The Roland Alpha Juno series of analog synthesizers, released in the mid-1980s, may not have achieved the cult status of their predecessors like the Juno-6 and Juno-60, but they remain musically capable and inspiring instruments that belie their rather plain exterior. With polyphony, MIDI implementation, and reasonable prices on the used market today, they continue to offer an attractive alternative to many contemporary analog synths.
Background
The first in the Alpha Juno line, the Alpha Juno-1, debuted in 1985. It featured a streamlined and compact design not previously seen on Roland instruments, along with then state-of-the-art features like soft buttons, LCD display, Alpha Dial control wheel, and a combination pitch bend/modulation lever. There was also a slightly modified version called the SynthPlus 10.
While innovative, the 4-octave keyboard and dynamic capabilities of the Alpha Juno-1 had room for expansion. This led to the introduction of the Alpha Juno-2 later the same year, representing the more interesting and capable option in the Alpha Juno family.
The Alpha Juno-2 boasted a 5-octave keyboard with velocity and aftertouch sensitivity for greater expressiveness. A cartridge slot was added to expand patch storage capabilities, appearing somewhat bulky on the otherwise slim frame of the instrument when an MC cartridge is inserted.
There was also a version with built-in speakers called the Roland HS-80, aimed at solo performers. The HS-80 featured actual push button controls rather than the membrane style buttons.
In 1986 Roland introduced a rackmount variant called the MKS-50. Offering the lush Alpha Juno sound in a space-saving rack unit without the disadvantages of a bulky keyboard, the MKS-50 remains popular to this day.
Architecture and Features
While the heritage of earlier Junos like the Juno-60/106 can still be seen, the Alpha Juno series boasts some unique qualities that help distinguish them sonically.
Sound Engine and Effects
The instruments share an essentially identical sound architecture with:
- 6-voice polyphony
- Per voice: DCO (with sub-oscillator), manual HPF, LPF, VCA, envelope generator
- Global LFO and lush stereo chorus effects
- 61 or 49 note keyboards with velocity and aftertouch sensing
- Pitch bend/modulation lever, portamento, chord memory, and more
- Storage for up to 64 preset patches, 64 user patches on board memory, plus 64 more patches per cartridge
Where the Alpha Junos really shine is in their somewhat unusual DCO (digitally-controlled oscillator) implementation, with the ability to blend waveforms and select from various pulse width options. Along with square, triangle, sawtooth choices, there are several variations that effectively allow crafting a broad palette of timbres combining the three. The sub-oscillator brings additional low end heft.
The envelope generator is also unusually complex, with 4 timing and 3 level parameters enabling intricate modulation possibilities. When routed to the DCO, filter, or amplifier, musical results can be very deep and evolving.
Velocity and aftertouch modulation of the DCO, filter, and amp complement the wonderful playing action of the Juno keyboards for highly expressive control over dynamics.
And of course, the lush stereo chorus helps provide the beautifully shimmering textures Roland synths are renowned for.
Programming and Control
With the Alpha Dial replacing traditional slider and knob controls, these synths were decidedly not the easiest to program. Thankfully the “Tone Modify” features provide relatively quick access to tweak 4 crucial sound parameters:
- Modulation rate/depth
- Filter brilliance (cutoff frequency)
- Envelope generator times
While limited compared to full control, being able to quickly shape essential aspects of the sound is what helps make the Alpha Junos speedy instruments for dialing in rich patches.
To complement the meager interface, Roland offered the PG-300 Programmer unit. Connecting externally via MIDI or DCB interface cables, the PG-300 opened full access to all synth parameters and eased sound creation substantially. More recently, alternative MIDI controller options from companies like Stereoping have also become available.
Sounds and Music Applications
The Alpha Juno series truly excels at velvety pad and string textures, aided by the stereo chorus effect. Basses and percussion are also common applications, with the arpeggiator and chord memory performance functions adding punch.
The factory presets showcase the capabilities, with luscious strings, brass, pads, and surprisingly realistic instrument emulations considering the technology available in the mid-1980s. They sound fantastic layered with guitars and make great backing in pop/rock contexts especially.
The Alpha Juno Experience
Despite the limitations of membrane buttons and LCD interface compared to traditional analog controls, the Alpha Junos deliver impressive sound quality and character. The keyboards feel fantastic, with velocity and aftertouch putting nuanced expression of patches at your fingertips.
The tone modify shortcuts and chord memory functions also lend themselves well to live playing, where quick tweaks and variability are useful.
At least for the keyboard models, adding a PG-300 programmer is highly recommended to really unlock their potential. But it’s remarkable just how lush and musical the presets can be without getting into deep editing.
Rackmount MKS-50 owners sacrifice hands-on control for a compact way to harness those rich analogue strings and pads in a studio environment. An external MIDI knob box like the Stereoping unit can restore access to synth parameters.
The Alpha Juno VST as an alternative – TAL-Pha
Roland’s Alpha Juno synths have inspired various software plug-in developers to create emulations seeking to capture their coveted analog sound. One recent effort earning acclaim is TAL-Pha from German developer TAL.
TAL-Pha features the primary architecture of the Alpha Juno-2 and MKS-50 rack variant, including:
- DCO section with sub-oscillator
- LFO
- VCF with lowpass/highpass modes
- Envelope generator
- VCA
- Stereo chorus
- Portamento
- Chord memory
But the plug-in expands possibilities further through additions like:
- Unison mode for thick textures
- Extended DCO controls turning it into a VCO with hard sync
- Arpeggiator
- Delay, reverb, and EQ effects
A major advantage over the original is the intuitive interface making sound design much easier than relying on the Alpha Juno’s arcane LCD display and Alpha Dial.
Remarkably, TAL-Pha can also integrate directly with the hardware as a programmer substitute. Sysex files can be traded from software to synth and MIDI output allows controlling the keyboard remotely. Complete recreation of the onboard factory patches provides an authentic starting point.
With its faithful modeling augmented by convenient enhancements, TAL-Pha brings the Roland Alpha magic fully into the box at an affordable price. It earns a spot as one of the finest software translations of this synth staple now over 35 years old yet still retaining its analog allure.
A compasiron between the MKS 50 and the TAL Pha Emulation
Starsky Carr comparing the classic Juno 106 with the Alpha Juno 2
Conclusion
Despite being overshadowed by Roland classics like the Jupiter and Juno-106 synths, the Alpha Juno family holds up as vintage analogue instruments with attractive price points and great sound. Their compact form and simple interfaces also make them approachable for those looking to explore the vintage polyphonic synth world on a budget. Nearly forty years on, the Alpha Junos continue to offer inspiration and rewarding tones.