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Average Price: $417
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$500
$1501+
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Description
Unleash your musical creativity with the Roland Alpha Juno-2, an iconic analog polyphonic synthesizer from the golden era of synths. Born in 1986, this vintage gem is celebrated for its innovative use of digitally controlled oscillators harmoniously paired with analog filters. The standout feature is its unique, user-friendly alpha dial that effortlessly controls multiple parameters, making your sound design process smooth and enjoyable. The Alpha Juno-2 goes a step further by offering an extended 61-key velocity-sensitive keyboard and a slot for an external memory card, opening up a world of possibilities for your music production.
Key Features:
- Analog polyphonic synthesizer
- Unique Alpha Dial for controlling multiple parameters
- MIDI In, Out, and Thru functionality
- Digitally controlled oscillators paired with analog filters
- Extended velocity-sensitive 61-key keyboard
- Slot for an external memory card
Product specs
| Brand | Roland |
| Model | Alpha Juno-2 61-Key Programmable Polyphonic Synthesizer |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1985 - 1988 |
| Categories | Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Analog |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Synth Action |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through |
| Number of Keys | 61 Keys |
| Polyphony | 6 Voices |
FAQs
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Is the Roland Alpha Juno-2 suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Roland Alpha Juno-2 is suitable for live performances, thanks to its 61 velocity and aftertouch-sensitive keys, allowing expressive playability. Its polyphonic capabilities and programmable features enable versatile sound options on stage.
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How does the sound of the Roland Alpha Juno-2 compare to other synthesizers?
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The Roland Alpha Juno-2 offers a distinctive sound with its analog architecture, featuring a single oscillator with PWM and a resonant low-pass filter. It is known for its warm, rich tones and the iconic "hoover" sound, making it unique among synthesizers of its era.
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Can the Roland Alpha Juno-2 be integrated into a modern MIDI setup?
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Yes, the Roland Alpha Juno-2 can be integrated into a modern MIDI setup, as it includes MIDI Input, Output, and Through ports, allowing it to communicate with other MIDI-compatible devices and software.
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What are the standout features of the Roland Alpha Juno-2's sound engine?
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The standout features of the Roland Alpha Juno-2's sound engine include its 6-voice polyphony, single oscillator with saw/pulse/square waveforms, and a rich chorus effect, which together provide a wide range of sound possibilities.
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Does the Roland Alpha Juno-2 have built-in effects?
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Yes, the Roland Alpha Juno-2 includes a built-in chorus effect, which enhances its sound by adding depth and richness, a signature feature of many Roland synthesizers from that era.
Videos
Espen Kraft
Roland Alpha Juno 2 | The best Roland synth ever?
Reviews
PROS
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Characterful sound, blending digital control with analog warmth
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Comparable to high-end Oberheims in sound quality
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Excellent for pads, basses, and versatile sound production
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Remarkable filter quality, even with a digital oscillator
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Under-appreciated, offering unique sounds beside DX-7 dominated era
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Offers MIDI integration, enhancing versatility
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Slim-line design with great keybed action for comfortable play
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Presents a cost-effective alternative to pricier Juno 106 and 60 models
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Simplistic programming appealing for ease of use
CONS
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Keys may become silent with age, requiring maintenance
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Limited budget poly-synth with no sliders, affecting tactile sound control
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Editing can be cumbersome, complicating sound customization
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland Alpha Juno-2.
Mods and upgrades
Features and functionality
Software and compatibility
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A BCR 2000 is favored for affordability with a "midi learn" function, allowing users to map Juno 2 controls despite its menu-based interface.
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An RK002 cable is capable of advanced functions, offering unexpected utility beyond initial expectations for Juno 2 users.
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iPad apps and aftermarket controllers are reported effective in managing the Alpha Juno 2's interface challenges.
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Use cases and applications
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The Alpha Juno 2 is highlighted as a top choice for rave music, contrary to assumptions about its envelope speed limitations.
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User experience
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The Alpha Juno 2 is praised for its ability to easily blend into a mix with minimal effort, making it a favorite among various Juno models.
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Comparisons
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The Alpha Juno 2 is likened to a hybrid of the JX-10 and Juno-106, offering a unique sound profile.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 40 Ratings
133
Great sounding analog polysynth
Very underrated - much similar to Juno 106. Programming is simple but editing is cumbersome. Highly recommendable if you´re looking for a cheap analog 80s polysynth.
68
Great analog poly
Very underrated synth from the 80's. It's a great cheaper alternative to the insane prices for Juno 106 and 60's.
