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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

Is the Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter polyphonic or monophonic?

The Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter is a polyphonic synthesizer with 8 voices, allowing for rich, layered sound production.

What type of synthesis does the Roland MKS-80 use?

The Roland MKS-80 utilizes analog synthesis, providing warm and classic synth tones characteristic of the 1980s era.

Can the Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter be controlled via MIDI?

Yes, the Roland MKS-80 features MIDI Input, Output, and Through, making it compatible with various MIDI controllers and sequencers.

What is the main advantage of using the MPG-80 programmer with the MKS-80?

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.

How does the sound of the Roland MKS-80 compare to other Roland synthesizers from the same era?

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.

Espen Kraft

Espen Kraft

Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter | Analog 80s Power!

Video thumbnail for Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter | Analog 80s Power! by Espen Kraft

Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter | Analog 80s Power!

Espen Kraft

Espen Kraft

Video thumbnail for Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter - Favourite patches by roboticrealm

Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter - Favourite patches

roboticrealm

roboticrealm

Video thumbnail for Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter (Rev4) ALL STOCK PATCHES - NO TALKING by MR TUNA Music

Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter (Rev4) ALL STOCK PATCHES - NO TALKING

MR TUNA Music

MR TUNA Music

Video thumbnail for 7 mins of Roland MKS80 Sounds - Uninterrupted! #SuperJupiter by Andy Whitmore

7 mins of Roland MKS80 Sounds - Uninterrupted! #SuperJupiter

Andy Whitmore

Andy Whitmore

Video thumbnail for Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter Analog Synthesizer -  Synth-Pop Demo, by al l bo by Alexander Biber

Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter Analog Synthesizer - Synth-Pop Demo, by al l bo

Alexander Biber

Alexander Biber

Video thumbnail for Super Jupiter: Unlocking the Best MKS80 Sounds by Andy Whitmore

Super Jupiter: Unlocking the Best MKS80 Sounds

Andy Whitmore

Andy Whitmore

Reviews

PROS

  • V4 version offers unique sounds not replicable in V5 due to circuitry differences

  • Deeper sound at the XLR connector compared to other Roland synths

  • Considered a generational improvement over the Jupiter-8

  • Offers functionalities Jupiter-8 lacks: Unison solo, Unison detune, Last note priority

  • Allows different key modes for upper and lower in split mode

  • Cross mod depth controlled by ENV 1 adds versatility

CONS

  • V5 MKS80's sound quality and circuitry not preferred by some users

  • 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

  • Regular servicing is essential due to age; expect long wait times and high repair costs.

    Source
  • Capacitor replacement is likely necessary; failing components often cause noise issues in the MKS-80.

    Source

Comparisons

  • 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

  • The MPG-80 programmer uses sysex, not MIDI, offering a tactile programming experience unique to the MKS-80.

    Source
  • Envelope key follow on the MKS-80 shortens decay and release times as you ascend the keyboard, enhancing expressiveness.

    Source
  • The MKS-80 includes velocity sensitivity, a highly underrated feature that adds dynamic control to its vintage sound.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report the MKS-80 requires hands-on maintenance skills or reliance on a specialist, with wait times up to a year for repairs.

    Source
  • Owners praise the MKS-80 for its unmatched flexibility and vintage sound, setting it apart from many other synths they have tried.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Despite price inflation in the used market, the MKS-80 remains somewhat insulated, maintaining its value due to its rare character.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Blast from the past: Roland MKS-80 | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter stands as a noteworthy piece of synth history, praised for its powerful analogue synthesis packed into a compact, rack-mountable design. With dual oscillators per voice and robust MIDI capabilities, it offers a rich sonic palette reminiscent of its Jupiter-6 predecessor. It excels in expressiveness, thanks to its velocity and aftertouch responses. However, programming directly on the MKS-80 can be tedious without the rare MPG-80 controller, though software alternatives offer a cost-effective solution. Overall, the MKS-80 remains a stellar analogue polysynth option, particularly when paired with modern control solutions.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 8 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how DJ ANNA uses Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter

DJ ANNA

...
Verified via Photo

"Welcome home Super Jupiter, luv you already ??" In her home studio March 7, 2016

See how Paul Humphreys uses Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter

Paul Humphreys

Keyboardist

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

...
Verified via Omdweb

Although boasting a lush sound, the album was recorded largely at Paul's Rhythm Ranch studio on a single tascam 16-track with a Studiomaster desk. Synths used include: Roland D-50, Akai S1000 and S3000, Kork M1R, Waldorf Microwave, Roland Super Jupiter module, Oberheim Matrix 1000, Yamaha TX802, Minimoog, MIDIMoog, Oberheim Two-Voice, Roland Jupiter 8 and SH-101.

