i can relly assure you, this style of music is venerable "synth demo" i've seen it myself from 18 years of synth development. it takes a person and leaves nothing behind.
I considered acquiring one a few years ago but I wasn't sure whether I could work with its limitations. I'm pleased I waited and bought the Jupiter-X which is digital, I know. The Super Quartet is a stunning synth nonetheless.
My songwriting partner of the time had one of these - the white version. We paired it with the MC-500 sequencer. They made for a good jam and songwriting tool. That was the start of my decades-long MIDI adventure.
I love seeing synth youtubers making appearances on other channels. It’s like this fun nerdy world of synth nerds. Also, good demo! I had no idea Roland made units combining other instruments like this. 🤔
Sweet review Alex! A cool and cheaper way of getting the higher priced 707 and 106 combined, albeit in a more cumbersome package perhaps, in terms of usage. Thanks for the hilarious demo song! :)
Producers in 1985: "I wish there was a f*cking machine that can just make a quick, cheesy, top 40 pop hit without having to hire all these damn musicians!" Roland: "Yes."
A friend of mine has owned one of these for nigh on 30 years :) I remember being mightily impressed by his hand crafted Cubase mixer maps to control it via SYSEX back in the day.
Golden. Loved it. It's funny as recently I've been trying to educate myself on what exactly the mks 7 does . You have single handedly answered everyone of my questions without me even asking. Top man 👍🏾👍🏾
When that melody came in at 8:20 I was punching the ceiling with joy only to be disappointed when he track ends 9 seconds later. Alex you cant do this to us. I want to hear more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was always fascinated with the MKS-7 among those early MIDI modules that Roland ground out during the mid-80s. It’s great to know that it could be played in real time, but part of me wonders now whether the objective of Roland research and development was to respond to Bob Yannes and his designs of both the SID chip for the Commodore C64 and the chip incorporated into the Amiga. It’s almost as though this particular module was intended to be like an upgrade to those units and to be controlled less from a real-time keyboard player than from a computer. “Copyright Free” almost sounds like the perfect step into Weird Al Yankovic territory. One of his practices is to write style parodies, and this is like the perfect reflection upon both Rick Astley and Breathe. If he ever caught this video, I could just hear him saying .”Why didn’t I think of this?” It’s so cool that you included that clip of Espen Kraft (who is the 80s) at the game console. Was that an authorized collaboration?
Very cool, I had one of these in the early-mid '90s when I was younger and cheap. I got addicted to the Engineering Mode but was frustrated since I couldn't save my patches. I made my very first house song on the MKS-7 back in '95. Eventually I sold it and years later got a real Juno-106, which serves me to this day. I wish there was a way to get the MKS-7 Chord part presets in Sysex format for the 106; they were different than the Juno 106's factory banks and had some real cool pads in there. BTW, the tune at the end sounds like early-era Calvin Harris! BTW, I hope you're already aware of the 80017a chip failure issues that plague the 106 and MKS alike.
I dug my 106 out the closet the other day and am in the process of refurbishing it. It had been in my closet since the '80s. Original box. Rarely used. It'll be on the market soon.
Hmmm. I’m pretty sure, that ESPEN KRAFT’s arcade cabinet says ‘Asteroids’ on it, but only… isn’t that the game titled ‘Tempest’?!? I seem to remember that very game being showcased in the Rush video for their song called ‘Subdivisions’. A really gnarly sounding Oberheim synth makes an appearance as well. THANKS AGAIN, Alex!! Always great and insightful demos and information!! You ought to have a trophy in the likeness of each and every synth that you’ve shared with us (or maybe just one big huge trophy in likeness of a studio wall with all those synths)!!
That was awesome! I used to own a TR-707 that I had purchased new in 1986. That is a piece of equipment I wish I had hung on to - that drum machine is a part of musical history.
OMG ! What an awesome module, why we never see one of those ? I love instruments in rack format, so handy for live performances ^^ Thank you so much Alex your channel is a goldmine ! And your passion is always inspiring
Agreed, take a page from Espen. I love his long videos, like where first he has a new original song (perhaps with a "music video" in an abandoned railway station somewhere, or just watching him play in the studio), and then he breaks down the chords, and then he breaks down the sounds/equipment, and then he breaks down the mix, and THEN he does a review of a mini-cabinet Galaga machine.
