JUNO-106

Simply iconic.

The only 100-percent authentic JUNO-106 plug-in.

Introduced in 1984 as an affordable polysynth for the masses, the JUNO-106 surpassed its humble beginnings to become one of the most beloved instruments of all time—and for good reason. It delivers gut-punching basses, delicate plucked sounds, and shimmering pads that sit perfectly in a mix, and its built-in chorus is the stuff of legend. With the JUNO-106 Software Synthesizer, Roland brings the authentic sound and experience of this ’80s icon to the studio and favorite DAW.

You always remember your first love.

For a lot of people, the JUNO-106 was their first real synthesizer, and they feel a lifelong affinity for it. Some still have their original unit, while others deeply regret selling it, feeling it was “the one that got away.” Today, original JUNO-106 keyboards are highly sought after by synth fans and perennial favorites of modern producers in a wide range of styles.

What makes a JUNO?

The JUNO formula of a single DCO, fat sub-oscillator, and characterful VCF—and, of course, the massive swirling chorus—adds up to a sound you can’t help but love. This deceptively simple architecture, along with an easily approachable workflow, means great sounds pour out with seemingly no effort. The JUNO sound is heard on innumerable hit tracks and helped define genres like synthwave, synth-pop, new wave, and more. Over the decades, it has transcended beyond being just a synthesizer—it’s a JUNO.

Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB).

Roland has used its proprietary circuit modeling technology to bring the JUNO-106 to life in the DAW or SYSTEM-8. The ACB process involves carefully analyzing original hardware units, circuit diagrams, and other historical data. Roland then uses this information to recreate the authentic circuit behaviors of the vintage instrument, including all the beloved quirks and instabilities. This is what gives the JUNO-106 Software Synthesizer its breathtakingly lifelike sound and unique character.

Recreating an icon.

While developing the JUNO-106 plug-in, Roland felt it was important not to veer too far from the original’s elegant simplicity and carefully balanced magic. But Roland couldn’t resist adding a few modern touches, like making it velocity sensitive, extending the oscillator range, and adding a second envelope and onboard arpeggiator for extra flexibility. The LFO, arpeggiator, and effects conveniently sync to tempo, and the plug-in fits perfectly into any production environment with a freely resizable, high-definition UI and support for VST3, AAX, and AU formats.

Adjust to taste.

Vintage synths like the JUNO-106 had internal trim controls that allowed technicians to tweak various analog components when they drifted out of spec. But sometimes, “out of spec” created a sound that was unique, interesting, or extraordinary. Realized through Roland’s latest ACB advancements, the newly added Circuit Mod function lets users sweep through multiple trims using a single macro control. Along with the Condition parameter, which simulates the effects of aging, users can dial in everything from a factory-primed JUNO-106 to a road-worn synth that hasn’t seen a tech bench in decades.

A resounding chorus.

A huge part of the JUNO sound is its insanely lush chorus circuit. The software version has two selectable chorus modes like the original, which are modeled in detail along with the inherent (but now adjustable) noise that most JUNO fans would say is part of its charm. Taking things further, Roland has provided additional chorus options along with a selection of equally luscious reverb, delay, flanger, and overdrive effects.

Feel free to browse.

The sophisticated browser lets users explore the JUNO-106’s stunning collection of factory presets, custom sounds, and patches downloaded from Roland Cloud. Users can search across all installed patch banks, sort results, rate favorites, jot down notes, and make quick adjustments with the integrated tweak panel.

Turn the SYSTEM-8 into a JUNO-106.

The JUNO-106 Software Synthesizer offers full integration with the SYSTEM-8 keyboard. Users can change the JUNO-106’s plug-in panel to match the SYSTEM-8 for intuitive, one-to-one control. Or use the PLUG-OUT functionality to turn the SYSTEM-8 into a standalone JUNO-106 that can be played in the studio or on stage.

Features

• Authentic recreation of the JUNO-106 synthesizer, powered using enhanced ACB technology
• High-definition, resizable interface gives the feel of working with the vintage hardware
• Adjustable polyphony, selectable from two to eight notes
• Circuit Mod function lets you tweak the sonic character in real time
• Extended parameters, advanced arpeggiator, onboard effects, and more
• Lush chorus effect plus classic reverb, flanger, delay, overdrive, and more
• Integrated browser lets you search across all installed patch banks
• Includes classic patches plus new sounds for contemporary music
• PLUG-OUT compatibility with the SYSTEM-8 hardware synth
• VST3, AU, and AAX compatibility and native support for Apple silicon