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Description
Released in 1984 the MKS-80 is basically a refined Jupiter 8 in a module. It is called the Super Jupiter and it is very fat and very analog! Its great sound is due in part to the classic analog Roland technology in its filters, modulation capabilities and a thick cluster of 16 analog oscillators at 2 per voice. It comes in a 2 space rack-module - no keyboard here. Tons of editing capabilities, although editing is tedious. It's got all the classic sounds of the Jupiter synths and so much more. An excellent choice for ambient drones, pads, blips, buzzes and leads.
Product specs
| Brand | Roland |
| Model | MKS-80 Super Jupiter Rackmount Sound Module with MPG-80 Programmer |
| Year | 1984 - 1989 |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Analog Synths, Rackmount Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Analog |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through |
| Polyphony | 8 Voices |
FAQs
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Is the Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter polyphonic or monophonic?
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The Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter is a polyphonic synthesizer with 8 voices, allowing for rich, layered sound production.
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What type of synthesis does the Roland MKS-80 use?
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The Roland MKS-80 utilizes analog synthesis, providing warm and classic synth tones characteristic of the 1980s era.
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Can the Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter be controlled via MIDI?
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Yes, the Roland MKS-80 features MIDI Input, Output, and Through, making it compatible with various MIDI controllers and sequencers.
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What is the main advantage of using the MPG-80 programmer with the MKS-80?
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The MPG-80 programmer offers hands-on control over the MKS-80's parameters, making it easier to tweak and customize sounds in real-time.
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How does the sound of the Roland MKS-80 compare to other Roland synthesizers from the same era?
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The MKS-80 is known for its powerful, versatile sound, often compared to the Jupiter-8, but in a rackmount format, offering a wide range of classic analog tones.
Videos
Espen Kraft
Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter | Analog 80s Power!
Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter | Analog 80s Power!
Espen Kraft
Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter - Favourite patches
roboticrealm
Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter (Rev4) ALL STOCK PATCHES - NO TALKING
MR TUNA Music
7 mins of Roland MKS80 Sounds - Uninterrupted! #SuperJupiter
Andy Whitmore
Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter Analog Synthesizer - Synth-Pop Demo, by al l bo
Alexander Biber
Super Jupiter: Unlocking the Best MKS80 Sounds
Andy Whitmore
Reviews
PROS
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V4 version offers unique sounds not replicable in V5 due to circuitry differences
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Deeper sound at the XLR connector compared to other Roland synths
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Considered a generational improvement over the Jupiter-8
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Offers functionalities Jupiter-8 lacks: Unison solo, Unison detune, Last note priority
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Allows different key modes for upper and lower in split mode
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Cross mod depth controlled by ENV 1 adds versatility
CONS
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V5 MKS80's sound quality and circuitry not preferred by some users
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Not a discrete instrument like the JP8, which may affect tonal quality for purists
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter.
Setup and maintenance
Comparisons
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Despite owning a Jupiter-6 and Juno-106, owners find the MKS-80 distinct with its unique character when paired with the MPG-80 programmer.
Source
Features and functionality
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The MPG-80 programmer uses sysex, not MIDI, offering a tactile programming experience unique to the MKS-80.
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Envelope key follow on the MKS-80 shortens decay and release times as you ascend the keyboard, enhancing expressiveness.
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The MKS-80 includes velocity sensitivity, a highly underrated feature that adds dynamic control to its vintage sound.
Source
User experience
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 8 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
In an Enmore Audio article, Daft Punk is noted to have used the Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter while recording their album "Homework."
the Roland MKS-80 is listed in this blog
The 1994 studio was equipped with a 56-input Amek Mozart console with Rupert Neve modules, two Studer A800 Mk3 multitrack machines, Mac-based Pro Tools and a host of outboard gear, in addition to Akai S1100 and Kurzweil K2000 samplers; Prophet VS, Digidesign Turbosynth, ARP Odyssey, Oberheim Expander, Oberheim OBMx, Roland MKS80 and Minimoog synthesizers; Doepfer and Oberheim sequencers; a Mellotron MKIV polyphonic tape replay keyboard; a Roland R70 drum machine;
Hans Zimmer's studio has five Roland MKS-80 analogue synth modules.
Geddy Lee used the Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter during Rush's "Hold Your Fire" tour, as noted in the tour book available on Power Windows.
Sold on Reverb.com in 2019 for charity.
This Roland MKS80 w/ MPG80 is from the private collection of Martin Gore, founding member of Depeche Mode
SN: 501679. A very wild device. Watch yourself on those rack ears. Super sharp. Included memory card and SOME cabling. IEC included. Signed by Martin Gore
All items in The Official Martin Gore of Depeche Mode Reverb Shop ship fully insured with delivery confirmation and include a signed and embossed Certificate of Authenticity from Martin Gore.
SN: 4601400407023694. Clean and lightly used beat step. No cabling. Signed by Martin Gore
All items in The Official Martin Gore of Depeche Mode Reverb Shop ship fully insured with delivery confirmation and include a signed and embossed Certificate of Authenticity from Martin Gore.
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A picture of this synth can be seen on Noah's Instagram, probably taken just after he installed it.
DJ Premier has used the Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter, as detailed in the equipment sales list from D&D Studios, shared on Gearslutz.
In the book "Vangelis: The Unknown Man," it is noted that Vangelis used the Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter.
A Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter is among many synths owned by Vince according to Keyboard Magazine.
"I use a Roland Super Jupiter, as it's got a better bottom end than the Prophet. There was only 'analogue' for such a long time, and some of those sounds have stayed with me. Even with digital machines I tend to make them sound like my old analogue synths."
Used on Perfect Machine, as specified in Herbie Hancock’s Electronic Instrument Glossary from September 14, 2016.
Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter – Made in 1984, this synthesizer is a refined Jupiter 8 in a standalone module. It had no keyboard connected to it, and any instrument run through this synthesizer was done so using external cables. It was used by Herbie on his 1988 album Perfect Machine.
Album Usage
The Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter 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-80 Super Jupiter, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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