street priceThe Roland JSQ-60 is a polyphonic tabletop sequencer built around the Digital Communication Bus (DCB) standard, enabling direct integration with DCB-equipped synthesizers like the Juno-60 and Jupiter-8. The unit features a compact, well-defined design with legible controls that make operation straightforward and intuitive.
The JSQ-60 offers two distinct recording methods: Step Load and Real Time mode. In Real Time mode, users can record an initial sequence and then overdub up to three additional times on top of the first recording. The maximum polyphony depends on the connected synthesizer — six simultaneous notes when paired with the Juno 60, or eight notes with the Jupiter 8.
Real Time recording provides three time signature options: 4/4, 3/4, and Overdub mode, selectable via the Mode Select button. The built-in metronome provides both visual and aural cues with adjustable levels (two intensity settings plus off), delivering measure beats before recording fully engages. Recording stops intelligently at the end of the current measure when the Stop button is pressed.
Step loading offers three timing resolution options for precise note entry: quaver (eighth note), quaver linked to triplet, and semiquaver (sixteenth note). The shortest selected timing value equals one step in the sequencer. Each time a chord, rest, or single note is entered, the metronome advances one step with an audible confirmation. Bar lines are indicated with an accented metronome sound without step advancement.
The Tie button enables note length extension—for example, creating a quarter note in semiquaver mode requires playing the chord and pressing Tie three times. Rest values work similarly, requiring four Rest button presses to create a quarter note rest when in semiquaver mode. The Tie button also enables legato phrasing by holding it while playing successive notes, and this technique can be combined with standard tie operations.
The Measure End function loads bar lines into sequences, which proves essential for editing and adding data to specific locations within a sequence. Without these bar lines, mid-sequence editing becomes nearly impossible.
A five-way LED indicator displays remaining memory capacity from 25% to Full, with individual LEDs illuminating as memory fills. When Full is reached, data entry stops at the end of the current measure. In monophonic step mode, the JSQ-60 can store approximately 2,000 notes. The unit provides clear error feedback—the Memory Indicator flashes and beeps when loading errors occur, preventing accidental mistakes.
The Continue Load feature allows data entry to resume after a sequence has been stopped by pressing Load instead of Reset. This function also enables combining different Load Modes within a single sequence. However, Continue Load is not available in Overdubbing mode or when memory is full. Exceeding maximum capacity during Continue Load will erase existing data.
Editing is accomplished by stopping the sequence just before the desired measure and re-entering data. In Step Load mode, bar lines become crucial as playback continues to the very end even when Stop is pressed, preventing mid-sequence editing without proper measure markers.
The JSQ-60 supports audio tape storage with Save, Verify, and Load functions for sequence retrieval. For reliable operation, high-quality tapes (preferably C15 cassettes) should be used with properly maintained equipment. Tape recorder heads should be cleaned and demagnetized, playback levels should be adjusted appropriately, and ideally the same recorder should be used for both saving and loading operations.
The unit can memorize Juno 60 Patch Shift data and load patch presets on the Jupiter 8, taking advantage of the Juno 60's ability to transmit keyboard information while not receiving it.
The Mode selector switch near the power control offers three positions: Play Only (which protects stored memory), Load/Play, and Tape. Changing this selector while the unit is running will erase stored data, requiring careful attention during operation. When Load or Play indicators blink, pressing Reset followed by the selected time signature and Load initiates the recording process.
The rear panel provides comprehensive connectivity options: DCB connector for synthesizer communication, Patch Shift input and output, Start/Stop pedal input, and DC 9V power input. Mini tape outputs serve dual purposes for Load/Save operations and headphone monitoring. Two Sync 5-pin DIN outputs enable synchronization with Roland TR-series and CR-series rhythm units and other devices featuring Sync In connections.
The JSQ-60 can also interface with MIDI equipment through the Roland MD-8 DCB-MIDI converter, expanding its compatibility to non-DCB synthesizers.
Country of origin / production: Japan
Recommend product to a friend
Juno-60 followed Juno-6 featuring a 61-note keyboard that same year (1982). The monotimbral instrument offers a 6-voice polyphony and one digitally controlled oscillator per voice. The oscillator generates pulse, saw and square. The main spec which...