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Patches and discussion for Ensoniq VFX family

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VFX-SD vs SD1

VFX-SD vs SD1

2012-03-04 by fddi

Hello which One of the two is better in your opinion? I have to buy one of those. Thank you.

Re: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] VFX-SD vs SD1

2012-03-04 by Christian Brunschen

On 4 Mar 2012, at 14:20, fddi wrote:

> Hello which One of the two is better in your opinion? I have to buy one of those. Thank you.

To the best of my understanding:

Fundamentally, the SD-1 is a somewhat upgraded VFX-SD - whilst still remaining fully backwards compatible. Everything you can do on a VFX-SD you can also do on an SD-1; but there are things you can do on the SD-1 that you can't do on the VFX-SD: there are some waveforms that are only on the SD-1 but not on the VFX-SD, and so on. Also, the software in the SD-1 is newer / better than in the VFX-SD. Add of course the 32-voice version of the SD-1 obviously has more voices available and this can play more sounds simultaneously.

But, this doesn't make the VFX-SD 'not good' any more. I still have the VFX-SD I bought in 1990; but I also bought a second-hand SD-1/32 as an 'extended backup', so to speak. Both still sound amazing.

I know, I've not actually been much help ;)

// Christian Brunschen

Re: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] VFX-SD vs SD1

2012-03-04 by james meagher

As Christian noted the SD-1 has a few minor upgrades over the VFX-SD . . . but they are minor upgrades that frankly, for the most part, aren9;t even all that noticeable. I have one of each (the VFX-SD is 21 Voice and the SD-1 is 32 Voice) and truly, I don't think I've ever been in a situation where what I was playing on the SD-1 I couldn't have been playing on VFX-SD - it's possible for the situation to arise, but it would be very rare and only due to the use of some very specific parameters or the number of voices at play at once. For the most part the two boards are interchangeable.

The VFX-SD is prone to a common keyboard failure problem. It's not a complicated fix, but if you can find one that's already had the fix done to it you're better off. With both boards you'll be better off finding one that has had a new battery installed recently.

All this said, I would actually consider selling one of my two because for me and how I use them it's like having two of the exact same board. If you interested, message me off-list and let me know where you're located. I'm open to trades as well.

Cheers,
James


Show quoted textHide quoted text
On Sun, Mar 4, 2012 at 9:03 AM, Christian Brunschen <cb@...> wrote:

On 4 Mar 2012, at 14:20, fddi wrote:

> Hello which One of the two is better in your opinion? I have to buy one of those. Thank you.

To the best of my understanding:

Fundamentally, the SD-1 is a somewhat upgraded VFX-SD - whilst still remaining fully backwards compatible. Everything you can do on a VFX-SD you can also do on an SD-1; but there are things you can do on the SD-1 that you can't do on the VFX-SD: there are some waveforms that are only on the SD-1 but not on the VFX-SD, and so on. Also, the software in the SD-1 is newer / better than in the VFX-SD. Add of course the 32-voice version of the SD-1 obviously has more voices available and this can play more sounds simultaneously.

But, this doesn't make the VFX-SD 'not good' any more. I still have the VFX-SD I bought in 1990; but I also bought a second-hand SD-1/32 as an 'extended backup', so to speak. Both still sound amazing.

I know, I've not actually been much help ;)

// Christian Brunschen




--
C'est La Guerre Moving Pictures Inc.
364 Home Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3G 1X4
(204) 918 9317

Re: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] VFX-SD vs SD1

2012-03-04 by jammie

the poly at is more responsive on the vfx-sd than on the sd1
to get it to work you have to set it to the lowest settings and press very hard feels like your going to push the finger through the keys to get it to respond as good as the vfx-sd
there are a few more samples but not much the 1mb piano being the bigest 1
which was also included in the sqr+ and sq1+ and ks32 keyboards
the sq1 is a cut down version of the vfx it has a few less waveforms but has the transwaves and only 3 osc layers
but can create most vfx-sd sounds that only use 3 layers
which is most of the patches
i have a vfx-sd2 and a sd1
a sqr+32 and a sq1+32 keyboard which i use to layer up with the vfx pitched lower to create fatter patches
a ts10 which if you record the vfx waveforms for your personal use you can do vfx sounds on that as its the same synth in side but betterfx
but a vfx-sd and an sd1 sound the same sd1 is a little more refined the transwaves dont click as much as the vfx did
down to better converters and a later revision synth chip that was used in the sq1+ but they have identical synth artitechture in side so they all program the same
if you can program a vfx you can program a eps16+ or asr10 ts10/12 fizmo sq1/2/1+32/sqr/sqr+32 ks32 zr and mr
Show quoted textHide quoted text
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, March 04, 2012 3:03 PM
Subject: Re: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] VFX-SD vs SD1

On 4 Mar 2012, at 14:20, fddi wrote:

> Hello which One of the two is better in your opinion? I have to buy one of those. Thank you.

