preceded it. Both preceding synthesisers were released in 1982.

Like the Roland JX synthesiser range the Roland Juno range implemented a Digitally Controlled Oscillators or DCO's. So, while the sound that was heard was generated using analogue circuitry the was controlled of the signal was digital.

The key difference between the JX and Juno was the number of oscillators deployed for the sound generation. The JX range used two DCO's whereas the Juno range used just a single DCO, which Roland then augmented with a chorus effect. This chorus modulated the sound that came off the single oscillator making the sound thicker sound.  A sound that became incorporated into the pop music of the mid to late 1980's and early 1990's as the Roland Juno-106 was integrated the into studio and touring rigs.

If you want to own a classic Roland Juno synthesiser then the jury is out on which model to get. Having played a Juno-60 and Juno-106, yes in my opinion there is a slight tonal difference between the two. But more Roland Juno-106's were manufactured than the Roland Juno-60, meaning that while parts are difficult to source for both models, parts for the Roland Juno-106 are easier to obtain.

However, I would also state that the Roland JU-06 and Roland JU-06A are very good representations of the Juno-60 and Juno-106. Once in the mix I would question whether anyone would know you had used newer hardware.

Oh of course you could use the Roland cloud version also!