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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

What type of synthesis does the Roland MKS-7 Super Quartet offer?

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.

How many voices of polyphony does the Roland MKS-7 have?

The Roland MKS-7 Super Quartet features 8 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex layering and richer soundscapes.

Can the Roland MKS-7 be used with modern MIDI controllers?

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.

Is the Roland MKS-7 suitable for live performances?

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.

What are the main sound characteristics of the Roland MKS-7?

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.

Alex Ball

Alex Ball

The Roland Super Quartet - The 80s band in a box!

Video thumbnail for The Roland Super Quartet - The 80s band in a box! by Alex Ball

The Roland Super Quartet - The 80s band in a box!

Alex Ball

Alex Ball

Video thumbnail for Roland MKS 7 Super Quartet by SyntheticMachines

Roland MKS 7 Super Quartet

SyntheticMachines

SyntheticMachines

Video thumbnail for Roland MKS-7 Super Quartet Demo by zibbybone

Roland MKS-7 Super Quartet Demo

zibbybone

zibbybone

Video thumbnail for Roland MKS-7 Demo - Direct Stereo Output by Danny Taurus

Roland MKS-7 Demo - Direct Stereo Output

Danny Taurus

Danny Taurus

Video thumbnail for Roland Juno 106 vs. MKS-7 Super Quartet by Nikita Demchenko

Roland Juno 106 vs. MKS-7 Super Quartet

Nikita Demchenko

Nikita Demchenko

Video thumbnail for Polyend Seq & Roland MKS-7 Super Quartet by Polyend

Polyend Seq & Roland MKS-7 Super Quartet

Polyend

Polyend

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

  • The bass section of the MKS-7 has the fastest envelopes among the Roland Juno series, differentiating its sound from the Juno 106.

    Source
  • The MKS-7 is praised for its thick analogue sweep patches and seven-voice polyphony, offering a unique sound experience compared to other synth modules.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The MKS-7's bass differs from the Juno 106, and its TR-707 drum machine sounds slightly different from the standalone TR-707.

    Source
  • The TR-707 sounds in the MKS-7 are noted as less punchy and more sterile compared to the standalone TR-707.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • A software editor is recommended for detailed sound editing, as the MKS-7 lacks an integrated control scheme.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report common voice issues with the MKS-7, a known characteristic when compared to other Roland models.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the machine's ability to emulate Juno 106 sounds while noting it requires external control for editing.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The degradation of the 80017A VCF/VCA epoxy leads to shorts, causing distortion or silence; solutions include replacements or epoxy removal if undamaged.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend using a Retroaktiv controller for enhanced control, noting its superiority over the Behringer BCR in terms of functionality.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Roland MKS7 (12T Dec 85)

muzines.co.uk

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 5 Ratings

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Artist usage

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See how Mathew Jonson uses Roland MKS-7 Super Quartet

Mathew Jonson

Music Producer

Cobblestone Jazz

...
Verified via Attack Magazine

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…"

See how Josh Wink uses Roland MKS-7 Super Quartet

Josh Wink

Music Producer

Stabbing Westward & Wink

...
Verified via fabric london

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.

See how Eric Persing uses Roland MKS-7 Super Quartet

Eric Persing

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Spectrasonics

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.

Roland MKS-70
Roland MKS-70 Sound Modules
3
Roland MKS-50
Roland MKS-50 Synthesizers
2
Roland MKS-30 Planet-S
Roland MKS-30 Planet-S Synthesizers & Sound Modules
2
Roland D-550
Roland D-550 Synthesizers & Sound Modules
1
Roland MSQ-700
Roland MSQ-700 Audio Sequencers
1
Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter
Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter Synthesizers & Sound Modules
1
Roland D-20
Roland D-20 Synthesizers
1
Roland Jupiter-6
Roland Jupiter-6 Synthesizers
1
Akai MPC 2500
Akai MPC 2500 Production & Groove
1

Community setups

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bubbajones

bubbajones

Gear IQ 1312

1 alternative for Roland MKS-7 Super Quartet, curated by the Equipboard community.

Roland Juno-106

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Vintage or Discontinued similar sound

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