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Description
The Roland MKS-20 is a legendary digital piano module that has earned its place in the hearts of musicians for its authentic and expressive sound. Perfect for studio sessions or live performances, this sound module is celebrated for its SA synthesis technology, which delivers rich and dynamic piano tones. Musicians appreciate the MKS-20 for its ability to seamlessly blend into a mix while maintaining a distinct sound profile that stands out.
With the MKS-20, you can explore a range of sounds beyond traditional piano, including electric pianos and clavinets. Its intuitive interface allows for easy navigation and quick adjustments, making it a reliable choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Whether you're crafting intricate compositions or looking for a dependable gigging partner, the Roland MKS-20 offers versatility and quality.
Key Features:
- SA (Structured Adaptive) Synthesis technology for realistic piano sounds
- Includes a variety of piano and electric piano tones
- Intuitive interface for easy operation
- Reliable sound module for studio and live use
- MIDI connectivity for integration with other gear
Product specs
| Brand | Roland |
| Model | MKS-20 Digital Piano Sound Module |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1986 - 1989 |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Digital Synthesizers, Rackmount Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Digital |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Through |
| Polyphony | 16 Voices |
FAQs
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What kind of sounds can I expect from the Roland MKS-20?
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The Roland MKS-20 is known for its high-quality digital piano sounds, including electric pianos and acoustic piano emulations. It features a unique digital synthesis technology that provides rich, expressive tones suitable for various musical genres.
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Is the Roland MKS-20 compatible with modern MIDI setups?
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Yes, the Roland MKS-20 features MIDI input and MIDI through connectivity, allowing it to be integrated into modern MIDI setups with controllers and sequencers.
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How many voices of polyphony does the Roland MKS-20 have?
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The Roland MKS-20 offers 16 voices of polyphony, enabling it to handle complex chordal passages and layered sounds without note dropouts.
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What distinguishes the Roland MKS-20 from other sound modules in the MKS series?
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The Roland MKS-20 is specifically designed as a digital piano sound module, offering high-quality piano and electric piano sounds, while other MKS series modules may focus on different instruments or synthesis methods.
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Can the Roland MKS-20 be used with a MIDI controller?
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Yes, the Roland MKS-20 can be used with any MIDI controller, allowing for real-time performance and control over its sound engine.
Videos
SpectrasonicsVIDEO
SHOOTOUT: MKS20 vs Keyscape!
Reviews
PROS
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Electric pianos have a big, full, and dynamic sound
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Onboard effects from the classic Dimension D unit, rich and full
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Distinctly electronic yet responsive and alive feel
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Encourages creativity and fun in playing
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Classic 80's sound for electric piano needs
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Unique sounding instruments, enjoyable with effects
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"Larger than life" Rhodes sound, very usable
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Great vibes sound and a pretty good Clavinet sound
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Nice stereo tremolo effect
CONS
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Acoustic piano simulations not usable
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Sounds dated compared to modern piano sampling
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May require a step-up voltage translator for use in certain regions
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland MKS-20.
Features and functionality
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The RD300s offers the same sound engine as the MKS-20, providing Piano 1,2,3, Clav, Vibraphone, EP 1 and 2 sounds without needing the bass EQ.
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The MKS-20 is praised for its chorus circuit and velocity layers, which are key to its unique sound.
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The MKS-20 uses structured/adaptive synthesis, combining tiny samples with additive synthesis to mimic the harmonic characteristics of real pianos, a pioneering technology in 1986.
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It offers 16-voice polyphony and includes eight instrument models: 3 acoustic pianos, 2 electric pianos, harpsichord, clavinet, and vibraphone.
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The MKS-20 features built-in Chorus and Vibrato effects, alongside a 3-band equalizer, enhancing its sound versatility.
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Comparisons
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The Roland P330, a module of the RD300, is considered by many to have brighter acoustic piano sounds compared to the MKS-20.
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The RD250 and RD300 share identical sounds and controls, differing only in the number of keys (76 vs. 88).
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The Yamaha DX series, particularly the Reface DX, offers alternative 80s electric piano sounds with customizable presets.
