Thank you Espen. I ordered one, also because of your Vid. Arraived yesterday. It's a fanstastic controller. I had the PG 300 earlyer, but this one is much better and a lot more distinct than the original one. The display is a bit small. But you need it only the set it up. Specially love the scroll function to browse thru the sounds on the Juno. The generator is really handy to make new sounds. Love it. It makes so much more out of the great alpha Juno. Thanks Espen for the Idea.
@@falangistavaleroso9689 You can't control parameters that aren't there, but you have more features in terms of assign controllers etc that can be really helpful. I show this in this video. ;-)
It’s probably the best controller option for the alphas, but it costs more than what I paid for my MKS-50! Still just as over priced as the original controller. I use a novation sl zero mk2 I got for $50, and it can also map to many other synths. For example, it also works as a controller for my DW8000. Retro also has a controller solely for the DW8000 that costs just as much as this alpha controller (which is also more than I paid for my DW8000 😬). If this company made a controller that could map different instruments - that would be worth it. Rn I will stick w my weird novation thing. Thanks for review any how 👍
The MPG-50, MPG-70, and DW-8P can all be mapped to control other synths. They all have 8 user maps that you can map to any instrument you want. Also, the DW-8000 was $1600 from Korg. The Juno was $895 from Roland, and the JXs were almost $2000. (And these are in 1985 dollars, mind you, so they'd be almost double these days) I charge what I have to charge based on the costs of manufacturing. I can't peg the cost of a product against the going used price of a 35 year old synth. That's not how manufacturing works. The MPG-50 costs more than half of what I charge for the unit, which in this industry is a pretty standard profit margin. If I made a controller that cost $200, it would have to be made of plastic, have cheaper pots, less features, etc. Then people would complain about all of those things. If I sold my controllers for that, I'd be out of business. Novation and Behringer can sell stuff really cheaply because they make hundreds if not thousands of units at once. Retroaktiv is a company consisting of one man, so that's just not an option.
Got an email note from retro but their comment seems to be deleted - don’t mean to be negative just thinking pragmatic cost - and my DW8000 was $250 in 2018, my MKS-50 was $350 also in 2018. Doesn’t matter how much it cost in 1985, 33 years prior. As mr. Kraft has shown us it is still a BEAST, as well as the Alpha, tho obsolete to some. Didn’t know the retro controllers could be mapped for other gear tho - that is definitely curious! Tho the screen printed parameters may get confusing, I suppose that’s what gaff tape is for. If I didn’t already have the novation I’d consider. Faders are tempting tho. Cheers and thanks again for the content
@@anthonypaloccijr.9243 I agree, that the screen printed params are not ideal for a universal controller. The idea is that you can use my controllers to control the synth that they're supposed to control, then use the AUX channel (The controllers can actually control 2 different synths from one unit, even if one synth is just using one of your user CC maps). So for example, you could have the main layer on the MPG-50 controlling your Alpha Juno, then you could use the AUX layer to control some soft synth. The two layers are independent, so you can switch back and forth between them or you can control both layers at once. I use this feature all the time. It's really convenient. Sorry to be defensive about my prices. This stuff is really expensive to manufacture, and my costs are not at all tied to the cost of a synth made 33 years prior. I have a formula I use to calculate MSRP. It's all directly tied to my costs and what I need to make off of the production run, so I can make more units, and pay myself a little. I always tell people that you can play the same tunes on a cheap casio digital piano or a Bosendorfer. Obviously one is going to be a better experience than the other. A BCR2000 will get the job done, but the MPG-50 will be a better experience. Most of the people buying these are studios, and musicians that care about the performance features of the controller, not just the ability to control the basic synth params. There's also an expansion card planned for these, which holds dozens of banks of Juno sounds, assignable controller configurations, user maps, and combinations of these 3. Since the units firmware can be updated in the field by downloading a MIDI file from my website, the MPG-50 keeps getting new features all the time. That said, I am working on a universal synth controller that's going to be a lot better than just about every other one on the market.
Retroaktiv Synthesizers the universal sounds great! Right - I am interested in the controllers mostly for sound design rather than performance. And I see your controllers and definitely feel they would be a better experience. Will keep a look out for your universal controller. You also always have the best looking designs.
This is nice! Considering the current average price of a PG-300, this seems like a much better deal, with all the extra features and the fact that it's new vs. used. Still a bit too expensive, but I understand there's a very limited market for this kind of product.
This looks like an awesome controller, I'll be ordering one. If only they could transplant the internals of a Juno into the controller to make it an all-in-one Synthesizer and Controller.
i recently got a alpha juno2 and this looks like just what i need! im getting by with ctrlr, my own control template in bitwig, and that alpha juno control app , but this looks like it will give me the kind of control id like to get out of the juno. Shame this controller costs almost the same as what i paid for the juno itself, but its a niche product so i understand. Its something to think about if i ever get enough money :) thanks for making this vid Mr Kraft, i wouldnt have heard about this controller otherwise!
Thanks for commenting! New made controllers for any old synth is niche, as you point out, and making them will always cost something and ultimately you'll have to decide if you think it'll be worth it to you. :)
I don't own a Juno, but this programmer is pretty amazing. The ability to control multiple parameters with a single knob is very nice, and the random function is pretty amazing for a hardware controller. And then conversion from Sysex to CC ….. what more could you want? Wish I had something like this for my Ultranova and Venom though - two synths I rarely use because I am spoiled by buttons, knobs, and sliders on all the others.
This thing looks like s3x, very stylish, well laid out clear and logical. The little screens are really nice too. But its a hard sell when you can buy an iPad editor like the excellent iPG800 for $10. Bluetooth to MIDI adapters are cheap too (I already had one).
Thanks for the review I do keep looking at this one as it looks such good quality and well featured so seeing you run through it was fantastic. Unfortunately I do think it’s a little over priced ( for me however that’s partially due to currency conversion & shipping ) so of course thats just my opinion - looks great for a lot of alpha Juno users in Europe though!
Playing the riff from the Profondo Rosso main title theme made this video for me haha! Very cute piece of kit that almost makes me wish I'd kept my Alpha-Juno. Almost. It occurs to me that they could have been even more creative by (for example) bundling a MIDI-syncable LFO or three that could modulate the faders using the same CC-to-SysEx mechanism that is employed for DAW integration. Maybe even build in a MIDI-syncable arpeggiator. That would be pretty phenomenal, really, and not hard to do if they redesigned from scratch - I doubt that such functionality could ever be achieved with a mere firmware upgrade.
