The MKS-80 is basically a refined Jupiter 8 in a module. It is called the Super Jupiter and it is very fat and very analog! Its great sound is due in part to the classic analog Roland technology in its filters, modulation capabilities and a thick cluster of 16 analog oscillators at 2 per voice. It comes in a 2 space rack-module - no keyboard here. Tons of editing capabilities, although editing is tedious. It's got all the classic sounds of the Jupiter synths and so much more. An excellent choice for ambient drones, pads, blips, buzzes and leads.! It is used by Hardfloor, Astral Projection, Vince Clarke, Vangelis, Pet Shop Boys, and Snap. Use the MPG-80 for easier and more traditional slider control when editing the MKS-80.

Owen

June 16, 2012 @ 10:14 pm

I found this webpage as a first hit to the serach "roland mks-80". I don't know whole lot more on this unit, However, I must enforce Sean's point: I also like knowing who used these instruments, because suppose you're not a keyboard player (like me) and you don't really know what sounds these things make (like me)... Well, that's a good reason to have this info! Keep up the good work vintage synth! Lots of vintage synths in Ottawa, Ontario, I've noticed...

Sean

May 9, 2012 @ 9:50 am

I have been trying to replace my Jupiter 6 that I had to sell in the 90's and was almost ready to buy one of these. They sound great but why no arpeggio?? And Brian why worry about the details of who played these synths?? I like reading who owned one- its an interesting detail, if anything- if you respect these performers you may understand why they purchased one. And if you love the sound and wonder where it came from here ya go. I don' think it's name dropping- it's not a sales sight man calm down.

greg

April 16, 2012 @ 4:27 pm

Who cares who used it? Most here aren't hell bent on trying to imitate someone else who used the same gear so I am wondering the purpose of the name dropping? Is it to say that the gear is 'pro' worthy? I imagine you run a Moog MG-1 through an SSL desk with Pultec and its gonna sound good....name dropping a synth doesn't make it any more appealing when you are trying to hone your own distinctive sound. I think it is pointless to discuss who used the gear and has no bearing on the capabilities of the gear mentioned on this site.

Dez

April 16, 2012 @ 2:16 pm

I think a lot of the complaints about MKS-80 are because they are trying to get the rev4 to make JP-8 sounds. Rev5 is the one to get if you're looking for "refined + racked JP-8".

See RogerRoger's third post here: http://www.em411.com/show/blog/4970 for a comparison. Even though rev4 shares the same filter chip as JP-8, the circuit around it is different. The rev5's Roland oscillators chips make the difference and really get you closer to JP-8.

Cosway

December 28, 2011 @ 7:57 pm

Have had this for 2 years. Dont expect to skip through the presets and be spoilt for choice with mind blowing sounds. This comes into its own if you spend a bit of time tweeking away. Programmer essential. Once you do get your sound, it will sit in a mix perfectly. Hardly any need for applying EQ. It always just sounds right. It is solid. It has that smooth, deep Roland character. It cannot be done on a digital or virtual synth. Ive tried !!! Definately worth having.

<87654321>

 

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.