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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
According to an article on Sound On Sound, Pete Namlook purchased a Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter in the 1980s.
In this interview with ElectricityClub about the recording of "A Secret Wish", RALF DÖRPER is quoted as saying: "In general terms, you could say that ‘Dr. Mabuse’ (produced by Trevor Horn) was very much based on Fairlight while the album production (by Steve Lipson) was much more Synclavier, PPG and still Roland. The Super Jupiter is featured quite often." source: https://www.electricityclub.co.uk/propaganda-noise-girls-come-out-to-play/
I have deliberately NOT included the other items mentioned, as there are various versions of them, but there is only one Super Jupiter. Please do not include them unless you have other reference sources that pin them down more exactly.
In the April 1986 issue of International Musician & Recording World, an article titled "Beatroute" confirmed that keyboardist John Sinclair used the Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter during his tour with Ozzy Osbourne.
Luca Anzilotti uses a Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter in his setup. This is confirmed by Studiorepair.com, which serviced his unit and identifies Anzilotti as the owner below an image of the circuit board on their website http://studiorepair.com/gallery/Roland/MKS-80/slides/Roland_MKS-80_PCBs__STUDIOREPAIR_11022401_1105142910.html
Quote: "Roland MKS-80 - Circuit Boards - Image by Nikolaus Riehm - Equipment courtesy of Luca Anzilotti of SNAP!"
Source: Interview with Michael Münzing and Luca Anzilotti about SNAP! mu:zines.co.uk - 1994: https://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/snap-to-tomorrow/8245
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
David Arnold has confirmed his use of the Akai S1000, along with other equipment such as the Akai S3000, Nord, Roland MKS80, Wavestation, and some vintage Crumar gear, in a statement on Bluesky Social.
Quoted: "akai s1000 and 3000. Nord . Roland MKS80, Wavestation and some old crumar stuff"
Marcus Vere, the keyboardist for Living in a Box, uses the Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter as part of his music gear, as detailed in "Music Technology" magazine, August 1987: "Vere's hardware rundown for the album reads like just about any modern equipment listing - Emulator, Super Jupiter, DX7, TX816, Akai S900 and so on - but stops short of Fairlight or Synclavier indulgence. Technology has been a good and loyal friend of Living in a Box, but Vere is cautious about letting it get the upper hand."
Michele Luppi uses the Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter, as evidenced by a post on his official Instagram account. In the post, Luppi states, "Finally a brand new oled display for my beloved Roland MKS-80! Amber is the colour of 80s Synth!!!" This provides confirmation of his use of this specific music gear.
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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