Before MIDI became the universal language of synthesizers, Roland created DCB—a proprietary digital control bus that only appeared in a handful of instruments like the Juno-60 and Jupiter-8. The Pro-DCB exists to bridge that gap, letting you plug those vintage machines into the modern MIDI ecosystem without modification.
This is a straightforward interface that handles the translation between MIDI and DCB protocols in both directions. You get standard MIDI In, Out, and Thru sockets, plus a 14-pin DCB connector that links directly to your synth. The unit is fully programmable with settings stored in non-volatile memory, so your configurations stick around even after power down. It measures 167 by 97 by 40 millimeters and weighs 600 grams—compact enough to sit on a shelf or tuck into a setup without taking up much real estate. Power comes from a 9 to 15 volt DC supply.
Beyond basic note control, the Pro-DCB includes an auxiliary output that converts MIDI controllers, velocity, aftertouch, and pitch bend data into control voltages between 0 and 12.5 volts, perfect for modulating filter cutoff or VCA response. There's also a clock output for syncing the arpeggiator and a built-in LFO with nine waveforms including sample-and-hold, which can be synchronized to MIDI clock and modulated by incoming controller data. The bi-directional design means your Juno or Jupiter can transmit MIDI back out, effectively turning it into a master keyboard if you want.
Owners have found it to be a reliable workhorse for bringing these classic machines into modern setups. It's straightforward to use once you understand the basics, though the menu system requires some patience if you're diving into deeper programming. For anyone with a DCB-equipped Roland sitting in storage, this converter removes the last barrier to integrating it with contemporary gear.
