Today, Behringer has shared their official intro for the JN-80 – their ‘supercharged’ take on the Roland Juno-60. It’s now available to pre-order at some retailers.
The Behringer JN-80 copies the look and architecture of the Juno-60, but offers 8-voice polyphony, vs the original’s 6-voice polyphony. It also reduces the size of the synth to fit into the Deepmind 12 form-factor and uses a 4-octave keyboard, instead of the 5-octave keyboard of the original.
Notably, the JN-80 offers a keyboard with polyphonic aftertouch, extending the performance options of the synth beyond the original.
Features:
Analog polyphonic synthesizer based on Roland Juno 60
Analog signal path based on DCO, 3109 VCF and 662 VCA designs
8 polyphonic voices with discrete oscillators featuring saw, square and pulse width waveforms
24 dB lowpass filter based on discrete 3109 circuitry with resonance and positive/negative envelope control
Unison, double or poly modes
Multi-stage BBD chorus
49 semi-weighted full-size keys featuring poly aftertouch and velocity sensitivity
Sub-oscillator with one octave down
Global noise generator
Arpeggiator with manual and external tempo control plus up, down and up-down modes
LFO to control pulse width modulation, pitch and filter cutoff
LCD display with encoder for rapid menu parameter editing
Assignable preset recall switches for program selection
256 user program memories with “compare and match” feature to quickly match all analog controls to values stored in program
Polyphonic portamento
Spring-loaded pitch and modulation wheels
CV/pedal inputs for connection to expression pedals and footswitches
MIDI implementation (including NRPN/CC control of all parameters and bulk load/save)
The Behringer JN-80 is available to pre-order, priced at $569 USD outside the US. Behringer doesn’t list a US price, but expect it to be around 30% higher, because of the current tariffs.
Electronic Music Works (EMW) shared these sneak previews of the WCS-X, a new desktop monophonic synthesizer design that they say is “All about the Sound!”
It’s a hybrid design, combing digital oscillators with an analog signal path.
Here’s what they have to say about it:
“It follows the spirit of the original WCS, offering immediate hands-on control, bold character, and zero dependence on computers or deep menus. There is no patch memory by design. Sounds are shaped in real time, with all essential controls always within reach.
The WCS-X uses digital oscillators at its sound source, while the entire shaping and response is handled in the analog domain, with analog VCF, VCA, ADSR, and an analog LFO dedicated to filter cutoff modulation. A second, independent digital LFO is used for oscillator pitch modulation.
‘These analog circuits have been refined over more than 15 years, resulting in a distinctive, punchy voice with a gritty and acid edge. Users often describe the sound as digital with an analog punch, sometimes hinting at Synclavier-like vibes, while remaining true to the original WCS identity.”
They shared an update with the latest firmware and features:
The EMW WCS-X synthesizer is still in development, and is expected to be available ‘soon’. Details on pricing and availability are to be announced.
Launch Control XL’s first major firmware update is now available.
Novation has released an update for the Launch Control XL 3 control surface, adding deeper customization, support for more DAWs and more.
New in Launch Control XL 3 v1.1:
Mackie HUI support: Launch Control XL 3 now supports additional DAWs — including Pro Tools, Reaper, and Studio One — right out the box.
Expanded MIDI routing: With flexible USB-to-DIN MIDI passthrough, it’s now easy to configure hybrid setups with merged control data and channel filtering.
Encoder acceleration curves: Adjust how the encoders respond for more precise, expressive control.
Fader pickup: Smooth out transitions to prevent disruptive changes while mixing or performing.
Fader preview: Press Shift and move any fader to see the parameter value without altering it.
Faster Custom Mode selection: Just hold down the Mode button, select a Custom Mode, and release it to get back to your flow.
Launch Control XL 3 v1.1 is available now as a free update.