Artist usage
Add artistList of equipment used on the album Universal:
SYNTHS • Emu Proteus 1 (x2) • Emu Proteus 2 (x2) • Emu Proteus World • Emu Classic Keys • Korg M1R • Korg O3R/W • Oberheim Matrix 6R • Oberheim Matrix 1000 • Quasimidi Quasar • Roland Alpha Juno 2 • Roland D550 • Roland JD800 • Roland JV1080 (with Orchestral, Vintage Synth, Piano, and World expansion boards) • Roland JX8P • Roland MKS30 • Yamaha DX7S • Yamaha TX81Z (x2)
SAMPLERS • Akai S1100 • Akai S1100EX
RECORDING • Alesis Quadraverb • Digitech Vocalist (hired) • Fairchild compressors • Focusrite EQ • Opcode Studio 4 MIDI interface • Pultec EQP1A EQ • Urei 1176 compressors
COMPUTERS & SOFTWARE • Apple Macintosh Quadra 650 • Digidesign Pro Tools II & 442 interface • Digidesign Sound Tools II • Emagic Logic Audio v2.5.3
Youth professes an affection for analogue keyboards and a strong dislike of FM synthesis. "I don't like modern keyboards too much. I leave them to jingle writers. Those modern sounds are so associative of those advertising images that I prefer to stay well away from them. But of course they end up using your music anyway [laughs]." The only modern keyboard which has his approval is the Roland JD800, because of its "analogue versatility. It's hands-on, direct communication with the machine, rather than numerical, mathematical communication. You can change the sounds very quickly. One of the most important things with equipment is how much time they take to use and program." Hence the presence of keyboards like Alpha Juno 2, Juno 106, Oberheim OB-X (MIDI), SH101 + MCV, Korg MS1, Proteus, Proteus World, plus of course the JD800 in the main studio in the basement. There are also the well tested TR808 and 909, plus Akais S1000 and S1100.
Nowadays the Western Works is furnished with machines of an altogether different calibre. The workhorse is E-mu's SP12 sampling drum machine, which Kirk used to sample and sequence up most of the rhythm tracks for Code. Further sampling power is provided by the Emax, sequenced by the Korg SQD1 which is synced to the SP12 and a trusty TR808 with a Roland SBX90. And if this little lot isn't enough, an adjoining room contains an Alpha Juno 2 and a DX7 to be called upon when required: usually to provide synth bass samples for the SP12. With a six-foot high rack of effects to one side of the mixing desk and a 2" 24-track machine to the side of that, the Cabs have everything they need to produce master quality recordings just as and when it suits them.
Richard played the Alpha Juno 2 on the two Zoom PBS concerts in 2001. And the synth in the foreground (to his left) looks like a Roland RS-5.
"I tried to take the technique even further for Donkey Kong Country 2, using a Roland Juno-2 Synthesiser and sampling waveforms multiple times with different filter cut-off and resonance settings. We didn't have the memory to use midi, so again I typed in HEX sub-routines to put the waveforms back in the desired order, with the desired envelopes, pitch, lfo, and delayed offset information. Also, I discovered that, when cutting off the end of single cycle waveforms, in order to save memory, desirable artefacts were introduced such as subtle distortion and harmonics."
In a Telerama video titled "Arnaud Rebotini, dans son studio," Arnaud Rebotini can be seen using the Roland Alpha Juno-2 synthesizer.
In this pads/strings shoot out Espen compares the Elka EK22, Korg DW-8000, Roland JX-8P, Alpha Juno and Juno 6.
Per 5Mag.net Sept 10, 2019:
I had a small handful of equipment at the time I was doing Hardwax and Axis stuff, a small four track mixer, a Roland 909, a Roland SH-101 and a Juno 2. That was it.
The attached proof is Ryan's YouTube channel description, where he mentions his use of the Juno-2.
Eric Persing has had a unique and influential relationship with Roland Corp for two decades. He started as a product demonstrator in 1984, showing some of Roland's first MIDI instruments. He quickly became involved in the R&D side with Roland Japan, earning the title "Chief Sound Designer", and began contributing his design ideas, real-world studio experience and sound design expertise. Persing's skills have left their mark on countless classic Roland instruments.
He is the originator of many legendary Roland sounds that have become part of the vocabulary and lexicon of musical sound. These include the Factory D-50 sounds such as Fantasia, Soundtrack and Digital Native Dance, a majority of the JV/XP/XV series Classics, all the Factory JD-800 sounds, the original Juno "Hoover" sound and thousands of others.
Here is a partial list of the Roland instruments that Eric has contributed his sound design, sampling and design consulting skills:
Juno-106 Alpha Juno 1&2 JX-3P JX-8P JX-10 Jupiter 6 Super Jupiter D-50 D-550 D-110 D-10 D-20 D-70 MT-32 U-110 U-20 U-220 Sound Canvas JD-800 JD-990 JV-80 JV-90 JV-1000 JV-1080 JV-2080 XP-10 XP-50 XP-60 XP-80 XV-3080 XV-5050 XV-5080 Fantom JP-8000 JP-8080 S-10 S-220 S-50 S-550 S-770 S-760 S-750 MC-303 MC-500 MC-505 VP-9000 MSQ-700 MSQ-100 MKS-20 MKS-30 MKS-50 MKS-70 MKS-80 R-8 R-5 DR-660 DR-770 R-70 V-Drums V-Drums expansion board SRV-2000 DEP-5 RSP-550 R-880 SRV-330 SE-50 SE-70 VS-880 VS-1680 SR-JV series expansion boards SRX series expansion boards Sound Canvas Project series CD-ROM libraries Archives series CD-ROM libraries Composers series CD-ROM libraries
Album Usage
The Roland Alpha Juno-2 has been featured on the following albums:
Дискотека / Discoteque
Molchat Doma (2020)
Donkey Kong Country: Piano + Player 2
David Wise (2019)
Woman
Justice (2016)
Avalanche / Lemonade
Boys Noize & Erol Alkan (2010)
Zoom
Electric Light Orchestra (2001)
You've Come A Long Way Baby
Fatboy Slim & The BPA & Norman Cook (1998)
Universal
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (1996)
Charly
The Prodigy & The Prodigy (1991)
Code
Cabaret Voltaire (1987)
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Roland Alpha Juno-2, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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