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Average Price: $1,250

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$200

$801+

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Description

Dive into the lush soundscape of the Roland MKS-70, a timeless classic that brings the full-bodied analog synthesis of the legendary Super JX-10 into a compact, rack-mountable form. Perfect for studio musicians and live performers alike, this synthesizer offers unparalleled depth, from warm pads to piercing leads, thanks to its dual DCOs and resonant analog filter. Whether you're crafting intricate soundscapes or adding that missing piece to your track, the MKS-70 stands ready to breathe analog life into your music, without cluttering your space.

Key Features:

  • 12-voice polyphony for rich, layered sounds
  • Dual Digitally Controlled Oscillators (DCOs) per voice for detailed sound shaping
  • Resonant 24dB/octave analog filter, infusing warmth and character
  • Comprehensive MIDI implementation for seamless integration into modern setups
  • PG-800 programmer compatibility for hands-on control over sound design
  • Compact, rack-mountable form factor, ideal for space-conscious studios and stages

Product specs

Brand Roland
Model MKS-70 Rackmount Analog Synthesizer
Finish Black
Year 1986 - 1990
Made In Japan
Categories Analog Synths, Rackmount Synths
Analog / Digital Analog
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Polyphony 12 Voices

FAQs

What type of synthesis does the Roland MKS-70 use?

The Roland MKS-70 is an analog rackmount synthesizer, known for its rich, warm analog sound, characteristic of the classic Roland sound from the 1980s.

How many voices of polyphony does the Roland MKS-70 support?

The Roland MKS-70 supports 12 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex, layered sounds and chords.

Can the Roland MKS-70 be integrated with modern MIDI setups?

Yes, the Roland MKS-70 features MIDI Input, Output, and Through, making it compatible with modern MIDI setups for seamless integration.

What are the standout features of the Roland MKS-70's sound engine?

The MKS-70's sound engine is renowned for its dual DCO architecture, offering lush pads, rich strings, and powerful basses that are ideal for a wide range of musical genres.

Is the Roland MKS-70 suitable for live performance?

While primarily designed as a studio module, the MKS-70 can be used in live performance settings with appropriate MIDI controllers, offering versatile sound options for live musicians.

SyntheticMachines

SyntheticMachines

Roland MKS-70

Video thumbnail for Roland MKS-70 by SyntheticMachines

Roland MKS-70

SyntheticMachines

SyntheticMachines

Video thumbnail for Roland MKS-70 & MPG-70 Controller | The Perfect Match! by Espen Kraft

Roland MKS-70 & MPG-70 Controller | The Perfect Match!

Espen Kraft

Espen Kraft

Video thumbnail for 64 new sounds for Roland JX10/MKS70  Vecoven PWM 4.xx update by The Synth King

64 new sounds for Roland JX10/MKS70 Vecoven PWM 4.xx update

The Synth King

The Synth King

Video thumbnail for Roland MKS-70 Super JX by Perfect Circuit

Roland MKS-70 Super JX

Perfect Circuit

Perfect Circuit

Video thumbnail for Roland MKS-70 / JX-10 Super JX (1986) Analog Synthesizer Part 1 by Nacho Marty Meyer

Roland MKS-70 / JX-10 Super JX (1986) Analog Synthesizer Part 1

Nacho Marty Meyer

Nacho Marty Meyer

Video thumbnail for Roland JX-10/MKS-70 new sounds by The Synth King

Roland JX-10/MKS-70 new sounds

The Synth King

The Synth King

Video thumbnail for Roland MKS-70 "Super JX" Presets (DI Recorded) by Greg

Roland MKS-70 "Super JX" Presets (DI Recorded)

Greg

Greg

Video thumbnail for Roland MKS-70 / JX-10 Super JX (1986) Analog Synthesizer Part 3 by Nacho Marty Meyer

Roland MKS-70 / JX-10 Super JX (1986) Analog Synthesizer Part 3

Nacho Marty Meyer

Nacho Marty Meyer

Video thumbnail for Roland MKS- 70 Tones exploration by Miguel d'Oliveira

Roland MKS- 70 Tones exploration

Miguel d'Oliveira

Miguel d'Oliveira

Reviews

PROS

  • Multi-layered analog sounds offer vast sonic exploration

  • Two tone patches per preset for complex sound combinations

  • Vecoven firmware update enhances usability and features

  • 12 voice, 24 DCO design for rich, powerful output

  • Bi-timbral capability allows for versatile sound production

  • Compatible with PG-800 for easier programming

CONS

  • Original presets can be misleading; manual editing required

  • Programming can be challenging without external controller

  • Considered overpriced compared to modern alternatives

  • Original OS may have limitations and bugs

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland MKS-70.

