Essential Facts About the JN-80 Synthesizer
- 8-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer inspired by the legendary Juno-60 from the 1980s
- Fully analog signal path with authentic DCOs, 3109 VCF filters, and 662 VCAs
- 49 full-size keys with velocity, aftertouch, advanced arpeggiator, and polyphonic portamento
- Multistage BBD chorus, sub-oscillator, and noise generator for lush pads, powerful basses, and rich leads
Historical Context and Positioning in the Range
The JN-80 is a modern reinterpretation of a great classic from the 1980s, the famous Juno-60, preserving its sonic character and ease of use. It retains the spirit of analog polyphonic synths of that era while adding extended memory functions, full MIDI control, and a workflow designed for today’s musicians.
Positioned as a characterful polyphonic analog synthesizer, the JN-80 is aimed at both vintage enthusiasts and producers looking for a central instrument for their studio or live setup, capable of delivering pads, basses, leads, and retro-futuristic sequences.
Who Is This Synth For?
The JN-80 is designed for beginner to advanced musicians who want the warm tone of polyphonic analog synths without sacrificing modern programming convenience. It excels in synthwave, electro, techno, house, pop, ambient styles, as well as in sound design for film and video game music.
In the studio, its 8 voices and unison/double/poly modes make it a true all-rounder, equally suited for wide pads, massive basses, or punchy leads. On stage, its 49-note keyboard with aftertouch, spring-return pitch and modulation wheels, and user memories make it a performance-ready instrument.
Features and Innovations
At the heart of the JN-80 is an analog subtractive synthesis engine based on true DCOs, 3109 VCF filters, and 662 VCAs for authentic vintage behavior. Each voice offers sawtooth, square, and pulse-width waveforms, complemented by a sub-oscillator one octave below for thicker bass and leads, plus a global noise generator for richer textures.
The 24 dB low-pass filter, derived from the famous 3109 topology, provides resonance and positive or negative envelope control, enabling silky sweeps or sharp resonances. A powerful LFO can modulate pulse width, pitch, and filter cutoff, with creative sync to playing and sequences.
Unison, double, and poly modes offer different voice architectures: ultra-thick 8-VCO leads, massive basses, 4-voice stacking, or full 8-voice polyphony. The integrated multistage BBD chorus adds depth, movement, and stereo width reminiscent of classic 80s sounds.
For playability and memory, the JN-80 includes a sophisticated arpeggiator with manual or external tempo control and up, down, and up-down modes for varied rhythmic patterns. Polyphonic portamento enables musical glides between played notes, perfect for expressive lines. 400 user memory slots are available, with a “compare and match” function to quickly align physical controls with stored values.
The programming interface features an LCD screen with an encoder for fast parameter editing, plus assignable preset recall switches for instant access to favorite sounds. CV/pedal inputs accept expression pedals and footswitches for real-time control.
MIDI connectivity is particularly comprehensive: all parameters can be controlled via NRPN/CC, with bulk load/save functions for archiving sound banks, ensuring perfect integration into modern production environments.
Technical Specifications
General
- Programmable 8-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer
- Modern reproduction inspired by the 1980s Juno-60
- Pure analog signal path based on DCOs, 3109 VCF, and 662 VCA
Sound Engine and Architecture
- Discrete oscillators with sawtooth, square, and pulse-width waveforms
- Sub-oscillator one octave below to reinforce bass and sonic density
- Global noise generator for extended sound creation possibilities
- 24 dB low-pass filter based on discrete 3109 circuit with resonance
- Filter envelope control with positive or negative polarity
- Unison, double, and poly voice modes for 8-VCO leads, massive basses, 4-voice stacking, or 8-voice polyphony
- Powerful LFO to modulate pulse width, pitch, and filter cutoff
- Polyphonic portamento for musical glide effects across multiple voices
Keyboard, Control, and Effects
- 49 full-size keys with velocity sensitivity
- Integrated aftertouch for expressive playing
- Spring-return pitch and modulation wheels for precise performance control
- Sophisticated arpeggiator with manual and external tempo control
- Arpeggiator modes: up, down, and up-down
- Integrated multistage BBD chorus for rich, lively sounds
- LCD screen with encoder for fast parameter editing
- Assignable preset recall switches for immediate program selection
Memory and Sound Management
- 400 user program slots
- “Compare and match” function to align analog controls with stored values
Connections and MIDI
- CV/pedal inputs for expression pedals and footswitches
- Full MIDI with NRPN/CC control of all parameters
- Bulk load/save functions for data management
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