You can modulate the 3 assignable faders of the MPG-50 using mod wheel, breath CC, or aftertouch. To do this, you just need to select the mod source for each of the ASSIGN faders. The firmware can be updated in the field using a midi file, so I have plans to implement some more MIDI features in the future.
If you get the MKS-50, you can use the MPG-50 to detune the second unit (MKS-50 has detuning available in the patch menu, which is accessible with MPG-50), which is an awesome sound. I've been using MPG-50 with an AJ1 and MKS-50. It literally IS a Super Juno!
With a programer this is the hands down nicest sounding Juno. I run two mks 50 with pg 300 but i think I'll get one of these programmers. Pg 300 kind of sucks 😊
It's a good editor but as an owner of two AJ1's I find this product unnecessary. The synthesis structure is basic & simplistic on Alpha Juno's coupled with it's easy alphadial interface system, buying this programmer is a waste of $$ IMO.
Ehhh honestly, it’s an expensive setup for a synth that has such limitations. I’d upgrade to the Super JX MKS-7O and get the Retroaktiv controller for that. This way you have an analog powerhouse w a lot of polyphony. Great videos, Espen ❤
Have to eat my words from my other account lol. The Juno 2 is brilliant… controlling it from the PG800 app and the patch base editor (both on iPad throu irig- $30) nice little board!
This is a really feature packed controller and retroaktiv makes great stuff, it's just very... big. I'm using the junoctrl by midi club which does not have these same features but can rest fairly comfortably on the juno2. I also prefer the knobs to faders (reminds me of the pg200.
If you like to spend money, you may buy the PG300 or this clone presented in this video. Otherwise there is a wise and cheap alternative : _Buy an iPad, _Buy a Midi interface for iPad, _Buy the 5$ app iPG800. I'm using iPG800 app with a JX8P and an Alpha Juno. This app is not only way more cheaper than a hardware controler, it has also more functionality. Every sliders moves according to sound settings, when you select a tone.
@@lambertlambert7076 true, but the ipad or the like, its ability to work, the software's ability to work with it and so on, it's far from being a thing that you can simply turn on and off, but this same physical item will likely work for 100s of years. Your ipad is doomed here pretty quick. Then you get to rebuild it all again.
It's a really nice controller both in design and features. But it's definitely more expensive than Roland's PG-300 which is stable since many years at around €300,-. And there are other third party controllers e.g. Dtronics DT-300 which is €291. So on the cost side the MPG-50 is an appointment with €350. Considering the fact that there is still some collectors value for the genuine Roland controller I'd chose that one (though it's not a beauty).
FRICKEN AWSOME ESPEN! Didnt know this even existed...have got to get one of these.!!!..that is if i can get one in Australia for my original one owner (Me) as new Alpha Juno 2. PS: Have you tried to get any DX7 (FM) synth bass sounds out of the Alpha? Maybe i just get your sounds huh? LoL. PPS: I think you need to get the rackmount kit for it now😁😎
You can get some DXish sounds from the ALpha, but I prefer to use a DX7 for actual DX basses, they just sit better in the mix if you want that sounds. imo. Thanks! :)
@@EspenKraft The Retroaktiv site had a 10% off sale I didn't see from the reverb posting. Just picked up an mpg-50 with rack ears and the new memory card slot for a seemingly endless patch library for a damn good price! Super excited for it to arrive
If you mean the Alpha Juno 1, then yes, that's the same as the Alpha. It's not built as a JX-8P controller although it can through, sort of. I recommend you'd get some other Retroaktiv controller for that.
@@EspenKraft thank you so much for the reply. I am undecided weather to buy an Alpha Juno 1 or Jx-8p. Or both. What do you think? Is there anything better in Alpha Juno 1 than Jx-8p, or is 8p superior in every way ?
Alpha Juno is 0-127 values. Even though the JX8P/MKS70/SJX display 0-99, they're still actually responding to 0-127. I think the 0-99 thing is just so Roland could conserve space on the display. (When you have only 16 characters available, a single character can seem like a lot of real estate.)
@@xnonsuchx I find that the stepping is only really pronounced on these synths when the resonance setting is above 50%. It's much more noticeable on synths like DW-8000 where there are only 64 steps max (Many parameters have 32 steps or less on that synth). It really depends on the synth and the implementation.
@@gw9194 There's an expansion card coming out for the MPG50, which will allow around 40 banks of tones, setups (snapshot of the whole controller, including assigns)and user cc maps to be stored and named directly on the unit. The cards are available now, but won't be supported until the 3.0 firmware update happens in a few weeks.
Thanks! No, just a midi cable going out of the controller and into the Juno. That's it. If you want to record movements (CC) into the computer you have to expand the connections a little further, but not to just control the Juno.
bottom line is that ALL the sounds are still typical Alpha Juno. I have yet to see anyone create really inspired sounds. I have a few using an ATARI editor for the A Juno back in early 90s/late 80s. Only way to get good sounds is to use outboard FX and layer your recordings.
Hi Aspen...Do you know where the supplier is based? Their website doesnt say. The price they state is $445.00 (on sale) but i dont know what currency it is. Im in Australia.
Does somebody know how to save Midi Settings on the AJ2 constantly? I don´t want to switch on Midi Excl everytime I start the AJ2 to get it to work with my MPG 50. Thanks in advance :)
May I ask unrelated question please? Is there some "de facto" right places in Europe where to look for used / even broken music keyboards and stuff? I am trying to catch some in local (Latvian) online private ads place of course, but i am wondering - what are such places around? Thank You.
I'm from Norway and use mainly two places to look for stuff, as I mostly buy synths, drum machines and samplers locally, or semi-locally as in Norway and Sweden. It's the norwegian Finn.no and the swedish site vend.se both are daily bombarded with used gear, sometimes even broken.
@@EspenKraft, thank you. Btw, i have possibility tomorrow buy Medel M311 for 70 eiros locally. I have no pro requirements whatsoever. Learning and fun hobby. Price sounds fine? (looks so to me)
@@EspenKraft , I know I am going very weird here but... maybe any Yamaha PSS-680 or 780 for sale cheap? I decided I need to fill this childhoods dream. Especially as I never really left childhood :D :))) EDIT: never mind, I already ordered one. ;)
Hi Espen, Is there stepping on the filter using the MPG ? I guess there is some kind of stepping as soon as it is midi (or digitally controlled with 0-127 values) but I was wondering if the MPG adds stepping. thank you!
