The Roland Juno-G represents a significant evolution in the affordable Juno lineage, departing from its analog heritage to become a comprehensive digital workstation. Styled reminiscent of the classic Juno 106 but sharing DNA with the Fantom X series, this instrument positions itself as an affordable yet capable workstation solution.
Design and Interface
The Juno-G features a warm amber LCD display flanked by two small mirrors, creating a distinctive visual centerpiece. The control layout emphasizes practicality with four multi-purpose knobs for envelope and LFO tweaking, dedicated filter cutoff and resonance controls, and five silver-topped sliders exclusively for audio functionality. The 61-key keyboard offers velocity sensitivity but lacks aftertouch, complemented by Roland's signature D-Beam controller and pitch bend/modulation stick for expressive performance.
Sound Engine
At its core lies Roland's proven sample-based synthesis architecture utilizing 64MB of wave memory containing 1,267 preset waveforms. The sound generation employs a four-tone structure per patch, with each tone featuring independent filters, envelopes, and LFOs. The instrument delivers 128 voices of polyphony shared between synthesis and audio playback, supporting 16-part multitimbral operation.
Sound Library
The Juno-G comes extensively equipped with 768 preset patches across banks A-F, supplemented by 256 GM2 patches, 45 rhythm sets, and 64 preset performances. User memory provides space for 256 custom patches, 36 rhythm sets, and 64 performances. The sound palette spans classic bread-and-butter tones to contemporary genre-specific sounds, with intelligent categorization and a favorites system for quick patch retrieval.
Sequencer and Audio Capabilities
The onboard sequencer combines 16 MIDI tracks with 4 stereo audio tracks, offering 480 TPQN resolution and capacity for approximately 400,000 notes across 9,998 measures. Audio recording operates at 44.1kHz/16-bit with expandable memory supporting up to 51 minutes of stereo recording when fully expanded. The system includes sophisticated features like groove quantization, MIDI Time Code, and MIDI Machine Control for professional integration.
Sampling and Audio Processing
While not marketed as a sampler, the Juno-G incorporates substantial sampling capabilities with 2,000 user sample locations and 7,000 card locations. The instrument can import and manipulate audio files, featuring time-stretching, chopping functions, and automatic rhythm creation from audio loops. Sample memory is shared between sequencer audio tracks and imported samples, stored in either 16MB flash RAM or removable PC cards up to 1GB.
Effects Processing
The effects architecture provides one multi-effects processor plus reverb and chorus in Patch Mode, expanding to three multi-effects processors in Performance Mode. The system includes 78 effect types ranging from time-stepped filters and ring modulators to RSS 3D effects and composite overdrive/delay combinations. A three-band compressor serves as mastering effects for final output processing.
Performance Features
Beyond traditional workstation functions, the Juno-G incorporates engaging performance tools including Chord Memory with 64 user and 64 preset chords, a versatile arpeggiator with 128 preset and 128 user patterns, and an innovative Rhythm Pattern function that transforms the front panel into a drum machine trigger interface with 256 preset and 256 user patterns across 32 groups.
Connectivity and Expansion
The instrument offers comprehensive connectivity through stereo main outputs, two assignable outputs, stereo audio inputs (with microphone capability), standard MIDI In/Out, and USB for both MIDI and file transfer. Expansion options include SRX wave expansion boards, memory expansion up to 516MB via DIMM slot, and PC card storage for additional samples and audio files.
Live Setting Mode
Drawing from the Fantom series, Live Setting mode provides instant access to patches, performances, songs, or rhythm sets regardless of current operating mode. Twenty banks of 12 entries each can be configured for seamless live performance or studio workflow optimization.
Technical Specifications
Keyboard
- 5 octave/ 61 keys
- unweighted
- velocity sensitive
- no aftertouch
Sound Generator
- Maximum Polyphony: 128 voices (shared with audio track section)
- Parts: 16 parts
- Wave Memory: 64 MB equivalent
- Preset Memory:
- Patches: 768 + 256 (GM2)
- Rhythm Sets: 36 + 9 (GM2)
- Performances: 64
- User Memory:
- Patches: 256
- Rhythm Sets: 36
- Performances: 64
- Effects:
- Multi-Effects: 3 systems, 78 types
- Reverb: 5 types
- Chorus: 3 types
- Mastering Effects: 3-band compressor
- Input Effects: 6 types
Song Recorder Section
- Tracks:
- MIDI tracks: 16
- Audio tracks: 4 stereo tracks
- Song Length: 9,998 measures
- Tempo: 5 - 300 BPM
- MIDI Track:
- Resolution: 480 TPQN
- Note Capacity: approx. 400,000 notes
- Recording Method: Realtime recording, Step recording
- Audio Track:
- Data Format: 16-bit linear
- Sample Rate: 44.1 kHz
- Recording Time:
- Memory not expanded (4 MB): approx. stereo 23.5 seconds
- Memory fully expanded (516 MB): approx. stereo 51 minutes
Additional Features
- Arpeggio:
- Rhythm Pattern:
- Preset: 256 (32 groups)
- User: 256 (32 groups)
- Chord Memory:
- Controllers:
- D Beam Controller
- Pitch Bend/Modulation Lever
- Sound Modify Knobs: 6
- Display: 240 x 92 dots graphic LCD (with backlit)
Expansion and Storage
- Expansion Slot:
- SRX expansion board: 1 slot
- DIMM: 1 slot (memory expansion for audio recording)
- External Storage Device: PC Card: 1 slot (supports SmartMedia and CompactFlash using PC card adaptor)
Connectivity
- Audio Connectors:
- Headphones Jack (Stereo 1/4 inch phone type)
- A (MIX) Output Jacks (L (MONO), R) (1/4 inch phone type)
- B Output Jacks (L, R) (1/4 inch phone type)
- Input Jacks (L (MONO)/MIC, R) (1/4 inch phone type)
- MIDI Connectors: IN, OUT
- Control Connectors:
- Hold Pedal Jack
- Control Pedal Jack
- USB Connector: Supports file transfer and MIDI
Power
- Power Supply: DC 9V (AC Adaptor)
- Current Draw: 2,000 mA
Physical specification
- Dimensions:
- Width: 1,023 mm (40-5/16 inches)
- Depth: 298 mm (11-3/4 inches)
- Height: 102 mm (4 inches)
- Weight: 6.2 kg (13 lbs. 11 oz.) excluding AC Adaptor
Included Accessories
- Owner's Manual
- CD-ROM (Editor/Librarian/USB MIDI driver, SONAR LE)
- AC Adaptor (PSB-1U)
Optional Accessories
- Wave Expansion Board: SRX Series (one slot only)
- Keyboard Stand: KS-12, KS-V7
- Pedal Switch: DP-2, DP-8
- Foot Switch: BOSS FS-5U
- Expression Pedal: EV-5
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