Roland MIDI Sound Module
Super Jupiter MKS-80
Introduced
Around 1985
Features
The MKS-80 has memory capacity that retains 64
different tone colors
By using the Memory Cartridge M-64C that retains up to 128 tone colors,
total of 192 patch programs can be available.
The MKS-80 features battery backup system that retains
the data in memory even when switched off.
Auto Tune function that allows all VCO's to be
instantaneously tuned just by pressing a button.
Patch Preset is a program that can contain a tone color
(or even a pair of tone colors depending on the Key mode setting)
and various mode and effect settings.
The detune function enables a powerfil ensemble effect in unison mode.
The Octave Shift function allows shifting the pitch of the entire
keyboard without changing the VCO range
Data in the MKS-80 memory can be transmitted to another MKS-80 or to a
computer.
The MKS-80's dynamics function can change the attack time as well as the
level.
By the unique Envelope Reset function, each time you press a new key,
the note will start from the beginning of the envelope curve,
By using the optional Programmer MPG-80,
syntesizing will become much easier.
Specifications
8 voice, 16 VCO, Polyphonic Synthesizer Module
Internal Memory: 64 Patch Presets, 64 Tone Memories
External Memory: 2x64 Patch Presets, 2x64 Tone Memories
Front Panel:
Tune +/- 50 cent, Auto Tune, Volume, Dynamics Sens
MIDI Function I,II,III, MIDI Channel 1 to 16
MIDI Message Indicator, Receive Mode Indicator OMNI,POLY,MONO
Bank 1 to 8, Number 1 to 8, Memory Area INT,A,B
Memory Cartridge Holder
Display LCD 5x7 dots x 16 letters, Contrast
Save, Load, Write/Execute, S/L Mode Cartridge,MIDI, Protect ON,OFF
Tone, Patch, Upper, Lower, Parameter Fwd, Parameter Bwd
Value Up, Value Down, Headphone Jack, Power Switch
Rear Panel:
Input Selector MIDI,PROGRAMMER
MIDI 5 pin DIN Connector x 3 IN,OUT,THRU
PROGRAMMER 6 pin DIN Connector
Output Level H,M,L, Output Mode MIX, U/L
Balanced Output XLR Connector x 2 UPPER, LOWER
Unbalanced Output Standard Phone Jack x 2 UPPER, LOWER
Consumption 35W, Dimensions 430(W)x400(D)x88(H) mm
Weight 8kg/17lb 10oz
Accessories:
Connection Cord (LP-25) x 2, 5P DIN Cord, AC Cord
Memory Cartridge (M-64C)
Owner's Manual
Options:
Programmer MPG-80
To check the OS version:
Hold down the Auto Tune and Write buttons and power the unit on.
Comments:
The MKS-80 is very professionally built. Only general weak point I've
found is that the LCD backlit has a tendency to weaken over time.
(Can be replaced fairly easily if needed)
It also runs very hot, and should be allowed good ventilation.
It might also be of interest to know that there are two versions of
the module. Serial numbers up to 511799 uses oscillators and envelope
generators made by the instinct US company Curtis Electro-music and
these might be expensive and hard to find. (Also used in most other
poly synths of that time, Prophets, Oberheims, MemoryMoog etc.)
The basis synth engine of this version is virtually identical to the
Jupiter-6 except that there is a bass boost circuit added . And two
extra voices and the different functionality of the software of
course. (In fact the JP-6 circuit boards has room for 8 voices but the
last two are not used.) Latest software is 4.0 for this version.
Because of the uncertain situation regarding the Curtis chips, Roland
made their own oscillators and env.generators for the second version.
There were also modifications made to the resonance and envelope time
constants which resulted in a sound that is a bit different from the
first version. Latest software is 5.0 for this version.
Which one that sound the best is a matter of personal taste.
Ingar Onsager
--
Scanning through the MKS-80 service manual, I noticed that Roland made
some major changes to this unit between Rev 4 and Rev 5. Mainly, they
replaced the Curtis CEM 3340 VCO with a custom Roland VCO (IR3R03),
replaced the venerable IR3109 filter and CEM 3360 VCA with another
custom chip (IR3R05 filter / VCA chip). The stated reason for doing this
were that waveforms clipped when playing in Unison mode with high resonance
and fast decay rates on the VCA (non-linear gain characteristics).