This is one of my favourite bits of gear! Excellent for song writing quickly. Can be directly controlled with a Juno 106, and instantly shares patches. I’ve been hard panning the 707 drums with my midi’d Korg KR55, beefy! Excellent work as usual Alex!
Ooo, love a bit of drum stacking. The KR-55 is great, bet it's even better with midi! You're right, I forgot to mention you can pair it with a 106 for double Juno action. Jim's from EarMonkey sent me a video of him doing exactly that. Very cool.
Sometimes I wish I was just stuck with a unit like this and never allowed to use anything else, you'd be bound to make some good stuff when you're stuck with it!
I had one as well as an MKS 30 but I lost MKS 7 when I sent it off for repair and it never came back. I loved,the drum sounds, and even found a use for bass preset 10 (tuba) when I wrote a brass quintet. Thanks for the run-through, it really was a,fun little machine.
I love how, whilst you play bits of the presets, we hear that lovely Roland chorus noise. Pure gold. Also, the number of times I've rejected trading gear with one of these as a portion of the trade, at least five times. I don't feel so bad about that as a Juno-106 and TR-707 owner.
5:54! A surprise cameo! I love the Karaoke moment 6:23, copyright free = copyleft! Oh i wonder where I can buy the goggles? Another fantastic episode, THNX Alex (and Espen)!
I've got a feeling this was used a lot from '85 - 90s for radiojingles / commercials / tv-tunes still. Or I might just recognise the sounds of the TR707 etcetera that were put in it. Think about it, tv / radio often needs a tune in no time.
In 1995 after graduating college I got a Roland MT-32 and MKS-7 all for $150. Couple years later swapped the MT-32 at a pawn shop for a Casio CZ101. Fwd to 2020 I still have the MKS-7 & CZ-101. Best $150 spent.
Thank you. This was a great video. Extremely amusing and I learned something and didn't realize it. Everything I wanted to know about the MKS-7 with audio examples. Cheers!
Wow... this takes me back.... Juno and TR707 sounds were what my mate used (sprinkled with DX7) on his mid 80s stuff... the bass has a wonderful chunkiness and even the preset chord sounds are fat! Great stuff...
What a fun little box. Of I could get ahold of one, I'm sure it would be an 80s nightmare, quite unlike the cool sounds you plucked from. Some vid as always. You make it all looks so easy.
@@AlexBallMusic well 7:27 is a marvellous demonstration of the capability of this machine. Stereooping is a must-have when you want to go into the rack-mounted units. On the other hand it's challenging having a synth with great limitations and use its sounds outside of his 80s context. Think outside the box. Well said. Thanks for your videos really inspiring. Have a great day and stay safe.
Loved the track Alex now be careful as youtube may place a strike against yourself as you own the copyright for the track you just played without your permission.
Great video.. and many memories of the '80s... I used the VST version for a looong time, as well as the VST version and a Sound Canvas (on a board - SCC-1B) and its VST version... and I still reckon they're all very usable instruments (when y'consider how some of the modern 'arranger keyboards' sound). I just never realized that the MKS-7 was based on the 106+707.. Whizzo. ...and thanks again for a fun video.
There's a guy on Ebay that sells a Logic-Environment-based Editor for the MKS-7 and it works great for only $25. You can edit EVERYTHING just like you had a real 106. It's still a bit fiddly since you cannot save changes on the MKS-7, and you can't really save patches in Logic's environment, but it opens up a whole new world of sounds, if you already own an MKS-7 and use Logic. I hadn't used mine in many years, and recently found it had a dead voice. I was able to buy a new voice chip replacement (from Syntaur) and got the dead voice working again!!
All your videos have been great to watch, really informative, nerdy, but without being clinical about it. I love the element of fun in them, you clearly enjoying yourself. And your compositions to show them off, as at the end of this video are so good. BUT that copyright free song was genius, I think you alter-ego should be Dick Ghastly
80's New Wave and synth pop in a box it's surprisingly good, consider it's a rompler drum machine combine with early DCO analog synth and MIDI, there some hidden treasure like that for hobbyist, as long as the sequencer of my MC 303 works i keep it, can be usefull if my computer broke, i have a Nord keyboard and some analog synth that can be control with it, and a fancy used 4 tracks tape recorder.
