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 Cross Wave Synthesizer 1988 with extras - Black ($500)

Ensoniq SQ-80 Cross Wave Synthesizer 1988 - Black ($599)

Ensoniq SQ-80 Cross Wave Synthesizer 1987 - Black ($1,205.61)

Ensoniq SQ-80 ($990)

Ensoniq SQ-80 Cross Wave Synthesizer 1987 Black ($625)

ENSONIQ RAM CARTRIDGE / EEPROM for ESQ-1 / SQ-80 / ESQm 1986 ($174.81)

MINDBURNER Ensoniq - SQ-80 / ESQ1 / ESQ-M rewritable RAM cartridge ($64.14)

Ensoniq SQ-80 synthesizer patch set "SQ-80 Patches From Beyond the Other Dominion" from Kirk Slinkard ($44.10)

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

Ensoniq SQ-80 OS v1.8 EPROM Firmware Upgrade SET [with Hidden Waves Enabled] / Brand New ROM Chips ($27.95)

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

Ensoniq SQ-80 - Keyscan Versione 1.5 Update Firmware [Latest Kpc OS ] For SQ80 ($16.82)

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

Ensoniq SQ-80 synthesizer patch set "Disruptor Banks!" from Kirk Slinkard ($33.21)

Ensoniq SQ-80 synthesizer patch set "The Outer Patches" from Kirk Slinkard ($44.10)

Ensoniq SQ-80 synthesizer patch set "The Mad Scientist Series" from Kirk Slinkard ($33.21)

Ensoniq SQ-80 v 1.8 OS EPROM Firmware Upgrade + [Hidden Waves enabled] for SQ80 Rom ($19.23)

Ensoniq - ESQ-1 , ESQ-M , SQ-80 - Slide potentiometer - 10kb ($16.99)

Ensoniq - KS-32 , SQ-80 - Crystal 4.00000 MHz ($2.95)

Ensoniq - ASR-10 , EPS , ESQ , Mirage , SQ-80 - Push button Tact Switch ($2.90)

IC, CEM 3379 Voltage-Controlled 24 dB/oct. VCF, VCA, VC pan Chip for Ensoniq ESQ-1 SQ-80 Prophet VS.. ($19.95)

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)

DIY Ensoniq ESQ-1/SQ-80/ESQ-M EEPROM RAM Cartridge ($57.83)

Ensoniq SQ-80 v1.80 set of OS ROMs (both lower and upper EEPROM included) SQ80 ($35)

Ensoniq SQ-80 Keyboard Controller (KPC) ROM V1.5 ($25)

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

ORIGINAL Ensoniq Replacement Weighted TOP C/PRIME C’ Key for SQ-80, EPS ($19.95)

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)

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)

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)

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 ($110)

Slide potentiometer For Ensoniq Esq-1 Esq-m Sq-80 volume or data Slider ($10.67)

ESQ/SQ-80 Voice-80 Vol. 1, 3, & Voice Crystal 2 Cartridges 1980’s ($150)

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)

80's ENSONIQ SQ 1 SYNTHESIZER MANUAL & SWITCH made in USA TIME WARP ($167.58)

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

Ensoniq SQ80 Set of Latest OS ROMs and Latest KPC - EPROM Upgrade Kit OS 1.80 & KPC 1.50 SQ-80 ($50)

Ensoniq SQ-80M Eprom Upgrade Latest OS Version 1.3 Update SQ80M ($24.05)

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