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Roland JUNO-DS88 88-key Synthesizer

88-key Synthesizer with Velocity-sensitive, Hammer-action Keys, Wave Expansion Slot, Phrase Pads, Vocoder with Auto Pitch, and 8-track Sequencer
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A Portable Synth with Real Piano Feel

The Roland JUNO-DS88 88-key synthesizer delivers all of the benefits of its predecessor, along with realistic hammer-action keys, improved pianos, additional organs, waveform expansion capability, Phrase Pads, new vocal effects, and more. You can download over 1,000 free sounds, including top-quality acoustic piano collections, world instruments, percussion, and loops and load them into the JUNO-DS88 via USB. You can call up sounds on-the-fly, or use the JUNO-DS88's adjustable parameters and real-time controls for custom patch-building. Eight Phrase Pads let you supplement your performances with samples and music files. Great for stage musicians and sound-tweakers alike, the Roland JUNO-DS88 is a phenomenal portable 88-key synthesizer!

Roland JUNO-DS88 Portable 88-key Synthesizer at a Glance:
  • Portable with stage-ready sounds everybody can use
  • Enhanced pianos, more organs, and all of your old favorites
  • Weighted keys for authentic piano feel
  • Choose from great-sounding presets or custom-built patches
  • Add tons of new sounds with the wave expansion slot
  • Phrase Pads for enhancing your performances
  • Superb-sounding vocal effects for solo performers
  • Capture your idea with the 8-track sequencer
  • Build a mobile recording studio with the integrated USB interface
Portable with stage-ready sounds everybody can use

Everyone from performing pros and educators to music producers and home hobbyists will find something to love about the Roland JUNO-DS88. First of all, it's packed with great sounds. It's also highly portable, thanks to its light weight and versatile battery or AC operation. On top of that, it's also a cinch to use, and it works well with any style of music.

Enhanced pianos, more organs, and all of your old favorites

The Roland JUNO-DS88 includes the entire 1,000+ sound set from its predecessor, along with improved pianos and a plethora of new organ sounds. At Sweetwater, we were delighted to learn that the JUNO-DS88 is compatible with all of the previous-generation JUNO-Di's patches. That means that longtime JUNO users won't have to start from scratch!

Weighted keys for authentic piano feel

The Roland JUNO-DS88 provides you with 88 weighted keys - a first for the JUNO series. Keyboardists who are accustomed to acoustic pianos will love the JUNO-DS88's Ivory Feel-G keyboard and progressive hammer action. These expressive keys deliver high-end touch and playability; however, the JUNO-DS88 itself remains lightweight and easy to transport. The JUNO-DS88's realistic action makes it ideal for pro players and piano students alike.

Choose from great-sounding presets or custom-built patches

If you're a stage musician, the Roland JUNO-DS88 gives you tons of easy-to-access sounds right out of the box. That being said, the JUNO-DS88's adjustable parameters and hands-on controls provide you with plenty of opportunities for experimentation. Whether you want to call up fantastic sounds on-the-fly or tweak your own custom-built patches, the JUNO-DS88 gives you everything you need.

Add tons of new sounds with the wave expansion slot

Not only does the Roland JUNO-DS88 come with a massive collection of top-quality sounds, its internal waveform expansion capability gives you access to over 1,000 free EXP sounds that you can download from Roland's Axial website. You can download acoustic piano collections, world instruments, go-to studio standards, percussion, loops, and more. You can also load your own WAV files into the JUNO-DS88 and play them from the keyboard. The JUNO-DS88's wave expansion slot comes preloaded with the versatile EXP-06 Studio Collection to get you started.

Phrase Pads for enhancing your performances

Performing keyboardists will find plenty to be happy about with the Roland JUNO-DS88. Its eight Phrase Pads allow you to supplement your performances with samples and music files that are stored on a USB memory stick. You can load up just about anything, including one-shot samples, vocals, sound effects, loops, and complete music tracks and trigger them with a touch of your finger.

Superb-sounding vocal effects for solo performers

The Roland JUNO-DS88's microphone input is tailor-made for solo performers and singer/songwriters. First of all, it provides you with a dedicated vocal reverb to add depth and ambience to your voice. You also get Auto Pitch, so you can create the popular "stepped" electronic vocal effect. Plus, you get a vocoder, allowing you to sing into your mic and control the tone and pitch of your voice via sounds played on the JUNO-DS88's keyboard.

Capture your idea with the 8-track sequencer

With the Roland JUNO-DS88, you'll never have to worry about losing a musical idea, thanks to its onboard 8-track sequencer. The sequencer's easy-to-use controls and non-stop operation ensure that your creative flow isn't interrupted, so building up full arrangements with multiple sounds becomes child's play. You can also use the JUNO-DS88's sequencer to enhance your live performances with pre-made backing tracks and on-the-fly looping.