You have just invented a whole new style of music. I suggest we call it "Rock-rolling" to stay well away of copyright infringement.
Genius.
Just "fossils music".
i can relly assure you, this style of music is venerable
"synth demo"
i've seen it myself from 18 years of synth development. it takes a person and leaves nothing behind.
I might write a cover version, "never going to copyright strike you"
Rolling rock
A 106 and a 707 in one box with midi? That's like a third of Daft Punk's Homework in one box. Impressive. Most impressive.
pretty sure you can play the entirety of around the world with, it except for the vocals.
I was a recording engineer/producer in the 80s and I used all that stuff. Thought nothing of it at the time.
😂
😂
This channel is a well of pure, unadulterated gold
With a smattering of cheese on top. :)
I think it's adulterated
Absolutely!!!!!!!! :D
Awesome "outro"!!!!
I considered acquiring one a few years ago but I wasn't sure whether I could work with its limitations. I'm pleased I waited and bought the Jupiter-X which is digital, I know. The Super Quartet is a stunning synth nonetheless.
I kind of wish they still made workstations that just do a few things incredibly well. Those presets still sound pretty fresh and usable.
My songwriting partner of the time had one of these - the white version. We paired it with the MC-500 sequencer. They made for a good jam and songwriting tool. That was the start of my decades-long MIDI adventure.
I love seeing synth youtubers making appearances on other channels. It’s like this fun nerdy world of synth nerds. Also, good demo! I had no idea Roland made units combining other instruments like this. 🤔
omfg the Espen cameo was f*cking outstanding
Cool as a cucumber.
Pardon my ignorance - Espen is cool and famous for...?
@@muddymike10 he has a popular 80s synth channel
Thanks Nick - I will track it down...
I also liked it a lot.
Sweet review Alex! A cool and cheaper way of getting the higher priced 707 and 106 combined, albeit in a more cumbersome package perhaps, in terms of usage. Thanks for the hilarious demo song! :)
..and thanks for the cameo. 😀
Less cumbersom if you already have a controller/daw. I love the 106, but it's huge and less reliable.
🤣🤣 Espen “Galaga on Acid” Kraft
I’m gonna have to rack up my super quartet again. Forgot how fun it can be.
Thanks Alex! 🍻
Aha, I thought some folk out there would have one. :)
Lololol
Producers in 1985:
"I wish there was a f*cking machine that can just make a quick, cheesy, top 40 pop hit without having to hire all these damn musicians!"
Roland:
"Yes."
Great. Can I save my settings?
Roland: No.
And it's name is Alex 😃....
That was probably what they have in mind, instant synth pop tune in a box, even more interesting today if it's what you Looking for...
Brilliant. Love the "copyright free" song. Mad.
❤..nice cameo Espen..both you lads are killing it 🙌
Gotta love a bit of Mr Kraft.
This is incredible. An early groovebox, but with a certain vintage charm with that iuno-106 sound!
Love those chord sounds! Nice video, thanks! And your 80s track was FABULOUS ( to the max, as we said back then).
Thanks Allan. Did it achieve "totally tubular" status?
A friend of mine has owned one of these for nigh on 30 years :) I remember being mightily impressed by his hand crafted Cubase mixer maps to control it via SYSEX back in the day.
This thing is still one of my go-to synths. It's not super complex, but the sounds it makes are so pleasing and always fit in the mix.
Golden. Loved it. It's funny as recently I've been trying to educate myself on what exactly the mks 7 does . You have single handedly answered everyone of my questions without me even asking. Top man 👍🏾👍🏾
Glad to have been of service.
adamski
alex ball
ecpen kraft
at a same time
oh god :D
@@rainy2063 I am not thee famously known Adamski btw hence his surname begins with T lol.
When that melody came in at 8:20 I was punching the ceiling with joy only to be disappointed when he track ends 9 seconds later. Alex you cant do this to us. I want to hear more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sorry, I went for the Monty Python sudden ending instead.
points dzod to joy electric land
I feel the same way. Didn't even let the fourth measure of the melody play out.
Just pumped the breaks on us.