Not that I feel affects my usage of the filter, but I'm not sure if the MPG itself adds anything. Maybe the manufacturer can elaborate, they comment quite often in here as well. ;)
There are 127 discrete steps for the filter parameters. The MPG-50 doesn't "add steps". Adjusting the cutoff on the MPG-50 is the same as adjusting it using the alpha wheel or a PG-300. No difference. Some synths like the Jupiters (pre midi) would implement 12 or 14 bit resolution on the sliders, but that's not the case on the Junos. They're 7-bit parameters on the AJ, so there are 127 "steps". Hope this helps.
Or you can just pick up a 2nd hand Behringer BCR2000 for ~€100 and program it to send & receive sysex to the alpha. I'm guessing this is basically the same trick with this unit, but pre-programed to work with the alpha.
Of course, but this is so much more elegant, fast and you can control multiple Alphas at the same time. And more. The BCR2000 can't give you that. I know. I have one.
@@EspenKraft Sort of. But I thought of a modulation matrix, or more complex envelopes that could trigger more sources. It's software afterall that controls the Juno, so it can do multiple parameters at once with own envelopes and lfos.
Ah, ok. I see. I've spoken with the manufacturer and I think they're interested in tips and ideas for future updates so who knows what might appear down the road.. ;-)
@@doordedeur You'd need to get into modifying the Juno firmware to do what you're talking about. The MPG-50 does allow you to control the ASSIGNs with MIDI. SO you can have the mod wheel, breath cc, or aftertouch cc controlling the ASSIGNs, which basically creates 5 lanes of automation with just one stream of MIDI. I show this in this video. th-cam.com/video/78Nqbp9brag/w-d-xo.html
Check out stereo ping controller or alternatively source a second hand Novation remote slmk2 , has fully assignable faders for sysex and is amazing, also has lad readouts for all dials etc.
@@s.fleming2441 That ability is coming soon. We're working on a 3.0 OS for the MPG, which will add memory storage, plus many other goodies. The memory storage will only be active though if you have installed the optional MPG-50 memory bank card. This basically adds 50 banks of storage to the MPG.
@@neanalog nice , cant wait for that, and thanks! and also I this product you made! it has made me really really love my MKS 50 when I used to avoid it.
i can buy an alpha juno for around $575, and then this thing for another $450. is there an advantage of this combo over just a juno 60 or something? i dont like menu diving lol!
I have 2 AJs that I use with the MPG-50. This turns the 2 synths into a sort of "super Juno", where you can detune and layer both units and crossfade between them. Huge sound! Juno 60 actually sounds quite a lot different than the AJ, and there are a lot of pretty major differences. One of the coolest things about the AJ is the envelope. It's quite different from your standard ADSR.
@@retroaktivsynthesizers5075 can you easily control both AJs at the same time with the same controller? or do you just unplug and replug it into each juno? then use one juno as a midi controller for the other? interested in this as a way of getting a fatter polysynth!!!
@@ryanmelvey8764 No plugging and unplugging is necessary. You just use the MAIN/AUX button on the MPG-50 to toggle between unit 1, unit 2, or both units simultaneously. Super easy.
Good question, I haven't tried that myself. Shoot the question over to the maker. I'll see if I can get him to check your question and respond himself. ;.)
No, it's $415 base-price. You can add wall adapters and 4U rack mounting ears as extras. The $450 price sounds like the cost if you add on the 4U rack kit.
If you're comfortable using the ipad with all it's quirks, it's great, but not if you're after a tactile experience that only hardware will give you. ;-)
@@EspenKraft thank goodness I found this, i'v been searching for days for a stand, the closest I found was an ipad stand that would attach to the keyboard stand to hold the controller
These things are great, but ideally they'd come up with the least common deominator of controls and make one that worked with a wide variey of synths, rather than spending all that money for just one synth.
This controller is primarily made for the Alpha Juno. All the knobs and faders correspond with the internal layout of that synth, but as I showed in the video, setting it up to work with other synths is doable as long as you find a pattern of your own to work with the layout of that synth. So this isn't made to be a generic MIDI controller, but it CAN be. I think many synth players and studio synth recordists will prefer to have a dedicated controller where everything is laid out for that particular synth, I know I would ;-)
@@almightyEsquilax Many people who have purchased these want more than to just "get the job done". Why buy a Steinway when you can play the same song on a cheap Casio? The Behringer BCR2000 is great, but having to use overlays or markers for labeling is a bit ghetto looking. What many people don't realize is that under the hood, there is actually a lot of programming that must go into sending the correct sysex (especially for switched values and other non-sequential values) and displaying the correct settings. The BCR2000 doesn't do any of that. You get the value of the encoder you're turning (0-127) even if you're altering a VCO waveform. It's much nicer to see a sawtooth wave on the screen and not a "3". Why pay for a can opener when you can open a can of tuna like this? th-cam.com/video/sbxKbI9Ik4o/w-d-xo.html
Hmm... this does seem better to interact with than the software controllers. But most the controllers for the Alpha Juno cost almost as much as the synth itself. Hard to justify buying a $400 controller for a $400 synth. >.>
Look at Juno club controller, very good and has functions this doesn't. Oh, it costs less too. Also you could source a novation remote slmk2 , truly great controller, led for dials, fader readouts, totally programmable for many synths and templates are already out there across the web for free.
@@ogasi1798 I have one but it's cheaply built, this one is a lot more "pro", and Midiclub's offering now costs $310/340 putting it close to this one, too close really.
