Real Time MKS-80 Programming

Posted on March 7, 2011 by John C.S. Keston

Now that I have the MKS-80 repaired I have started organizing ways to program the synth in real time. Without the MPG-80 programmer, or a suitable substitute, the MKS-80 does not lend itself well as a performance instrument. At least that is the case if you’re like me and insist on having real time tactile control of a good majority of the parameters. The following sequence was recorded while programming the MKS-80 in real time utilizing the reKon Audio VST-AU MKS-80 Editor mapped in Ableton Live to a MIDI controller. The MIDI controller I used only has about twelve assignable knobs and sliders, so I carefully chose the parameters that would provide the more interesting results. This included most of the parameters in the VCF plus LFO speed and cross modulation.

MKS80 Arp Real Time Control

Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter Repair

Posted on March 6, 2011 by John C.S. Keston

I recently purchased a Roland MKS-80 in need of repair. Several things were wrong with it including the tuning knob, dynamics slider and “insert cartridge” errors when trying to change the patches from the front panel. Without being able to tune the synth or utilize the dynamics, the instrument was effectively unusable, but I decided to buy it anyway in the hope that it could be repaired. After several days and more than thirty hours of research, parts swapping, and troubleshooting I managed to get it working properly. Read on for an illustrated story of the repair process and audio from the fixed unit.
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Prophet 08 Stereo Filter Sweep

Posted on March 5, 2011 by John C.S. Keston

Here’s another sound from the DSI Prophet 08 recorded during random patch browsing. I’d describe it as a stereo filter sweep.

P08 Stereo Filter Sweep

Prophet 08 LFO Random Pitch

Posted on March 4, 2011 by John C.S. Keston

This sound from the DSI Prophet 08 reminds me of computer room sound effects from ’60s scifi flicks.

P08 LFO on Random Pitch

Prophet 08 Wobbly Analog Special Effect

Posted on March 3, 2011 by John C.S. Keston

Here’s yet another sound from the DSI Prophet 08 recorded during my recent random patch browsing session. Since I didn’t bother making notes of which patch I was using for which sound I am left up to coming up with names and descriptions of my own creation. Let’s call this one Wobbly Analog SFX. I’ve been granted an extension on the loan of the P08 from its owner, so expect to hear some programmed sounds in upcoming entries.

P08 Wobbly Analog SFX