Safari Audio PolyRex: Do We Really Need Another Juno Emulation?
Safari Audio PolyRex brings the Roland Juno-106 to your DAW – with a couple of interesting extras and effects. But is that enough to stand out from the crowd?
Safari Audio PolyRex
PolyRex is Safari Audio’s third synth after Cubby and Super Chunk. Unlike these two, the new one is modeled after one of the most famous synths of all time: the legendary Roland Juno-106. What sets PolyRex apart from the numerous other Juno emulations available today?
Like the original, the software synth features a single oscillator with pulse and sawtooth waveforms and PWM. You also get a sub-oscillator and noise. The filter section with a resonant low-pass and an added high-pass also mimics the Juno, as do the ADSR envelope generator and the LFO with Rate and Delay controls. In terms of the synthesis architecture, PolyRex doesn’t reinvent the wheel – but that’s not what a Juno emulation is supposed to do. Instead, the software synth is aimed at producers who don’t want to go menu-diving, which has been a strength of the Juno since the 1980s.
In addition, PolyRex includes an arpeggiator with three modes (Up, Down, Up&Down), which can be synchronized to the DAW tempo. The same applies to the LFO.
It gets a bit more interesting in the effects section. In addition to the classic Juno chorus, Safari Audio has implemented analog-modeled delay and spring reverb effects from their extensive FX portfolio. All the effects have a distinct attitude and really add to the synth’s sonic potential.
But will that be enough to set PolyRex apart from the strong competition? Few synths have been emulated more often than the Juno, and while I really liked Safari’s first two software synths for their bold sounds and playful immediacy, I do have my doubts this time. If you don’t have a virtual Juno in your collection yet, PolyRex looks like a great start, especially at the low intro price. However, I’m not convinced it brings enough new ideas to the table to make it a worthwhile investment in addition to another Juno plugin.
Price and Compatibility
Until July 31, 2026, PolyRex is 50% off at Plugin Boutique*.
The software synth runs on macOS and Windows in VST3, AU, and AAX formats.
More Information
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