Features and functionality

  • The MKS-70's "dual mode" layers sounds from both synth engines across the entire key range, enhancing its versatility in sound design.

    Source
  • Some owners experience a common issue with the display where all segments light up, contributing to noise, which suggests a need for regular maintenance.

    Source
  • The JX-10 keyboard is noted for its quiet, semi-weighted action, although aftertouch often fails after decades of use.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • One user successfully used the MKS-70 for a "one-synth challenge," highlighting its capability to handle all melodic parts for an entire track.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the ability to program original patches directly from the MKS-70's front panel controls, showcasing its user-friendly interface for sound design.

    Source
  • Programming the MKS-70 from the front panel is often described as cumbersome, even when using the PG800 programmer.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The MKS-70 integrates well with DAWs like Cubase, allowing seamless replacement of General MIDI tracks with custom patches for enhanced audio quality.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The aftermarket Vecoven firmware upgrade significantly enhances the MKS-70's capabilities, especially when paired with Max4Live tools to explore new sound possibilities through random CC values.

    Source
  • The Vecoven PWM upgrade and the forthcoming FPGA version are highly anticipated by users for their potential to elevate the MKS-70's sound quality further.

    Source
  • Vecoven firmware adds full MIDI CC control and a MIDI clocked arpeggiator to the MKS-70, enhancing programming ease and functionality.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Original PSU capacitors may need replacing as they exceed their lifespan; this is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and avoiding potential issues.

    Source
  • The MKS-70's disassembly can be challenging due to its densely packed internal components, requiring careful handling to avoid damaging old, fragile PCBs and pads.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The MKS-70 allows for Sysex dumps, a feature missing from the original JX-10 firmware, making it more flexible for modern setups.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Roland MKS-70 | Vintage Synth Explorer

vintagesynth.com

A vintage gem, the Roland MKS-70 rackmount synth combines dual JX-8P engines for lush, warm analog tones that have graced countless modern studios. The onboard effects like Chorus and Delay enrich its sound palette, although editing directly from the rack is a chore without the PG-800 Programmer. Despite its somewhat awkward interface, the MKS-70's "chase-play" feature and renowned user list, including Vangelis and Astral Projection, highlight its enduring appeal. Ideal for those who prioritize sonic character over ease of use.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 14 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
deepsignalstudios

Lush late 80's sound

I just got the last firmware version on eBay, yet to install it, but hopefully will be easier to use and less buggy.

From Gear Setup
wavesequence

eBay??? Usually ver. 3.x firmware is sold directly from the author... Or do you mean Firmware 1.08?

wavesequence

Notes

Upgraded with Vecoven's Firmware 3.x and PG-800 equipped.

bubbajones

PG-800 doesn't work with Vecoven Firmware does it?

Artist usage

Add artist
See how David Rosenthal uses Roland MKS-70

David Rosenthal

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Rainbow

...
Verified

David Rosenthal's understage control center includes a Roland MKS-70 with its PG-800 programmer, as detailed in his feature in Keyboard Magazine.

See how Paul Hardcastle uses Roland MKS-70

Paul Hardcastle

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Muzines

Moving on, a rack of modules provides a fair range of sounds to back up the Synclavier. One of the newest additions is an Emu Procussion, below which are a Roland MKS70, MIDIMoog ("it still goes out of tune; I was told it wouldn't"), Oberheim Matrix 6R, Korg DVP1, a slot for a Yamaha G10 guitar controller unit ("great with the TX802"), Roland D110, Roland P330, Yamaha TX81Z ("great for little clavs and so on"), and a Roland Planet P ("actually, I don't think I even turn that on any more").

See how DJ Gregory uses Roland MKS-70

DJ Gregory

Music Producer

Africanism All Stars

...
Verified via fabric london

"Regarding synth I use a lot of different ones like Prophet VS , Mini Moog , Casio Cz5000, yamaha Dx100 , Emu SQ80 , Polymoog, Korg Poly 800 , MonoPoly , 01WFD, Roland MKS 70"

See how Susan Ciani uses Roland MKS-70

Susan Ciani

Music Producer

...
Verified via Discogs

Roland MKS 70 is included in list of instruments played by Suzanne Ciani.

