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Average Price: $478
Budget/Beginner
$500
$1501+
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Description
The Roland MKS-50 is a revered rackmount synthesizer module that brings the classic sound of the 1980s into your studio setup. Perfect for musicians and producers seeking authentic vintage tones, the MKS-50 offers a unique synthesis architecture that sets it apart in a crowded market. As the rack version of the popular Alpha Juno series, this module is known for its rich, warm, and versatile sounds, which can be used for a wide array of musical styles.
The MKS-50 features a single DCO (Digitally Controlled Oscillator) per voice, delivering a sound that is both powerful and precise. Coupled with a resonant analog filter and comprehensive modulation options, this synthesizer is capable of producing everything from lush pads to punchy basslines. The legendary "Hoover" sound, made famous by countless electronic tracks, is just one of the signature tones that this module can effortlessly produce.
Despite its compact size, the MKS-50 doesn't skimp on functionality. It includes a comprehensive MIDI implementation, making it easy to integrate with modern DAWs and MIDI controllers. This makes it an ideal choice for the musician looking to blend vintage and contemporary workflows seamlessly.
Key Features:
- Rackmount design derived from the Alpha Juno series
- Single Digitally Controlled Oscillator (DCO) per voice
- Comprehensive MIDI implementation for easy integration
- Iconic "Hoover" sound among many other classic tones
- Resonant analog filter with extensive modulation capabilities
- Ideal for producing a wide range of musical styles and soundscapes
Product specs
| Brand | Roland |
| Model | MKS-50 Rackmount Analog Synthesizer |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1986 - 1989 |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Analog Synths, Rackmount Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Analog |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through |
| Polyphony | 6 Voices |
FAQs
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What type of synthesis does the Roland MKS-50 use?
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The Roland MKS-50 is an analog synthesizer, known for its classic analog sound character and versatility in sound design.
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How many voices of polyphony does the Roland MKS-50 offer?
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The Roland MKS-50 provides 6 voices of polyphony, allowing for rich, layered sounds and complex chord structures.
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Is the Roland MKS-50 compatible with modern MIDI equipment?
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Yes, the Roland MKS-50 features MIDI Input, Output, and Through, making it compatible with modern MIDI setups for seamless integration.
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Can the Roland MKS-50 be used for live performances?
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As a rackmount synthesizer, the Roland MKS-50 is ideal for studio use but can also be incorporated into live setups with appropriate MIDI controllers.
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What makes the Roland MKS-50 unique compared to other synthesizers from its era?
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The Roland MKS-50 is renowned for its analog warmth and the inclusion of features from the popular Alpha Juno series, offering a distinct sound palette that stands out among 1980s synths.
Videos
RetroSound
Roland Alpha Juno 2 Analog Synthesizer (1986) - single sounds
Roland Alpha Juno 2 Analog Synthesizer (1986) - single sounds
RetroSound
Roland MKS 50
SyntheticMachines
MKS-50 Hoover
Jarryd Nielsen (Atomsmasha)
Roland MKS-50 Analog Synthesizer Demo Featuring Vietnam 1968
stuthomson
ROLAND Alpha Juno / MKS-50 - Ambient arpeggiator music soundscape 【SYNTH DEMO】
synth4ever
Roland JUNO2 aka MKS50 - my favourite Patches.
Franz Kreimer Keys
Roland Alpha Juno & MKS 50 Presets
Sonic Freaks
Reviews
PROS
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Unique filter quality with pronounced oscillation
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Offers real analog synth experience
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Compact and space-efficient
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Compatible with Retroaktiv MPG-50 for easy sound tweaking
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Extremely versatile with a wide range of waveforms and modulation options
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Famous for its specific "hoover"/"mentasm" sound in electronic music
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Can be programmed via software and compatible with aftermarket controllers
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Durable and reliable, even after being dropped
CONS
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Difficult to program without additional equipment
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Not ideal for producing acid-house music
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Requires periodic battery replacement and maintenance for optimal performance
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland MKS-50.
Features and functionality
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The MKS-50 includes DCOs, which contributes to its unique analog sound, making it a favorite among vintage synth enthusiasts.
Source -
To load factory banks, enable the required function on the MKS-50 first; consult resources like llamamusic.com for instructions.
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The MIDI THRU port is not for controllers but for chaining devices; use a MIDI merger for simultaneous control with multiple devices.
Source
Value and pricing
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Owners have acquired the MKS-50 for as low as $260, highlighting its affordability compared to other vintage analog polysynths.
Source
Comparisons
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The MKS-50 is described as having a distinctive character akin to its predecessor, the Alpha Juno, known for great sound quality.
Source
Use cases and applications
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Chord memory function on the MKS-50 can compensate for monophonic sequencing limitations in setups with poly synths.