He tends to put in a lot more functionality vs what the stock controllers have. The random (and surprisingly useful) patch generation is fun, especially for starting points. Not sure if this one has it, but some of his other controllers will eventually have patch storage (basically an expansion to the synth that handles the sysex transfer stuff for you). Controlling two synths at once is also super cool. And the macros/layers are nice. Some of his other controllers, like the MPG-70 also bring out features of OS upgrades made to the synths in recent years. Oh, and these have new faders that haven't had 35 years of smoke, beer, and whatever else dumped on them. :) I have this controller (not yet hooked up), the DW controller (using it with my EX-8000) and just got the MPG-70 controller for my vecoven MKS-70. Paid for all of them myself, and they are awesome. :)
I guess you could look at it that way. Or you could look at it another way. For $75 more than the other controllers like PG-300 and DT-300, you get a metal instead of a plastic case, a patch generator which gives you an infinite supply of new patches, midi to CC conversion, the assign feature, chord mode, ability to control 2 alphas simultaneously, midi filtering, foot pedal control of any parameter on the alpha, ability to control any 5 parameters on the alpha simultaneously with aftertouch and mod wheel, and the ability to make your own CC maps. I think that's worth the $75.
You ethics statement is false. If you got the controller for free, then this video is sponsored by retroaktiv. I don't know why you have problem to admit it, since nowadays your videos are sponsored by pcbway.
Everything in my statement is true. Why wouldn't it be? If you've been following my content you know I always tell the truth. You're basically calling my a lier and that's very rude. Take your rude behavior elsewhere please.
You seem like you are really upset that nobody is giving you free stuff. FYI, video work is incredibly tedious. A 5 minute video can take days or weeks to produce. "Free" would be if we gave Espen an MPG-50 and said "Have fun! Enjoy it!". It's not free when the deal is that you use the unit to review it and produce a video about it, then you get to keep it. Our work was exchanged for Espen's work. This is such a powerful concept, that the entire global economy is in fact based upon it.
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA...PG 300 300 dollars and the MPG-50 is 415.00 on sale??? What planet is this guy on...plus you and alota other's on youtube are the reason these "Vintage" synths are expensive anyway the Roland Alpha juno is over priced!! it's worth 200 at best for what it is and the voices you get gimme a break.
Yes, for 2/3 the price of MPG-50, you can get 20% of the features. What a deal. When I brought this design to my manufacturer, I told the guys that it was for an old synth, so they ought to give me a 50% discount. For some reason they all laughed! Luckily for you, there's always the trusty iPad app!
![[Full] 4 ต่อ 4 Celebrity EP.922 | 10 พ.ย. 67 | one31](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/zmV5HRIxIBI/mqdefault.jpg)
I have to say....that is the most useful patch generator I have ever seen. Actually makes decent patches every 3 or 4 tries.
Thank you Espen. I ordered one, also because of your Vid. Arraived yesterday. It's a fanstastic controller. I had the PG 300 earlyer, but this one is much better and a lot more distinct than the original one. The display is a bit small. But you need it only the set it up. Specially love the scroll function to browse thru the sounds on the Juno. The generator is really handy to make new sounds. Love it. It makes so much more out of the great alpha Juno. Thanks Espen for the Idea.
Congrats! :)
@@EspenKraft Does it controls more paramenters than the original Roland? apart of the great random patch creator? thanks
@@falangistavaleroso9689 You can't control parameters that aren't there, but you have more features in terms of assign controllers etc that can be really helpful. I show this in this video. ;-)
@@EspenKraft sorry, I meant from the original Roland controller, not the original synth. My mistake
@@EspenKraft Do you know if there are plans to release a mkIII that will allow you to control the parameters that aren't there? I hope so!
It’s probably the best controller option for the alphas, but it costs more than what I paid for my MKS-50! Still just as over priced as the original controller. I use a novation sl zero mk2 I got for $50, and it can also map to many other synths. For example, it also works as a controller for my DW8000. Retro also has a controller solely for the DW8000 that costs just as much as this alpha controller (which is also more than I paid for my DW8000 😬). If this company made a controller that could map different instruments - that would be worth it. Rn I will stick w my weird novation thing. Thanks for review any how 👍
The MPG-50, MPG-70, and DW-8P can all be mapped to control other synths. They all have 8 user maps that you can map to any instrument you want. Also, the DW-8000 was $1600 from Korg. The Juno was $895 from Roland, and the JXs were almost $2000. (And these are in 1985 dollars, mind you, so they'd be almost double these days) I charge what I have to charge based on the costs of manufacturing. I can't peg the cost of a product against the going used price of a 35 year old synth. That's not how manufacturing works. The MPG-50 costs more than half of what I charge for the unit, which in this industry is a pretty standard profit margin. If I made a controller that cost $200, it would have to be made of plastic, have cheaper pots, less features, etc. Then people would complain about all of those things. If I sold my controllers for that, I'd be out of business. Novation and Behringer can sell stuff really cheaply because they make hundreds if not thousands of units at once. Retroaktiv is a company consisting of one man, so that's just not an option.
Got an email note from retro but their comment seems to be deleted - don’t mean to be negative just thinking pragmatic cost - and my DW8000 was $250 in 2018, my MKS-50 was $350 also in 2018. Doesn’t matter how much it cost in 1985, 33 years prior. As mr. Kraft has shown us it is still a BEAST, as well as the Alpha, tho obsolete to some. Didn’t know the retro controllers could be mapped for other gear tho - that is definitely curious! Tho the screen printed parameters may get confusing, I suppose that’s what gaff tape is for. If I didn’t already have the novation I’d consider. Faders are tempting tho. Cheers and thanks again for the content
@@anthonypaloccijr.9243 I agree, that the screen printed params are not ideal for a universal controller. The idea is that you can use my controllers to control the synth that they're supposed to control, then use the AUX channel (The controllers can actually control 2 different synths from one unit, even if one synth is just using one of your user CC maps). So for example, you could have the main layer on the MPG-50 controlling your Alpha Juno, then you could use the AUX layer to control some soft synth. The two layers are independent, so you can switch back and forth between them or you can control both layers at once. I use this feature all the time. It's really convenient. Sorry to be defensive about my prices. This stuff is really expensive to manufacture, and my costs are not at all tied to the cost of a synth made 33 years prior. I have a formula I use to calculate MSRP. It's all directly tied to my costs and what I need to make off of the production run, so I can make more units, and pay myself a little. I always tell people that you can play the same tunes on a cheap casio digital piano or a Bosendorfer. Obviously one is going to be a better experience than the other. A BCR2000 will get the job done, but the MPG-50 will be a better experience. Most of the people buying these are studios, and musicians that care about the performance features of the controller, not just the ability to control the basic synth params. There's also an expansion card planned for these, which holds dozens of banks of Juno sounds, assignable controller configurations, user maps, and combinations of these 3. Since the units firmware can be updated in the field by downloading a MIDI file from my website, the MPG-50 keeps getting new features all the time. That said, I am working on a universal synth controller that's going to be a lot better than just about every other one on the market.
