JUNO-X // Thoughts on an evolving legendary synth
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 พ.ย. 2024
- Giving some perspective after having the @rolandglobal Juno-X in the studio for a few months. Lots to like about this synth, with some strange quirks that are very Roland 🤣
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The beauty of the 106 was the simplicity and the raw sound. I wish Roland would just release an anniversary analogue version of the 60 or the 106. Like Moog do with the minimoog.
I couldn't resist getting into the "physical" digital Roland ecosystem and went with a Jupiter XM. While I can't stand the UX and miss the key bed, it does just sound incredible. It helped that I sold 4 roland boutiques to pay for it so it just made sense. Great review. I will be missing those sliders every day i play the XM.
The speakers are not just bad, they are "80s Casio knock off you found at a K-mart that was going out of business" bad.
🤣 Excellent description
I have one and the use case for me with the speakers is the streaming bluetooth from my phone into the Juno-X. When I am working out a part to cover from Spotify I can listen, play, repeat until I nail the part or figure out how to match a patch sound to a song synth tone without A/B ing on my DAW and then swinging around to play the Juno-X. Super useful and ultra convenient since I cover 80s bands like Bon Jovi, Tears for Fears, Loverboy, etc.
I love the design of this synth, but the lack of SH and Jupiter models made the stick with my Jupiter XM. It’s a pain in the ass to use, it sounds amazing. I especially love the fact that the included xlr outputs.
you have to buy both, in fact you have to add also the system 8 to have JX3P and Jupiter 4 :)
You can add all of those models and more to the Juno-X, you have to buy them, and download to the synth. The only model you can't have is the Jupiter-X Model. Then again, the Jupiter does not have access to the Juno-x Model.
I feel your pain with the Jupiter XM, with which I also have a hate/love relationship. I ended up playing it mainly through a Novation SKL MKIII and I have to say it's opened it up a lot. Being able to switch through channels 1-5 on the controller with the sequencer functionality has allowed me to start from a 5-part scene and easily make full songs. I only wish the user interface was as easy on the Jupiter.
I bought the WM dongle, £89 and you get everything included for the Juno X. Plus 2 legendary etc if you use a DAW
you can add those thru zencore what Roland cloud has
I just don't understand Roland's choices on the "cloud" and updating software on its machines. I have a Fantom-6 which is mostly just decor at this point because it is such an unnecessarily complicated and confusing process. This really sucks, because I otherwise love Roland and have for years (read: decades, sigh). Always appreciate the techy side in addition to the music and your taking the time to let us know what's what!
Yeah the cloud is strange. They just recently updated the software side of it, too. Made it more user friendly. When I first loaded up the Fantom I couldn't believe how backwards feeling the Cloud app was 🤣
The Fantom sounds fantastic, but you're right, the interface for designing sounds is archaic. Basically a list of parameters. The Model Expansions are a little bit better, but still basically param lists on a touch screen.
I've got the Juno-X and didn't find it to be that difficult. I already have a Roland Cloud subscription, though, so it was easy enough to get the wi-fi adapter for it and just use my phone to load the models I wanted on it.
It definitely would've helped if I had a Cloud subscription beforehand so I knew the quirks and differences of 'plugout' versus 'model expansion' etc etc.
Great review! You’re 100% correct about the hydra vs the juno definitely crazy deep but I’m thinking would it be a good complement to my hydra or I’m actually leaning more towards the SH-4D seems to be more flexible. What R your thoughts? And thanks again
Tefty:
I love your channel, and always check your site out for advice. However, I am stumped with a question and after hours of searching, I cannot come to a decision.
I was hoping you could help me out. I have:
- Jupiter XM
- MPC One Plus
- Also have Logic M1 mac mini, M2 Mac Pro
A. I love the XM and do not want to get rid of it, but I want a larger keyboard and link with it.
B. Want to link XM to Jupiter or Juno and expand performance capabilities.
C. Want to connect XM to MPC, as you have shown.
What is best, in your opinion:
1. Purchase the Jupiter X - don’t need to learn another keyboard; more costly
2. Purchase Juno X, portable, less expensive, would need to learn another keyboard
3. Trade in the MPC One Plus and get the MPC 61 Key - like the portability factor of having MPC one/xm
4. Re-Purchase Akai MPK261 - owned two before and traded in due to lack of use but did not own XM or mpc and used with DAW
If you have time, can you please share your thoughts and let me know if the Jupiters/Juno can have their internal clocks linked or is best to do it through the MPC.
