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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 Johannes Schmölling uses Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter

Johannes Schmölling

Keyboardist, Composer

Tangerine Dream

...
Verified via Photo

In a photo shared by Johannesschmoelling, Johannes Schmölling is shown using the Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter, highlighting its role in his setup.

See how Vince DiCola uses Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter

Vince DiCola

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Facebook

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.

See how Kurt Ader KApro uses Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter

Kurt Ader KApro

...
Verified via Facebook

Kurt Ader, known for his work with KApro, uses the Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter synthesizer, as shown on his Facebook page.

See how Mark Isham uses Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter

Mark Isham

Composer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

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.

See how Martin Cooper uses Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter

Martin Cooper

Bassist, Keyboardist

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

...
Verified via Muzines

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.

See how Stephen Luscombe uses Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter

Stephen Luscombe

Keyboardist

Blancmange

...
Verified via MusicTech

“The first keyboard that Stephen bought for Blancmange was the Roland Super Jupiter"

See how Tom Demac uses Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter

Tom Demac

...
Verified via Attack Magazine

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?"

See how Brad Cole uses Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter

Brad Cole

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

The MKS-80 and it's programmer can be seen in the far left rack in this photo.

See how Stephen Hague uses Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter

Stephen Hague

Keyboardist, Composer

Jules & The Polar Bears

...
Verified via Muzines

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.

See how Jacknife Lee uses Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter

Jacknife Lee

Music Producer, Audio Engineer

Thee Amazing Colossal Men

...
Verified via Roland Articles

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.”

See how Jim Gilmour uses Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter

Jim Gilmour

Singer, Keyboardist

Saga

...
Verified

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.

See how Neil Arthur uses Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter

Neil Arthur

Singer, Keyboardist

Blancmange

...
Verified via kitmonsters.com

The MKS-80 is pictured and discussed in this interview with Neil.

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

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