RolandJU-06A Sound Module with 8 Patches + 8 Banks

First, I've been using and programming Synthesizers since 1972 with my first ARP 2600 so I do know my way around most of them.I never owned the original either the Juno 60 or Juno 106 when they were introduced in 1982 and 1984 respectively. I was too involved with my Yamaha DX7 trying to learn its way too complicated and hidden menu system for creating soundsAnyway fast forward..Roland has hit another home run with the JU06A (their other being the JX-08 which is the best Boutique in the series) It is everything that the original Juno60 and 106 were and more.Pros:Two Synths for the price of one. Simply Set the Switch to get the more mellow, warmer,deeper sounds of the 106 or that Punchy, Aggressive sound of the 60Full set of hands-on controls,Sound Patch: 64 + 64 (8 patches x 8 banks pre each 60 and 106 mode)Sequencer Pattern: 16 Steps (Juno 106 and 60 had no Sequencer except External MSQ Keyboard Recorder for the JUNO 106 and JSQ60 for the Juno 60Arpeggiator (Judo 106 did not have one)Chord Memory: 16 StepsJUNO Chorus Effect including that Legendary Noise which is now adjustable so you can keep it under controlNo MORE Dead Sound Chips that always needed replacement in the Juno 106Velocity Sensitive with external KeyboardSolid BuildSmall Footprint (perfect for my Workstation Setup yet still the controls are all very easy to use and not too small)5 Pin MIDI In/OutClock InUSB Port for connection to Power or ComputerSome Great Third Part Sound Packs like the ones from Ultimate PatchesBattery Powered Option - For me not really a big dealBuilt in "Speaker" - For me not really a big dealCons:None really except if I want to be picky, like with all of their Boutique Series, Roland should include a USB Cable instead of the cheap set of batteries.As for Battery use don’t expect much more than about 6 hours of useI think that their K25M Keyboard Dock is over priced, you are better off with any other MIDi Interface/Keyboard from AKAI, Arturia or Novation among other. These will give you much more versatility especially if you have other Synths or Modules.

If you want to make some legit sounding 80s type synth music, and you already have a workflow with an existing 5-pin MIDI keyboard, and a mixer or sound card which can take a stereo 3.5mm audio plug, and you don’t mind spending the money for a good sounding toy, then absolutely get the JU-06a and be happy with it.If however you don’t already have the infrastructure to support a sound module, and rely on a USB MIDI keyboard, this unit may be frustrating for you.For what it’s worth this unit Is not directly compatible with the popular Akai MPK Mini and you will need an intermediate MIDI host adapter or to route both hardware units into a DAW.The sound is great for that specific 80s synth vibe. I accidentally found the arpeggio from the Cyndi Lauper song “All Through The Night” in the first few minutes of playing with the JU-06a.But I just don’t have a place for this unit in my existing hodge podge of an ad hoc home music studio, and this unit is just too expensive to keep when the money is better used on something else like a Roland JD-XI.

USB Power works fine - would have been convenient to include a cord and ps... but they are common.Sounds are great - 1/4 plugs would have been good, but small stereo jack is okay.Overall great w/ small matching KB, haven't tried w/ midi yet. No Juno 60 here to compare, but seems great and the switch for 106 sounds is very nice.

I have several of these boutiques and this one sounds the best through its internal speaker of all of them but it's also my favorite one as it has the arpeggiator as well as a hold switch...

This thing chews through batteries and is not compatible with a lot of wall worts. Would like the option to buy an official power supply separate like the Korg Volca beats.

It's a very nice addition to the collection, it misses several J106 features but is nicely portable.It couldn't be any smaller and still be usable (the reason several features are missing?).Over all an excellent value.

Great synth. Sounds much much better than I expected. And the short faders don't bother me as much as i thought they might. They are very sensitive they have allot of resolution on that short fader. Some short commings are no cc in or out except a pedal in to a controller will give you filter on a pedal. Something that's essential for how I play. Overall punches above it's weight. I suggest useing a larger controller not a little 25 key. Something bigger. Both synth engins sound amazing at both the low and high end of the scale.

sounds, build, arpeggiator....this thing is just amazing!!!