Source
User experience
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Some owners possess multiple MKS-50 units, reflecting high satisfaction and valuing its sound and reliability.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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The L78MR05 chip in the MKS-50 is crucial for enabling RAM and powering the reset circuitry, which affects CPU operation.
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The MKS-50's power supply modification requires careful attention to the backlight current draw, needing potential adjustment of resistors or voltage regulators.
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A common issue is incorrect MIDI connections; ensure the computer's MIDI OUT connects to the MKS-50's MIDI IN for proper functionality.
Source
Mods and upgrades
Other
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Using a 230-110V converter can be a temporary solution for power issues, though it may produce significant noise and bulk.
Source
Software and compatibility
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Owners report difficulty using Ableton due to poor SysEx support; alternative software like MIDI Ox on Windows or SysEx Librarian on Mac is recommended.
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Some users find the hardcoded MIDI channels in the PG-300 emulator problematic; a browser-based editor may offer a more flexible solution.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 19 Ratings
41029
small and inconvenient
These little 1RU beasties are a total PITA to program but are capable of generating some cool 80s analog sounds like the Juno series. Not great for acid-house tweakin', but nice for when you want to get all Depeche Mode and throw down some thick subtractive leads but only have a DX7 and a midi controller. I've never had any reliability issues with this synthesizer and its been dropped a few times. If you can score one for under $200 its a great investment to integrate a little real analog into a software based turnkey setup like Fruity Loops...
15323
Neat! Never even heard of it, but if it's got a DM element to its sound, I may have to investigate further...
41029
Its an Alpha Juno... sounds like a Juno 106. Love mine, the cost is SOOOO low.
Can you not get the programmer for this or even use a software programmer to get you more sounds? I think Sounddiver has a module as well...
41029
I've owned it FOREVER and I'm used to patching it the tedious way or with software mostly. I can definitely get it to respond to a controller, it just takes a while to sync up and then I'm using the MIDI input for that controller, ugh
269
The Mentasm Machine
The rackmount MKS-50, along with it's Alpha Juno keyboard equivalents, was one of Roland's last analog synths. It's famous for creating the hoover/"mentasm" sound that's been used in electronic music since the early 90s. I also have the separate PG-300 controller, which adds lots of lovely sliders to the experience. Purchased from a Richmond, Virginia pawn shop in 1994.
41029
You NEVER see the controllers for these! I don't know whether to ahte you or love you for owning the controller.
269
@jimmarchi1 - There are other good, modern options to control your MKS-50 without having to find an actual PG-300. Behringer makes an inexpensive controller called the BGR2000, and you can get a custom Alpha Juno/MKS50 overlay and sys-ex file here: http://www.synthgraphics.com/Alpha-Juno-Programmer.html. You can be set for less than $200.
359
Artist usage
Add artist
As seen in the rack photos of this MusicTech interview. A DT300 midi controller, specifically designed for the Alpha Juno series is also seen on her desk.
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In this Instagram photo by EOD can be seen the Roland MKS50 in his studio.
the Roland MKS-50 is on the Instrument List on this article
"I do almost all of my music work out of my studio at home. Ok, here goes: I use a pair of Adats, a Soundcraft Ghost for mixing, a bunch of outboard Symetrix and Lexicon processors for dynamics and effects, and an Eventide Ultraharmonizer DSP4000 for pre/post processing and vocal effects. For keyboards I use a mix of older and newer stuff. I have an old Prophet 5, a Casio FZ-1, a Roland MKS-50 with a programmer and an Oberheim Matrix 6. For newer gear, the Roland JP-8000, MC303, and the Novation BassStation are nice for creating new sounds quickly. I also have a little Korg 01/wR with a software programmer that can be coaxed into making some fat sounds (no analog filter tho). I'm pretty religious about not using presets, so I really favor the more programmable synths.
A lot of the recording and arrangement happens inside a PC; I run Logic Audio 2.5 for digital recording, post-processing and midi arrangement. I use an Audiomedia III card for digital transfers to and from a Tascam DA-30 dat. For guitar I use my trusty Les Paul through a Marshall half-stack, with an Oberheim Echoplex on the fx loop."
One of the synths used live for Xenocircuit side project.
"I also have a Roland MKS50 and a Yamaha TX81Z, which I used to hate because it has those weird little bird harmonics on every single sound. But there are sounds on it that are just so great that you take them for granted, like the Alto Sax sound."
Album Usage
The Roland MKS-50 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-50, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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Community setups
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Add recommendation3 alternative and related items for Roland MKS-50, curated by the Equipboard community.
The MKS-50 is the rack version of the Alpha Juno 1/2 synths, and ReDominator is a software emulation of all Roland synths based on this Alpha Juno architecture.
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