Synths ⇝ Ensoniq ⇝ Ensoniq VFX-SD

The VFX-SD is an enhanced version of the Ensoniq VFX. It still has the same cartridge slot and is compatible with VFX patches. Like the original VFX, it can combine up to 6 waveforms in a single patch, resulting in some complex layered sounds. It was followed by the Ensoniq SD-1.

The VFX-SD 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

Differences between the VFX models

The VFX-SD adds a 3.5" floppy drive, an enhanced sequencer, aux outputs, and additional drum waveforms.

The waveforms in the VFX-SD that are not contained in the VFX are the two wave classes, DRUM-SOUND and MULTI-DRUM. Here's what's missing:

	DRUM-SOUND       MULTI-DRUM

	gate-kick        all-perc

	room-kick        all-drums

	gate-snare       kick-drms

	rim-snare        snar-drms

	close-hat        hi-hats

	open-hat         cymbals

	ride-cymb        tom-toms

	dry-tom-l        percusson

	dry-tom-h        dry-toms

	gat-tom-l        room-toms

	gat-tom-h        gate-toms

	rm-tom-l         congas

	rm-tom-h         std-kit

	timbale          gated-kit

	conga-lo         room-kit

	conga-hi

	tamborine

Manual

The VFX-SD manual was impossible to find on the web in digital form. We tracked down and bought a copy (for $25) and spent a while scanning it, creating a PDF you can download for free below.

Specifications

Year Released: 1989

MSRP: 1995.00 USD

Keyboard: 61 keys with velocity and aftertouch

Polyphony: 21 notes

Multitimbral: 12 parts

Preset Patches: 60

User Patches: 60

User Drum Kits: 24

ROM: 141 waveforms

Sequencer Resolution: 96 PPQN

Effects: reverb, chorus, flanger, phaser, delay, distortion, rotary speaker, compressor, wah

Sequencer: 24 (12+12) Tracks

Sequencer Memory: 25,000 Notes (Expandable to 75,000 Notes), 60 songs.

Latest OS Version: 2.1/2.00

User Demo Videos

Rating

Sound Samples

WAV samples are available on freewavesamples.com.

File Downloads

Ensoniq VFX-SD Manual

Items for Sale on Reverb

Ensoniq VFX-SD ($440)

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

Ensoniq Ensoniq VFX SD1 side panel pitch fdd ($13.06)

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

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

Ensoniq VFX SD Music Production Synthesizer 1989 - Black ($799)

Ensoniq VFX SD/ 61 Key Synth with Case ($550)

Ensoniq VFX SD Music Production Synthesizer 1989 - Black ($319)

Ensoniq VFX SD/ 61 Key Synth with Case ($550)

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)

Panasonic 3 Volt Battery for Ensoniq ESQ1 ESQM SQ80 SD-1 VFX-SD ESQ ($24.95)

Panasonic 3 Volt Battery for Ensoniq ESQ1 ESQM SQ80 SD-1 VFX-SD ESQ ($24.95)

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

Ensoniq vfx sd1 FSW 1 sustain pedal ($81.62)

Ensoniq VFX Music Production Synthesizer 1989 - *Serviced* ($550)

Ensoniq VFX (orig/SD) Display area Switch Button Caps (6) ($20)

Ensoniq VFX (orig/SD) Keyboard Slider Caps (volume/data) ($12)

Ensoniq 12 keys for Ts-10, SD1, VFX, ASR-10 ($59.86)

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

64-IN-1 (3840-Patch) Ensoniq VFX, VFX-SD, SD-1 Rewritable Cartridge ($271.97)

Ensoniq SQX-70 sequencer expansion memory upgrade kit TS-10, TS-12, SD-1, VFX-sd, KS-32, SQ-1, SQ-2 ($37.99)