Thanks.
Thank you John and thanks for the tip 🙏
Here's my thoughts on your options:
Getting a Jupiter X would double up your XM sounds and be a quick learning curve, but it's not really adding anything new to the mix. The Juno-X is an option ONLY if you really want that Juno interface with your setup. Also the learning curve on the Juno-X would be similar to the JupX.
If you haven't tried the Key 61 yet, it's worth testing and seeing if you like the workflow. If you like the MPC One Plus, the Key 61 is actually pretty amazing since it offers a ton of buttons for control and has a decent built in keyboard. It might be my favorite MPC to date. However if you sell the MPC One Plus, then you lose out on a portable studio brain (not sure if relevant to you).
Personally, I'd skip the MPK261. I know the Key 61 is much more expensive, but my MPK249 sits in a closet untouched since I have other keyboard options in the studio.
Personally, I'd go for the Key 61.
Cheers!
Oh and the clocks will need a master, so likely just set the MPC as the master and then have the Jupiter/Juno etc listen for the clock on midi/usb.
Thanks. After all these weeks I cannot decide. But... you want to sell the MPK239? lol @@teftymusictech
your review is sincere and useful, (i just suggest you can show you natural with not this plastic object in reverse on your head ... ). i have this synth and is a great addition to my setup. i was afraid it sound thin with obx and prophet 10 with it but not at all. i had a system 8 everybody claim to sound better with acb etc... i kept the juno and reselled the system 8... the sound is deep, the keybed is soft and comfortable, the commands are clear, the look is inviting, the i arpeggio is fun to play with... a pleasure
Good review 👍.
I'm not the target demographic for the Roland Cloud. I don't use VST synths and almost never use patch or sample packs so there is no value for money for me. From what I've seen of the patch editors, they're not very good so I'll stick to the inscrutable phone app for programming the ZEN Core sound engine in my Roland AE-30 wind synth.
Do you get all of these models in the Fantom 6,7, and 8? But this board is crazy for BASS, I love this.
Sadly no, you get one Juno model in the 'Model' versions for the Fantom flagship. The Juno-60 and Juno-X models are exclusive to this keyboard.
Question... can you turn OFF the noise for the chorus by default? I can't imagine why I'd ever want it on.
can you cut the built in speakers off ?
Yes, you can set the speakers to boot up as 'off' in the settings menu. Just make sure to 'save' the settings otherwise you'll be doing it every time you turn it on.
I think if it is about the Juno sound and not the other features the System-8 is the better choice as ACB sounds much better than the ABM used in this synth.
Just get the Roland Cloud trial version and compare the Juno sound of the standalone Juno 106 and 60 plugins (used in System 8) with the model expansion In Zenology (which this is using)
ACB is not "MUCH Better" I own the both ACB models, and it takes very, very close listening to even spot any differences. I can promise you if you did not see which model was being used, you could never tell the difference. If you say you can, you're lying.
@@mr.spongylikeaboss4987 very true
Thanks!
❤️🙏❤️
Very honest review!The speakers should not be there at all!
?
I am intrigued as to why you got a Juno X when you already own a Fantom 8. Doesn’t the Fantom cover just about everything that the Juno X can do (apart from the dedicated faders and I-Arpeggio) ?
Juno-X has a dedicated interface along with the Juno-60 and Juno-X models. IMO the interface can make a huge difference for working with a synth engine. But yeah, the Fantom 8 can pretty much cover the sound with the 106 model 👍
@@teftymusictech
I understand that totally. I have a JU06A and the immediate hands on interface approach cannot be beaten.
I also have a Fantom 06 and think it is a shame that Roland didn’t implement Boutique control over the synth engines in the Fantom.
@@teftymusictechI'm literally switching from Fantom O to Juno X for the exact reason that the Juno X has the Juno 60 model.
There's something really special about the Juno 60.
So... is the key bed any good?🙃
How does this compare with the fantom series. I am trying to decide which to get. I’ve narrowed down to this or the fantom 06. Does the fantom come with the Juno plugout? I know they are all zen core but I can’t find out what comes with the fantoms
Hi Sven, so the Fantom 06 would require an additional purchase to get the Juno model. It's also just the Juno-106, and not the 60 or the 'X' model. Those are specific to the Juno-X.