See how Daniel Miller uses Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter

Daniel Miller

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Roland MKS80 Super Jupiter is included in the list of synths at Daniel Miller's home studio.

See how Peter Hammill uses Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter

Peter Hammill

Singer, Guitarist

Van der Graaf Generator

...
Verified via Photo

In a photo from Vandergraafgenerator, Peter Hammill is shown using a Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter, highlighting its role in his setup.

See how DMX Krew uses Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter

DMX Krew

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this recorded podcast uploaded to youtube, Ed Upton of DMX Krew talks through the process of making a track using his studio equipment. He starts to talk about the Roland MKS-80 at 25:16.

"This is a synth called a Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter - which is a rack mount from their very famous Jupiter range of synths. It sounds a little bit like a Jupiter 8 and a little bit like a Jupiter 6, but not exactly like either of them. It's got quite an aggressive, almost digital sound for an analogue synth. And er, It's the only polyphonic analogue synth I own, which means it's the only one you can play chords on. I've got digital stuff you can play chords on, but this is the only old school analogue job. And I feel like making some kind of thin sawtooth sound to play some chords on, so let's have a little play. I've got a programmer attached to it, which is also made by Roland, which let's you programme it very simply using sliders."

See how Freemasons uses Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter

Freemasons

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video by Point Blank Music School titled "Style Guide: House - Part 2 (Making a House Track in Ableton Live)," the Freemasons are seen using the Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter synthesizer.

See how Morcheeba uses Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter

Morcheeba

Music Producer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Keyboards and synthesizers feature in Morcheeba's studio, and the collection includes a Roland Super Jupiter MKS80, a Novation BassStation, a Hammond organ and a Wurlitzer electric piano. But first prize for pure weirdness goes to the EMS Synthi A -- a 1970s beast in a box that was originally designed as a teaching tool and a portable version of the desktop VCS3 which features so heavily on Dark Side Of The Moon.

See how Arjen Anthony Lucassen uses Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter

Arjen Anthony Lucassen

Singer, Guitarist

Ayreon

...
Verified via Arjenlucassen

Taken from Arjen's website, Info tab: Studio Equipment.

See how Stephin Merritt uses Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter

Stephin Merritt

Singer, Guitarist

The Magnetic Fields

...
Verified via Discogs

Stephin is credited using this equipment in the liner notes for 69 Love Songs.

See how Tony James uses Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter

Tony James

Guitarist, Bassist

The Sisters of Mercy

...
Verified via Muzines

The man behind Burn Burn Satellite creation (the English translation of SSS), Tony James, has five channels of bass on stage Di'd for the FOH sound and played through a pair of Ampeg SVT stacks for stage monitoring: a Roland synth bass guitar with foot controller providing a balanced XLR stereo output, a Roland Super Jupiter (MKS-80) with another balanced XLR stereo output and a Yamaha DX-7.

See how Marius de Vries uses Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter

Marius de Vries

Composer, Music Producer

The Blow Monkeys

...
Verified via Soundonsound

The tenth photo shows his studio and is captioned: "Marius de Vries now does most of his programming work in his own room at London's Strongroom studios. The large rack at left contains, from top, Alesis DM Pro drum module, Korg O1R/W sound module, Roland MKS80 Super Jupiter synth with MPG80 programmer, Studio Electronics MIDIMoog synth, two Akai S3200 samplers, Emu Vintage Keys and Morpheus sound modules, Kurzweil K2000R sound module, Roland MKS50 and JV1080 sound modules."

See how Needlz uses Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter

Needlz

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

The Jupiter can be seen 5:12 into this video

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.

Roland MPG-80
Roland MPG-80 Synthesizers & Sound Modules
9
Roland D-550
Roland D-550 Synthesizers & Sound Modules
7
Yamaha DX7
Yamaha DX7 Synthesizers
7
Akai S1000
Akai S1000 Audio Samplers
7
Roland D-50
Roland D-50 Synthesizers
6
Oberheim Xpander
Oberheim Xpander Synthesizers
5

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Community setups

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    michael
    michael

    Gear IQ 42641