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Description
Dive into the timeless world of vintage synthesis with the Roland MKS-7 Super Quartet. Crafted for musicians who appreciate both nostalgia and functionality, this sound module is a versatile powerhouse, combining the capabilities of three distinct instruments: a polyphonic synthesizer, a bass synth, and a drum machine. It's an all-in-one solution for those looking to enrich their soundscape with authentic, retro tones.
The MKS-7 is essentially a rack-mounted version of Roland's iconic Juno-106, but with the added bonus of a drum section and a dedicated bass synth. This makes it perfect for studio use, live performances, and everything in between. It offers an analog sound engine that provides that warm, classic tone revered by synth enthusiasts. With its MIDI capabilities, integrating it into your existing setup is seamless, allowing for expansive creativity and exploration.
This unit is highly sought after for its ability to deliver rich, textured sounds that defined an era of music. Whether you're crafting the next synthwave hit or exploring new musical territories, the MKS-7 offers a robust platform to articulate your sonic vision. Its straightforward interface is a nod to simplicity, ensuring you can focus on what truly matters: the music.
Key Features:
- Combines polyphonic, bass, and drum sounds in one unit
- Features an analog sound engine similar to the Juno-106
- Rack-mounted design for easy integration into studio setups
- MIDI compatible for versatile connectivity
- Ideal for a wide range of musical genres and applications
Product specs
| Brand | Roland |
| Model | MKS-7 Super Quartet Synthesizer Module |
| Finish | Black, White |
| Year | 1985 - 1989 |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Digital Synthesizers, Rackmount Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Digital |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Through |
| Polyphony | 8 Voices |
FAQs
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What type of synthesis does the Roland MKS-7 Super Quartet offer?
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The Roland MKS-7 Super Quartet is a digital synthesizer module known for its classic Roland sound, offering a combination of four-part multitimbral synthesis with dedicated sections for bass, melody, and chords.
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How many voices of polyphony does the Roland MKS-7 have?
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The Roland MKS-7 Super Quartet features 8 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex layering and richer soundscapes.
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Can the Roland MKS-7 be used with modern MIDI controllers?
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Yes, the Roland MKS-7 is equipped with MIDI input and MIDI through, making it compatible with modern MIDI controllers for versatile performance and sequencing options.
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Is the Roland MKS-7 suitable for live performances?
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The Roland MKS-7 is well-suited for live performances due to its rackmount design and multitimbral capabilities, allowing you to integrate it seamlessly into a live setup.
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What are the main sound characteristics of the Roland MKS-7?
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The Roland MKS-7 is renowned for its warm, classic Roland sound, featuring lush pads, punchy basses, and expressive leads, making it ideal for a variety of music genres.
Videos
Alex Ball
The Roland Super Quartet - The 80s band in a box!
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland MKS-7 Super Quartet.
Features and functionality
Comparisons
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The MKS-7's bass differs from the Juno 106, and its TR-707 drum machine sounds slightly different from the standalone TR-707.
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The TR-707 sounds in the MKS-7 are noted as less punchy and more sterile compared to the standalone TR-707.
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The MKS-7 is often compared to the Juno 106 for its similar sound, but it lacks a keyboard and control scheme, making software editors essential.
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Software and compatibility
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A software editor is recommended for detailed sound editing, as the MKS-7 lacks an integrated control scheme.
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User experience
Setup and maintenance
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The degradation of the 80017A VCF/VCA epoxy leads to shorts, causing distortion or silence; solutions include replacements or epoxy removal if undamaged.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 5 Ratings
Artist usage
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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…"
The Fabric "In The Studio With: Josh Wink" interview shows a photo of a 19" rack containing the MKS-7 alongside other gear from Roland, Yamaha, Doepfer and Akai.
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
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-7 Super Quartet, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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