Patches and discussion for Ensoniq VFX family

On Jan 8, 2010, at 11:34 AM, svbeats wrote:

> So I just bought a VFX-SD in GREAT condition for $180, V2. Still waiting for my sequence floppys to come in. Reading up around the net all I hear about these boards are that they have calibration issues, errors, malfunctions. For once, I'd like hear a few good stories about these boards. Has anyone used one for years and years without any issues? 

The VFX-SD, like many older synths, just requires some TLC. Namely, you'll want to apply the solder fix that is the source of most problems that people have with this synth. The two circuit boards beneath the key bed flex over time. This causes the ribbon cable that connects them to break at the solder connections. Very common problem. Practically everyone here knows about it. The fix is pretty simple too, as long as you or a friend is handy with a soldering iron. You just pop open the synth and hand-solder wires for each of the connections that the ribbon cable normally uses. That's it. It takes less than a half hour to do if you know what you're doing. Maybe an hour if you're a newbie. My used VFX-SD that I got for free has worked great ever since I applied this fix. I don't take this synth on the road or anything like that, but it's been quite reliable for me in the studio. Before I applied this fix, however, it was a very flakey board. It had the common keyboard calibration errors that almost everyone else has had. And the sweat equity is worth it… this synth can make some CRAZY sounds that no other synth can.