Retroaktiv Synthesizers the universal sounds great! Right - I am interested in the controllers mostly for sound design rather than performance. And I see your controllers and definitely feel they would be a better experience. Will keep a look out for your universal controller. You also always have the best looking designs.
@@retroaktivsynthesizers5075 Hello, what is the status of your universal controller you mentioned here?
This is nice! Considering the current average price of a PG-300, this seems like a much better deal, with all the extra features and the fact that it's new vs. used. Still a bit too expensive, but I understand there's a very limited market for this kind of product.
This looks like an awesome controller, I'll be ordering one. If only they could transplant the internals of a Juno into the controller to make it an all-in-one Synthesizer and Controller.
I think it would be MUCH larger ha-ha ;-)
These oscillators sound very lively for DCOs, I must say.
i recently got a alpha juno2 and this looks like just what i need! im getting by with ctrlr, my own control template in bitwig, and that alpha juno control app , but this looks like it will give me the kind of control id like to get out of the juno.
Shame this controller costs almost the same as what i paid for the juno itself, but its a niche product so i understand. Its something to think about if i ever get enough money :)
thanks for making this vid Mr Kraft, i wouldnt have heard about this controller otherwise!
Thanks for commenting! New made controllers for any old synth is niche, as you point out, and making them will always cost something and ultimately you'll have to decide if you think it'll be worth it to you. :)
Cost effective way is to use iPG-800 on the iPad.
I don't own a Juno, but this programmer is pretty amazing. The ability to control multiple parameters with a single knob is very nice, and the random function is pretty amazing for a hardware controller. And then conversion from Sysex to CC ….. what more could you want? Wish I had something like this for my Ultranova and Venom though - two synths I rarely use because I am spoiled by buttons, knobs, and sliders on all the others.
Amazing timing. I have just been looking at controller options on ebay for my lovely Alpha. Nice option here. Thanks.
The best of both worlds. DCO in conjunction with VCA and VCF.
This thing looks like s3x, very stylish, well laid out clear and logical. The little screens are really nice too. But its a hard sell when you can buy an iPad editor like the excellent iPG800 for $10. Bluetooth to MIDI adapters are cheap too (I already had one).
Thanks for the review I do keep looking at this one as it looks such good quality and well featured so seeing you run through it was fantastic. Unfortunately I do think it’s a little over priced ( for me however that’s partially due to currency conversion & shipping ) so of course thats just my opinion - looks great for a lot of alpha Juno users in Europe though!
Thanks, yes prices will vary based on location and currency I guess.
0:00 - "Hi, I'm Kraft... Kraft-werk"
Want one of these badly for my MKS-50....Espen this is a GREAT video and a nice choice in product. Great video, thanks for making it!
Wow! What an incredibly thorough video. Thank you!
Playing the riff from the Profondo Rosso main title theme made this video for me haha!
Very cute piece of kit that almost makes me wish I'd kept my Alpha-Juno. Almost. It occurs to me that they could have been even more creative by (for example) bundling a MIDI-syncable LFO or three that could modulate the faders using the same CC-to-SysEx mechanism that is employed for DAW integration. Maybe even build in a MIDI-syncable arpeggiator. That would be pretty phenomenal, really, and not hard to do if they redesigned from scratch - I doubt that such functionality could ever be achieved with a mere firmware upgrade.
Profondo Rosso is mandatory ;-)
I think they have some new features coming later, arpeggios and other stuff. Check out their website for updates.
You can modulate the 3 assignable faders of the MPG-50 using mod wheel, breath CC, or aftertouch. To do this, you just need to select the mod source for each of the ASSIGN faders. The firmware can be updated in the field using a midi file, so I have plans to implement some more MIDI features in the future.
check out the synthark MSP-AJxa
That’s insanely cool!!!
WANT
...also want another AJ or MKS-50 to go with it. Super Alpha. Alpha Supreme.
If you get the MKS-50, you can use the MPG-50 to detune the second unit (MKS-50 has detuning available in the patch menu, which is accessible with MPG-50), which is an awesome sound. I've been using MPG-50 with an AJ1 and MKS-50. It literally IS a Super Juno!
Goblin - Profondo Rosso! There's actually a special series of Dario Argento movies at one movie theatre in Helsinki currently. :)
That's awesome! I remember La Scala in London years ago.. ;-)
Cant wait for DW8000 programmer review!
With a programer this is the hands down nicest sounding Juno. I run two mks 50 with pg 300 but i think I'll get one of these programmers. Pg 300 kind of sucks 😊
I think it's worth the money if you have either synth,but, how many AJ-1 owners would buy this. Well-made item, right enough.
It's a good editor but as an owner of two AJ1's I find this product unnecessary. The synthesis structure is basic & simplistic on Alpha Juno's coupled with it's easy alphadial interface system, buying this programmer is a waste of $$ IMO.
You are a lovely person Espen :) Thanks a lot for this rewiew ;)
Thanks for waching! :)
It looks so much nicer than the PG-300.
"I'm Kraft" Hey Espen,we also had a 'Kraft' back in the day here in UK :-)
Not as cool as you,but he was very popular with the ladies!
Him and me seems to have a lot in common then. ;-)
@@EspenKraft Was 'Kraft Margarine' 😁
I grew up in the 70's,analogs ruled the roost!
You played Catch The Fox at the end. Mmmmmmmmm. Yeah.
This looks like it would work beautifully with the new TAL-Pha plugin.
Ehhh honestly, it’s an expensive setup for a synth that has such limitations. I’d upgrade to the Super JX MKS-7O and get the Retroaktiv controller for that. This way you have an analog powerhouse w a lot of polyphony. Great videos, Espen ❤
Cheers!
Have to eat my words from my other account lol. The Juno 2 is brilliant… controlling it from the PG800 app and the patch base editor (both on iPad throu irig-
$30) nice little board!
This is a really feature packed controller and retroaktiv makes great stuff, it's just very... big. I'm using the junoctrl by midi club which does not have these same features but can rest fairly comfortably on the juno2. I also prefer the knobs to faders (reminds me of the pg200.
