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Average Price: $417

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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

Is the Roland Alpha Juno-2 suitable for live performances?

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.

How does the sound of the Roland Alpha Juno-2 compare to other synthesizers?

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.

Can the Roland Alpha Juno-2 be integrated into a modern MIDI setup?

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.

What are the standout features of the Roland Alpha Juno-2's sound engine?

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.

Does the Roland Alpha Juno-2 have built-in effects?

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.

Espen Kraft

Espen Kraft

Roland Alpha Juno 2 | The best Roland synth ever?

Video thumbnail for Roland Alpha Juno 2 | The best Roland synth ever? by Espen Kraft

Roland Alpha Juno 2 | The best Roland synth ever?

Espen Kraft

Espen Kraft

Video thumbnail for Roland Alpha-Juno 2 Polyphonic Synthesizer Demo by Perfect Circuit

Roland Alpha-Juno 2 Polyphonic Synthesizer Demo

Perfect Circuit

Perfect Circuit

Video thumbnail for Alpha Juno-2: That Hoover Synth! by Alex Ball

Alpha Juno-2: That Hoover Synth!

Alex Ball

Alex Ball

Video thumbnail for ROLAND Alpha JUNO-2 Demo & Review [English Captions] by musictrackjp

ROLAND Alpha JUNO-2 Demo & Review [English Captions]

musictrackjp

musictrackjp

Video thumbnail for BRILLIANT BUT FATALLY FLAWED // ROLAND Alpha Juno 2 // 80'S CLASSIC SYNTH // Full Walkthrough by Starsky Carr

BRILLIANT BUT FATALLY FLAWED // ROLAND Alpha Juno 2 // 80'S CLASSIC SYNTH // Full Walkthrough

Starsky Carr

Starsky Carr

Video thumbnail for Roland Alpha Juno 2 Demo | No Talking | by DKS SYNTH LAB

Roland Alpha Juno 2 Demo | No Talking |

DKS SYNTH LAB

DKS SYNTH LAB

Video thumbnail for Roland Alpha Juno-2 | I like it too much by Espen Kraft

Roland Alpha Juno-2 | I like it too much

Espen Kraft

Espen Kraft

Video thumbnail for Is It Worth It?: Roland Alpha Juno-2 by Alamo Music Sound Lab

Is It Worth It?: Roland Alpha Juno-2

Alamo Music Sound Lab

Alamo Music Sound Lab

Video thumbnail for Roland Alpha Juno 2 | All 64 factory sounds by Pat's Corner of the Universe

Roland Alpha Juno 2 | All 64 factory sounds

Pat's Corner of the Universe

Pat's Corner of the Universe

Video thumbnail for Roland Alpha Juno 2 - No Knobs No Trouble by Glenn Main

Roland Alpha Juno 2 - No Knobs No Trouble

Glenn Main

Glenn Main

Reviews

PROS

  • Characterful sound, blending digital control with analog warmth

  • Comparable to high-end Oberheims in sound quality

  • Excellent for pads, basses, and versatile sound production

  • Remarkable filter quality, even with a digital oscillator

  • Under-appreciated, offering unique sounds beside DX-7 dominated era

  • Offers MIDI integration, enhancing versatility

  • Slim-line design with great keybed action for comfortable play

  • Presents a cost-effective alternative to pricier Juno 106 and 60 models

  • Simplistic programming appealing for ease of use

CONS

  • Keys may become silent with age, requiring maintenance

  • Limited budget poly-synth with no sliders, affecting tactile sound control

  • 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

  • Owners recommend the retroaktiv MPG50 for its macro controls and random patch generator, although it's priced similarly to the Alpha Juno 2 itself.

    Source
  • DIY MIDI SysEx controller is praised for its affordability and functionality, similar to Stereoping but at a third of the cost.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The "brilliance" control on the Alpha Juno 2 simultaneously adjusts PWM, LPF, and HPF, offering smoother sweeps compared to traditional knobs.

    Source
  • A DIY MIDI SysEx controller offers a hands-on approach, enhancing the user experience for those who enjoy electronics and soldering projects.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • A BCR 2000 is favored for affordability with a "midi learn" function, allowing users to map Juno 2 controls despite its menu-based interface.

    Source
  • An RK002 cable is capable of advanced functions, offering unexpected utility beyond initial expectations for Juno 2 users.

    Source
  • iPad apps and aftermarket controllers are reported effective in managing the Alpha Juno 2's interface challenges.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Alpha Juno 2 is highlighted as a top choice for rave music, contrary to assumptions about its envelope speed limitations.

