“Roland MKS-80 rev 4 Super Jupiter 8-Voice Rackmount Analog Synthesizer + KiwiTechnics Patch Editor Universal Programmer
The Roland MKS-80 rev 4 Super Jupiter 8-voice rackmount VCO analog synthesizer and the KiwiTechnics Patch Editor universal hardware programmer are a match made in heaven!
There isn’t much that hasn’t already been said about the MKS-80. It is one of the most revered and iconic polyphonic synthesizers in the history of analog synthesis, perhaps only outshined by the original Jupiter 8 keyboard. The MKS-80 has been used on countless hit records starting in the 80s and up to today. Along with similar classic synths such as the Sequential Prophet 5 and Oberheim OB series, the MKS-80 has defined the sound of modern Pop and Electronic music.
What sets the MKS-80 apart from the Jupiter 8 and Jupiter 6 keyboards (and other classic synthesizers of its era) is its velocity and aftertouch sensitivity that delivers a much more expressive sound and playing experience.
Unlike subsequent Roland analog synthesizers, the MKS-80 features true voltage controlled oscillators (VCOs) which are widely considered to sound warmer and more lush than DCOs.
This unit is the original “rev 4” edition of the MKS-80 which most connoisseurs consider the more desirable version of the MKS-80 as evidenced by its higher resale values.
Please note that the MKS-80 for sale has recently been expertly serviced by Retro Pro Audio in the San Francisco Bay Area. The original LCD display was quite dim and has been replaced with a modern OLED display which is much brighter than the original (even at its peak brightness) and which will likely last a lifetime. The foam padding behind the front panel sliders has also been replaced and the previous crumbling foam material (which eventually falls apart on all similar Roland synths over time) has been expertly removed such that the sliders no longer occasionally stick or skip values. And finally, the low noise coming from the audio outputs during startup has been eliminated such that the unit is almost like new other than some minor cosmetic “rack rash” marks. The cost for these repairs totalled nearly $900. But they were worth it so that you can buy with confidence that the unit has been given a “clean bill of health” unlike many other nearly 40-year-old MKS-80s that are sold “as is” and require even more costly repairs.
The MKS-80 is being sold with the KiwiTechnics Patch Editor universal hardware programmer. The Patch Editor is much more compact than the dedicated Roland MPG-80 programmer and can be used with a wide variety of other classic hardware synthesizers as well as synthesizer plugins. Please read below for a description of the Patch Editor.
Please note that the MKS-80 for sale includes a Roland M-64C cartridge for storing 64 additional tones and 64 patches and a brand new Roland-style 2-prong power cable. However, it does NOT include any audio or MIDI cables.”
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