Infinite Patches.. for Free! The Retroaktiv PatchGen

video upload by Starsky Carr

"Unlock the full potential of your Roland MKS-70 (the legendary Super JX in a rack) with the Retroactive MPG7X controller! In this video, I demonstrate how I created a high-quality 25-tone patch bank in record time—it actually took me longer to type the names than to design the sounds.

We dive deep into the Patch Gen (Patch Generator) feature found on Retroactive controllers, which uses intelligent randomization to deliver usable, professional-grade synth tones instantly. Whether you need snappy basses, lush "steam" pads, or lo-fi organs, this tool transforms the way you interact with your vintage analog gear.🎹 "

Super JX and the MPG-7X

video upload by Starsky Carr

"The Roland Super JX (MKS-70 / JX-10) is one of Roland’s most underrated analogue polysynths. Released in 1986, it was effectively two JX-8P synth engines in one instrument, giving you 12 voices of DCO analogue synthesis, huge pads, powerful basses, and classic mid-80s Roland character.

In this video I take a deep dive into the Roland MKS-70 Super Jupiter rack synth, paired with the Retroaktiv MPG-7X programmer and the Vecoven PWM upgrade, which massively expands the capabilities of the original synth.

We explore how the controller transforms the experience compared with the original menu-driven interface, and look at the additional synthesis power introduced by the Vecoven upgrade including true PWM, additional envelopes, extra LFO, and expanded modulation routing.

Along the way I demonstrate a range of sounds including pads, basses, evolving textures and layered patches, showing why the Super JX became famous for its huge analogue pads and rich detuned sounds.

I also look at some of the performance features of the MPG-7X such as assignable controls, patch generation, chord mode, velocity crossfading and MIDI integration, which make this combination feel like a modern analogue synthesizer despite the vintage hardware.

If you're into vintage Roland synths, analogue polysynths, or classic 80s synthesis, the Super JX is a fascinating instrument sitting right at the transition between the analogue era and the rise of digital synths like the DX7.

In this video
Roland MKS-70 Super Jupiter overview
Retroaktiv MPG-7X controller deep dive
Vecoven PWM upgrade explained
Sound design examples and patch demos
Dual-layer patches and detuned pad sounds
Performance features and MIDI control

Gear used
Roland MKS-70 Super Jupiter
Retroaktiv MPG-7X controller
Vecoven PWM upgrade"

Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter SN 460648 w/ Retroaktiv MPG-8X Controller

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this Reverb listing

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MPG-8X Patch Bank Vol. 1 for MKS-80 Super Jupiter Synthesizer

video upload by Retroaktiv Synthesizers

"This video is an audio demo of some of the patches included in this preset bank. This bank is included with MPG-8X controllers, and is available for purchase in MKS-80 format for people who don't own the MPG-8X.

All patches were programmed by Rob Currier."

Roland JX-8P + CXM 1978 Reverb | Favorite Patches Demo

video upload by Nicolas Melis

"Exploring my favorite patches on the Roland JX-8P, paired with the lush textures of the Chase Bliss CXM 1978. A blend of vintage synth tones and modern reverb stereo magic!
I have used the Retroaktiv PG-800 mini for tweaking the sounds of the JX-8P"

Retroaktiv Rhodes Chroma Polyphonic Aftertouch Demo

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by Retroaktiv Synthesizers

"Playing a Rhodes Chroma with the Retroaktiv Polyphonic Aftertouch Retrofit installed. For more info, visit www.retroaktivsynthesizers.com"

Found the above video from 2017 in the following listing.

via this listing

"It is in great shape, and the wood is nearly flawless. The metal and tolex are also in great shape. It's got the CC+ CPU board upgrade, MIDI and polyphponic aftertouch. The unit has had the following work done:

Luca Sasdelli Switching Power Supply installed. (Replaces original PSU, which was underpowered)

Retroaktiv Polyphonic Aftertouch installed. Can also transmit this via MIDI to control other devices that support poly aftertouch.

CC+ CPU upgrade installed, allowing for CC control of parameters, extra memory, and more.

Other information:

One of the segments is out on the large 2-digit segment display (Which shows the current program selected). One segment is out on the 8-character mini-7-segment screen. Both of these segments are so minor that I have never been affected by them. One of the voice cards is currently coming up with an error. I am willing to replace the card before shipping the instrument. If I haven't played the Chroma for a month, certain keys will need to be exercised a few times in order to work. This is due to the leaf switches used on these. They're the same as the ones on the K250. I have never seen a keyboard that uses these that did not exhibit this behavior.

There is s small dent in the front panel near the Chroma logo. Hardly noticeable.

Voice 6 is currently throwing an error code."

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Retroaktiv MPG7 Review & Demo // Why you'll want an MSK-7

video upload by Starsky Carr

"Retroaktiv have done it again, this time with a SuperQuartet/MPG-7 programmer that can also be used with your 106, or as a MIDI controller for whatever really... MIDI CC assigning means you can use it with pretty much anything.

It comes with all the usuals Retroaktiv extras, like patch saving (10 banks in here) plus setup saving... which saves patches independently of the stored patches.. so all-in-all you can save thousands!

Its got the amazing patch generator.. you can set it to generate pads, basses, pianos, strings, FX etc and control what parameters are used.

There's also assign slots to control up to 3 parameters at a time with either MIDI CC or aftertouch.

This massively opens up the MPG-7 - if you've got one you'll want one of these."

