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Description
The Roland MKS-30 Planet-S is a compact powerhouse for any synth enthusiast, offering vintage analog warmth with modern control capabilities. As a rack-mounted sound module from Roland's renowned JX series, the MKS-30 captures the essence of the 1980s synthesizer revolution. It combines the lush, polyphonic textures of analog synthesis with digital precision, making it a versatile addition to both studio and live setups.
This module is revered for its 6-voice polyphony, allowing musicians to create rich, layered sounds that effortlessly cut through any mix. Its architecture is based on two digitally controlled oscillators per voice, providing a variety of waveforms and modulation options. The inclusion of a classic Roland chorus effect adds depth and dimension to your sound, reminiscent of iconic tracks from the synth-pop era.
While it lacks a keyboard, the MKS-30 is designed to be controlled via MIDI, offering seamless integration with modern setups. Its front panel is intuitive, with a series of sliders and buttons that allow for real-time parameter adjustments, encouraging creativity and spontaneity during performances or recording sessions.
Key Features:
- 6-voice polyphony for rich and complex soundscapes
- Dual digitally controlled oscillators per voice
- Classic Roland chorus effect for added warmth
- MIDI compatibility for seamless integration with modern equipment
- Intuitive front panel for hands-on control and real-time adjustments
- Part of Roland’s iconic JX series, known for its vintage analog sound
Product specs
| Brand | Roland |
| Model | MKS-30 Rackmount Analog Synthesizer |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1984 - 1986 |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Analog Synths, Rackmount Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Analog |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Through |
| Polyphony | 6 Voices |
FAQs
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What type of synthesis does the Roland MKS-30 use?
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The Roland MKS-30 is an analog synthesizer, known for its warm and rich sound typical of vintage analog gear.
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How many voices of polyphony does the Roland MKS-30 offer?
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The Roland MKS-30 provides 6 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex chords and layered sounds.
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Does the Roland MKS-30 support MIDI connectivity?
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Yes, the Roland MKS-30 features MIDI input and MIDI through, enabling integration with other MIDI-capable equipment.
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What are the standout sound characteristics of the Roland MKS-30?
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The Roland MKS-30 is renowned for its lush analog tones, making it ideal for creating classic pads, basses, and leads.
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Is the Roland MKS-30 suitable for live performance setups?
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While primarily used in studio settings, the rackmount design of the MKS-30 makes it a compact choice for live rigs, provided you have MIDI control capabilities.
Videos
SyntheticMachines
Roland MKS 30 + PG 200
Roland MKS 30 + PG 200
SyntheticMachines
Jamuary 4th 2020 - Roland MKS-30 Planet S
Kristian Blåsol
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland MKS-30 Planet-S.
Software and compatibility
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The mpg200 kit allows using a standard MIDI controller with the MKS-30, translating MIDI to PG-200 messages efficiently.
Source
Mods and upgrades
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Opting for the mpg200 kit offers a cost-effective alternative to buying a used PG-200 or new DT-200 controller.
Source
Use cases and applications
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Owners can utilize existing MIDI controllers with the MKS-30 by employing the mpg200 kit, enhancing its flexibility in setups.
Source
Setup and maintenance
Critic Reviews
4.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings
41029
get a pg200
I dock 1 star beause you must, MUST have a pg200 as another MIDI controller soaks up the sole MIDI input (ok with like a stereoping with thru) and may have limited functionality. Much safer to just get a pg200 as a good box of knobs that maps correctly and has thru will cost almost as much. Just get the real controller.
A jx3p in rack, but not quite, ahs some juno106 components in there and sounds a bit juno-ey too. Let me just say this synth sounds great, the chorus is great. Its squelchier and more inviting than the 8p I had briefly and it fits in a 19" rack so I'm somewhat less burried in keyboards :LOL! If you know the poly61 this mks30/jx3p is basically the same synth with a different tonal character.Beware the juno106 red goo of death. get one that's been serviced or elave budget to preemptively clean or replace the red voice chips.
A fine synthesizer with a bright and squelchy roland DCO sound and some real lushnesswith both socillators going and the chorus engaged.
1264
I've been meaning to pick one of these up some day. They seem like a pain but have a nice sound.
Artist usage
Add artist
Atari 1040 ST, Atari Mega ST 4, Roland: Super JX 10, S 50, D 50, MKS 80, MKS 30, U 110, MPG 80; Akai X 7000, Fairlight, Yamaha TX 81 Z, Akai S 612, Korg DVP 1, Roland SRV 2000, Korg SDD 1200, Ibanez SDR 1000, Eventide Harmonizer, 3x Hohner HS-1/E, 2x Klark EQ, Arsonic-Sigma 5.2, EMS Synthi A, and others...
In the September 1987 issue of Keyboard Magazine, the third column on page 31 mentions that Danny Elfman owned a Roland MKS-20 and a Roland MKS-30 Planet-S rack in his home studio. The article was authored by Bob Doerschuk and Jeff Burger.
In his My Studio feature for Attack Magazine, Mathew Jonson writes: "Lots of rack synths over there too: MKS-80, MKS-30, MKS-7, MKS-70…"
List of equipment used on the album Universal:
SYNTHS • Emu Proteus 1 (x2) • Emu Proteus 2 (x2) • Emu Proteus World • Emu Classic Keys • Korg M1R • Korg O3R/W • Oberheim Matrix 6R • Oberheim Matrix 1000 • Quasimidi Quasar • Roland Alpha Juno 2 • Roland D550 • Roland JD800 • Roland JV1080 (with Orchestral, Vintage Synth, Piano, and World expansion boards) • Roland JX8P • Roland MKS30 • Yamaha DX7S • Yamaha TX81Z (x2)
SAMPLERS • Akai S1100 • Akai S1100EX
RECORDING • Alesis Quadraverb • Digitech Vocalist (hired) • Fairchild compressors • Focusrite EQ • Opcode Studio 4 MIDI interface • Pultec EQP1A EQ • Urei 1176 compressors
COMPUTERS & SOFTWARE • Apple Macintosh Quadra 650 • Digidesign Pro Tools II & 442 interface • Digidesign Sound Tools II • Emagic Logic Audio v2.5.3
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Roland MKS 30 is included in list of instruments played by Suzanne Ciani.
In an effort to begin the scaling-down process, George is already using a Roland MKB300 mother keyboard and a comprehensive selection of rack-mounted sound units alongside his more conventional keyboards.
'I'm not using a weighted controller at the moment because I haven't found one that feels all that great. A lot of them have a very sloppy, sluggish action like the Yamaha KX88. To me the Roland weighted keyboards feel a little bit better, but that's just my opinion. I'm presently using mine with a Yamaha TX816 and a Roland MKS30. On stage the QX1 controls my DX7 for things like the bass part on 'Broken Wings' and Richard just sings over the top of that — it's much too hard to sing and play at the same time!
Jim Gilmour confirmed his use of the Roland MKS-30 Planet-S sound modules, stating, "For this tour I've got a pair of Roland Super Jupiter modules and a pair of Planet S modules, and an MKB1000 mother keyboard to control them," as documented in the article "Transatlantic Trends - Saga" from EMM May 1986.
Album Usage
The Roland MKS-30 Planet-S 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-30 Planet-S, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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