Roland Juno-60 vs. Korg Polysix Analog Synthesizer (1982) battle

(c) 2016 vintage synthesizer demo by RetroSound

Roland Juno-60 vs. Korg Polysix analog synthesizer battle

Both synths are made in 1982. One VCO (Polysix) + Sub-Osc. and one DCO (Juno-60) + Sub-Osc, analog filter and amp, internal fx unit with chorus 1&2 (JU-60) and chorus, phaser and ensemble (P-6), arpeggiator, no MIDI and 6 voices.

For the sound battle I have programmed near identical sound settings. Most without the internal fx.

The sound character is different and both are great. I think it is a matter of taste what you like. The Juno-60 sounds like 80s pop and the Polysix like 70s Disco.

#juno60 #polysix #retrosound

[retrosound]

The Roland Juno-60 Synthesizer from the year 1982 is one of my Top5 synths ever. Here can you find the full Juno-60 playlist with single sound demos and one synth demo tracks. Enjoy.
The Juno-60 playlist ---->

[synthever]

Both sound lovely in their own way. Legends!

[jeffleonhardt]

I was 16 in 1982 and that Christmas I found a PolySix under the tree! Such a solid build and smooth sound. My parents, who knew nothing about synthesizers, inquired about the PolySix, Roland Juno-60 and the Sequential Circuits Prophet 5. The Prophet, at $5k, was right out and the salesman touted the Korg as the more affordable and yet versatile instrument. Sadly, and stupidly, I sold it around 1991 for $800. I really wish I hadn't done that...

[hvegel]

Not even close, PolySix's rawness of its oscillators and beautiful, yet dark, filter, win out right.

[calesfer]

I own a Polysix and always wanted this comparisson! Based on your review the Polysix sounds a bit more "unstable" wich is part of its character that I love. Both great synths though!
Great work! This is the best synth review channel! :)

[TheMetalMusicMachine]

Juno - Polite
Polysix - Rough
Both sounds awesome.

[brucebennett]

i had both. i miss them both terribly.

[devmiles]

The Korg VCO's + PWM and Sub ocs sound absolutely insane .. man ..deep. The Juno 60 sounds more stable i guess and the Korg rougher, little deeper while the 60 sounds more 'transparant'
The FX section on the Poly 6 is totally awesome. Both synths have their own character and i love them both in the end.

[littleboywithglasses]

Amazing video, thanks so much. Owned a 106 and 60 but never a poly. This made me put the poly at the top of my shopping list. So warm and fuzzy, really alive. I never really got on with the 60.

[deryflores]

Korg
Mono/Poly: 4x SSM2033 VCO, 1x SSM2044 VCF
Polysix: 6x SSM2056 EG, 6x SSM2044 VCF
Poly-61: 6x SSM2056 EG

[darwinsaye]

Wow... I had a PolySix and had no idea how much it blew the Juno's filter out of the water... Rich and harmonic vs nasty and screechy...

[moogdome]

Wow. they could lock me up in your studio, and throw away the key. I'd be happy as Larry.Wonderful, nothing beats vintage synths. well done.

[jeevespreston]

Wonderful comparison, thanks!!!! In the "Arp with Filter" section starting around 3:50, anyone besides me picking up a pitch drift on the Korg?

[mattjbyron]

Thanks for this one, always exciting to see a new video from Retrosound!!!

[MrFricoco]

Sweet sounds! Both are powerful synths!

[BlueNote]

The Polysix sounds so good! The chorus effect on the Juno is unbelievable though. If I had to choose only one I'd buy the Polysix. But we all know we need both :D Thanks for this video

[paulsimvient]

When I was in a rock band in the 80s, my friend had the Poly6 and I had the Juno 60. It kills me to say that even back then, I remembered feeling like the Poly6 had deeper richer tones - bit of a bummer given I wanted so much for the Juno60 to shine.

[uncccut]

No one mentions the Juno’s wonderful envelopes. Much more snappy than the Polysix. I love both of them but prefer the Juno for this reason

[HeIiosphan]

Thank you for that awesome channel, you can be proud you transmitted your passion and synth-fever to a lot of people like me ! You help me recognizing the different classic synth, and it's important in that DAW-era

[GlennMichaelThompson]

Very informative videos you've produced. Been watching/listening to more than a few, and they are much appreciated. Thanks! :0)