That Espen Kraft feature had me laughing out loud :-D
I was always fascinated with the MKS-7 among those early MIDI modules that Roland ground out during the mid-80s. It’s great to know that it could be played in real time, but part of me wonders now whether the objective of Roland research and development was to respond to Bob Yannes and his designs of both the SID chip for the Commodore C64 and the chip incorporated into the Amiga. It’s almost as though this particular module was intended to be like an upgrade to those units and to be controlled less from a real-time keyboard player than from a computer.
“Copyright Free” almost sounds like the perfect step into Weird Al Yankovic territory. One of his practices is to write style parodies, and this is like the perfect reflection upon both Rick Astley and Breathe. If he ever caught this video, I could just hear him saying .”Why didn’t I think of this?”
It’s so cool that you included that clip of Espen Kraft (who is the 80s) at the game console. Was that an authorized collaboration?
Everyone single one of your videos just Rocks the Casbah. You are an impressive and talented musician!
So you're saying that the Shareef don't like it? ;)
Simply the best synth-youtube-channel ever. Thank you Alex! (By the way, my GAS just found an MKS-7 on Reverb...)
I came here to learn things. I left with a song stuck in my head. Love this channel
It can remain there on a copyright free basis. ;)
@@AlexBallMusic Is it based off of a real song? I don't actually recognize what it is but it's very catchy.
Very cool, I had one of these in the early-mid '90s when I was younger and cheap. I got addicted to the Engineering Mode but was frustrated since I couldn't save my patches. I made my very first house song on the MKS-7 back in '95. Eventually I sold it and years later got a real Juno-106, which serves me to this day. I wish there was a way to get the MKS-7 Chord part presets in Sysex format for the 106; they were different than the Juno 106's factory banks and had some real cool pads in there. BTW, the tune at the end sounds like early-era Calvin Harris!
BTW, I hope you're already aware of the 80017a chip failure issues that plague the 106 and MKS alike.
Oh god the cameo by Espen Kraft...I properly laughed at that one. Another quality video.
I also have enjoyed this synth by controlling it with a Juno 106. Fun stuff! Keep up the great videos!
The glasses.....
This broke me completely (-Weeping-).
Thanks for this video.
I dug my 106 out the closet the other day and am in the process of refurbishing it. It had been in my closet since the '80s. Original box. Rarely used. It'll be on the market soon.
Nice. Have the infamous voice chips survived?
You'll no doubt get a pretty penny for that with box. :)
One can only imagine what Geert van Schlänger could do with this and a dirty movie in need of a soundtrack.
I guess the 1st thing he'd do is change the name to "Foursome", more fitting to his line of business, if you know what I mean ;)
That would be very shexy 😄
I just realised something. The name Van Schlanger sounds like Ken Danger. What are the chances?
Cool cut in with Espen inside. Definitely like.
Hmmm. I’m pretty sure, that ESPEN KRAFT’s arcade cabinet says ‘Asteroids’ on it, but only… isn’t that the game titled ‘Tempest’?!? I seem to remember that very game being showcased in the Rush video for their song called ‘Subdivisions’. A really gnarly sounding Oberheim synth makes an appearance as well. THANKS AGAIN, Alex!! Always great and insightful demos and information!! You ought to have a trophy in the likeness of each and every synth that you’ve shared with us (or maybe just one big huge trophy in likeness of a studio wall with all those synths)!!
That was awesome! I used to own a TR-707 that I had purchased new in 1986. That is a piece of equipment I wish I had hung on to - that drum machine is a part of musical history.
I must have done like 7 pelvic thrusts during the jams
Now you're going to have to get Espen to do a remix of that song :-)
OMG ! What an awesome module, why we never see one of those ? I love instruments in rack format, so handy for live performances ^^
Thank you so much Alex your channel is a goldmine ! And your passion is always inspiring
Yes, guess it's a little overlooked because it's just a black box which hides what's in it.
Actually pretty convenient in many ways as you say.
I bought mine in 1987 when they were closing them out...about $200 as I recall. Still use it today, one of my favorite synths. Great video.
The bass sounds on this are so warm.
Very fun presentation once again and a nice hint to Espen Kraft too!
"Hint of Espen Kraft" is one of my favourite fragrances.
ffs I had one of these in the days when I never realised the greatness of it and subsequently sold it.. damn
That was actually a really cool jam at the end. Thanks for the upload, I’ve never heard of the super quartet before.
