Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter

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$3,900.00

5.0 (8)

1 Critic Review

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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Page last updated Jun 30, 2026

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5.0 (8)

$3,900.00 10 available Used

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Description

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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.

Videos

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Espen Kraft

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

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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

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Regular servicing is essential due to age; expect long wait times and high repair costs.
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Capacitor replacement is likely necessary; failing components often cause noise issues in the MKS-80.
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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.
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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

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Owners report the MKS-80 requires hands-on maintenance skills or reliance on a specialist, with wait times up to a year for repairs.
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Owners praise the MKS-80 for its unmatched flexibility and vintage sound, setting it apart from many other synths they have tried.
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Value and pricing

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

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Artist usage

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Alan Fitzgerald

Bassist, Keyboardist

Van Halen

Verified via Photo

In the top right of page 74 of the October 1985 issue of "Keyboard Magazine," Alan Fitzgerald is shown with a Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter in a rack case assembled by keyboard technician Jack Jacobsen.

Rod Abernethy

Composer

Verified via Soundiron

"I'm currently using Digital Performer on a Mac Pro for my DAW. I've used just about every DAW out there and I keep returning to DP because it's easy for me to get around on. I have a PC server that's loaded with my orchestral and percussion libraries. Over the years, I've honed my system down to a bare minimum of hardware. I use Apogee convertors, they still sound the best to me. Like everyone else, I have tons of virtual instruments and plug-ins but I'm still using my favorite hardware synths including my Oberheim OB-8, Access Virus TI, Roland Juno 60, Nord Lead 2 and all my Roland 1080s and my MKS-80 Super Jupiter."

fabioandmoon

Verified via Photo

A closeup shot of their Super Jupiter.

Paul Robb

Keyboardist, Composer

Information Society

Verified via Mixonline

Included in his studio are synthesizers such as the Roland MKS-70, two MKS-50s, a MKS-80 and D-50; Yamaha TX-81Z; four Oberheim Matrix 1000s, E-mu Orbit and Morpheus, and a Casio VZ-10M. Sample players include Kurzweil 1000AX+, Roland U-110, Oberheim DPX-1, E-mu Proformance Piano and Proteus (as well as the Proteus 2 and 3), Alesis NanoBass and samplers, including a Casio FZ-10M, two Akai S-1000s and three Akai CD-3000s. He also turns to E-mu Procussion, Roland R-8M, Alesis DM-5, Roland BD-1 and a Roland SPD-11 for drum sounds.

Ralf Hildenbeutel

Music Producer

Verified via Photo

On this picture https://www.amazona.de/wp-content/uploads/2030/01/studio-detail.jpg from an article on Amazona.de showing Ralf Hildenbeutrels studio you can see the MPG-80 programmer for the MKS-80 Super Jupiter standing in the upper left corner.