This MKS-30 has been upgraded with:

- Analogue Renaissance Gravitational Slingshots voice chips - This is what the manufacturer says about these chips:
"This is a new VCF/VCA combo that replaces the original 80017A hybrid modules in a Juno-106 (or any other synth that uses these). It gives the Juno-106 a much bigger sound without sacrificing the original 80017A's precision which makes the juno-106 sound so good polyphonically.
The Juno-106 has a lot going for it: Complete hands-on control with one button or fader per parameter, complete midi control for each parameter through SysEx, ultra-stable DCO’s, thundering bass-boost with the HPF in its lowest position and the above mentioned precision of the VCF.
This precision comes in the form of excellent frequency tracking and a very flat resonance response. The former, not only allows playing notes by using the self-oscillating filters as extra oscillators, but also allows several of them to slowly beat against each other, even when separated several octaves apart. The later allows this beating to go really deep and is also fundamental in getting everything summed together without clipping. After all 24 waveforms (Saw, Tri, Sub and Sine, from self-oscillation, multiplied by 6 voices) have to be summed together with chorus on top.
However, this precision comes in part from the filter being virtually distortion-free and this comes at the cost of its sonic character. Or actually, its lack thereof.
And, to my taste, it’s a bit too clean and bright, certainly taking into account that there is only one oscillator per voice. So, I wanted to give the filter a bit more character, let it add some harmonics and move things a bit to the lower regions of the spectrum. I would describe this as a kind of growling quality."

- Johannes Hausensteiner eprom 3.6:
The Roland MKS-30 Operating System Upgrade was written by Johannes Hausensteiner and adds many great features to the MKS-30. The added features include:

  • Key Window Function
    - The Key Window function allows you to specify a split point and only MIDI notes above or below that split point will be played by the MKS-30. This function adds two new parameters for each patch:
    #52 Key Window Note
    - Specify note number (0..99)
    Only note numbers 0 to 99 are supported from the front panel.
    #53 Key Window Mode
    - Below (-) or above (+)
    Will playback notes above or below the split point defined in parameter #52.
  • Chorus Speed
    - Chorus speed is now adjustable and programmable. The high pass filter must be sacrificed to enable this feature. Chorus speed can be assigned to the "hold" switch allowing realtime MIDI control. Chorus now has three programmable parameters:
    #48 Chorus Switch
    - Chorus on/off
    #35 Chorus Speed
    - Only applies if hardware modification has been completed.
    #51 Footswitch Mode
    - Hold (-) or Chorus Speed (+)
    Allows "hold" switch to alter chorus speed.
  • Preset Patches
    - There are 32 patches in the ROM of the MKS-30. Although it is not documented in the user manual, it is possible to copy them to patch memory. To access these ROM patches with the upgrade:
    CARTRIDGE Button
    - The cartridge button cycles through the patches: Main -> Cartridge -> Preset -> [Repeat].
    Overwrite
    - Press the BANK button while holding the WRITE button. Display will read "COPY" and patches 1-1 through 4-8 will be overwritten.
    Note:
    If no cartridge is installed, presets will be mapped to MIDI program change numbers 64 - 96. If cartridge is installed, presets are not available via MIDI program change.
  • MIDI Commands
    - There are four new MIDI continous controllers now recognized by the upgrade:
    Data Entry
    - MIDI Controller #06
    Volume
    - MIDI Controller #07
    Data Increment
    - MIDI Controller #60
    Data Decrement
    - MIDI Controller #61

This unit now is set to work at 230V, but we can adapt the transformer to any voltage you need: 100V - 120V - 230V - 240V

Reverb Buyer Protection

Reverb has your back if your item is lost, damaged, or doesn't match its description. Simply report any issues within 7 days and we'll help you get a full refund.Learn more about Reverb Buyer Protection.

Listed3 months ago
ConditionExcellent (Used)
Excellent items are almost entirely free from blemishes and other visual defects and have been played or used with the utmost care.Learn more
Brand
Model
  • MKS-30 Rackmount Analog Synthesizer
Finish
  • Black
Categories
Year
  • 1984 - 1986
Made In
  • Japan
Analog / Digital
  • Analog
MIDI I/O
  • MIDI Through
  • MIDI Input
Polyphony
  • 6 Voices

Product safety information may be available here.

Moogchild Synthdrome

Boadilla del Monte, Spain
Joined Reverb:2018

Reverb Protection

Simple Returns, Secure Transactions, Human Support

Learn more

Secure Checkout

Promoted similar listings













Product reviews

Reverb Gives

Your purchases help youth music programs get the gear they need to make music.

Oops, looks like you forgot something. Please check the fields highlighted in red.