MKS-70 Super JX Polyphonic Synthesizer - MAME machine

Musical Instrument (Electronic) published 39 years ago:

MKS-70 - Polyphonic Synthesizer Super JX © 1987 Roland

The Roland MKS-70 Super JX was a rackmount polyphonic synthesizer derived from the JX-10 keyboard. Developed by Roland, it combined two independent JX-8P-style synthesis engines, each using digitally controlled oscillators (DCOs) and analog filters, resulting in a warm, layered, and highly stable analog sound. With 12-voice polyphony, bi-timbral operation, MIDI control, and extensive patch memory, it became a staple of late-1980s and early-1990s studio production.

TRIVIA
The MKS-70 is essentially the rack version of the Roland JX-10 Super JX, combining two full JX-8P synthesis engines into one unit.

It provides 12-voice polyphony and can be split or layered into two independent 6-voice parts (bi-timbral operation).

Each voice uses two DCOs (digitally controlled oscillators) feeding a resonant analog low-pass filter, producing the characteristic “warm Roland” sound.

It includes chorus and delay-style effects, contributing heavily to its signature lush pads and evolving textures.

Sound editing is very limited from the front panel; deep programming typically requires the optional PG-800 hardware programmer.

It stores around 100 patches (depending on configuration) with cartridge support for expansion.

It was widely used in ambient, soundtrack, pop, and early electronic music due to its smooth pad and string capabilities.

A distinctive feature is the “chase” effect, a programmable delayed voice repetition behavior unique to the JX/MKS Super JX family.

It is often considered one of Roland’s last major analog polyphonic rack synthesizers before the digital dominance of the 1990s.

Modern users often pair it with external programmers because the original interface is considered difficult for sound design.

CONTRIBUTE
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