The original controller for the Alpha, the PG-300 have sliders. ;-)
If you like to spend money, you may buy the PG300 or this clone presented in this video. Otherwise there is a wise and cheap alternative : _Buy an iPad, _Buy a Midi interface for iPad, _Buy the 5$ app iPG800. I'm using iPG800 app with a JX8P and an Alpha Juno. This app is not only way more cheaper than a hardware controler, it has also more functionality. Every sliders moves according to sound settings, when you select a tone.
The app works fine, but some people want hardware and not another screen to stare at. ;-)
@@EspenKraft its working by touching, as it's an ipad app. Like a hardware device, you look at it and you put your fingers on.
@@lambertlambert7076 Oh, I actually have it installed on my iPAD. Don't like it. I want real hardware as much as possible. Can't beat it.
@@lambertlambert7076 true, but the ipad or the like, its ability to work, the software's ability to work with it and so on, it's far from being a thing that you can simply turn on and off, but this same physical item will likely work for 100s of years. Your ipad is doomed here pretty quick. Then you get to rebuild it all again.
It's a really nice controller both in design and features. But it's definitely more expensive than Roland's PG-300 which is stable since many years at around €300,-. And there are other third party controllers e.g. Dtronics DT-300 which is €291. So on the cost side the MPG-50 is an appointment with €350. Considering the fact that there is still some collectors value for the genuine Roland controller I'd chose that one (though it's not a beauty).
No shame in that. Sometimes function win over form, but I too love the original controllers, but many of them are in pretty bad shape now.
A super knob before Yamaha's.. Awesome
How do I get it with my alpha Juno 1? When I go out of the controller into the keyboard, the fader that responds is Glide. Help!
Ask Retroaktiv.
sold!
greetings agent double o 84, cool gadget you have there, nice review
Thanks! :)
FRICKEN AWSOME ESPEN! Didnt know this even existed...have got to get one of these.!!!..that is if i can get one in Australia for my original one owner (Me) as new Alpha Juno 2. PS: Have you tried to get any DX7 (FM) synth bass sounds out of the Alpha? Maybe i just get your sounds huh? LoL. PPS: I think you need to get the rackmount kit for it now😁😎
You can get some DXish sounds from the ALpha, but I prefer to use a DX7 for actual DX basses, they just sit better in the mix if you want that sounds. imo. Thanks! :)
Did anybody change to this from a Midi Club JUNOCTRL?
I am debating between one of these or a DT300 for my Alpha Juno. I can get a DT300 for about $70 less. Is this worth the extra money?
I haven't used the DT300, but the patch generator and assign ability is awesome on the MPG-50.
@@EspenKraft The Retroaktiv site had a 10% off sale I didn't see from the reverb posting. Just picked up an mpg-50 with rack ears and the new memory card slot for a seemingly endless patch library for a damn good price! Super excited for it to arrive
Aspen, can it also control Juno 1 and Jx-8p?
If you mean the Alpha Juno 1, then yes, that's the same as the Alpha. It's not built as a JX-8P controller although it can through, sort of. I recommend you'd get some other Retroaktiv controller for that.
@@EspenKraft thank you so much for the reply. I am undecided weather to buy an Alpha Juno 1 or Jx-8p. Or both. What do you think? Is there anything better in Alpha Juno 1 than Jx-8p, or is 8p superior in every way ?
@@johnnyutah5097 Is Ford better than GM? I can't answer that. You must listen to them both and make up your own decision. ,-)
Ok, got it. Thanks
I also didn't notice any stepping in the parameter changes, which I was kind of expecting w/ only 1-100 values.
Alpha Juno is 0-127 values. Even though the JX8P/MKS70/SJX display 0-99, they're still actually responding to 0-127. I think the 0-99 thing is just so Roland could conserve space on the display. (When you have only 16 characters available, a single character can seem like a lot of real estate.)
@@retroaktivsynthesizers5075 Yes, but I still usually expect to hear some stepping unless it's in the thousands range.
@@xnonsuchx I find that the stepping is only really pronounced on these synths when the resonance setting is above 50%. It's much more noticeable on synths like DW-8000 where there are only 64 steps max (Many parameters have 32 steps or less on that synth). It really depends on the synth and the implementation.
@@retroaktivsynthesizers5075 Can you save the random patch gen sounds if you come across one that you really like? Thanks...
@@gw9194 There's an expansion card coming out for the MPG50, which will allow around 40 banks of tones, setups (snapshot of the whole controller, including assigns)and user cc maps to be stored and named directly on the unit. The cards are available now, but won't be supported until the 3.0 firmware update happens in a few weeks.
Hi, great video as usual! Thanks! I would like to ask how the MPG50 is connected with the Juno 2? I mean, needs a mac/laptop to use it?
Thanks! No, just a midi cable going out of the controller and into the Juno. That's it. If you want to record movements (CC) into the computer you have to expand the connections a little further, but not to just control the Juno.
bottom line is that ALL the sounds are still typical Alpha Juno. I have yet to see anyone create really inspired sounds. I have a few using an ATARI editor for the A Juno back in early 90s/late 80s. Only way to get good sounds is to use outboard FX and layer your recordings.
I make sounds i need in my songs, nothing more.
Hi Aspen...Do you know where the supplier is based? Their website doesnt say. The price they state is $445.00 (on sale) but i dont know what currency it is. Im in Australia.
Yes, they're based in the US.
@@EspenKraft to buy it from Germany will not gonna be cheap I guess
I have no idea ;-)
would love to buy one but i find it too expensive...
Does somebody know how to save Midi Settings on the AJ2 constantly? I don´t want to switch on Midi Excl everytime I start the AJ2 to get it to work with my MPG 50. Thanks in advance :)
This is written on page 33 in the operator manual.
@@EspenKraft Thank you very much! I am really happy know with the MPG 50. The Assigns are highly functional and offer a lot of possibilities.
May I ask unrelated question please? Is there some "de facto" right places in Europe where to look for used / even broken music keyboards and stuff? I am trying to catch some in local (Latvian) online private ads place of course, but i am wondering - what are such places around? Thank You.
I'm from Norway and use mainly two places to look for stuff, as I mostly buy synths, drum machines and samplers locally, or semi-locally as in Norway and Sweden. It's the norwegian Finn.no and the swedish site vend.se both are daily bombarded with used gear, sometimes even broken.
