Retroaktiv MPG-7 is a new hardware programmer for the Roland MKS-7 and Juno-106 analog polyphonic synthesizers.
Roland introduced many synthesizers onto the market in the 1980s. Many of them have legendary status, while others are less well-known or insider devices. One of them is certainly the MKS-7 from 1986, a rack Synthesizer that is not a visual hit.
Internally, however, the MKS-7 is an 8-voice synthesizer divided into four areas, three of which have analog elements of the Roland Juno-106. A downer was and is the unsexy operation. Retroaktiv from the US has just released a new hardware programmer that brings fun programming to it and much more.
Retroaktiv MPG-7
MPG-7 is a new hardware programmer/control surface for the Roland MKS-7 and Juno-106 synthesizers. It features hands-on control for all of the MKS-7’s synth parameters.
Since the elements bass (mono 1 voice), chord (4 voices), and melody (2 voices) are based on the analog Roland Juno-106, the MPG-7 can also be used as a Juno-106 programmer.
The hardware hosts a large OLED display, physical faders, and buttons for all parameters (DCO, VCF, LFO, envelope, VCA, FX). The MPG-7 has some unique features which it takes into the modern age.
If you have both synths in your studio, you can control two MKS-7 or Juno-106 synths independently with a single controller by simply pressing a button.
Then, a poly-chain option allows you to daisy-chain any MKS-7/Juno-106 synths and create a dual-layer 6-voice or single-layer 12-voice synth. A handy chord function is also onboard.
Patch Storage & Generation
Roland Juno-106 has internal patch memory while the MKS-7 does not. However, there is a remedy. MPG-7 provides storage for individual patches, setups, MIDI mod matrix settings, and user CC mappings. You can save dozens of patches in these.
According to the manual, you can save ten banks of 64 presets in the tone section, eight banks of 64 in the setup, and more. With the additional memory card, the capacity doubles to save 20 banks of 64 presets.
Another interesting feature is the built-in automatic patch generator. It creates for you infinite patches in the categories Pads, Basses, Polysynths, Strings, Brass, Arpeggio, Bells and Piano types of sounds.
According to Retroaktiv, the MPG-7 controller acts as a brand-new operation system for the synth, allowing you to integrate both synths fully into modern DAW setups. This includes full control over automation, object storage, layering, and more.
Other features are:
- easy transfer of patches, setups and full memory backup, so your sounds can be easily backed up, swapped, and shared.
- flexible program change allows external gear to trigger program changes on the MPG-7
- assignable MIDI matrix with MIDI CC, aftertouch, mod wheel… assignments
- gives MKS-7 MIDI CC parameter support
- Init Patch at the touch of a button for creating new sounds from scratch
- freeze mode will log all panel edits and wait until the FREEZE button is pressed to send them.
On the connection side, the Retroaktiv MPG-7 offers DIN MIDI sockets, a USB port, and a power supply input. Lastly, it ships with a bank of 64 sounds by YouTuber and sound designer Espen Kraft.
First Impression
I like the look and feature set of the MPG-7 programmer. It is a very niche product, but people with a Roland MKS-7 will be happy about this new feature that not only simplifies programming but takes it also to the modern.
Retroactive MPG-7 is now available for $625 + tax + import fees. As an extra upgrade, optional rack ears for $25 and additional memory expansion for $85 are available.
More information here: Retroaktiv
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