Juno 60 Sequencer

[verve92]

Hey all,
Since I haven't stopped playing my Juno 60, I am wondering what options I have, preferably hardware, for a sequencer. I understand there is no MIDI, but found the Minerva upgrade thread. I skimmed this long thread and nothing stood out visa vis the sequencer, but plan on getting the upgrade kit eventually.
I have yet to see a JSQ-60 anywhere and it will likely be un-affordable.
Any ideas? This is my new favorite synth by far as I struck out on 4 others before I got this one. Those bass sounds cry sequencer, but the arps will hold me over for now...

[Yoozer]

Get Minerva and don't bother with the JSQ. Its nicest feature is the JX3P step recording mode but it's not like others can't do that. Had one, sold it, never missed it.

To add to what the step sequencing does: each note is assumed to be of a certain length (you set this up on beforehand). If you play a note, it doesn't matter whether you wait a second or 10 hours until you play the next - they're all the same length. If you play several notes simultaneously, it's assumed that they are all played simultaneously in one step. This allows for some pretty neat arpeggiator-like sequences and fortunate mistakes - however, as I said, other sequencers should have this method of recording as well (and a lot more, too).

I didn't find the rest of the sequencing options worth bothering with; looping step mode sequences was already fun enough. For more elaborate stuff, I have my DAW anyway.

[Futureman84]

JSQ's suck.. You can't even slave them to midi or dinsync.

MSQ-700 is awesome, and will do DCB.
I used to thrash my MSQ-700. The simplicity and step sequencing on them is great... Rather limited, but that's it's charm.. And it's tight as all Fk.
Sort of like a 101 / JX-3p sequencer, but with more.

I installed midi in my J60 and then sold the MSQ-700, but my band mates still love theirs.

[verve92]

Originally Posted by Yoozer

Get Minerva and don't bother with the JSQ. Its nicest feature is the JX3P step recording mode but it's not like others can't do that. Had one, sold it, never missed it.

To add to what the step sequencing does: each note is assumed to be of a certain length (you set this up on beforehand). If you play a note, it doesn't matter whether you wait a second or 10 hours until you play the next - they're all the same length. If you play several notes simultaneously, it's assumed that they are all played simultaneously in one step. This allows for some pretty neat arpeggiator-like sequences and fortunate mistakes - however, as I said, other sequencers should have this method of recording as well (and a lot more, too).

I didn't find the rest of the sequencing options worth bothering with; looping step mode sequences was already fun enough. For more elaborate stuff, I have my DAW anyway.

Thank you Yooz,
So what you are saying is I can get some Tangerine Dream Rubycon type madness?
I am still struggling a bit using arpeggiators. Just when I figure it out I get lost again- damn I should have taken piano lessons as a kid. The arp's on the Juno 60 are stunning- especially when someone else is playing them I have been able to get some thuddy bass sounds- a bit more raw than my Alpha Juno 1. I really love the up/down speed control, which my Gaia does not have
I'll get it. Its able to make some soundtrack-ish running chase scene stuff quite easily.

[Daniel_Che]

Get Minerva and sequence it straight from the DAW or iPad with StepPolyArp app, it's awesome!

[Yoozer]

Originally Posted by verve92

So what you are saying is I can get some Tangerine Dream Rubycon type madness?

Any 8 step sequencer (or better, a 16-step sequencer at double speed) can give you that. A Moog Source has a small built-in sequencer that's ideal for stuff like this. The important thing however is that with modular sequencers transposition is simply a matter of hitting another key which sets the base control voltage at another value. The JSQ does not do this - you have to transpose the Juno itself (which always makes the sequencer halt for a brief while) which means that you can't do octave up/down between the sequences.

I really love the up/down speed control, which my Gaia does not have

Not even when you decouple the arp tempo from the clock?

I'll get it. Its able to make some soundtrack-ish running chase scene stuff quite easily.

If it's cheap, sure, why not. If they're asking "vintage prices", really - don't bother. Spend your money on Minerva and be on the lookout for a sequencer of a later date which can offer you both the transpose and step stuff. Or, go for authenticity and get a Source, and use the Juno for pads.

The iPad suggestion is really good too - it's astonishing how much more true to vintage sequencing these apps are, and it's far more inspiring than getting a sequencer of late 80s/early 90s vintage. Really easy to build a sequence, it'll do the step/transpose stuff, easy to program, and you can carry it around. Timing is not an issue since you're only controlling one device anyway. It only does one thing, and it does it right.

While I don't have an iPad I was introduced to the StepPolyArp app by a friend who used to have a Source (now a Model D), a Juno-60, a SEM and various modular bits and pieces. I spent a while emulating TD sequences on all that - worked like a charm.

[Daniel_Che]

This how you could sequence your Juno 60 in the year 2012
StepPolyArp for iPad controlling an Oberheim FVS - YouTube

[verve92]

Originally Posted by Daniel_Che

This how you could sequence your Juno 60 in the year 2012
StepPolyArp for iPad controlling an Oberheim FVS - YouTube

Unless you don't have, need, want, or can afford an iPad.
Maybe getting an iPhone when my upgrade is available in a few months, thiough.