MKS-10

Back in 1984, this rackmount gem emerged from Roland's labs as a dedicated piano powerhouse, originally powering their HP-400 stage piano but tuned for massive sound systems that could shake venues.

It's a 2U rack unit—480mm wide, 400mm deep, 90mm high, weighing a solid 10kg—with 16-voice polyphony driven by DCO oscillators delivering eight preset sounds: two acoustic pianos, clavichord, harpsichord, two electric pianos, plus hybrid digital/analog subtractive synthesis featuring saw/pulse waveforms, PWM, sub-oscillator, noise generator, resonant low-pass filter, ADSR envelope, and LFO. MIDI In/Thru handles control with basic implementation including velocity sensitivity, while built-in chorus and flanger effects add depth and movement to those classic tones. No user memory or editing here—just plug-and-play perfection via rear stereo outs, sipping just 30W from AC power.

Over the decades, players cherish its warm, authentic piano voicings that cut through mixes without digital harshness, though some note the fixed presets and limited MIDI as charming relics of the era rather than deal-breakers for rack enthusiasts hunting vintage Roland character.