See how Eric Persing uses Roland MKS-70

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

See how John B uses Roland MKS-70

John B

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

CD booklet of the album visions from 1998.

"Special thanks to: Roland SH101, S750, MKS-70, Oberheim Matrix 1000 and Atari ST for their technical powers."

See how Überzone uses Roland MKS-70

Überzone

Music Producer

...
Verified via Academic Dictionaries and Encyclopedias

Überzone is listed as using the Roland MKS-70 in the instrument list featured in the Academic Dictionaries and Encyclopedias article.

See how Brad Cole uses Roland MKS-70

Brad Cole

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo the MKS-70 can be seen in the far left rack below the MKS-80.

See how Eric Chevalier uses Roland MKS-70

Eric Chevalier

Composer

...
Verified via Raymanpc

Eric Chevalier's gear list circa 2003:

Mixing Consoles: - Sony DMX-R100 - Yamaha 01V Monitors: - Genelec 1031.A - Genelec 1030.A Samplers: - Akai s6000 (x2) - Akai CD3000XL - Roland S760 (x4) - Roland SP 700 Synthesizers: - Roland JD800 - Roland JD990 - Roland MKS80 + PG - Roland MKS70 + PG (x2) - Roland XV3080 - Roland D550 - Roland A80 - E-MU Proteus 2000 - Yamaha TX802 - Kurzweil MicroPiano - Korg M1R EX - Korg Wavestation AD - Korg Triton - Alesis DM5 (drum machine) - Access Virus A - Access Virus C - The theremin - Nord Lead Computer (& Plugins): - PowerMac G4/733 - PowerBook Titanium - Monitors Plasma (x2) - Pro Tools Mix Plus (software) - Logic Audio Platinum (+ eMagic plugins) - Spectrasonics Athmosphere - Spectrasonics Stylus - Mac Five - DD 80 Go + 120 Go + 160 Go LaCie - DD 40 Go Ice - Synchro: "Time Machine" C Lab - Unitor MK2 (x3) Effects: - Lexicon 480L - PCM80 / LPX15 - Yamaha SPX90 / D1500 (x2) - Tube Tech Compressor LCA 2B - EQ Moog - TC Electronics M5000 - TC Electronic Finalizer 96K - DAT Panasonic SV-3800 - DAT Sony PCM R500

See how Paul Robb uses Roland MKS-70

Paul Robb

Keyboardist, Composer

Information Society

...
Verified via Muzines

"I love Ensoniq Mirage sounds, and I've just bought the Roland Super JX module, and I like that a lot, there are so many sounds that are classics and that the new synths can't do. It's so rich; for pad sounds and horn sounds you can't beat it."

See how Kinny Landrum uses Roland MKS-70

Kinny Landrum

Keyboardist

...
Verified via reddit

"A Prophet T-8 was the main controller, although not used all that much as sound source. A Yamaha DX-7 and TX-7 were used for all the electric piano sounds. A lot of the strings were a combo of two Roland synths, the MKS-70 and the D-550. I used an Akai s1000 a lot and a Linn 9000 as sequencer, drum machine (this was before powerful computers were easy to transport). An Emulator 2 was used for the guitar and many other samples."

See how Bill Cuomo uses Roland MKS-70

Bill Cuomo

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Bill Cuomo is confirmed to use a Roland MKS-70, as shown in a photograph on his Facebook music page, where the synthesizer is visible in a rack case in his studio. The image has been enhanced for better viewing.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=405480918363560&set=pcb.405481231696862

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-70, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Yamaha TX802
Yamaha TX802 Synthesizers & Sound Modules
6
Roland D-550
Roland D-550 Synthesizers & Sound Modules
6
Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter
Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter Synthesizers & Sound Modules
5
Roland MKS-50
Roland MKS-50 Synthesizers
4
Yamaha TX81Z
Yamaha TX81Z Sound Modules
4
Roland JD-800
Roland JD-800 Synthesizers
4
Roland MKS-20
Roland MKS-20 Synthesizers & Sound Modules
3
Roland D-110
Roland D-110 Synthesizers & Sound Modules
3
Atari 1040 ST
Atari 1040 ST Computers & Peripherals
3

Community setups

Show yours
bubbajones

bubbajones

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deepsignalstudios

deepsignalstudios

Gear IQ 493

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