    Source

User experience

  • 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.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Alpha Juno 2 is likened to a hybrid of the JX-10 and Juno-106, offering a unique sound profile.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Alpha Juno 2 is considered an affordable alternative on the second-hand market compared to the pricier Juno 60, despite its lesser popularity.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Roland Alpha Juno 1 & 2

soundonsound.com

The Roland Alpha Juno-2 is a well-constructed analogue synth, with improvements like velocity and aftertouch sensitivity, but its lack of extreme filter resonance and self-oscillation limits its sound capabilities. Its sophisticated DCOs and diverse waveforms offer some digital-like timbres, yet its single oscillator per voice can be restrictive. Despite its features and affordable price, it never gained the popularity of its predecessors, possibly due to a lack of endorsement and timing within the market's shift towards digital technology. However, for the adventurous musician, it's a reliable, flexible instrument worth exploring.

Roland Alpha Juno 2 – An Underrated Classic? – Synthtopia

synthtopia.com

The Roland Alpha Juno 2 is an '80s synth that didn't initially shine amidst the digital craze but has gained recognition for its rich pads, warm basses, and smooth leads. While it's praised for its solid keybed and aftertouch, the synth suffers from menu-diving frustrations. Critics argue it's sometimes overrated, especially when compared to contemporaries like the Korg DW-8000. Despite its digital DCOs, the Juno 2 holds its own against modern synths. However, a good MIDI controller is essential to unlock its potential. Overall, it's a durable, nostalgic piece that appeals to synth enthusiasts, albeit with some reservations.

Roland Alpha Juno-2 (IM Mar 86)

muzines.co.uk

The Roland Alpha Juno-2 impresses with its responsive 61-note velocity and aftertouch-sensitive keyboard, significant sound design capabilities, and user-friendly features like the Alpha Wheel for parameter editing. While the additional RAM cartridge facility is a bit costly, it offers quick access to custom sounds, enhancing its performance appeal. If you're building a larger MIDI system, the Juno-1 might offer better value, but for a robust performance synthesizer, the Juno-2 delivers excellent sound quality and playability, making it a worthy investment at £779.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 40 Ratings

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thomashaahr

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.

jacob_gann

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.

tomahawk

Haven't gotten to know this guy yet but I have a feeling were going to hit it off.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Andy McCluskey uses Roland Alpha Juno-2

Andy McCluskey

Singer, Guitarist

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

...
Verified via Archive

List 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

See how Birgir Þórarinsson uses Roland Alpha Juno-2

Birgir Þórarinsson

Music Producer

GusGus

...
Verified via MusicRadar

"I managed to pick up a Juno 2, a TR-505, an SH-101."

See how Martin Glover uses Roland Alpha Juno-2

Martin Glover

Bassist, Music Producer

Killing Joke

...
Verified via Muzines

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.

See how Richard H. Kirk uses Roland Alpha Juno-2

Richard H. Kirk

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Cabaret Voltaire

...
Verified via Muzines

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.

See how Richard Tandy uses Roland Alpha Juno-2

Richard Tandy

Guitarist, Bassist

Electric Light Orchestra

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how David Wise uses Roland Alpha Juno-2

David Wise

Composer

...
Verified via Squareenixmusic

"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."

See how Arnaud Rebotini uses Roland Alpha Juno-2

Arnaud Rebotini

Black Strobe

...
Verified via YouTube

In a Telerama video titled "Arnaud Rebotini, dans son studio," Arnaud Rebotini can be seen using the Roland Alpha Juno-2 synthesizer.

See how Espen Kraft uses Roland Alpha Juno-2

Espen Kraft

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this pads/strings shoot out Espen compares the Elka EK22, Korg DW-8000, Roland JX-8P, Alpha Juno and Juno 6.

See how Pete Cannon uses Roland Alpha Juno-2

Pete Cannon

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 14:24 he talks about how he uses the Alpha Juno 2.

See how Robert Hood uses Roland Alpha Juno-2

Robert Hood

Music Producer, DJ

Underground Resistance

...
Verified via 5 Magazine

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.

See how Ryan Lerman uses Roland Alpha Juno-2

Ryan Lerman

Guitarist, Bassist

Scary Pockets

...
Verified via YouTube

The attached proof is Ryan's YouTube channel description, where he mentions his use of the Juno-2.

See how Eric Persing uses Roland Alpha Juno-2

Eric Persing

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Spectrasonics

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

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.

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similar sound cheaper alternative

ReDominator is a software emulation of the Roland Alpha Juno series.

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