The Roland JUNO-60 helped define the sound of the ‘80s and is highly prized for its vintage vibe and unmistakable character. Simply put, it’s the sound you hear in your head when you think of fat, punchy analog synthesizers. With the JUNO-60 Software Synthesizer, you get the full authentic experience of this legendary keyboard in a modern software instrument.

The JUNO-60 was among the earliest models in Roland’s iconic JUNO series, and it still tops many synth aficionado’s lists of all-time favourites. Released in 1982 to replace the JUNO-6, it improved on its predecessor with a then-rare ability to save patches. While the next-generation JUNO-106 would further popularise the JUNO name, the JUNO-60 has a characteristic fatness and hi-fi punch that remains eternally desirable to musicians and producers everywhere.

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 just pour out with seemingly no effort. Tried and true and heard on innumerable tracks over the decades, the sound of the Roland JUNO has transcended beyond being just a synthesizer—it’s a JUNO.

In the decades since they released the original JUNO-60, they’ve continued their deep research into the science of sound and synthesis. Their proprietary ACB (Analog Circuit Behaviour) technology is behind the startlingly accurate sound of the JUNO-60 Software Synthesizer and other Legendary series plug-ins. It involves carefully modelling the actual analog circuits of their iconic designs for sound so lifelike it makes the hair on your neck stand up.

Vintage synths like the JUNO-60 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. Realised through latest ACB advancements, the newly added Circuit Mod function lets you sweep through multiple trims using a single macro control. Along with the Condition parameter, which simulates the effects of ageing, you can dial in everything from a factory-primed JUNO-60 to a road-worn synth that hasn’t seen a tech bench in decades.

In designing the JUNO-60 Software Synthesizer, it was important to not veer too far from the original’s carefully balanced magic—including its odd quirks and charming limitations. But they couldn’t resist adding a few touches like extending the oscillator range and adding a second envelope for a little extra flexibility. It’s still a JUNO-60, just…more.

You can’t overstate how much filters contribute to the sound of a synthesizer. Roland filters are well known for having a lot of character, and the JUNO-60’s filter is a prime example. You could apply all kinds of adjectives to its sound—sweet, fat, juicy—and you wouldn’t be wrong. The JUNO-60 Software Synthesizer models the original filter to perfection, and even includes the ability to switch to the JUNO-106’s HPF circuit with its characteristic bass bump.

A huge part of the JUNO sound is its insanely lush chorus circuit. Like the original, the software version has two selectable chorus modes, plus a third “secret” mode accessed by engaging both buttons at the same time. This behaviour is modelled in detail, along with the inherent noise that most JUNO fans would say is part of its charm. Taking things further, added another chorus option with the classic BOSS CE-1 pedal, along with a selection of equally luscious reverb, delay, flanger, and overdrive effects.

Expert sound designers have filled the JUNO-60 Software Synthesizer with loads of mix-ready preset tones to get you going. From basses and leads to pads and plucks, there’s a treasure trove of impactful, evocative sounds to inspire new music and build tracks quickly.

Roland Cloud is the only authentic software resource for the true JUNO-60 sound. While the original hardware version is scarce, expensive, and in need of frequent tune-ups, the plug-in is always up-to-date and ready to play, whenever you need it.

The JUNO-60 also supports a PLUG-OUT format for extended operation with the Roland SYSTEM-8 hardware synth. Parameters are automatically mapped to the SYSTEM-8’s controls, giving you a full-featured JUNO-60 that you can take to the stage without a computer. And for DAW-focused workflows, it’s possible to use the SYSTEM-8 or a Roland Boutique JU-06/JU-06A for one-to-one, hands-on control of the JUNO-60 plug-in.

Features

• Authentic recreation of the JUNO-60 synthesizer, powered using enhanced ACB technology
• Classic filter sound with switchable JUNO-60/JUNO-106 high-pass filter voicing
• Luscious JUNO chorus, plus classic CE-1, reverb, flanger, tempo delay, and overdrive effects
• Circuit Mod function lets you tweak the sonic character in real time
• Available polyphony increased to eight (or keep it old school and limit it to six or less)
• Two fully adjustable envelopes
• Condition knob to adjust the age characteristics of the virtual hardware
• Original fast-and-effective arpeggiator design
• High-definition, resizable interface gives the feel of working with the vintage hardware
• Integrated browser lets you search across all installed patch banks
• VST3, AU, and AAX compatibility and native support for Apple silicon
• PLUG-OUT compatibility with the SYSTEM-8 hardware synth
• Pre-mapped for one-to-one control from the SYSTEM-8, JU-06, and JU-06A hardware

For more information, please visit the manufacturer's website.