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.
I'd heard of it, but just never seen it anywhere. Quite a fun unit.
Dang you squeezed a lot of funk out of that box!!
Thanks!
Those 80s specs are hilarious! 👓
I think you have our permisson to make those jams longer. Heck, I'd say it is wanted to make them longer. Because in fact, it is wanted.
Thanks. I try to strike a balance between the length of the video and the amount of playing and talking. Got some videos with full tracks coming soon.
Agreed, take a page from Espen. I love his long videos, like where first he has a new original song (perhaps with a "music video" in an abandoned railway station somewhere, or just watching him play in the studio), and then he breaks down the chords, and then he breaks down the sounds/equipment, and then he breaks down the mix, and THEN he does a review of a mini-cabinet Galaga machine.
This is one of my favourite bits of gear! Excellent for song writing quickly. Can be directly controlled with a Juno 106, and instantly shares patches. I’ve been hard panning the 707 drums with my midi’d Korg KR55, beefy!
Excellent work as usual Alex!
Ooo, love a bit of drum stacking. The KR-55 is great, bet it's even better with midi!
You're right, I forgot to mention you can pair it with a 106 for double Juno action. Jim's from EarMonkey sent me a video of him doing exactly that. Very cool.
I think the ultimate controller for the MKS-7 is the Juno-106!
Sometimes I wish I was just stuck with a unit like this and never allowed to use anything else, you'd be bound to make some good stuff when you're stuck with it!
I had one as well as an MKS 30 but I lost MKS 7 when I sent it off for repair and it never came back. I loved,the drum sounds, and even found a use for bass preset 10 (tuba) when I wrote a brass quintet. Thanks for the run-through, it really was a,fun little machine.
I love how, whilst you play bits of the presets, we hear that lovely Roland chorus noise. Pure gold.
Also, the number of times I've rejected trading gear with one of these as a portion of the trade, at least five times.
I don't feel so bad about that as a Juno-106 and TR-707 owner.
5:54! A surprise cameo!
I love the Karaoke moment 6:23, copyright free = copyleft!
Oh i wonder where I can buy the goggles?
Another fantastic episode, THNX Alex (and Espen)!
Each time I watch your video, Alex, I end up listening to the cool music!
I almost got one until I realized that it was a little more complicated than just being a Juno 106 in a box. But definitely a lot of potential
It's there, just needs the controller to unlock it.
Couple of things are missing or simplified, but it's pretty much a 106 plus friends.
Oh this is absolutely lovely. Love synthwave.
Loving that 1985 jam
Great video, as always. I want one of these rack mounts.
Damn you Alex! Been wanting one of these for ages and now the prices are going to skyrocket off the back of your vid 😄
OMFG that Karaoke Copywrite free chorus is pure gold!
I've got a feeling this was used a lot from '85 - 90s for radiojingles / commercials / tv-tunes still. Or I might just recognise the sounds of the TR707 etcetera that were put in it. Think about it, tv / radio often needs a tune in no time.
In 1995 after graduating college I got a Roland MT-32 and MKS-7 all for $150. Couple years later swapped the MT-32 at a pawn shop for a Casio CZ101. Fwd to 2020 I still have the MKS-7 & CZ-101. Best $150 spent.
Sweet little unit. I need those LED glasses!!
5:48 That Espen Kraft bit was awesome :-D
That track at the end. Please tell me you're putting that out! That was a tease, man.
I'd buy it.
Thank you. This was a great video. Extremely amusing and I learned something and didn't realize it. Everything I wanted to know about the MKS-7 with audio examples. Cheers!
Wow... this takes me back.... Juno and TR707 sounds were what my mate used (sprinkled with DX7) on his mid 80s stuff... the bass has a wonderful chunkiness and even the preset chord sounds are fat! Great stuff...
It's a box of nostalgia for sure. :)
Yay!!! An Espen Kraft cameo!!!
And yet another great video from Mr Ball!!! I feel 12 y/o again!
Thanks for another one excellent video, Alex! And cool song indeed =)) I think I share with it on Facebook group, yes?)
Love the song at the end!! Always rocking it! Sooo happy I found your channel! Thanks for sharing your amazing talents!!
