Roland MKS20
The Roland MKS-20 is a digital piano type sound module released by Roland Corporation in 1986. It is a rack-mount version of the popular 1980s-era Roland RD-1000 digital piano, which also has a musical keyboard. Both use Roland's structured adaptive synthesis approach to provide eight keyboard sounds, including piano, electric piano, harpsichord, vibraphone, and clavinet.
Features
The MKS-20 has 16-voice polyphony, which means that 16 keys can be pressed at the same time. It has eight presets for piano and other keyboard instruments (electric piano, harpsichord, vibraphone, clavinet), with 56 variations. The unit responds to velocity (loud or soft playing) when a MIDI controller keyboard that outputs velocity data is connected to it.
It has 5-pin MIDI in and thru ports for connecting to a MIDI controller or to other MIDI gear (e.g., a music sequencer). It has three onboard effects units: chorus effect, tremolo, and equalizer. The front panel has sliders, buttons, an alpha-dial for changing settings, and a port for plugging in a memory cartridge. The back has stereo 1/4" and XLR outputs for plugging into a keyboard amplifier, PA system, or recording system. It weighs 8g (17lb 10oz) and uses the standard 19" rack size.[1]
History and reception
When Roland introduced the structured adaptive synthesis system, Sound on Sound says musicians viewed it as a "revelation".[2] In 1986, pianists seeking a digital piano sound often used sampled pianos. While an individual note on a sampled piano might sound realistic, the samples might not include different dynamics and articulations. The MKS-20 offered "...more than 30 keyboard 'zones' differentiated not just by pitch and brightness, but also by individual formant structures and string enharmonicities", creating a piano sound that was "...far superior to any straightforward sample-replay system" available in 1986. Musicians found that they could "...recreate acoustic and electronic pianos on a range of stage instruments".[3]
Notable users
- Tony Banks uses MKS-20 piano module to duplicate his Yamaha DX7, with chords played on a Kurzweil 1000PX.
- Thomas Dolby uses the Roland MKS-20 piano module along with a Fairlight Series III and a Roland Super Jupiter synth.[4]
- Elton John uses both the MKS-20 module and the RD-1000 digital piano version in his live shows.