If you are an up-and-coming musician, then you will need the right instrument to practice on.
Well, in this Roland Juno-DS 88 review, you will be able to determine if this is the model for you. Here, you can take an in-depth look at all the different features and have a better understanding of the playability of this synthesizer.
You can find cheap digital pianos here.
Keyboard Response
One of the more interesting elements of this synth is the keyboard. This is because the designers have made quite the effort to make it as close to an acoustic piano as possible. It all starts with the weighted keys.
The keys are perfectly balanced and maintain appropriate rigidity across the range. So, while there is some resistance, it doesn’t translate to any kind of rigidity. Thus, your fingers can play firmly yet lightly across all keys.
The Features
These are the top features of this synth:
- Battery-powered operation and intuitive operation
- Equipped with pro sounds and enhanced performance features,
- Pro-quality sounds including acoustic piano, electric piano, organs, synth, and other stage instruments
- Wave expansion slot allows you to download new sound waveforms
- Eight Phrase Pads
- Sample import function for playing WAV files on the keyboard
- Vocoder and Auto Pitch effects, Mic input and dedicated Reverb
- USB audio/MIDI and DAW Control mode
- Intuitive eight-track pattern sequencer with non-stop recording
So, what do all these features add up to? In short, it makes this synth perfectly suited to musicians who love to compose their own music and perform it as well. This mode works well for anyone who chooses solo performances or whether making music with a band.
The Sounds
As mentioned, this model does offer up some really nice sound effects. Now, you do have your more traditional sounds like various pianos, organs, and synths. At the same time, there is some truly fantastic bass and guitar sounds to sample as well.
The Layout
The layout of your synth can be quite important, regardless of whether you are editing or performing. Well, fortunately, the various features are organized incredibly well. They are divided into discernible sections, making it easy for you to map out what you need to do next.
The only issue with the layout would be the screen – it is fairly small. Now, it won’t stop you from editing your sounds, but it can make your job a little trickier. This feature may be easier to handle once you have gotten used to the synth, however.
The Build
Naturally, you are going to want an instrument that will stand the test of time. At the very least, you need to know that your synth will hold up until you have managed to make good use of it. Well, this is exactly the kind of promise that this model can make to you.
The Juno-DS 88 is incredibly well-built. While many of the components are built from plastic, they certainly don’t feel like it. For one thing, the sliders and the controls feel incredibly sturdy. As such, you can adjust them without feeling as though they are going to break under your fingers.
The MDF chassis adds some serious strength to the control panel and the synth in general. This cuts down on any flexibility of the instrument. At the same time, the metal panel under the keys adds greater rigidity to the model.
Portability
Despite the overall solidness of the synth, it is actually quite lightweight. You can even carry it on your back and not have it cause you to lag. This makes it a really great option if you need to carry around your instrument for various performances.
As an added bonus, this synth can be battery powered as well. So, if you are a fan of busking, you can set up your instrument virtually anywhere. It doesn’t have to remain connected to a power source at all times.
Roland Juno DS-88 vs. Yamaha MX88
Of course, before you make a decision, you need to how the Roland Juno DS-88 holds up when compared to a similar model. So, let’s take a look at how this synth performs in comparison to the Yamaha MX88.
Now, when it comes to keyboard response, the Juno-DS 88 wins the title. While both of these synths offer weighted keys, the DS-88 has a bonus “Ivory Feel-F”. This means that the keys are more textured than with the Yamaha, improving your grip and preventing slip.
As far as sound quality goes, these two synths offer up similar levels of qualities. While there are some minute differences in the features, they don’t add to any significant changes in quality. Both synths maintain sounds from previous models, ensuring that the collection has expanded quite a bit.
The Juno-DS 88 does have a leg up with the number of presets though. This model boasts over 1200 patches, 30 drum kits, and 64 performances. The MX88, on the other hand, is just listed as having over a 1000 voices.
One of the advantages that the MX88 does have over the DS-88 is in terms of software. This model offers up the Cubase AI and there is an app that can be unlocked as well. This increases the number of editing and recording tools that you have access to.
This concludes the review of the Roland Juno-DS 88. It is clear that this synth is an excellent investment. It offers up great features and sturdiness for a suitable price. What’s more, the playability of the instrument is off the charts. It is as close to an acoustic piano that you can get, especially when compared to other similar models. In particular, the Juno-DS 88 works well for creators and performances. It has all the features that you need to take your music and your creativity to the next level.