Juno106

The Roland Juno-106 is a polyphonic analog synthesizer released by Roland in 1984. It was the third and final model in the Juno series, succeeding the Juno-6 and Juno-60. The Juno-106 became very popular due to its rich sound, relatively affordable price, and ease of use.

It features a single DCO (digitally controlled oscillator) per voice, a resonant low-pass filter, a VCA (voltage-controlled amplifier), and an LFO (low-frequency oscillator). The filter section is particularly well-regarded for its warm and creamy character. The synthesizer offers 6 voices of polyphony and a monophonic mode. Each voice has its own dedicated envelope generator for the filter and amplifier.

A signature feature of the Juno-106 is its built-in stereo chorus effect, which adds a lush and expansive quality to the sound. This chorus is often cited as a key element in its characteristic sound. The instrument also includes a simple arpeggiator and a basic programmable sequencer.

The Juno-106's interface is designed for immediate sound shaping, with many parameters accessible directly from the front panel via sliders and buttons. This makes it a favorite among musicians who prefer hands-on control. It was widely used in many genres of music throughout the 1980s and continues to be a sought-after instrument for its vintage analog sound and versatility. Common issues with the Juno-106 include failing voice chips, which can result in dead voices.