Thanks for the support. :)
I just got the Juno DS88 so seeing this bit of history of Roland is awesome! I love your vids, man.
Awesome one Alex! And an awesome appearance by Espen Kraft as well! :-)
Another great video , encore ! My pal Abrucidnation has one of these in his rig and it's great fun building a track with it.
What a fun little box. Of I could get ahold of one, I'm sure it would be an 80s nightmare, quite unlike the cool sounds you plucked from. Some vid as always. You make it all looks so easy.
oh baby baby
Excellent! Cheers from France !!
Very cool video! A wonderful review of the Super Quartet.
Alex Ball has found another hidden gem!!! Great video!
Quite limited, but then so was the Poly Moog Keyboard.
If you have a controller then that totally unlocks it. Otherwise yeah, it's a preset machine.
@@AlexBallMusic well 7:27 is a marvellous demonstration of the capability of this machine. Stereooping is a must-have when you want to go into the rack-mounted units. On the other hand it's challenging having a synth with great limitations and use its sounds outside of his 80s context. Think outside the box. Well said. Thanks for your videos really inspiring. Have a great day and stay safe.
Great stuff! I got a lot more enjoyment listening to this than I did of a demo of a fancy new high tech synth.
I had entirely forgot that I used to own one of these! Great vid.
Interesting stuff. A great look back.
We used to have one of these in our studio. Great little module!
Great Music - now I think I need this mks7!
I keep coming back to hear your song "Copyright Free". Oh baby, baby! 😅
very cool to see Espen gaming :)
The bass sound is overwhelming!!!
Loved the track Alex now be careful as youtube may place a strike against yourself as you own the copyright for the track you just played without your permission.
I wouldn't actually be surprised! 😉
Hello Alex: I really like the humour and fun you bring to your videos. They are also most informative. Stay safe and well.
Thanks Ian, much appreciated.
I hope you're safe and well too!
sweet chord progressions!
Thanks
Excellent presentation of this unusual machine. Thanks!
Oh and Yay! An Epsen Kraft cameo
Great video.. and many memories of the '80s... I used the VST version for a looong time, as well as the VST version and a Sound Canvas (on a board - SCC-1B) and its VST version... and I still reckon they're all very usable instruments (when y'consider how some of the modern 'arranger keyboards' sound). I just never realized that the MKS-7 was based on the 106+707.. Whizzo. ...and thanks again for a fun video.
Damn, now I want one
"Welcome to rad gear, the show about the world's most 80s audio tools"
@@AlexBallMusic it won't get any more 80s than that. Great video, as usual
Awesome video! It sounds so funky! :) Keep up the great work! I'm always enjoying your videos. Take care, Sam.
you're a great documentarian Alex, ditto your solid key chops, endless thanks for these amazing vids
Thank you Randy.
Again, it is the legend!
Fantastic video-had not heard of that machine before.Love the sounds!
Absolutely stunning review! Creative funky inspiring!!
Outstanding and very lovely. You have another subscriber
hey thank you for sharing this! keep up the good work!
There's a guy on Ebay that sells a Logic-Environment-based Editor for the MKS-7 and it works great for only $25. You can edit EVERYTHING just like you had a real 106. It's still a bit fiddly since you cannot save changes on the MKS-7, and you can't really save patches in Logic's environment, but it opens up a whole new world of sounds, if you already own an MKS-7 and use Logic. I hadn't used mine in many years, and recently found it had a dead voice. I was able to buy a new voice chip replacement (from Syntaur) and got the dead voice working again!!
All your videos have been great to watch, really informative, nerdy, but without being clinical about it. I love the element of fun in them, you clearly enjoying yourself. And your compositions to show them off, as at the end of this video are so good. BUT that copyright free song was genius, I think you alter-ego should be Dick Ghastly
Thanks
80's New Wave and synth pop in a box it's surprisingly good, consider it's a rompler drum machine combine with early DCO analog synth and MIDI, there some hidden treasure like that for hobbyist, as long as the sequencer of my MC 303 works i keep it, can be usefull if my computer broke, i have a Nord keyboard and some analog synth that can be control with it, and a fancy used 4 tracks tape recorder.
Great video
Thank you Wade.