Patches and discussion for Ensoniq VFX family

Scott,

It seems to me that the item is not in in "PERFECT OPERATING CONDITION", as you have noted. If it were me, I would definitely contact the seller and let him/her know of the situation and either suggest that the seller either give you 1) a partial refund to pay for the repair or 2) be prepared to receive the unit back.

I had purchased two VFX-SDs from ebay dealers and neither of the machines functioned as described. However, I contacted the sellers and rationally explained the problems and was compensated to my satisfaction. I was specifically looking for poly-aftertouch capabilities when I bought the VFX-SDs to replicate the hardware feel of my old yamaha CS80 when using my Arturia CS80V software. That was a pipe dream :) Although both of the VFXs do have functioning poly-AT, the feel is a bit off for me in that I do seem to have to press rather firmly to engage the poly-AT and then, the poly-AT "curve" is anything but linear. May I suggest that, if you are looking for something a bit more performance oriented in terms of poly-AT, you try to dig up an old GEM S2 or S3 turbo. I found one of these at a Guitar Center and snapped it up, but only after I had bought the VFXs. And, although the VFXs do sound nice, I probably would never had purchased them given the beautiful feel of the GEM keyboard and my original reason for buying another controller in the first place.

Just a thought,
steve

--- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, "Scott" wrote:
>
> Bill, thank you for the response! But what I am specifically looking for is opinions on: HOW MUCH TROUBLE WILL IT BE for me to get the aftertouch on this unit to respond as it should? (Even if it takes a lot of pressure, I don't care) - I just want it to work!
>
> The seller (again) appears to be a straight-shoter BUT he described the unit as "IN PERFECT OPERATING CONDITION" - so I'm trying to decide whether to send it back or not.
>
> The point is POLY aftertouch, you can't replicate that with a pedal and entering it as MIDI events in a sequencer NOT what I'm interested in - it's a performance/improvisation issue.
>
> Anyone else, any thoughts about adjusting/restoring the aftertouch on one of these?
>
> Thanks! Scott
>
> --- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, "William J. Niemi" wrote:
> >
> > Hi, Scott,
> >
> > I have an SD-1, and it was in a heavily smoked studio for a number of
> > years. No more though... otherwise I'd probably not be writing to you. :-)
> >
> > I never thought the aftertouch on the SD-1 was that great compared to
> > other keyboard synths I have played. It always seemed to me that you
> > have to play very hard to get that controller to work.
> >
> > If it ever becomes a big issue with you, you might consider getting a
> > pedal like a Digitech Control 8 (long out of production but still
> > supported by the factory!) which you could set for the controller # and
> > operate with your foot. I know it's a workaround but that would be
> > one. Also, if you are recording MIDI, some programs (like Sonar) will
> > allow you to manually enter controller parameters on the track as
> > necessary. So there's 2 workarounds.
> >
> > Good luck, and I hope you enjoy your SD as much as I do. There are
> > still some patches on that box that I rank right up there with the
> > best... such as the "Organizer" patch with the Digitech controlling the
> > Leslie simulation... way cool. I have a Hammond A-100 with the matching
> > Leslie 251 in my studio and that patch, pound for pound, is way easier
> > for the working musician!
> >
> > Best,
> > Bill
> >
>