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User experience
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Owners appreciate the RD300 for its minimalist design, considering it superior in aesthetics to the RD1000.
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Use cases and applications
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The RD300 is highlighted for its portability and suitability for live settings, negating the need for carrying a separate module or laptop.
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NeoSoul's MKSensations is a recommended Kontakt library for those seeking velocity-layered EP sounds similar to the MKS-20 at a lower price point.
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Recommended for systems capable of reproducing sub-75Hz frequencies for optimal sound during climactic sections of compositions.
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Software and compatibility
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Keyscape, with its extensive sound library, is highlighted as a superior choice for diverse piano sounds, now available as a standalone application.
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Critic Reviews
4.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 6 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
On his Roland.uk artist page, Mike Lindup is quoted about having used a Roland MKS-20 module for a long time, plus he can be seen/heard talking about it and the background of his keyboard rig with Level 42 (at least) in the linked YouTube video:
MIKE LINDUP ON THE RD-800 "The piano is where I started, and being a long time user of the classic MKS20 and more recently the RD-300, the RD-800 has some exciting possibilities to further move the game on in terms of personalisation. I love the fact that each individual note can be adjusted for pitch, tone, attack & sustain, making it possible to go beyond the often clinical sound of other digital pianos. In addition there are lots of other quality sounds to play with and combine-it's time to play!”
"Later on I purchased a D-50, JD-800, and MKS-20 and P-330 piano modules. Roland always seemed to come out with the greatest sounding keyboards, and they’re user-friendly. They were bright enough to cover digital, but I really loved the warm analog pad and string sounds, the really signature Roland stuff," says Paul, at 6:30 in this video.
According to this article, Brad Buxer used a Roland MKS-20 module for the digital piano sound on "Stranger In Moscow".
Showed up in a list of Ryo Okumoto’s gear on the Spock’s Beard official website.
Eric Persing has had a unique and influential relationship with Roland Corp for two decades. He started as a product demonstrator in 1984, showing some of Roland's first MIDI instruments. He quickly became involved in the R&D side with Roland Japan, earning the title "Chief Sound Designer", and began contributing his design ideas, real-world studio experience and sound design expertise. Persing's skills have left their mark on countless classic Roland instruments.
He is the originator of many legendary Roland sounds that have become part of the vocabulary and lexicon of musical sound. These include the Factory D-50 sounds such as Fantasia, Soundtrack and Digital Native Dance, a majority of the JV/XP/XV series Classics, all the Factory JD-800 sounds, the original Juno "Hoover" sound and thousands of others.
Here is a partial list of the Roland instruments that Eric has contributed his sound design, sampling and design consulting skills:
Juno-106 Alpha Juno 1&2 JX-3P JX-8P JX-10 Jupiter 6 Super Jupiter D-50 D-550 D-110 D-10 D-20 D-70 MT-32 U-110 U-20 U-220 Sound Canvas JD-800 JD-990 JV-80 JV-90 JV-1000 JV-1080 JV-2080 XP-10 XP-50 XP-60 XP-80 XV-3080 XV-5050 XV-5080 Fantom JP-8000 JP-8080 S-10 S-220 S-50 S-550 S-770 S-760 S-750 MC-303 MC-500 MC-505 VP-9000 MSQ-700 MSQ-100 MKS-20 MKS-30 MKS-50 MKS-70 MKS-80 R-8 R-5 DR-660 DR-770 R-70 V-Drums V-Drums expansion board SRV-2000 DEP-5 RSP-550 R-880 SRV-330 SE-50 SE-70 VS-880 VS-1680 SR-JV series expansion boards SRX series expansion boards Sound Canvas Project series CD-ROM libraries Archives series CD-ROM libraries Composers series CD-ROM libraries
According to the January 1989 issue of Modern Keyboard, Brett Tuggle used the Roland MKS-20 on David Lee Roth's song "Just Like Paradise" from the "Skyscraper" album.

Album Usage
The Roland MKS-20 has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Roland MKS-20, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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