I was wondering if anyone had done an A/B comparison of the earlier MKS-80
with a later one?
Btw - the "new" IR3R05 is also used in the MKS-70.
Tom Moravansky
--
I used to own both a Rev 4 and Rev 5 MKS-80 (I kept the Rev 5, sold the
Rev 4).
The following I noticed: 1) I looked at the logic boards in the two units,
the Rev 5 was distinctly more
"orderly", with a much "nicer" looking A/D D/A board. The one on the Rev
4
looks like a "hack". 2) As far as sound goes. With both units using the
exact same patch data.
And using the exact pair of headphones on the main outs/headphone jack.
The Rev 4 was distinctly noisier, however it had a "brighter" sound.
The Rev 5 was (even at highest volume) not showing this residual, always
present noise, even at maximum position.
Being one to prefer the absolute latest ROM/versions etc. I choose to
keep the Rev 5. The "brighter" sound of the Rev 4 was not "bright" enough
(IMHO)
to justify its level of line output noise.
Furthermore, there are (unguestionably) "bug" fixes in the version 5.0
ROMs
that are not in the Version 4.0 ROMs.
The next question logically is: Well, just put version 5 ROMs in the
version 4 logic board one. Well, the ROMs are not interchangeable between
the different logic board revisions.
Michael Fischer
--
The Rev 4 of the MKS-80 that I just bought does not have that distinct
noise that M.F. mentioned from his comparison between the two versions.
I was hesitant to buy this Rev 4 after reading his comment,
but I'm glad I bought it!
Ebrion
--
It's not often that the instrument a manufacturer intends to take over
from
one of its classics succeeds in delivering the goods, but Roland's follow-up
to their Jupiter 8 certainly lived up to its name - The Super Jupiter.
What makes a great synth? For that matter, what makes a great instrument?
What actually makes a Fender Strat a professional instrument and a cheap
copy
a poor substitute? They're both planks of wood with six strings, some
electromagnetic picups, volume and tone controls, a switch for pickup selection
and an output jack - so they should both sound the same, right?
Obviously not: the copy will have a sound readily indentifiable as an electric
guitar but it won't have that "quality" that makes the Strat an individual
instrument. Does the same principle apply to synths? The answer lies with
whether or not a synth can possess a quality that goes beyond its technical
spec
and I reckon the answer is "yes".
Let's take an example: an analoque synth with two voltage-controlled oscillators
(VCOs)
one highpass filter, one voltage-controlled lowpass filter (VCF), two ADSR
envelope generators (EGs), one voltage-controlled amplifier (VCA) and two
low-frequency oscillators (LFOs) in a 19" module.
The description fits many synths - Cheetah MS6, Bit One, Oberheim Matrix
6 or Matrix 1000
but the sound of each is quite distinct. And, as you've deduced from the
header at the
top of the page, we're talking about the Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter analoque
synth
module here. The Super Jupiter doesn't have an amazing specification when
compared
with, say, an Ensoniq ESQ1 or Oberheim Matrix 12. And you could be forgiven
for
assuming that the aforementioned MS6 or Bit One could produce identical
sounds.
And up to a point you'd be right. If it weren't for that intangible "quality"
mentioned earlier. We're talking Strats, Telecasters. Les Pauls, SGs here
-
but electronically so. Like many of the classic synths examined in these
pages in
issues past, the MKS-80 Super Jupiter has that certain "something" that
can't be
easily put into words - although I'm about to try.
The MKS-80, introduced around 1985, was intended to be the 19" MIDI version
of the
Jupiter 8 with bits of Jupiter 6 thrown in for good measure. Many Jupiter
8
owners would agree that the MKS succeeds in being its replacement, though
some
JP8 die-hards certainly wouldn't. For my money, the Super Jupiter has all
the qualities
I associate with the Jupiter series - It's warm, rich, fat and all the
usual analoque
cliches - but it is also detailed and has a clarity that old Roland synths
always seemed to have, yet other designers failed to capture.
--
The MKS-80 is a serious investment, and one that would never be out of
date
in your rack whatever musical trends come and go. Is it the ultimate analoque
polysynth? I can't account for your personal taste but I'd say that if
any synth
is going to win such an accolade, the Super Jupiter does it for me.
