Roland Juno DS (61, 76, 88 keys) Synthesizers reviewed here. Juno Synthesizers provide top-class sound & performance features under your Fingertips, delivers the finest sounds in the market. 1500+ patches, versatile battery or AC operation.
Introduction
For a long time, the Roland JUNO range of synths have been recognized for their great sounds, ease of use, and value for money. Not only are these versatile & intuitive, some of the models in this series are compact (with battery or AC operation), making it easy to create great music wherever you go and play.
Designed for all types of music players – performing pros, amateurs & hobbyists, music producers, Roland Juno synths have a great palette of sound (for any style or genre) and features, and can also be used for teaching and music education.
This can also serve as an excellent first synthesizer keyboard.
Who Is It For?
You can use it for:
- Live Playing
- Accompaniment & even for
- Music Creation
Comparison Chart
Roland JUNO-DS is available in three versions – 61 keys, 76 keys and 88 keys. The features remains the same across, the 88 keys model comes with fully weighted keys.
- Roland JUNO-DS61: Weighs under-12-pound, 1500+ patches, add samples on USB stick
- Roland JUNO-DS76: Easy to access sounds, no complicated menus on this synthesizer
- Roland JUNO-DS88: 88 weighted keys
- Decksaver Cover for Roland Juno DS61: Shields the Juno DS61 from liquid, dust and smoke.
Discontinued Models
- Roland JUNO-Di (Mobile Synthesizer with Song Player)
- Roland JUNO-G (Discontinued)
Roland JUNO-DS Synthesizers
As mentioned, there are three models available in the DS series, and the difference is only in the number of keys.
So you can expect the following on these keyboards:
- 1500+ patches with ability to add more, Pro sounds
- Hands-on knobs and sliders for easy sound manipulation and editing,
- eight-track pattern sequencer, battery operations (besides AC)
- Eight Phrase Pads to trigger samples and audio songs stored on USB memory
- Mic input (dedicated Reverb, Vocoder, and Auto Pitch effects)
- USB audio/MIDI and DAW Control mode
- 88-key Ivory Feel-G Keyboard (fully weighted-action),
- Use it for live use, as controller, or use it for music production (integrated drum machine).
- Weight: 37 pounds, Product Dimensions: 18 x 10 x 60 inches
- Roland JUNO DS-61: Buy on zZounds
- Roland JUNO-DS76: Buy on zZounds
- Roland JUNO DS-88: Buy on zZounds
- Decksaver Cover for Roland Juno DS61: Buy on zZounds
The best thing about the JUNO synths is that you don’t need anything else to create complete songs, thanks to the thousands of sounds along with world-class multi-effects, realtime performance controllers; you get all the tools to create and compose rocking grooves.
Roland JUNO DS-61 Synthesizer Keyboard
The Roland JUNO-DS61 comes with several powerful features yet keeps the operation streamlined and simple, making it easy for you to produce exceptional music everywhere you play. This under-12-pound synth comes with 1500+ patches, including the JUNO-Di soundset. You can also add your own samples on a USB stick.
Roland JUNO DS-88 Synthesizer Keyboard
Similar to the Roland JUNO-DS61 in features, but the JUNO DS-88 comes with 88 weighted-action keys, this workhorse synth comes packed with 1500+ tweakable patches (you can add more from a USB stick).
The JUNO-DS synthesizers have the sounds and features that will inspire creativity – be it while working on a song idea in your room, or recording a track in the studio, or performing live on stage.
Buying Links
Roland Juno Synthesizers: Buying Links
Roland Juno Buying Guide
The Roland JUNO-DS is a complete performance synth laden with several features, including the ability to sing along and apply voice effects through the mic. Its lightweight & portable, comes with USB slot, song player, and allows for battery operation.
Pros: Easy to Use, Roland brand, Tough build, Realistic Sound & Responsive action.
Made for the pro performer, these are compact, lightweight (the 61-key version is under-12-pound); Roland JUNO-DS synth is a traveling musician’s dream. Don’t let the fact that it runs on batteries make you think that its a beginner model; it actually performs and sounds like a heavyweight synth. These synths have a friendly “direct access” control panel for easy editing, has over 1,500 patches and dozens of BOSS-quality effects, and a Song Player for larger-than-life performances. Use it on stage or in the streets; both first-timers will love this friendly, yet great-sounding synth.
Vast Sound Library
The range of sounds offered is wide and spans from classical to cutting edge. The sound-set covers everything you need for live performances — acoustic & electric pianos, rock & jazz organs, strings, brass sections, and more, that can be used for a wide range of styles. Includes several modern synth tones and ethnic instruments.
To complement the impressive onboard sound set, you can further expand your JUNO synths; the JUNO-DS supports internal waveform expansion via USB for unlimited tonal range.
Lightweight & Battery Powered
The Juno-DS is a good alternative to other arranger keyboards in that price range. Its powerful and yet lightweight so that you can easily take it around. Its built is tough to withstand constant travel. It runs on battery which means it can easily be taken from the studio to the streets. You can use it with battery powered amps such as ‘Cube street’ or ‘Mobile Cube’ for the ultimate portable solution.
Built-in Mic & Vocoder
This synth keyboard comes equipped with a mic input and a high-quality, dedicated reverb to add effects to your voice. It also has a vocoder that creates retro-cool robotic voices as you sing and play.
Sequencer and Song Player Function
The onboard eight-track pattern sequencer is a great tool for songwriters and performers to quickly develop song ideas.
Connect a USB memory stick and the built-in song-player will play your favorite songs/backing tracks/audio samples (accepts MP3, WAV, AIFF, SMF). Useful for live performance & home practice.
Easy to Use
Though Juno synths comes packed with so many features, the layout of the buttons, sliders and knobs makes it easy to access the features effortlessly. Roland Juno synthesizers have clearly labeled buttons, knobs, sliders, wheel, pitch/mod lever.Roland Juno DS vs Juno Di
The Roland Juno DS series synthesizers have replaced the older Di models.
The Di synth doesn’t come with a built-in sequencer so you cannot record on the synth.
Roland Juno: Classic/Vintage Synthesizers
Final Word
Roland Juno-DS synths come with an intuitive interface and a lightweight design. Built for the live keyboardist, its a good alternative to the more expensive & heavy workstation boards. The Roland JUNO keyboard will work great for the traveling musician, doesn’t matter if its going to be played on stage or in the streets. It’s lightweight, can run on batteries, and is easy to use. In-spite of that, its packed with tons of features and performs and sounds like a heavyweight synthesizer. It comes with a built-in song player for larger-than-life performances. First-timers and pros will love this portable & wonderful-sounding Roland keyboard.KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.
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