Synths ⇝ Ensoniq ⇝ Ensoniq SD-1

The SD-1 is the follow-up to the Ensoniq VFX-SD. It has 11 notes of additional polyphony beyond the original VFX and adds a 1MB piano ROM.

Like the VFX, it can use up to 6 waveforms together in a single patch and has 11-stage envelopes. The built-in sequencer can record 12 tracks in step or realtime recording mode and can be expanded to 75,000 note capacity with the optional SQX-70 expansion.

The SD-1 contains a set of 17 transwaves that can be used for wave sequencing. Here is the transwave list:

• Spectral-X
• Digital-X
• Vocal-X
• Doctor-X
• Inharm-X
• Synchro-X
• Omega-X
• Esqbell-X
• Formant-X
• Planet-X
• Electro-X
• Pulse.1-X
• Pulse.2-X
• Resonant1
• Resonant2
• Resonant3
• Resonant4

As the top of the VFX line, the SD-1 usually commands prices significantly above a VFX-SD despite only being a minor upgrade sound-wise.

To check the ROM version of your SD-1, press and hold the PRESETS button and then press the MASTER button.

Thanks to Richard Beeson, we now have a copy of the Ensoniq SD-1 manual available for download.

Specifications

Year Released: 1990

MSRP: 2695.00 USD

Keyboard: 61 keys with velocity and aftertouch

Polyphony: 32 notes

Multitimbral: 24 parts

Preset Patches: 60

User Patches: 60

Preset Performances: 20

User Performances: 20

ROM: 3.5 MB (168 waveforms at 16-bit resolution)

Effects: dual 24-bit effects processor with reverb, chorus, flange, phaser, delay, distortion, rotary speaker, compressor, wah

Dimensions: 103 cm x 34 cm x 10 cm

Weight: 29 lbs.

Sequencer Memory: 25,000 Notes (Expandable to 75,000 Notes), 60 Patterns, 20 Songs

Latest OS Version: 4.10

Latest OS Version For SD-1/32: 4.10/4.10

User Demo Videos

Rating

Sound Samples

WAV samples are available on freewavesamples.com.

File Downloads

Ensoniq SD-1 Manual

Items for Sale on Reverb

Ensoniq SD-1 Vintage Digital Synthesizer Workstation • Serviced • Excellent Condition ($1,599)

Ensoniq SD-1 Music Production Synthesizer ($699)

Ensoniq SD-1 Music Production Synthesizer ($975.94)

Ensoniq SD-1 Music Production Synthesizer 1990 - Black ($942)

Ensoniq SD-1 Music Production Synthesizer 1990 - Black ($913.16)

Ensoniq SD-1 [32 voice] OS v4.10 EPROM Firmware Upgrade SET / Brand New ROM Update Chips for SD1 ($34.95)

Ensoniq SD-1 90's Polyphonic Digital Additive Synthesiser & Sequencer - 100V ($778.66)

Ensoniq ESQ-1, SQ-80, VFX, SD-1, TS-10, TS-12 Original NEC VFD Display. ($24.95)

ENSONIQ ASR-10 SD-1 ESP VFX VFX-SD Original Top-C Key. Good Condition ! ($19.95)

Ensoniq VFX, VF-SD, SD-1 Original LCD Bezel Glass. ($24.95)

Ensoniq VFX-SD / SD-1 3.5" Floppy Disk Replacement Drive REFURB #12 ($52.99)

Ensoniq - SQ-80 , VFX-sd , SD-1 - New Battery ($22.90)

Ensoniq - MR-76 , ZR-76 , EPS , SD-1 , ASR-10 rack , VFX-sd , VFX , EPS-M - Slide potentiometer ($16.99)

Ensoniq - SD-1 , MR Rack , VFX , EPS - Stereo phone jack ($10.90)

Ensoniq SD-1 21 to 32 voice upgrade kit!!! ($55)

Ensoniq SQ-80 SD-1 VFX Original Power Transformer. Works Great ! ($59)

Ensoniq SD-1 Operating System Disk v 3.00 ($8.95)

Ensoniq SQ-80 SD-1 VFX Original Power Supply Board. Works Great ! ($79)

Ensoniq SD-1 (32 Voices) EPROM Firmware Upgrade Latest OS Version 4.10 SD1 Rom ($22.77)

Ensoniq - SD-1 , MR Rack , VFX , EPS - Stereo phone jack ($6.56)

Ensoniq SD-1 (32 Voices) EPROM Firmware Upgrade Latest OS Version 4.10 SD1 ($22.77)

Ensoniq SD-1 - 32 voice version 4.10 firmware OS EPROM ROM upgrade set v4.10 SD1 ($38.50)

Ensoniq vfx sd1 FSW 1 sustain pedal ($85.61)

Ensoniq - ESQ1 , ESQM . SQ80 . SD-1 - Battery ($13.99)

Ensoniq Power Switch for Ensoniq ESQ-1 (both), ESQ-M, SQ-80, Mirage (all), VFX, VFX-SD, SD-1, SQ-2, SQ-R ($5.95)

Ensoniq SD1 Operating System Disk v4.10 Sequencer OS ($6.10)

Panasonic 3 Volt Battery for Ensoniq ESQ1 ESQM SQ80 SD-1 VFX-SD ESQ ($26.95)

Panasonic 3 Volt Battery for Ensoniq ESQ1 ESQM SQ80 SD-1 VFX-SD ESQ ($26.95)

Ensoniq VFX-SD/SD-1 Synth Patches • 2 Disk Set • Ready to Load into your Ensoniq Keyboard ($24)

Ensoniq - ESQ1, Esqm , SQ80, SD-1, Vfx-Sd - Battery Holder replacement Fix ($14.78)

ENSONIQ VFX, VFX-SD, SD-1, EPS-16 Plus Original 61-Note Keyboard Key Contact Coil Boards. ($99)

Ensoniq MR-76, ZR-76, EPS, SD-1, ASR-10, VFX-SD, VFX, EPS-M Slide Potentiometer Slider ($11.36)

Greytsounds Ensoniq VFX-SD/SD-1 Synth Patches - 2 Bank Set - Digital Download ($20)

Ensoniq FSW-1 foot switch ESQ-1 SQ-80 TS-10 SD-1 ASR ($65)

1988 Ensoniq VFX / VFXSD IPC-1 German Collection ROM Cartridge Part #9240004801 ($50)

Ensoniq SDP-1 Sample Digital Piano with case AS-IS For parts repair project ($399)

Ensoniq SD-1 21 to 32 voice upgrade kit!!! ($69.30)

Ensoniq SQ-80 / ESQ-1 / VFX SD / SQ2 Volume & Data Slider Replacement Kit from https://synthesizer.repair ($24.95)

Ensoniq 12 keys for Ts-10, SD1, VFX, ASR-10 ($62.78)

64-IN-1 (3840-Patch) Ensoniq VFX, VFX-SD, SD-1 Rewritable Cartridge ($285.25)

Ensoniq OTISR2 609-01381303 IC for VFX-SD, EPS16+, SQ1, SQ2, ASR-10, ASR-88 ($39)

Ensoniq SQX-70 sequencer expansion memory upgrade kit TS-10, TS-12, SD-1, VFX-sd, KS-32, SQ-1, SQ-2 ($40)

Ensoniq Hex Wrench for Mirage, ESQ-1, ESQ-M, SQ-80, ASR-X, ASR-X Pro, VFX, VFX-SD, SD-1, more! ($4)