There’s no shortage of software synths aiming to bottle the analog magic of yesteryear, but PinkNoise Studio’s iUNO Synthesizer takes a slightly different path. Rather than chasing a one-to-one emulation of Roland’s classic Juno-6, iUNO is more of a respectful homage—a reinterpretation of the vintage icon, reimagined with modern tools for today’s producer. And the result? A synth that’s as approachable as it is deep, with fat, sweet tones and a nostalgic soul that doesn’t get in the way of workflow.
First Impressions
From the jump, iUNO feels familiar. The GUI is clean and unfussy—there’s no faux-rack eye candy or gratuitous skeuomorphism here. Instead, you’re greeted with a layout that leans into usability, channeling the minimalist design philosophy of the Juno series, but layering in smart modern features like an XY control pad, a modulation matrix, and a flexible FX section.
If you’ve ever worked with a Juno—or any DCO-based synth—you’ll feel right at home. But even if you’re new to that world, iUNO makes exploration simple and rewarding.
Sound: Fat, Sweet, and Nostalgic
Let’s not bury the lead—this thing sounds fantastic. The three oscillators are modeled after the Juno-6’s digitally-controlled oscillator (DCO), which delivers that unmistakable creamy warmth without veering into “muddy” territory. Even when stacked thickly, the tone retains clarity and dimension.
Then there’s the chorus. Oh yes—the chorus. iUNO includes two types of the original Juno-style chorus, and it’s nothing short of lush. It’s the same smearing, wide, shimmering wash that made the Juno a staple of 80s pop and modern synthwave. Whether you’re chasing vaporwave nostalgia or need some analog sheen on your pads, it’s a signature sound that never wears out its welcome.
Features & Workflow
Despite its vintage heart, iUNO is unmistakably modern under the hood.
- Modulation Matrix – Drag-and-drop flexible routing lets you dial in evolving textures or precise automation with ease.
- XY Pad – A welcome addition that invites real-time tweaking and hands-on performance play.
- FX Section – Includes compressor, delay, and reverb, each with modulation options, letting you shape your patches to sit just right in a mix or swell into cinematic soundscapes.
- Arpeggiator & Step Sequencer – Both are straightforward yet effective. Version 1.0.1 adds a handy alternative view for better control.
- Five Play Modes – Poly, Mono, Chord, Arp, and Seq—with a hold function—mean this synth is as performance-ready as it is studio-friendly.
The inclusion of a QR code on the back panel to instantly access the manual is a small but clever touch that reflects PinkNoise’s attention to user experience.
What’s New in 1.0.1
Version 1.0.1 doesn’t reinvent the wheel but polishes it nicely. The update focuses on UX improvements, including a new alternative sequencer view and 14 new patches that expand the sonic palette. These new presets showcase iUNO’s range—from warm analog pads and brassy leads to plucky sequences and modulated textures.
Verdict: A Synth Worth Hearing
The iUNO Synthesizer is not a slavish emulation—and that’s what makes it special. It captures the spirit of the Juno-6, not just its signal path. If you’re looking for a characterful, accessible, and modern take on vintage analog, iUNO hits that sweet spot between authentic tone and contemporary control.
It might not boast the sprawling complexity of flagship softsynths like Serum or Falcon, but that’s not the point. iUNO isn’t trying to be everything—it’s trying to be something special, and in that, it succeeds.
Pros:
- Authentic DCO tone with rich analog flavor
- Iconic Juno-style chorus (x2!)
- Excellent modulation and FX section
- XY control adds expressive depth
- Lightweight and intuitive interface
Cons:
- No wavetable or granular options (not its lane)
- Sequencer could use more advanced features
- Limited to three oscillators (but sonically rich)
Bottom Line:
iUNO from PinkNoise Studio is a modern classic in the making. It’s sweet, fat, and straight to the point. Whether you’re scoring synthwave, crafting dreamy ambient beds, or just looking for a reliable vintage tone box, this one earns its place in your virtual rack.
👉 Try it for yourself—you won’t be disappointed.
