It's been almost a year since my last RetroRespective, so I thought it was high time to get cracking on another one. Today, I present to you...the amazing ALPHA JUNO!

What is it?
The Alpha Juno is a fairly simple 6 voice hybrid synthesizer. It has one DCO per voice, with a choice of pulse, saw and sub waveshapes. All up there are 18 (I think) different waveshapes, which have varying duty cycles, timbres and PWM functions. It has a wicked LFO capable of extremely slow or fast modulation, and a very comprehensive envelope section. Wicked bubbly filter, with plent of squelch, but unfortunately can't be driven to self oscillation. The Alpha Juno comes in several different flavours, including the Alpha Juno 1, the Alpha Juno 2 (velocity sensitive keyboard, an extra octave of keys, and chord memory), and the MKS-50 (1U rackmount, with 16 chord memories).

How does it sound?
Dark as fuck. Can be gritty, rubbery, dry, or dripping wet. Perfect for rave stabs, strings, bass and HOOVERS!!! Also does some pretty convincing bell sounds. Ability to stack saw, pulse and sub waveforms in the single DCO is fantastic, but unfortunately they can't be detuned against each other.

Chord memory is a wicked feature. Allows you to play chords with one key. You can hold down, for instance, 3 octave keys, hit chord memory, then play some ripping phat monosynth style leads and basses. Luckily it has portamento, if you feel like venturing into moog territory. Obviously the digital oscillator will hold you back slightly, but I still find it to be plenty warm! Of course, if you're after cold and harsh, it will totally do that too, if you feel like producing some bleak european hard techno ;D

Probably my favourite synth at the moment.

What's it like to program?
Easy peasey. Not much hands on control, but due to the simple architecture of the synth, and the generously sized alpha dial, programming with a data wheel and a couple of buttons is a breeze. The alpha dial is great for doing manual filter sweeps as well :). PG-300 can be bought for full hands on control, or you can pick up a Behringer BCR-2000 for a fraction of the cost and teach it to communicate with the Juno. That's what I've done, but I still find myself programming more with the alpha dial.

Video demo:

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