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
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 ($22.11)
Greytsounds Ensoniq VFX-SD/SD-1 Synth Patches - 2 Bank Set - Digital Download ($20)
Ensoniq VFX SD Music Production Synthesizer 1989 - Black ($835)
Ensoniq VFX SD Music Production Synthesizer 1989 - Black ($300)
Ensoniq VFX SD/ 61 Key Synth with Case ($550)
Ensoniq VFX SD/ 61 Key Synth with Case ($550)
Ensoniq VFX SD Music Production Synthesizer 1989 - Black ($319)
Ensoniq VFX SD ($499)
Ensoniq - ESQ1, Esqm , SQ80, SD-1, Vfx-Sd - Battery Holder replacement Fix ($14.31)
Panasonic 3 Volt Battery for Ensoniq ESQ1 ESQM SQ80 SD-1 VFX-SD ESQ ($22.95)
Panasonic 3 Volt Battery for Ensoniq ESQ1 ESQM SQ80 SD-1 VFX-SD ESQ ($23.95)
Ensoniq VFX-SD Version 2.00 and KPC 2.33 firmware OS update EPROM set Rom ($19.84)
Ensoniq MR-76, ZR-76, EPS, SD-1, ASR-10, VFX-SD, VFX, EPS-M Slide Potentiometer Slider ($11)
Ensoniq OTISR2 609-01381303 IC for VFX-SD, EPS16+, SQ1, SQ2, ASR-10, ASR-88 ($39)
1988 Ensoniq VFX / VFXSD IPC-1 German Collection ROM Cartridge Part #9240004801 ($50)
Ensoniq - SD-1 , MR Rack , VFX , EPS - Stereo phone jack ($6.36)
Ensoniq vfx sd1 FSW 1 sustain pedal ($82.91)
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 VFXsd Music Production Synthesizer ($722.21)
Ensoniq OTIS DSP IC, Nos Repair Part for VFX-SD, EPS16+, ASR-10, ASR-88 ($52)
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 ($276.24)
Ensoniq SQX-70 sequencer expansion memory upgrade kit TS-10, TS-12, SD-1, VFX-sd, KS-32, SQ-1, SQ-2 ($37.99)
The Sound Programming site is copyright © 2006-2024 Jason Champion.