The MKS-70 Super JX is the rackmount version of the JX-10 synth, a 76-note hybrid analog synth released in 1985. The JX was the last high-profile analog synthesizer produced by Roland before embracing digital technology with the D-50. Although the DCO based MKS-70 does not sound as thick as the VCO based MKS-80 Super Jupiter, it is still a very capable, often underrated synth with extremely stable tuning. To understand the MKS-70's architecture and flexibility, it is necessary to realize that two whole JX-8Ps lie under the hood. From the front panel these synth engines are referred to as upper and lower tones. When programming patches, a variety of options are available to put both tones to good use. It is possible to split two different tones across the keyboard, play upper or lower tone with 12 note polyphony, or layer both tones. When layering tones, they can be dual, velocity switched, or velocity crossfaded. Each tone consists of two digital oscillators with sync, cross modulation, and frequency modulation, one resonant low pass filter, VCA, two key scalable envelopes, LFO with sine, square, and sample and hold waveforms, and chorus. Fifty tones are stored in ROM with another fifty stored in user accessible RAM. Sixty patches are available in RAM for storing tuning offsets between tones, layer/split settings, and settings for CHASE. CHASE is a feature used to delay a tone's trigger and give the effect of echo. Three settings are avilable: upper followed by lower, upper - lower - upper, and upper - lower - lower. I find myself using this feature quite a bit, and am glad Roland saw fit to include it. The MKS-70 is often underrated because it features DCOs which tend to sound sterile if time is not taken to program the unit. I have been able to coax wonderful sounds from the MKS-70, and have no doubt that others can do the same with some patience. The Super JX is highly recommended. The PG-800 is the dedicated programmer interface for the MKS-70 and JX-10. The PG-800 communicates with and is powered by the synth via a 6 pin DIN cable. The programmer provides knobs, sliders, and switches for all parameters such as LFO, DCO, VCA, and VCF, but does not provide controls for patch level programming. This must still be done from the front panel of the synth. Roland MKS-70/JX-10 Bank Loader Complete Patch Library