Steve Howell
--
Having owned both the JUPITER-8 and MKS-80, I’d like to point out the
major advantages
or disadvantages of owning one of these analog Synths. However, the
preference in sound
is matter of taste. I must say that the JUPITER-8 has a fuller sound.
(Fatter?)
The strings, pads and brass sounds are warmer sounding or to
my ears not as metallic sounding as MKS-80.
And as far as bass sounds are concerned, They are completely different.
Again the MKS-80
Has more of a metallic sound to it, which I prefer when it comes to bass
sounds but not the rest of the sounds.
The advantage of having a MKS-80 (I sold my JUPITER-8) is this.
It is not possible to duplicate a JUPITER-8 sound because there are no
parameter values displayed.
You can program some great sounds by tweaking the sliders and knobs but
If you change one of the controller positions you can never get the
exact sound prior to change.
With MKS-80 you see what the parameters are and when you change them you
can write them for future reference.
Also the advantage of being able to
send MIDI the to editor program and creating hundred of sounds and
saving them.
And hence no need for the external programmer.
With JUPITER-8 you can save to tape but again when you load the sounds you
can’t analyze them.
The JUPITER-8 does have the arpeggio and external inputs,
which MKS-80 does not have but a sequencer can be used to duplicate the arpeggio.
Having said this, owning any one of these Synths is a pleasure not
obtainable from today’s virtual analog synths.
roman
--
MPG-80 Comment:
A single MPG 80 can be used to independently edit a number of MKS 80s.
Run the MPG to the Programmer input on the first MKS and run the midi thrus to the
midi ins on the consecutive unit(s). Assign each unit to a different midi
channel and select the midi channel of the unit you want to edit by changing
the programmer channel knob on the MPG. All units can still be independently
accessed via midi sequencer on their own midi channels and dump their own
information via their midi outs. It's very slick and you don't need to buy a
number of hard to find and expensive MPG's for each module.
Dave Kotinek
Omaha, NE
--
All programming power is available through the MKS80´s parameter access.
but getting around it with four buttons is not recommended. Enter the MPG80,
which effectively endows the Super Jupiter with knobs ´n´ faders. To use the
MPG simply connect the MIDI Out of your master keyboard to the MIDI In of the
of the MPG80 and then take the Programmer Out (a special Roland lead) from the
MPG to the Programmer In on the MKS80, match up the two units´ MIDI channels
and away you go.
There´s an interesting possibility opened up by this setup, as the information
coming from the MPG is echoed by the MKS80´s MIDI Out and so can be recorded as
a part of a sequence (via a MIDI merger into your sequencer). This allows sound
parameters to be modified in real time during the sequence. If this appeals to you,
however, beware of a few things - firstly, watch for MIDI feedback loops and secondly,
watch that the amount of SysEx data coming out of the MKS doesn´t clog up your sequencer.
Steve Howell
--
Before buying a MKS-80:
As a x-owner of MKS-80 and Jupiter-8 I like to point out the one
important fact for those that are thinking about purchasing a MKS or any
analog synth. Last year I had sold both my synths Jupiter-8 for the lack
of preset recreation and MKS just for the cash I needed at the time.
Last week I decided to get another MKS-80. Despite all my experience as
an electronic tech and owner of analog synths, I was in for an expensive
surprise after spending $1200. After I brought the synth home and about
5 minutes of using it. The synth died out. The power supply went out and
it was not just a fuse. I called the guy up and I was lucky he took it
back and refunded my cash. Here are few things to watch out for before
purchasing an old analog synth especially the MKS-80. First is the LCD
display. Roland is not able to replace those and compatible replacements
are also out of the question. The drifting is also one thing to watch
out for. You can’t spot a drift if you play short notes as in bass
sounds. You have to listen to string and brass sounds with both
oscillators at full volume. And make sure that the synth has been on
for at least 15 or more minutes. If you hold a few notes down and you
hear a drift, press the auto tune button and try again. If after just
few minutes it starts to drift then you have a synth with problem. Some
synths even after calibration will drift. I used to calibrate my own but
some will not stay in tuneno matter what you do.Clipping is another
thing to watch out for using the resonance at full Setting. The
cartridge holder is also not replaceable so make sure you insert the
cartridge and take it out few times to see if it’s loose and makes a
good connection when you switch to cart sounds. Last but not least and
the one thing that I myself forgot to do is, turn the synth off and on
as many times as the seller will let you. If the power supply is flaky
and you’re lucky it will go out before you pay the guy the cash. If you
are lucky and find one of these old beasts in good shape then they are
pleasure to own but remember You are taking a chance and paying the
price for wanting an analog synth. Good Luck!
roman
--
By the way your page is great. Nice perpectives.
