Question 'bout the Juno 106

[Rawrasaur]

Ok, I'll start by saying I am very new to hardware synths. I have been using softsynths for a while (Reaktor 5) but I want to get into some great vintage analog sounds. Like everyone else I'd love a jupiter 8, but I don't have enough cash to justify a buy like that so I have settled on a Juno 106.

1) The Juno 106 doesn't have an arpeggiator , but it does have midi. So that means I can use a software arpeggiator to trigger it right?
2) I can use the 106 like a midi controller (to control software synths), right?
3) Is there perhaps a better sounding analog, or one better suited to a quasinoob, for about the same $$?

[memo]

1) The Juno 106 doesn't have an arpeggiator , but it does have midi. So that means I can use a software arpeggiator to trigger it right?
2) I can use the 106 like a midi controller (to control software synths), right?
3) Is there perhaps a better sounding analog, or one better suited to a quasinoob, for about the same $$?

1) Yes
2) Yes, but keep in mind that the Juno 106 doesn't have velocity of aftertouch
3) My favorite cheap analogs suited for noobs are:

• Roland Juno 106
  Kawai SX-240
  SCI Six-Trak or Multi-Trak

I also like the Nord Lead 1 - which is around the same price as a Juno 106. It might not be a real analog, but it's easy to program and has an immediacy that softsynths lack.

[cfernn]

1) Yes, absolutely.

2) Yes, but if I were you I'd look into finding a cheaper MIDI controller (eventually). Having it on all the time everyday might cause one of the chips to die earlier, someone correct me if I'm wrong. :blob6: You are aware of the dying chips problem right? It's not that big of a deal, just means every few years you might have to replace a chip, it could cost $50 - $100. I know someone who's owned a Juno 106 for over a decade and never had the chip problem so you never know. I've replaced two chips in the past 4 years.

3) Roland Alpha Junos ($150 - $300)
Oberheim Matrix 6/1000 are around ($250 - $300)
Korg Poly 61m (these go for $100 - $150, make sure it has MIDI, that's what the 'm' is for)
these are all I can think of right now...

[Rawrasaur]

Thanks for the answers guys, very helpful. And yes Cfernn, I am aware of the chip problem but its something that I am willing to take on. My question now though, is how difficult is it to hook up the 106 to a software arpeggiator? I'd rather not have to spend time fumbling around every time I wanted to play it =D

EDIT: Just hooked up an a Wavestation to a Juno 60's arp and its working great! Took about 5 minutes to figure out.

[jplavidfan]

I messed with at least 3 106's and flipped them off for a Juno 60!

And for a Midi I got a Nord Lead, an Alesis Ion and a MS2000.

Those chips are a nightmare.

And it drives you crazy eventually.

That's my current excuse.

jpl

[Rawrasaur]

Ye know, Ive been fooling around with a VST version of the 60 ( I don't know how true to the analog it is having never heard it in person) and I just cant get enough sounds out of it to justify spending the cash on it = / Maybe thats just me. However, I really love what I can get out of the Wavestation; is there anything *somewhat* similar in sound;whether it be analog or digital?

BTW, about the voice chips, I found this site http://www.analoguerenaissance.com/D80017/ . Have any idea if they stand the test of time?

[jplavidfan]

That I ever met that did good work is rockersrevenge on here, but he may be gone.

You see him on eBay with the perfect and expensive versions of 106's

They look out of the box, and they run well, so he would be the expert on things chipwise.

I had one from Belgium, but sold it to him.

jpl