@@EspenKraft, thank you. Btw, i have possibility tomorrow buy Medel M311 for 70 eiros locally. I have no pro requirements whatsoever. Learning and fun hobby. Price sounds fine? (looks so to me)
I have no clue about the Medel. Never used one. Sorry ;-)
@@EspenKraft , I know I am going very weird here but... maybe any Yamaha PSS-680 or 780 for sale cheap? I decided I need to fill this childhoods dream. Especially as I never really left childhood :D :)))
EDIT: never mind, I already ordered one. ;)
I'd probably use this way more than my Dtronics dt-300. In 90% of the cases I end up going with the Ctrlr Panel. :/
9:40 👏
Do you have a controller for the Oberheim Matrix 1000/6?
I don't even own a Matrix 1000.. ;-)
Hi Espen, Is there stepping on the filter using the MPG ? I guess there is some kind of stepping as soon as it is midi (or digitally controlled with 0-127 values) but I was wondering if the MPG adds stepping. thank you!
Not that I feel affects my usage of the filter, but I'm not sure if the MPG itself adds anything. Maybe the manufacturer can elaborate, they comment quite often in here as well. ;)
There are 127 discrete steps for the filter parameters. The MPG-50 doesn't "add steps". Adjusting the cutoff on the MPG-50 is the same as adjusting it using the alpha wheel or a PG-300. No difference. Some synths like the Jupiters (pre midi) would implement 12 or 14 bit resolution on the sliders, but that's not the case on the Junos. They're 7-bit parameters on the AJ, so there are 127 "steps". Hope this helps.
Or you can just pick up a 2nd hand Behringer BCR2000 for ~€100 and program it to send & receive sysex to the alpha. I'm guessing this is basically the same trick with this unit, but pre-programed to work with the alpha.
Of course, but this is so much more elegant, fast and you can control multiple Alphas at the same time. And more. The BCR2000 can't give you that. I know. I have one.
How about including some automation functions, so the Juno could make sounds it normally can't?
Isn't that what I showed with the assign controllers?
@@EspenKraft Sort of. But I thought of a modulation matrix, or more complex envelopes that could trigger more sources. It's software afterall that controls the Juno, so it can do multiple parameters at once with own envelopes and lfos.
Ah, ok. I see. I've spoken with the manufacturer and I think they're interested in tips and ideas for future updates so who knows what might appear down the road.. ;-)
@@doordedeur You'd need to get into modifying the Juno firmware to do what you're talking about. The MPG-50 does allow you to control the ASSIGNs with MIDI. SO you can have the mod wheel, breath cc, or aftertouch cc controlling the ASSIGNs, which basically creates 5 lanes of automation with just one stream of MIDI. I show this in this video. th-cam.com/video/78Nqbp9brag/w-d-xo.html
does this work with all the MKS series
This is made for the Alpha Juno and MKS-50. It's not suitable for the other MKS modules in the series imo. Retroaktiv have other programmers for that.
Love the styling. Looks just like a retro piece of Roland gear. I'd love one for programming the TX802 but I'm choking on the price.
Check out stereo ping controller or alternatively source a second hand Novation remote slmk2 , has fully assignable faders for sysex and is amazing, also has lad readouts for all dials etc.
thanks for making this channel, it is a great resource for me to use. I bought one of these and I use it with MKS50. Is there no way to save patches?
Thanks! Sure, you can save patches in a MKS-50.
@@EspenKraft i see... i was looking on the MPG50 for that, thanks again!
@@s.fleming2441 That ability is coming soon. We're working on a 3.0 OS for the MPG, which will add memory storage, plus many other goodies. The memory storage will only be active though if you have installed the optional MPG-50 memory bank card. This basically adds 50 banks of storage to the MPG.
@@neanalog nice , cant wait for that, and thanks! and also I this product you made! it has made me really really love my MKS 50 when I used to avoid it.
Hi I'm Kraft! James Kraft! 😂😂😂
i can buy an alpha juno for around $575, and then this thing for another $450. is there an advantage of this combo over just a juno 60 or something? i dont like menu diving lol!
Depends on if you want the Juno or the Alpha. ;-)
I have 2 AJs that I use with the MPG-50. This turns the 2 synths into a sort of "super Juno", where you can detune and layer both units and crossfade between them. Huge sound! Juno 60 actually sounds quite a lot different than the AJ, and there are a lot of pretty major differences. One of the coolest things about the AJ is the envelope. It's quite different from your standard ADSR.
@@retroaktivsynthesizers5075 can you easily control both AJs at the same time with the same controller? or do you just unplug and replug it into each juno? then use one juno as a midi controller for the other? interested in this as a way of getting a fatter polysynth!!!
@@ryanmelvey8764 No plugging and unplugging is necessary. You just use the MAIN/AUX button on the MPG-50 to toggle between unit 1, unit 2, or both units simultaneously. Super easy.
Nice controller tho double the price of the BCR2000 from Behringer. How do the two compare?
Absolutely no match for the MPG-50! It wins on knock out in the first round.
@@EspenKraft Thanks Espen I watch a lot of your vids and I know you know what you're talking about! My search for an MPG-50 begins......
I don't know if they've started to come up second hand, but remember it can also be used as a generic controller for other VSTs.
@@EspenKraft I'm seeing a few secondhand here in the NYC area around $400 USD the BCR2000 is running around $200-$220USD
Only you can know what a controller is worth. To you. ;-)
Hey Espen. Great video as usual! Can this control two MKS-50s? Or does one unit have to be a Juno Alpha? Cheers.
Good question, I haven't tried that myself. Shoot the question over to the maker. I'll see if I can get him to check your question and respond himself. ;.)
@@EspenKraft He just replied - any combination of AJ1, AJ2 and MKS-50 is fine. A two oscillator Alpha Juno, you say...? 🤔
@@Bendy2K I have MKS-50 & AJ1, and it is great. I get really beautiful results layering the two of those units.
This little Retroactive box costs $545! Are they kidding? It is more expensive than the Juno itself! Sad
I’m with you 100% lol
much more advanced then the pg 300..
(which i agree is overpriced these days)
but there are other options too..
$450 Does that price seem correct ?
Check their website for prices ;-)
No, it's $415 base-price. You can add wall adapters and 4U rack mounting ears as extras. The $450 price sounds like the cost if you add on the 4U rack kit.
