Yamaha MX88 Vs Roland Juno DS88
When it comes to synthesizers, the Yamaha MX88 Vs Roland Juno DS88 are two of the most popular options on the market. Both of these instruments offer a range of features and capabilities that make them stand out from other synthesizers in their price range. Today we will be providing a detailed comparison of these two synthesizers, exploring their similarities and differences in order to help you make an informed decision about which one to choose.
In this comparison, we will talk about the following:
- What are the Yamaha MX88 and Roland Juno DS88?
- How is the Design of Yamaha MX88 and Roland Juno DS88?
- How is the Sound Quality of Yamaha MX88 and Roland Juno DS88?
- What are the Features of Yamaha MX88 and Roland Juno DS88?
- How is the Connectivity in Yamaha MX88 and Roland Juno DS88?
- Yamaha MX88 Vs Roland Juno DS88
- Which Synthesizer Keyboard to Buy?
| Yamaha MX88 | Roland Juno DS88 | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
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| Product Dimensions | 6.6 x 52 x 16 inches | 13.5 x 55.75 x 5.75 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 30.6 pounds | 35.6 pounds |
| Shop now at Amazon | Check price | Check price |
About the Yamaha MX88 and Roland Juno DS88
The Yamaha MX88 features a full-sized, 88-note Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboard that provides a realistic piano playing experience. It includes over 1,000 voices from the Yamaha MOTIF series, including acoustic and electric pianos, strings, brass, drums, and more. It also includes a variety of built-in effects, such as reverb, chorus, and EQ, as well as a pattern sequencer for creating and arranging music. The MX88 is designed for both live performance and studio recording, and its lightweight, compact design makes it easy to transport.
The Roland Juno DS88 also features an 88-note keyboard with weighted action, and it includes over 1,200 voices, including acoustic and electric pianos, strings, brass, drums, and more. It features a variety of built-in effects, such as reverb, chorus, and EQ, as well as a pattern sequencer and arpeggiator for creating and arranging music. The Juno DS88 also includes a number of performance features, such as a mic input with vocal effects and a built-in audio interface for recording and playback. Read also: Casio PX 560 Vs Roland Juno DS88 here.
Design and Build Quality
The Yamaha MX88 and Roland Juno DS88 are both high-quality instruments with sturdy and durable designs. The Yamaha MX88 features a sleek and stylish design, with a matte black finish and a simple, intuitive control panel. The Roland Juno DS88, on the other hand, has a more traditional design with a woodgrain finish and a larger control panel with more buttons and knobs.
Both instruments have 88 weighted keys, which provide a realistic piano-like playing experience. However, the Yamaha MX88 features a Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboard, which provides a more authentic feel than the Roland Juno DS88’s Ivory Feel-G keyboard.
Sound Quality
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a synthesizer is sound quality, and both the Yamaha MX88 and Roland Juno DS88 excel in this area. The Yamaha MX88 features over 1,000 voices, including realistic acoustic instrument sounds, vintage synths, and modern electronic sounds. It also has a built-in virtual circuitry modeling (VCM) effects engine, which provides a range of high-quality effects.
The Roland Juno DS88 also has a wide range of sounds and features, with over 1,200 voices and a range of effects including reverb, chorus, and EQ. However, some users have reported that the sound quality of the Roland Juno DS88 is not as strong as that of the Yamaha MX88, particularly when it comes to acoustic instrument sounds.
Features and Functionality
Both the Yamaha MX88 and Roland Juno DS88 offer a range of features and functionality that make them ideal for a variety of musical styles and genres. The Yamaha MX88 features split and layer functions, which allow you to play multiple sounds at once or divide the keyboard into different zones for different sounds. The Roland Juno DS88 also has split and layer functions, as well as a range of performance controls including pitch bend and modulation wheels, a D-beam controller, and a phrase pad for triggering samples and loops.
Connectivity
In terms of connectivity, both the Yamaha MX88 and Roland Juno DS88 offer a range of options for connecting to other devices and integrating with your existing setup. The Yamaha MX88 features USB audio and MIDI connectivity, as well as a range of inputs and outputs including quarter-inch jacks for connecting to amplifiers and mixers. The Roland Juno DS88 also offers USB audio and MIDI connectivity, as well as a range of inputs and outputs including XLR jacks for connecting to microphones and a dedicated guitar input. Check our other comparison in: Yamaha MOXF8 vs MX88 here.
Yamaha MX88 Vs Roland Juno DS88
While the Yamaha MX88 and Roland Juno DS88 are both versatile synthesizers with 88-note weighted keyboards and a large selection of built-in sounds, there are some key differences between the two models. Here are some of the main differences:
- Sound Engines: Both the Yamaha MX88 and Roland Juno DS88 feature high-quality sound engines that can produce a wide variety of sounds, including acoustic and electric pianos, strings, brass, drums, and more. However, the MX88 features Yamaha’s AWM2 sound engine, which is known for its realistic acoustic instrument sounds and detailed sound shaping capabilities, while the Juno DS88 uses Roland’s SuperNATURAL sound engine, which is known for its expressive and dynamic electronic sounds.
- Number of Voices: The Yamaha MX88 includes over 1,000 voices from the Yamaha MOTIF series, while the Roland Juno DS88 includes over 1,200 voices. While both instruments have a wide variety of sounds to choose from, the Juno DS88 has a slightly larger sound library.
- Effects: Both the Yamaha MX88 and Roland Juno DS88 include a variety of built-in effects, such as reverb, chorus, and EQ, but the MX88 has a larger selection of effects and more detailed sound shaping capabilities.
- Performance Features: The Roland Juno DS88 includes a number of performance features that are not found on the Yamaha MX88, such as a mic input with vocal effects and a built-in audio interface for recording and playback.
- Design: The Yamaha MX88 has a more traditional design with a black finish and a streamlined control panel, while the Roland Juno DS88 has a more modern design with a white finish and a larger, more colorful control panel.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an instrument with a sleek and modern design, the Yamaha MX88 is a great choice. Its Graded Hammer Standard keyboard provides an authentic playing experience, and its range of sounds and effects make it a versatile instrument for a variety of musical styles. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more traditional design and a wider range of performance controls, the Roland Juno DS88 may be the better choice for you. While some users have reported that its sound quality is not as strong as the Yamaha MX88, it still offers a wide range of voices and effects, as well as a range of connectivity options.