Build a mobile recording studio with the integrated USB interface

The Roland JUNO-DS88 makes a great front end for a mobile recording rig, thanks to its integrated USB interface. With the JUNO-DS88, you can record both audio and MIDI data, including sounds that are captured from the microphone input. You can even use the JUNO-DS88 to control your software with its dedicated DAW Control mode!

Roland JUNO-DS88 Portable 88-key Synthesizer Features:
  • Portable synthesizer with pro sounds, enhanced performance features, and battery-powered operation
  • 88-note velocity-sensitive keyboard with realistic progressive hammer action
  • Loaded with performance-ready sounds including updated pianos and additional organs
  • Access over 1,000 free downloadable EXP sounds from Roland's Axial website
  • Compatible with the previous-generation JUNO-Di's patches
  • Sample import function for playing your WAV files on the keyboard
  • Easy sound manipulation and editing with hands-on knobs and sliders
  • 8 Phrase Pads for enhancing your performances with triggered samples and songs
  • Mic input and dedicated reverb, vocoder, and Auto Pitch effects for impressive vocal performances
  • 8-track pattern sequencer with non-stop recording for quickly developing song ideas
  • Build a mobile recording studio with the integrated USB interface
If you want a phenomenal portable 88-key synthesizer, check out the Roland JUNO-DS88!

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Keyboard Synthesizer with Sequencer
  • Sound Engine: Updated Juno Engine, Juno-Di compatible
  • Analog/Digital: Digital
  • Number of Keys: 88
  • Type of Keys: Weighted-action, Roland Ivory Feel-G Keyboard
  • Other Controllers: Pitchbend/Modulation Lever
  • Pads: 8 x Phrase Pads
  • Polyphony: 128 Notes
  • Presets: Over 1200 Patches, Over 30 Drum kits, Over 64 performances
  • Effects Types: 3 x Mulit-effects, 3 x Chorus, 5 x Reverbs, 8 x Mic Reverbs and Vocoder
  • Arpeggiator: Yes
  • Sequencer: 8-track
  • Audio Playback: WAV, AIFF, MP3
  • Audio Inputs: 1 x 1/4" (mic), 1 x 1/8" (aux)
  • Audio Outputs: 2 x 1/4" (L/R)
  • Headphones: 1 x 1/4"
  • USB: 1 x USB Type A (stored trigger samples), 1 x USB Type B (Audio/MIDI)
  • MIDI I/O: In/Out/USB
  • Pedal Inputs: 1 x 1/4" (hold), 1 x 1/4" (control)
  • Expansion: 1 Wave Expansion slot
  • Power Source: DC 9V adapter, 8 x AA batteries
  • Height: 5.68"
  • Width: 55.75"
  • Depth: 13.43"
  • Weight: 35 lbs. 12 oz.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: JUNO-DS88

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Great workhorse ROMpler with loadable samples, a sequencer, DAW control, sample pads

I at this point own three of these.. I often fly to a city to do recording or shows, so I keep one stashed there, and after 1500 hours of playing and I have no idea how many shows I have worn out a few keys on one, and I've ordered a replacement because I can't imagine giving it up.

This has a great set of sounds.. the default piano is downright satisfying. It's got a nice fast action and it's a great workhorse - this is a *lot* of bang for the buck. You can load samples via the USB socket on the back if you want to get really deep in the menus, you can create your own performances with complex MIDI channel assignment and behaviors - I'm able to set up one set of patches for the keys and another set for the MIDI jack that's controlled by my organ pedals, for example. It's got features I haven't even touched - reverb, autotune, a onboard mixer for a vocal mic, battery powered operation - and it's a great master keyboard for controlling plugins in the DAW of your choice. It's got all the usual tweakables - filter, envelope, etc. I've liked it enough to buy a replacement when I wore out a few keys on one - and that took five years of playing every day, including some quite aggressive playing both in terms of speed and velocity.

This is a good choice for anyone from a beginning piano student to a working musician. It even has a low tech but serviceable drum machine built in, and a great set of synthesizers and organs and pianos in the onboard ROM.
Rated 5/5

This is great instrument and Sweetwater is the place for buyers

The best user experience so far. Both: the Juno DS88 and Sweetwater are well above average rating. Special thanks to James Holk and his team to make purchase a breeze. They have been very helpful in navigating the complexity of choice of an instrument for me and suggesting the options to start using the instrument right away and properly.
Music background: Learner (1+ years of self learning)
Rated 4.5/5

Overall excellent, but you may or may not like the feel

I've been a Korg fan for the last 30 years, but unhappy with their increased catering toward the harsh synth sounds of EDM. When I decided it was time for a new instrument, I turned to Roland. I never thought Roland was bad, just Korg offered more bang for the buck. But I feel this synth is the right instrument at the right price and I am very happy I made that decision.

So, what's it like? First, when you power it on it loads a nice, simple grand piano sound. I have never owned a synth where the first patch wasn't some weird synth sound. I can't tell you how happy it makes me to just hit the power switch and be ready to go with an all-purpose piano.

