Roland Juno-X 61-key Synthesizer
- 61 Slightly weighted keys, velocity-sensitive and with aftertouch
- 4 Synthesizer parts and 1 rhythm part
- Juno-X synthesizer model with Super Saw oscillator, velocity, Chorus III effect, and other features
Roland Juno-X Review
Roland has unveiled the Juno-X, the newest evolution of their classic Juno synthesizer. This latest model features a brand-new ZEN-Core powered sound engine with a Super Saw waveform, along with faithfully recreated sounds from iconic Roland gear.
The Juno-X sports a 61-note keyboard with channel aftertouch and a familiar, hands-on control panel inspired by the original 1980s instruments. You can layer up to four tones at once and take advantage of a wide range of modern effects.
Both classic chorus modes from the original Junos are included, plus a brand-new third mode that Roland describes as offering “even more fatness and swirl.” Users can combine these modes for a total of seven unique chorus effects. The Juno-X also includes a built-in stereo speaker system for monitoring and Bluetooth support for streaming audio from mobile devices.
Roland Juno-X Features
The JUNO-X is a brand new synth engine featuring the iconic Super Saw waveform, offering options like velocity sensitivity, pitch envelope control, and more. It greatly expands the effects section beyond the two classic Chorus modes of the original. You can use up to seven different chorus effects on any JUNO-X tone. The synth allows you to layer up to four tones from its 4,000 presets, plus one rhythm part from its 90 drum kits.
The JUNO-X comes with three software models: the JUNO-106, JUNO-60, and the all-new JUNO-X. Each model brings something unique, but all of them are unmistakably JUNO.
Starting with the JUNO-60 model, it sounds nearly identical to the original hardware. In our tests, even the envelope section times feel authentic. As you move the waveform faders, the DCOs switch on and off just like on the original JUNO-60. We honestly couldn’t tell it apart from the vintage unit.
The JUNO-106 model delivers a similar core sound but with its own character—a slightly heavier low end and the ability to use Unison mode on the oscillators, just like the original. It has all the 106’s charm, and it’s easy to find yourself tweaking the filter cutoff and envelope right away.
While the original JUNO-60 and JUNO-106 were similar, they were also radically different machines, each with its own strengths. The modeling here uses the same technology as the Roland Cloud plugins, and, as any Cloud user will tell you, those are incredibly accurate (and often indistinguishable) recreations of the originals.
What really sets this synth apart is its fantastic interface, making sound design and real-time tweaking a true pleasure. The faders offer a full resolution of 1,024 steps, so there’s no digital stepping at all. The patch structure allows for layering, letting you create huge and inspiring JUNO textures with ease.
Roland Juno-X Connection
Connectivity includes both balanced and unbalanced outputs, a combo mic input for adding vocals to your performances or exploring vocoder effects, a stereo AUX input, MIDI in/out ports, and USB.
Bluetooth 4.2 is built in, allowing you to wirelessly stream backing tracks from your mobile device, with support for Bluetooth MIDI as well. You can save data to a USB flash drive (sold separately). Audio can be played through two built-in 4-watt speakers or through headphone jacks for private listening.
- ZEN-Core Sound Engine
- Emulation of Juno-60 and Juno-106 synthesizers
- Additional sounds from XV-5080, RD-series pianos and more
- Pitch/Mod lever and two assignable modulation wheels
- Intelligent I-arpeggiator per part
- Effects: EQ, overdrive and multi-effect per part (90 different effect types)
- Master effects: Compressor, EQ, reverb, delay and chorus
- More than 4000 preset sounds and more than 90 drum kits
- Graphic display (128 x 64 pixels)
- Integrated speakers (2x 4 watts)
- Bluetooth 4.2
- Integrated USB audio/MIDI interface
Why You Need the Roland Juno-X
How much better is it than the much cheaper Jupiter-Xm? That’s a question worth asking. Both models share the same synth engine, so the main difference really comes down to playability. The Xm features 37 compact keys, while the X offers 61 full-size, semi-weighted keys—and it also includes aftertouch for added expression.
The front panel controls on the X are much more comprehensive when it comes to programming and tweaking sounds. But what really sets the X apart is its size, feel, and playability. It’s a significantly larger instrument—just over a meter wide, nearly twice the width of the Xm, and four times heavier at almost 12kg.
If you’re more interested in sound design than performance, the Xm is probably a good choice. But the X truly shines in the hands of skilled players who can take full advantage of what it offers. The addition of aftertouch makes a huge difference as well, really unlocking the sound engine’s potential. (While the Xm can receive aftertouch over MIDI, its own keyboard doesn’t generate aftertouch signals.)
Conclusion
No matter what we or anyone else on the internet say, when it comes to every detail of this keyboard, the brand speaks for itself. Roland is known worldwide for its commitment to creating the best keyboards for its customers, so you can trust in the quality of this keyboard.
If you have any questions about this keyboard, please let us know in the comments below or reach out to the developer’s customer care page!