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Retroaktiv MPG-7 Controller for Roland MKS-7 & Juno-106

video upload by Espen Kraft

"The new MPG-7 controller from Retroaktiv can be useful even to us Juno-106 owners only, even though it's even more powerful for the MKS-7."

Korg EX-8000 Programmable Polyphonic Synth with Retroaktiv DW-8P w/ Original Box

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this listing

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The Superer Jupiter // Roland MKS80 with the Retroaktiv MPG8x

video upload by Starsky Carr

"Already ducking for cover! The Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter is often labelled as an enhanced Jupiter 8 in a box - even Vintage Synth Explorer calls it something like that. Here I look at it along with the Retroaktiv Super Controller.. which really does feel like it brings the instrument up to date and makes it a whole lot easier to use. Essentially if you're thinking of buying an MKS80 or if you've got one you never really use... GET ONE OF THESE. They're cheaper than the original MPG80 controllers, and blow them out of the water as far as functionality is concerned."

Tal-Pha ... What's so special about the Alpha Junos? & how to make THE Hoover!

video upload by Starsky Carr

"The Alpha Juno has been given a new lease of life by TAL. Finally we now have an amazingly accurate recreation of the 80's classic synth. Here I put it up against my original (my first synth) which I bought back in school ... THATs a long time ago! It was used then and its even more used now :)"

0:00 The Hoover & overview
3:36 Oscillator
7:15 Filter
10:56 Let's Make a Hoover
12:56 Some Preset Comparisons
13:56 Juno Preset Sysex into TAL-Pha
16:40 Chord Mode
18:28 Extras
21:23 MIDI Control
22:22 Wrapping Up

MPG-70 Super JX Programmer - Patch Generator Demo - Bass (No Talking)

video upload by Retroaktiv Synthesizers

"Some BASS patches generated by MPG-70 patch generator. Sorry for the flickering of the OLED. That's due to the camera refresh rate. In person, the OLED has no flicker and appears solid white. These are tricky to shoot due to the refresh rate of the OLED vs the refresh rate of the camera."

MPG-70 Patch Generator Bass Category

video upload by Retroaktiv Synthesizers

"Some BASS patches generated by MPG-70 patch generator. Sorry for the flickering of the OLED. That's due to the camera refresh rate. In person, the OLED has no flicker and appears solid white. These are tricky to shoot due to the refresh rate of the OLED vs the refresh rate of the camera."

Some MKS-70 pads generated by MPG-70 Patchgen

video upload by Retroaktiv Synthesizers

Layering 2 JX-8P using Retroaktiv MPG-70 Controller

video upload by Retroaktiv Synthesizers

"The MPG-70 is capable of layering any combo of JX8P, MKS-70 and Super JX synths, whether stock or Vecoven modded. You can layer the synths and store their exact state as a SETUP object in the MPG-70's internal memory. You can also set up complex modulation routings, such as making the mod wheel open the filter on JX 1, while closing the filter and increasing resonance on JX 2. You can use any CC, aftertouch, foiotpedal, or the two dedicated ASSIGN controls to modulate any combo of front panel slisers you wish."

How to store your MPG-70 Sounds

video upload by Retroaktiv Synthesizers

"This is a short clip showing how to store your user objects on MPG-70 controllers for Super JX, MKS-70, and JX-8P. We've eliminated the tedious JX file system that requires you to link every tone to a patch. Now you can save all of your objects in seconds."

Retroaktiv MPG-70 MKIII Patch Generator Demo - "Pads - General" Category (No Talking)

video upload by Retroaktiv Synthesizers

"In this video we're hearing patches that are being generated by the Retroaktiv MPG-70's patch generator. The synth used here is a Vecoven Modded Roland MKS-70. We're demonstrating the 'Pads - General' category, which creates evolving, lush textured synth pads."

Korg EX-8000 w/ DW-8P Retroactive Expander

via this auction

"Vintage Korg EX-8000 ( Rackmount DW-800) with the Retroactiv expander giving you the best UI for all the parameters in the menu."

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Fully Upgraded Roland MKS-70 with Retroactiv MPG-70

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"The MKS-70 has every possible upgrade: Vecoven flash board with multiple banks of patch storage; professionally installed Vecoven PWM upgrade kit which puts this synth into Jupiter & CS-80 territory; Guy Wilkinson upgraded power supply which is WAY more efficient, stable, and runs much cooler; low noise cable routing mod; OLED display upgrade; and fresh battery. This already great synth is ready for the next 40 years, and runs circles around a stock unit! It's also loaded with dozens of stunning patch banks, including one that makes heavy use of the new PWM mod.

On top all that, the new version of Retroaktiv's MPG-70 programmer - the mk3 with optional patch storage upgrade. This is crucial because it gets around Roland's Patch/Tone storage limitations. And of course it gives you hands on control of every parameter AND it works as a universal MIDI controller for any synth or plugin!

All in, this whole bundle was over $4100 with parts & labor"

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MPG 8X Patch Generator - Pads & Perc Bass Algorithm

video upload by Retroaktiv Synthesizers

"This video demonstrates some of the sounds generated by the MPG-8X patch generator's 'Pads 1' category."

MPG-8X Patch Generator - Poly/Pad 2 Algorithm


"Here's a demo of the Poly/Pad 2 Algorithm found in the MPG-8X patch generator. This is just a sample of the tones this algorithm will generate."

MPG-8X Patch Generator - Perc Bass Algorithm


"Here we're using the MPG-8X Patch Generator to create 'perc bass' sounds using the "Perc Bass" algorithm. This alg is also good for generating organ percussion soinds."