I LOVE the fact that the sound category buttons are physical buttons. I've never seen that before. Usually I have to hunt through oppressively long patch lists or dive into menus and submenus. This unit is so nice. Want pianos? Hit the "piano" button. Want orchestral instruments, press "Orchestra". Want pads, press "Pads." There are other buttons that offer the same convenience, such as a dedicated octave up/down button.

Speaking of pads, I like them. Maybe that's just a bonus of switching manufacturer allegiance, but the pads on this synth just feel like a refreshing change. Many interesting textures for various styles and tempos.

I haven't dug into the sequencer features so I can't comment on that. I really bought this for recording through my DAW. Also, I've read this keyboard has extensive editing capabilities, but I haven't touched it at all. My test for a quality instrument is, "Do I feel like I can play this without endless tweaking?" The answer for this instrument is YES.

Now, the issue of touch... First, the "ivory feel" is good, not just a marketing slogan. I took off a half star because the keys feel "heavy" for lack of a better term. They don't spring back as fast as I'd like. I completely agree with another review that said it feels more like playing an old upright than a grand. Most of the time it's OK, but I have noticed a few times already where I've missed a note here and there. My DAW shows I played the note, but really softly. Yes, I can adjust the velocity curve to compensate a bit, but no settings menu is going to change the physical feel of the keys. Maybe the keys will loosen up a little over time? Also, the edges of the white keys are pretty sharp...definitely not as rounded as the last couple of acoustic grands I've played on. The keys are actually very reminiscent of the old upright my parents bought me when I started lessons.

I guess that's about all I have to say. It's clearly designed with stage performance in mind. Even though I bought it mostly for studio work, the convenience buttons I mentioned are clearly useful in the studio for finding what I want as fast as possible and not getting in the way of creative flow. I'm looking forward to many years working with this keyboard.
Rated 5/5

Something to Consider

We bought the RD2000 for our church last year and I fell in love with it. Fast forward a few months and I decided to buy something for my home practice. I read reviews about the Nautilus, the MODX8 and several others in the RD2000 range but The Juno Ds88 was in my price range where the others just weren't. The cheaper price scared me ( surely I would be losing quality). Let me tell you, other than a few layering options, I see very little difference in the JunoDs88 from the others mentioned above. It is a pro level stage ready keyboard. I have access to several synths and full size grands and will gladly play the Juno instead live. Well done Roland. The key bed is perfectly weighted and the amount of tones blew me away. And it's light!
Music background: Quartet Singer, Church Musician
Rated 5/5

Perfect

This synth plays beautifully and is incredibly easy to set up, it's also packed full of great features.
Music background: World Class Indoor Percussion

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What Do Our In-house Gear Experts Think?

Danny Mosco

I've always been attracted to synthesizers, and the Juno DS88 was nothing short of delightful. I found the onboard controls to be remarkably powerful. The cutoff, resonance, attack, and release were incredibly responsive, especially how long I could make the release: hold a note, and watch it sustain seemingly indefinitely! The preset arrangements on the pattern sequencer were also really engaging as I quickly figured out how to jam along with the patterns. I'd encourage any serious keyboard enthusiast to take a close look at the Juno DS88 - it will deliver as promised.

Matt South

As a seasoned pianist, I'm always a bit skeptical of the way even high-end keyboards are going to feel. That's why I'm so impressed with the Roland JUNO-DS88. The piano patches don't just sound realistic, they play realistically too, and the Ivory Feel-G keyboard handles just like I'd expect from a top-tier digital piano. The other onboard sounds are also great, and I love being able to download new sounds from Roland's website. One other thing that impresses me about the JUNO-DS88 is how portable it is. Not only is it light and slim, but it's nice to be able to run it on batteries. That's super helpful in some real-world situations.

Bryan Campbell

When I first played Roland's Juno DS88, the hammer-action keys took me back to the beginning of my music career, when I spent countless hours on piano lessons. I wasn't expecting that. What I was expecting was to really struggle to learn my way around such a complex instrument, but I was surprised by how simple it was to use. Over 1,200 onboard sounds means I'm not likely to run out inspiration either. As a guy who primarily focuses on guitar and bass, the Juno DS88 may be the perfect synth on the market.

Simply put, modern electronic music wouldn't exist without Roland. Many of the electronic musicians here at Sweetwater cut our teeth on TR Rhythm machines and fondly remember programming our first TB-303s. We owe a good part of our careers to this amazing and innovative company. It's been fun to watch and grow right alongside Roland, as they've introduced wave after wave of revolutionary keyboards, digital pianos, and more. For example, Roland's V-Drum Kits continuously redefine the possibilities of electronic drums, beginning with SuperNATURAL technology to the latest Prismatic Sound Modeling. We're huge fans, and we'd love to tell you all about them. Whether you want a pocket-sized synth or a cutting-edge video mixer, if Roland makes it, then Sweetwater is 100% behind it.

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