Ipg 800 app for ipad costs next to nothing and controls D50 and alpha junos and others
If you're comfortable using the ipad with all it's quirks, it's great, but not if you're after a tactile experience that only hardware will give you. ;-)
What are you using as the stand for it in this video?
A standard Ultimate Apex Pro column stand.
@@EspenKraft thank goodness I found this, i'v been searching for days for a stand, the closest I found was an ipad stand that would attach to the keyboard stand to hold the controller
These things are great, but ideally they'd come up with the least common deominator of controls and make one that worked with a wide variey of synths, rather than spending all that money for just one synth.
It can be used with any other hardware synth or VST if you just input the right CC for each fader. Didn't you watch the whole video?
@@EspenKraft sorry I didn't. So why do they sell different versions? Is it purely aesthetics?
This controller is primarily made for the Alpha Juno. All the knobs and faders correspond with the internal layout of that synth, but as I showed in the video, setting it up to work with other synths is doable as long as you find a pattern of your own to work with the layout of that synth. So this isn't made to be a generic MIDI controller, but it CAN be. I think many synth players and studio synth recordists will prefer to have a dedicated controller where everything is laid out for that particular synth, I know I would ;-)
@@almightyEsquilax Many people who have purchased these want more than to just "get the job done". Why buy a Steinway when you can play the same song on a cheap Casio? The Behringer BCR2000 is great, but having to use overlays or markers for labeling is a bit ghetto looking. What many people don't realize is that under the hood, there is actually a lot of programming that must go into sending the correct sysex (especially for switched values and other non-sequential values) and displaying the correct settings. The BCR2000 doesn't do any of that. You get the value of the encoder you're turning (0-127) even if you're altering a VCO waveform. It's much nicer to see a sawtooth wave on the screen and not a "3". Why pay for a can opener when you can open a can of tuna like this? th-cam.com/video/sbxKbI9Ik4o/w-d-xo.html
@@neanalog I wasn't thinking about that Behringer thing. More like the Kiwi one. But you all do you. www.kiwitechnics.com/patcheditor.htm
So, did they leave you the controller?
He said he didn't accept any payment for the review, so I'm assuming no freebies.
@@_P_M_ No payment doesn't mean they couldn't leave the thing, I assume.
@@_P_M_ He accepted the controller, so yes there were "freebies".
@@O-.-O He reviewed it. That doesn't mean he didn't pay for it or maybe get a good price on it. Not really sure it matters.
DT300 vs MPG-50 anyone please ?
DT-300 is the same thing as a PG-300. There is a chart on the Retroaktiv website showing the difference between the PG-300 and MPG-50.
Hi , I'm BOnd
James BONd
Спасибо!!++++++
Hmm... this does seem better to interact with than the software controllers. But most the controllers for the Alpha Juno cost almost as much as the synth itself. Hard to justify buying a $400 controller for a $400 synth. >.>
So if the Alpha cost $800 then it would make more sense to buy a $400 controller? Just asking as I can't see the sense in that either. ;-)
Great but not really cheaper than pg-300 :-(
The PG-300 is overpriced in what you get for your money. I never say what neither controller cost.
Look at Juno club controller, very good and has functions this doesn't. Oh, it costs less too. Also you could source a novation remote slmk2 , truly great controller, led for dials, fader readouts, totally programmable for many synths and templates are already out there across the web for free.
@@ogasi1798 I have one but it's cheaply built, this one is a lot more "pro", and Midiclub's offering now costs $310/340 putting it close to this one, too close really.
He tends to put in a lot more functionality vs what the stock controllers have. The random (and surprisingly useful) patch generation is fun, especially for starting points. Not sure if this one has it, but some of his other controllers will eventually have patch storage (basically an expansion to the synth that handles the sysex transfer stuff for you). Controlling two synths at once is also super cool. And the macros/layers are nice.
Some of his other controllers, like the MPG-70 also bring out features of OS upgrades made to the synths in recent years.
Oh, and these have new faders that haven't had 35 years of smoke, beer, and whatever else dumped on them. :)
I have this controller (not yet hooked up), the DW controller (using it with my EX-8000) and just got the MPG-70 controller for my vecoven MKS-70. Paid for all of them myself, and they are awesome. :)
Well the mpg 50 is also overpriced! Even if it is a good hardware it is still as expensive a Juno in a second market...
I guess you could look at it that way. Or you could look at it another way. For $75 more than the other controllers like PG-300 and DT-300, you get a metal instead of a plastic case, a patch generator which gives you an infinite supply of new patches, midi to CC conversion, the assign feature, chord mode, ability to control 2 alphas simultaneously, midi filtering, foot pedal control of any parameter on the alpha, ability to control any 5 parameters on the alpha simultaneously with aftertouch and mod wheel, and the ability to make your own CC maps. I think that's worth the $75.
@@neanalog alpha juno 2 has no chord mode?
You ethics statement is false. If you got the controller for free, then this video is sponsored by retroaktiv. I don't know why you have problem to admit it, since nowadays your videos are sponsored by pcbway.
Everything in my statement is true. Why wouldn't it be?
If you've been following my content you know I always tell the truth. You're basically calling my a lier and that's very rude.
Take your rude behavior elsewhere please.
You seem like you are really upset that nobody is giving you free stuff. FYI, video work is incredibly tedious. A 5 minute video can take days or weeks to produce. "Free" would be if we gave Espen an MPG-50 and said "Have fun! Enjoy it!". It's not free when the deal is that you use the unit to review it and produce a video about it, then you get to keep it. Our work was exchanged for Espen's work. This is such a powerful concept, that the entire global economy is in fact based upon it.
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA...PG 300 300 dollars and the MPG-50 is 415.00 on sale???
What planet is this guy on...plus you and alota other's on youtube are the reason these "Vintage" synths are expensive anyway the Roland Alpha juno is over priced!! it's worth 200 at best for what it is and the voices you get gimme a break.
Maybe a vintage synth is not for you. No biggie.
Yes, for 2/3 the price of MPG-50, you can get 20% of the features. What a deal. When I brought this design to my manufacturer, I told the guys that it was for an old synth, so they ought to give me a 50% discount. For some reason they all laughed! Luckily for you, there's always the trusty iPad app!
@@EspenKraft Maybe answering like a adult is not for you. No biggie.
turn off your phone when recording, I heard it go off.
You'll live ;-)
Ha