Roland might not be too keen on releasing direct hardware reboots of its classic analogue synths, but it is certainly got no problem doing it in software. Roland has introduced the JUNO-60 software synthesizer, the latest software instrument available through Roland Cloud.
Manufactured between 1982 and 1984, and one of the defining synths of that decade, the Juno-60 is a much-loved polysynth with a single DCO, sub-oscillator and VCF. In addition, there is also that famous Juno chorus effect.
The software synth is powered by its ACB (Analog Circuit Behaviour) modelling technology and promises to recreate the original synth’s “odd quirks and charming limitations”. Additionally, there are some new features ; – example, you can choose between the standard Juno-60 filter and the high-pass filter circuit from the Juno-106. Other enhancements include an extended oscillator range and a second envelope. As on the original, you get two chorus modes plus a third ‘secret’ one that’s accessed by pressing both chorus select buttons at the same time, and there is now an extra chorus option based on the sound of the BOSS CE-1 pedal, along with Reverb, delay, flanger and overdrive effects as well.
The JUNO-60 Software Synthesizer can operate as a VST/AU/AAX plugin on PC and Mac. The Juno-60 also supports Roland’s Plug-Out format, meaning that it enable you to use it in the company’s System-8 hardware synth. In addition, you can also use the System-8 or Roland Boutique JU-06/JU-06A to provide hardware control of the plugin.
The JUNO-60 is part of the Roland Cloud Legendary series, which is available on the Ultimate subscription tier of the service. Anyone with a Roland account can also purchase the plugin outright via the Lifetime Keys option for $149.
The JUNO-60 Software Synthesizer is available now via Roland Cloud. Find out more on the Roland Cloud website.
The new Roland Juno-DS76 Synthesizer is portable but has plenty of performance potential. Roland already had 61- and 88-note Juno-DS synths on its roster, and now it is bridging the gap with the launch of the Juno-DS76. If the 61-note model was too small and the 88-note version too large, try this.
The Juno-DS76 features a lightweight design and a 76-note synth-action. Designed for those who want something a little more portable than the Juno-DS88, but still with a keyboard large enough for serious playing and splits, this is a performance-friendly 16-part instrument that contains more than 1,200 patches, 30 drum kits and 64 performances. There are effects and a pattern sequencer, and if you hook the keyboard up to a computer over USB, you can engage DAW control mode.
For keyboardists who mostly play organ, synth, and other sounds, the Roland Lightweight, 76-note Weighted-action Keyboard with Pro Sounds provides increased playing comfort when different sounds are assigned to the upper and lower note ranges. The keys are also a little longer than a standard synth keyboard, offering a playing feel that is smooth and consistent no matter where the key is pressed. And with a weight of just 15.25 lb, the JUNO-DS76 is much more portable than typical 76-note synths.
Roland have newly announced the Roland FA07. The music workstation keyboard with ultra-intuitive workflow is now available in 76-key format. The new Roland FA-07 Music Workstation joins the FA-06 and FA-08 to the seminal Music Workstation family. The entire FA Music Workstation series of keyboards received a major update with the release of Version 2.0 software. And, all new FA keyboards now come with a free version of Ableton’s Live 9 Lite music production software for Mac and PC.
The Roland FA-07 features a 76-note, velocity-sensitive keyboard with semi-weighted action. Like all the FA Music Workstation keyboards, it includes 2,000+ sounds, wave sound expansion slots, Roland amazing SuperNATURAL synth engine; a 16-track sequencer; 16 pads; extensive onboard effects; groove sampling; DAW control; USB connectivity; advanced performance control options including D-Beam, Rhythm Pattern, Chord Memory, and Arpeggiator; audio export of sequences to SDHC cards; guitar/mic and line-in jacks; dedicated input reverb; MIDI communication with iPad; and many more!
An integrated sequencer offers simple operation and non-stop loop recording, and you can easily export tracks for further development with your DAW.
In addition, the Version 2.0 system software update for the FA Music Workstation series includes new functionality requested by FA users. The new Tone Remain function allows users to switch sounds seamlessly, with no notes or effect tails being unnaturally cut off. Another new enhancement is master control functionality, which has now been added to studio sets. This enables users to assign and send out a variety of MIDI messages, letting them reconfigure the FA and multiple external devices with one command. Version 2.0 is included in all new Roland FA instruments, and is also available as a user-installable update for current owners. The new Roland FA-07 will be available in July 2017.
provides increased playing comfort when different sounds are assigned to the upper and lower note ranges. The keys are also a little longer than a standard synth keyboard, offering a playing feel that is smooth and consistent no matter where the key is pressed. And with a weight of just 15.25 lb, the 
