The VFX is the first all-digital synthesizer created by Ensoniq. It can combine up to 6 waveforms in a single patch, resulting in some complex layered sounds. Its sample ROM includes a set of transwaves that can be used for a wave sequencing synthesis.
The VFX contains a set of 17 transwaves that can be used for wave sequencing. Here is the transwave list:
How do I check my OS version?
Press Preset + Master.
What is the newest OS version for the VFX?
2.30
What other key combinations can I use?
Preset + Compare: Runs analog tests
Preset + Soft Button 1: Initializes system (Beware: will erase all patches.)
Preset + Soft Button 3: Reset (Soft-reboot)
Differences between the VFX models
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
VFX Keyboard Recalibration Errors
Note: Follow the instructions below only if you know what you're doing.
The VFX keyboard problems can be solved by the hardwired keyboard fix. When buying a used VFX you should know about this and be certain that the keyboard you buy has had this done. From the VFX mailing list:
"This afternoon I decided to get the low down on the VFX problems myself from Ensoniq's own Joe Paschal, an Ensoniq Customer Service Rep with whom I have dealt with before (To my satisfaction). Beleve it or not the Apex problem and the Keyboard Calibration problem ARE RELATED and CAN BE FIXED. (finally:-)"
Under the keyboard proper, there are 3 circuit boards that control the poly-key (tm) pressure. They do this:
| # # | # # # | # # | # # # | # # | # # # | # # | # # # | # # | # # # |
| # # | # # # | # # | # # # | # # | # # # | # # | # # # | # # | # # # |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
+---------------------------------+ +----------------------------------+
| | | |
| Board #2 +------------------+ Board #3 |
| | Board # 1 | |
| +------------------+ |
+---------------------------------+ +----------------------------------+
Now, It turns out that Ensoniq mis-diagnosed the problem TWICE! and this new (one month old) conclusion is the result of the senior Ensoniq tech's research and testing. The first problem (they thought) was the solder flux thing which would be on board #1. No. They then thought it was the cable that goes from board #1 to the motherboard. Wrong again.
There is a connector that connects board 2 to board 3. Over time and use, the keyboard begins to sag a little bit and this connector eventually starts to corrode (get dirty), come loose and the like. THERE'S THE PROBLEM! Ensoniq has determined that hard-wiring that connection solves the problem.
My VFX won't initialize. What do I do?
Someone had the problem that the display would come up, and then only partially draw the "initializing" message, and then hang. They were told by Ensoniq to power-cycle seven times, always turning off the machine at a particular point in the power-up sequence. On the seventh time, the display came up with something like "RE-INITIALIZE?" and if you answer yes, everything gets wiped.
This is one of those manuals that was impossible to find on the 'net in digital form. We tracked down and bought a copy (for $30) and spent a while scanning it, creating a PDF you can download for free. See below for download link.
Year Released: 1989
MSRP: $1995
Keyboard: 61 keys with velocity and aftertouch
Polyphony: 21 notes
Multitimbral: 12 parts
Preset Patches: 60
User Patches: 60
ROM: 109 waveforms
WAV samples are available on freewavesamples.com.
