Roland has brought the Juno back, but this is not an analog synth--it is a budget digital wavetable synthesizer. It may not look anything like its predecessors, nor does it sound like the classic analog poly-synth whose name it bears, but like those before it, the Juno-D offers a fairly robust package of synth sounds and potential in a streamlined, user-friendly interface at a reasonable price---making it a good entry-level keyboard.

The Juno-D comes with 32 MB of waveforms in its memory including Roland's stereo multi-sampled piano, and a whole range of synth sounds from vintage synths to GM2-compatible. Patches are organized in categories such as Piano, Guitar, Orchestra, etc. There are digital resonant filters, LFOs, multi-effects, phrase sampling, chord memory, five front-panel control knobs and a D-Beam controller so you can twist any of the hundreds of patches it ships with into your own more unique sounds. Those who want to program their own Juno-D sounds via computer, a Mac/PC editor is included.

A Limited Edition model was released which doubled waveform memory to 64MB and added extra patch memory storage (706 total patches, 66 are new) and featured some newly programmed sounds including an incredibly realistic piano based on 88-key stereo multi-sampled waves, a massive rock organ, '80s-era brass and electric piano, vintage synth sounds and many others.

As entry-level keyboards go, you can't go wrong with the Juno-D. It has hundred of quality Roland sounds at your disposal, and tweaking them is fairly easy. However, this is not a workstation (like the Juno-G) nor is it a retro re-make of the classic Juno series synthesizers. It offers Juno-like simplicity, yes, but more discerning synthesists and keyboard players may want to look elsewhere for better sounds or a more advanced keyboard than the Juno-D. In other words, the original Juno-series has nothing to worry about from this new Juno.

Kyle

March 3, 2009 @ 5:58 pm

I see people giving this synth a hard time but I actually quite like it. That's why i bought one. I also have Moog Voyager, Prophet 8, Nord Lead and Proteus 2000, so I wouldn't say that I was a novice. For me this is just an easy source for samples or realistic insruments which can then be fine tuned. It is a bit cheap feeling but hey, it's a cheap price! I particularly like the percussion, notably the timpany and kalimba. The piano and organ sounds are pretty useable but if you are looking for analogue or unusual electronic sounds, look elsewhere. Another thing, this is really suitable for live guitar type bands. I am sure there will be some sounds useful for you.

Ashe37

February 28, 2009 @ 9:27 pm

Note that the sound engine in the Juno-D is NOT the Fantom engine, its the same engine as the RS-6. Its a budget ROMpler, no expansion no aftertouch no USB port. However, it sounds ok for what it is.

depeche

October 18, 2008 @ 1:45 pm

blaaahhh!!
è un giocattolo. E' meglio acquistare uno Yamaha MM6

Andrea

October 12, 2008 @ 6:23 am

please don't buy it

it's nothing more than a bunch of presets and fxs, that's not a synth

If you're looking for your first synth, you don't have knowledge of vintage synths and you have few money you'd better purchase a roland sh-201

if you don't care about programming,sound building and you want play presets, buy it

jonathan

September 29, 2008 @ 6:57 am

whilst i do not own this instrument
i have spent the last 1/2 hour playing with one at my local music store
and it was good fun
really good effects and and oscillators.
if i had the money to buy one i would.

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