Sonic Academy is giving away the JU-60 chorus plugin for free throughout November in an early Black Friday deal.
The JU-60 is a 64-bit-only release for macOS (AU, VST3, AAX) and Windows (VST3, AAX), while the freebie offer expires on December 8, 2024.
Sonic Academy’s JU-60 plugin is based on the chorus section of the classic Roland Juno-60 synth.
Roland debuted the synth in 1982 as a low-cost analog model, and the synth came to prominence through use in ‘80s pop, such as on “Take On Me” by A-ha and “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper.
The chorus section of the Juno-60 was its signature effect, so it makes sense to hone into that sound for a plugin release.
Sonic Academy says the process for getting the freebie is very simple, but I found that it was actually pretty fiddly.
I kicked off the process by signing up for the Sonic Academy newsletter. Once that’s done, the company will email you a coupon code.
You then complete the checkout and apply the coupon code. At that point, you’ll be asked to confirm your email, and then you’ll also have to create a free account on the Sonic Academy site.
After that, you can finally get your hands on the Zip with the macOS and Windows install files from within your account on the website.
Sonic Academy produced two YouTube demos to show off the sound of the JU-60.
In the first video, the company says the plugin can add “that much loved, authentic ‘80s flavor to things like pads, strings, leads, and so much more.”
The control scheme is no frills, with just Mix and Level controls, and the choice of three modes.
The demo video explains that the first mode provides a “nice chilled-out chorus effect,” while the second mode offers a faster modulation for “a bit more drama.” The third mode simulates a rotating speaker cabinet.
The control scheme is definitely well done. You can pull a range of very usable sounds quickly and with a minimum of fuss—just the way I like it.
To my ears, the demos are also a great showcase for how the JU-60 can be used to add excitement and depth to synth parts, helping to create a more dynamic and distinctive sound.
Check out the deal: JU-60 (FREE until December 8th – email required)
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