Aside from that, they're very close in sound because it's basically the same software. The panel control on the Juno-X is very nice and the Fantom will not have that.
Overall I actually really like the Fantom boards. If you get the bigger flagship Fantom 6 (not the 06) then you can update it with the Juno, Jupiter, SH101, JP models for free. But it's way more expensive. BUT the build and keys are better! 🤣
Anyways, Rolands marketing is very confusing and can be tough to know what you're getting.
Looks like Jura by Akai. ? Did you compare it with this and how you feel in you human body ?
The digital world of Roldmart 👍🏻
great review :) but what are those table stands for the korg(?) synth to your right?
Thanks! It's actually a slat wall. I detailed the process last year in this video: th-cam.com/video/vC7lBPfjal4/w-d-xo.html
@@teftymusictech Hah! I've actually seen that video before! Very smart solution
I have the HS60,so i will get the Jupiter X,more than likely...
Would rather get a JU-06a or the System-8. ACB sounds better to my ears.
Yep. ZEN Core is a bit disappointing as implemented in my Roland AE-30 wind synth. I was expecting specific emulations rather than a generic model where I only get a choice of a few filters - none of which is a 303!
@@unclemick-synths Bullshit, I own both ACB Models and Zencore. If I played both in front of you, and asked you to choose, no way could you spot any real difference. No way, unless you have special magic ears.
@@mr.spongylikeaboss4987 I was talking about the AE-30. Do you own the AE-30? If you did, you'd know what I mean. If you're curious you can download the parameter guide and see that the "analogue synth" implementation in the ZEN Core sound engine in the AE-30 is a generic emulation where you get to choose from a selection of waveforms and pick from an paltry selection of filter types. It would be a challenge to get the AE-30 to emulate any specific Roland analogue synth.
Surprised you like the keybed. Recently tested one of these and thought it was junk compared to even the MPC key 61. Mybe the floor model was worn out
Hmmm it could've been. I use the Key 61 almost daily and it's a mid tier synth keybed at best. It gets the job done. The Juno-X I had in the studio felt more premium, but also didn't feel like a Fatar keybed like in the Matriarch. I've found doing reviews that peoples taste in keybeds vary widely! Thanks for watching 🙏
The best interface for the Zen-Core platform would be a JD-800 X!
Oh blimey! "Prospective"? Just ten seconds in and I'm starting to sigh. At one minute in you say it again, "prospective"! Have you heard of the word "perspective"? Why do so many people, especially Americans, always use this word incorrectly, confusing and conflating it? It's become ubiquitous now. "Prospective" relates to the future, where as "perspective" is your view point. Get it right! :)
The actual presentation and information given in your video is good and was useful, thank you.
so juno-x or jupiter-x ?
Aaaaactually...you CAN connect it to an MPC and do exactly that lol
This video was a while ago so I'm going to assume you're talking about class compliant audio support for the Juno? Because I'm 99% sure you need a vendor driver installed to get that working on your computer...as in it's not class compliant and therefore won't work on your MPC. Unless a firmware changed things on the Juno recently 👍
My biggest gripe with the Juno X is the keybed.. I tried it and was immediately put off. It’s the same cheap keybed that my Fantom 07 has and I stopped playing that instrument due to the awful action.
Not a fan of the Roland Cloud thing either. Expensive for a utility I use probably twice a year if that.
Strange considering the Jupiter X keybed is so much better.
You would think for any synth north of $1,500 Roland could at least provide regular/premium grade keys. Shame on you Roland 👎
Acess Virus TI do Best and Keyboard is Best. Acess Virus TI Its a monster do Juno 60 Sound and 106
from what i could find, a used juno 106 is cheaper than this one lol
Two grand.
Not worth it?
@@randomname6475 Very worth it. Metal hardware, fantastic keys, solid, built like a tank with nice controls.
@@mr.spongylikeaboss4987hey, bro-are you Roland spokesperson? You’re all over this comment thread pleading with people that this is NOT a over-priced, over-hyped product. What’s the deal? Are you just trying to convince yourself, or are you getting Roland checks?
Doesn’t sound as good as the analogue
I can't agree. I've played a many analog synths... and you can't pick the difference.