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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!
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.
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User experience
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 8 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
In a photo shared by Johannesschmoelling, Johannes Schmölling is shown using the Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter, highlighting its role in his setup.
Vince DiCola uses the Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter, as evidenced by a photograph he posted on Facebook. The image confirms that two of these racks are part of his modular setup.
Kurt Ader, known for his work with KApro, uses the Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter synthesizer, as shown on his Facebook page.
Not that Isham has entirely forsaken his 'synthetic' past — far from it, in fact. Even his beloved analogue collection — now expanded to incorporate an Oberheim Xpander, a Roland MKS80 with MPG80 programmer, and a rare Moog Model 12, one of those 'big modular Moogs' he once admired from afar — regularly gets a look in: "I just did an entire film score that used the 2600, MIDI'd via an old Roland MPU101 MIDI‑CV converter" says Isham, with a hint of bravado. Isham's studio also contains an extensive selection of more modern synths. Of his Korg Trinity Plus, Z1, Prophecy, Wavestation A/D and ubiquitous M1, Roland JD800, and newly acquired, knob‑laden Access Virus, the latter is currently proving most agreeable with the composer.
Progress, as they say, is progress. But curiously, the same fate nearly befell a much more recent piece of technology - the Roland Super Jupiter synth module. Luckily for the machine (and for the stage show, where the machine comes into its own in the capable hands of Martin Cooper), OMD found a way of keeping it under control, as it were, after a few hiccups.
“The first keyboard that Stephen bought for Blancmange was the Roland Super Jupiter"
In this artical with attack magazine, Tom says "Also residing here is the MSK 80 Super Jupiter, a rack Roland Jupiter-8. Need I say more?"
The two Macs are interfaced to the outside world with two Opcode Studio 3 units and a Studio 5. Hague has plenty of sound sources to drive with these. There's an M3R, a DX7II, two rack-mounted Roland Super Jupiter modules (with programmers), a Roland JD800, DS50 and U220, a Korg Wavestation A/D, and an Akai/Linn MPC60, plus a few oldies. Amongst the latter are a Korg MS12, his original Yamaha CS80, and an Oberheim OB8.
Mentioned in this May 19, 2021 Roland interview.
In a studio packed with equipment spanning many brands and eras, Roland factors heavily, both in hardware and software forms. “I’ve got a JUNO-106 over there, and the Roland Cloud JUNO-60 plug-in is amazing. I’ve also got the MKS-80 Super Jupiter and a JV-1080.” Amid vintage Roland JC-120s and drum machines, Lee notes a particular box and its influence on a famous client. “I used the TR-8 all over U2’s last record, so they went and bought one. Now I’ve got the TR-8S.”
Jim Gilmour confirmed his use of the Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter sound modules during a tour, as stated: "For this tour I've got a pair of Roland Super Jupiter modules and a pair of Planet S modules, and an MKB1000 mother keyboard to control them. It was between that or the Yamaha KX88, but I liked the feel of the Roland better." This information is sourced from the article "Transatlantic Trends - Saga" published in Electronic Music Maker, May 1986.
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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