The MKS-50 is a rack-mount version of the Alpha Juno. It has the same synth engine and architecture, with some added features like 16 programmable chord memories, the ability to store velocity, volume, panning, de-tune, portamento and other similar parameters within each patch you create. The optional and highly recommended PG-300 will give you traditional slider type control of all editable tone parameters which include DCO (digitally controlled oscillators) LFO, bend, ENV, pulse, waveforms, noise, PW/PWM, high pass filter, VCF (filter) with freq/env/res/LFO/kybd, VCA envelope, chorus, and more.

Its sound is not quite as warm as the previous Juno's but it's still a nice addition to any techno synth rig. Other features include better MIDI implementation than previous Roland synths, a nice LCD display, an LFO capable of a very slow rate for some cool sweeping effects, and a great bass sound (especially nice for acid basslines) and noise effects! It is used by Überzone, Astral Projection, Fluke, Future Sound of London, Pet Shop Boys, and Vince Clarke.

Voltergeist

April 16, 2010 @ 8:25 am

One of the most unique sounding synths I've come across and it will cut through a mix like nothing else I've come across. Editing with a 'virtual PG-300' Cubase device panel works great. In my performance rig I have two MKS-50's, typically on the same patch an octave apart, sounds awesome. If you're looking for a Juno 60 or 106 sound, you're not going to get it, but the good news is you get the MKS-50 sound. And it's cheap.

mik

November 2, 2009 @ 5:03 am

I've had J60 and sold it because this sounds unique, takes less space and also responds to velocity. I lreally love how it sounds and I am amazed to see them going for such a low prizes. I guess I will probably have to get me a few more to make sure I got spare parts if my mks-30 gets broken. This is THE machine for those 90's hardcore leads, there is no other synth that does those properly.

Ashe37

August 9, 2009 @ 1:00 pm

Okay, i got one and this thing is worth every penny. Paid $100 ($100-$150 seems to be the going price for them) and the sounds are much thicker and warmer than many VAs. The chorus definitely has the "Roland Chorus" sound to it. And, it doesn't add another keyboard....

Ashe37

July 30, 2009 @ 10:50 am

Also used by Information Society on several albuma, according to the band's website.

oli

June 27, 2009 @ 10:59 am

I've had mine for a few weeks. Just been playing with the PG300EMU. Soft editor is pretty good.
Can do nice Juno string pads. Not sensational, but good, musical, useful, and reasonably warm soundning. Some leads can be quite fun too.
FIlter is not bad, but also not sensational. I prefer the Juno 106 filter. Not sure if the circuit is very different, but sweeping the MKS-50 filter via MIDI CC can be a bit steppy. Unfortunately, I think on-board controls are still preferable.
I paid $US180. I think at $150 to $200 it is appropriately priced. I'm happy to have it in my rack.

<654321>

 

Post Comment!

Your Name: (Required.)

Email Address: (Required, not published.)

Image verification: (required)

Message:

 

Posting Rules:
Please keep your comments relevant! Do not post requests for help, do not use for sales, do not post unless you have something interesting to say about this instrument, or we may delete your post.

I have read and understand the posting rules.