Ensoniq VFX Firmware Version 2.10
Ensoniq VFX SD ($600)
Ensoniq VFX Synthesizer 1990 w/Flight Case & Pedal ($899)
Ensoniq VFX SD - With SD-1 Upgrade ($475)
Ensoniq VFX SD ($600)
Ensoniq VFX Polyphonic 61 Key Dynamic Component Synthesis Synthesiser - 240V ($816.08)
Ensoniq VFX 1989 ($1,429)
Ensoniq VFX SD ($1,100)
Excellent Ensoniq VFX-SD Synthesizer w/New Battery, Original Manual ($799)
Ensoniq VFX-SD/SD-1 Synth Patches • 2 Disk Set • Ready to Load into your Ensoniq Keyboard ($24)
Greytsounds Ensoniq VFX-SD/SD-1 Synth Patches - 2 Bank Set - Digital Download ($20)
Full set of 62 pushbuttons front panel tact switches for ENSONIQ VFX microswitch ($37.60)
Ensoniq VFX SD book manual Musician Manual Version Español ($21.52)
Ensoniq VFX - OS Version 2.30 Firmware Update eprom + KPC 2.33 Rom Latest. ($19.31)
Ensoniq - VFX - New battery ($4.99)
OEM - Ensoniq VFX ROM (upper and lower) | version 2.00 - untested ($15)
Ensoniq VFX-SD Version 2.00 and KPC 2.33 firmware OS update EPROM set ($26.84)
Ensoniq Power Switch for Ensoniq ESQ-1 (both), ESQ-M, SQ-80, Mirage (all), VFX, VFX-SD, SD-1, SQ-2, ($5.95)
Keybed Bushing for Ensoniq ESQ-1 (both) & Mirage (all), ASR-10, SQ-1, SQ-1, TS-10, VFX, VFX-SD, SD-1 ($1)
Ensoniq VFX-SD Version 2.00 and KPC 2.33 firmware OS update EPROM set ($26.89)
Ensoniq VFXsd Operating System Version 2.10 (Newest) ($7.75)
Ensoniq - SD-1 , MR Rack , VFX , EPS - Stereo phone jack ($7.99)
Ensoniq VPC-104 Sound Cartridge VFX SD 1989-1990 ($75.30)
Ensoniq SQ-1 / SQ-2 / SQ-R / KS-32 / DP-2 / DP-4 / DP Plus / VFX - Battery Fix ($10.70)
G D UN synth KEYS Parts Pour ENSONIQ 90' EPS 16+ VFX MIRAGE et compatible ***- ($9.68)
E ou B ou BLACK KEYS Parts Ensoniq synth EPS 16 VFX Mirage de l'UEM et compatible- ($8.50)
Ensoniq VFX-SD / SD-1 3.5" Floppy Disk Replacement Drive REFURB #2 ($47.99)
Ensoniq - ESQ1 , ESQM , SQ80 , SD-1 , VFX-SD - Battery Holder FIX Replacement ($10.70)
Ensoniq ESQ1,SQ80, VFX,VFXSD1, TS10, TS12 DISPLAY ($52.71)
Ensoniq - ESQ1, Esqm , SQ80, SD-1, Vfx-Sd - Battery Holder replacement Fix ($12.86)
Ensoniq - SQ-80 , VFX-sd , SD-1 - New Battery ($19.99)
Ensoniq SQ-80 / ESQ-1 / VFX SD / SQ2 Volume & Data Slider Replacement Kit by Bassmobile ($22)
Ensoniq IPC-1 German Collection - ROM Cartridge for VFX, VFX-SD, and SD-1 Synthesizers ($75)
Ensoniq VPC-102 ROM Cartridge for VFX, VFX-SD, and SD-1 Synthesizers ($75)
Ensoniq VPC-105 ROM Cartridge for VFX, VFX-SD, and SD-1 Synthesizers ($75)
Ensoniq OTIS DSP IC, Nos Repair Part for VFX-SD, EPS16+, ASR-10, ASR-88 ($32)
Ensoniq SQX-70 sequencer expansion memory upgrade kit TS-10, TS-12, SD-1, VFX-sd, KS-32, SQ-1, SQ-2 ($16.14)
OEM - Ensoniq VFXSD ROM (upper and lower) | version 1.37 - untested ($15)
Ensoniq VFXsd Music Production Synthesizer ($495)
Ensoniq Hex Wrench for Mirage, ESQ-1, ESQ-M, SQ-80, ASR-X, ASR-X Pro, VFX, VFX-SD, SD-1, more! ($13.65)
Ensoniq SQX-70 sequencer expansion memory upgrade kit TS-10, TS-12, SD-1, VFX-sd, KS-32, SQ-1, SQ-2 ($33.80)
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