I just purchased an mks 80 and prog. for a distustingly low price.
I did not know much about them, excpet for the simple fact that>br>
it sounded as good as my Prophecy...a little phatter on the bottom.
I said a little (I meant alot).
Dave M
--
Nice page! I'm in the process of purchasing a mks80 myself and your page
was a considerable help in making my decision.
In my book the usefulness of web pages are in their content,
in which case yours gets an excellent rating.
hats off,
matt miller
--
Roland MIDI Programmer
Super Jupiter Programmer MPG-80
The MPG-80 is a programmer designed to used exclusively
with the MKS-80
Specifications
Tone Section:
Tone Manual Button, LFO-1 Rate, LFO-1 Delay Time, LFO-1 Waveform
VCO Modulation LFO-1 Depth, VCO Modulation ENV-1 Depth
Pulse Width 50 to 0%, Pulse Width Modulation
PWM Mode Select, PWM Polarity, VCO Key Follow, VCO Select
Cross Modulation Manual Depth, XMOD ENV-1 Depth, XMOD Polarity
VCO-1 Modulation, VCO-1 Range, VCO-1 Waveform, VCO Synchro
VCO-2 Modulation, VCO-2 Range, VCO-2 Fine Tune, VCO-2 Waveform
Source Mix, High Pass Filter Cutoff Frequency
VCF Cutoff Frequency, VCF Resonance, VCF Envelope Select
VCF Envelope Polarity, VCF Modulation ENV Depth
VCF Moduation LFO-1 Depth, VCF Key Follow
VCA ENV-2 Level, VCA Modulation LFO-1 Depth
Dynamics Time, Dynamics Level, Envelope Reset
ENV-1 Dynamics, ENV-1 Attack Time, ENV-1 Decay Time
ENV-1 Sustain Time, ENV-1 Release Time, ENV-1 Key Follow
ENV-2 Dynamics, ENV-2 Attack Time, ENV-2 Decay Time
ENV-2 Sustain Time, ENV-2 Release Time, ENV-2 Key Follow
Patch Section:
Patch Manual Button, Key Mode, Split Point, Tone Number, Balance
Octave Shift, Assign Mode, Unison Detune, Hold, Glide
Bender Sens, VCO-1 Bend, VCO-2 Bend
After Touch Sens, After Touch Mode Select, LFO-2 Rate
Programmer Channel 1-16, Power switch
Rear Panel:
Programmer Out Connector, MIDI THRU Connector, MINI IN Connector
Power Consumption 0,9W
Dimensions 480(W) x 78(D) x 177(H) mm 19"(W) x 3-1/8"(D) x 7-1/16"(H)
Weight 3kg / 6 lb 10 oz
Accessories:
6 pin DIN Cord, Owner´s Manual
What exactly are the MKS series rackmounts?
Roland module / Programmer / Keyboard equivalent / Price asked (USD):
MKS-7 Super Quartet / No info / Juno-106 / $200
MKS-10 Planet P / No info / Piano module / $50
MKS-20 / No info / Piano module / $375
MKS-30 Planet S / PG-200 / JX-3P / $375
MKS-50 / PG-300 / Alpha Juno-1 / $425
MKS-70 Super JX / PG-800 / JX-10 / $800
MKS-80 Super Jupiter / MPG-80 / "Jupiter-6" / $2000
MKS-100 / No info / S-10 sampler (12-bit/poly 8) / $325
Patches for MKS-80 - Super Jupiter
MKS-80
Factory Patches
Kid Nepro
Manuals for MKS-80 - Super Jupiter
Rogue Music
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Updated
September 13, 2001