Synths ⇝ Ensoniq ⇝ Ensoniq SQ-80

The Ensoniq SQ-80 is the successor to the Ensoniq ESQ-1 and has a few upgrades, including a larger selection of waveforms (plus all of the ESQ-1's original waves), a keyboard with polyphonic aftertouch, a floppy drive, and expanded sequencer memory.

The expanded waveforms include a selection of waveforms meant to aid in the simulation of acoustic instruments. They include inharmonic loops (5), transient attacks (11), sustain loops (17), drum sets (5), and drum sounds (5).

An optional memory cartridge adds 80 more user-programmable patch memories. Patches can also be saved to floppy disk.

The SQ-80 uses CEM3379 analog filter chips.

It was followed a year later by the Ensoniq VFX.

Specifications

Year Released: 1988

MSRP: 1895.00 USD

Keyboard: 61 keys with velocity and aftertouch

Polyphony: 8 notes

Multitimbral: 8 parts

User Patches: 40

ROM: 75 waveforms

Sequencer Memory: 20,000 notes

Oscillator: 3 oscillators per voice

Screen: 40 x 2 character fluorescent display

Dimensions: 98 cm x 34 cm x 9 cm

Weight: 13.2 kg

MIDI Connections: In, Out, Thru

LFOs: 3

Filter: Analog 4-pole low-pass.

Newest OS Version: 1.80

User Demo Videos

Rating

Sound Samples

WAV samples are available on freewavesamples.com.

File Downloads

Ensoniq SQ-80 Manual

Ensoniq SQ-80 Firmware Version 1.8 (Low ROM Image)

Ensoniq SQ-80 Firmware Version 1.8 (High ROM Image)

Ensoniq SQ-80 Service Manual

Items for Sale on Reverb

Ensoniq SQ-80 digital/analog 1985 - Black ($1,000)

Ensoniq SQ-80 Cross Wave Synthesizer ($856.63)

Ensoniq SQ-80 Cross Wave Synthesizer w/ Multipatch Cart ($849)

Ensoniq SQ-80 (Used) [Three Wave Music] ($899.95)

Ensoniq SQ-80 Voice/Data Disk #1 ($35)

Ensoniq Sq-80 Voice/Data Disk #1 Floppy 1987 ($35)

Ensoniq SQ-80 v 1.8 OS EPROM Firmware Upgrade + [Hidden Waves enabled] for SQ80 Rom ($17.60)

Ensoniq SQ-80 - Keyscan Versione 1.5 Update Firmware [Latest Kpc OS ] For SQ80 ($15.39)

IC, SSM2300 Multiplexed Chip for Ensoniq ESQ-1 SQ-80 E-MU Oberheim Akai. ($19.99)

IC, CEM 3379 Voltage-Controlled 24 dB/oct. VCF, VCA, VC pan Chip for Ensoniq ESQ-1 SQ-80 Prophet VS.. ($29.95)

DIY Ensoniq ESQ-1/SQ-80/ESQ-M EEPROM RAM Cartridge ($61.22)

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 ESQ-80m (ESQm with SQ-80 internals!) ($1,000)

Ensoniq SQ80 1988 Black ($700)

Curtis CEM3379 Synthesizer IC for Ensoniq ESQ-1 (both), ESQ-M, SQ-80, Sequential Prophet-2000/2002, Doepfer A-107/109 ($39.95)

Curtis CEM3379 Synthesizer IC for Ensoniq ESQ-1 (both), ESQ-M, SQ-80, Sequential Prophet-2000/2002, Doepfer A-107/109 ($39.95)

SSM 2300 Multiplexer IC for Ensoniq ESQ-1 (both), ESQ-M, SQ-80, Mirage (all), E-Mu Emulator III, Emax (both) ($24.95)

SSM 2300 Multiplexer IC for Ensoniq ESQ-1 (both), ESQ-M, SQ-80, Mirage (all), E-Mu Emulator III, Emax (both) ($24.95)

Curtis CEM 3379 Synthesizer IC for Ensoniq ESQ-1 (both), ESQ-M, SQ-80, Sequential Prophet-2000/2002, Doepfer A-107/109 ($39.95)

Curtis CEM3379 Synthesizer IC for Ensoniq ESQ-1 (both), ESQ-M, SQ-80, Sequential Prophet-2000/2002, Doepfer A-107/109 ($39.95)

Curtis CEM3379 Synthesizer IC for Ensoniq ESQ-1 (both), ESQ-M, SQ-80, Sequential Prophet-2000/2002, Doepfer A-107/109 ($39.95)

SSM 2300 Multiplexer IC for Ensoniq ESQ-1 (both), ESQ-M, SQ-80, Mirage (all), E-Mu Emulator III, Emax (both) ($24.95)

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

USB HxC Floppy Drive for Ensoniq SQ-80 & PATCH LIBRARY - disk emulator OLED Display SQ80 ($120)

Slide potentiometer For Ensoniq Esq-1 Esq-m Sq-80 volume or data Slider ($9.77)

Vintage Ensoniq SQ 80 Cross Wave Equalizer with Hard Case ($899.96)

Panasonic 3 Volt Battery for Ensoniq ESQ1 ESQM SQ80 SD-1 VFX-SD ESQ ($23.95)

Panasonic 3 Volt Battery for Ensoniq ESQ1 ESQM SQ80 SD-1 VFX-SD ESQ ($22.95)

Ensoniq - ESQ1, Esqm , SQ80, SD-1, Vfx-Sd - Battery Holder replacement Fix ($14.29)

Ensoniq SQ-80M Eprom Upgrade Latest OS Version 1.3 Update SQ80M ($22.02)

64-IN-1 (5120-Patch) Ensoniq ESQ-1, ESQ-M, SQ-80 Rewritable Cartridge RAM ($275.77)

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