To the best of my understanding:

Fundamentally, the SD-1 is a somewhat upgraded VFX-SD - whilst still remaining fully backwards compatible. Everything you can do on a VFX-SD you can also do on an SD-1; but there are things you can do on the SD-1 that you can't do on the VFX-SD: there are some waveforms that are only on the SD-1 but not on the VFX-SD, and so on. Also, the software in the SD-1 is newer / better than in the VFX-SD. Add of course the 32-voice version of the SD-1 obviously has more voices available and this can play more sounds simultaneously.

But, this doesn't make the VFX-SD 'not good' any more. I still have the VFX-SD I bought in 1990; but I also bought a second-hand SD-1/32 as an 'extended backup', so to speak. Both still sound amazing.

I know, I've not actually been much help ;)

// Christian Brunschen

Re: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] VFX-SD vs SD1

2012-03-04 by fddi

thank you very much for all the hints.

the reason why I would prefer SD1 is because of the 1MB sampled piano sound which is very reach and beautiful.
This waveform is not present in the VFX-SD ?

thank you


On 3/4/12 5:21 PM, jammie wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text

the poly at is more responsive on the vfx-sd than on the sd1
to get it to work you have to set it to the lowest settings and press very hard feels like your going to push the finger through the keys to get it to respond as good as the vfx-sd
there are a few more samples but not much the 1mb piano being the bigest 1
which was also included in the sqr+ and sq1+ and ks32 keyboards
the sq1 is a cut down version of the vfx it has a few less waveforms but has the transwaves and only 3 osc layers
but can create most vfx-sd sounds that only use 3 layers
which is most of the patches
i have a vfx-sd2 and a sd1
a sqr+32 and a sq1+32 keyboard which i use to layer up with the vfx pitched lower to create fatter patches
a ts10 which if you record the vfx waveforms for your personal use you can do vfx sounds on that as its the same synth in side but betterfx
but a vfx-sd and an sd1 sound the same sd1 is a little more refined the transwaves dont click as much as the vfx did
down to better converters and a later revision synth chip that was used in the sq1+ but they have identical synth artitechture in side so they all program the same
if you can program a vfx you can program a eps16+ or asr10 ts10/12 fizmo sq1/2/1+32/sqr/sqr+32 ks32 zr and mr
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, March 04, 2012 3:03 PM
Subject: Re: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] VFX-SD vs SD1

On 4 Mar 2012, at 14:20, fddi wrote:

> Hello which One of the two is better in your opinion? I have to buy one of those. Thank you.

To the best of my understanding:

Fundamentally, the SD-1 is a somewhat upgraded VFX-SD - whilst still remaining fully backwards compatible. Everything you can do on a VFX-SD you can also do on an SD-1; but there are things you can do on the SD-1 that you can't do on the VFX-SD: there are some waveforms that are only on the SD-1 but not on the VFX-SD, and so on. Also, the software in the SD-1 is newer / better than in the VFX-SD. Add of course the 32-voice version of the SD-1 obviously has more voices available and this can play more sounds simultaneously.

But, this doesn't make the VFX-SD 'not good' any more. I still have the VFX-SD I bought in 1990; but I also bought a second-hand SD-1/32 as an 'extended backup', so to speak. Both still sound amazing.

I know, I've not actually been much help ;)

// Christian Brunschen



Re: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] VFX-SD vs SD1

2012-03-05 by fddi


since here there is people owning a SD1.

the difference between 21 voices and 32 voice s SD1 is only on the poliphony ?
I have found for sale a 21 one...

On 3/4/12 5:21 PM, jammie wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text

the poly at is more responsive on the vfx-sd than on the sd1
to get it to work you have to set it to the lowest settings and press very hard feels like your going to push the finger through the keys to get it to respond as good as the vfx-sd
there are a few more samples but not much the 1mb piano being the bigest 1
which was also included in the sqr+ and sq1+ and ks32 keyboards
the sq1 is a cut down version of the vfx it has a few less waveforms but has the transwaves and only 3 osc layers
but can create most vfx-sd sounds that only use 3 layers
which is most of the patches
i have a vfx-sd2 and a sd1
a sqr+32 and a sq1+32 keyboard which i use to layer up with the vfx pitched lower to create fatter patches
a ts10 which if you record the vfx waveforms for your personal use you can do vfx sounds on that as its the same synth in side but betterfx
but a vfx-sd and an sd1 sound the same sd1 is a little more refined the transwaves dont click as much as the vfx did
down to better converters and a later revision synth chip that was used in the sq1+ but they have identical synth artitechture in side so they all program the same
if you can program a vfx you can program a eps16+ or asr10 ts10/12 fizmo sq1/2/1+32/sqr/sqr+32 ks32 zr and mr
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, March 04, 2012 3:03 PM
Subject: Re: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] VFX-SD vs SD1

On 4 Mar 2012, at 14:20, fddi wrote:

> Hello which One of the two is better in your opinion? I have to buy one of those. Thank you.

To the best of my understanding:

Fundamentally, the SD-1 is a somewhat upgraded VFX-SD - whilst still remaining fully backwards compatible. Everything you can do on a VFX-SD you can also do on an SD-1; but there are things you can do on the SD-1 that you can't do on the VFX-SD: there are some waveforms that are only on the SD-1 but not on the VFX-SD, and so on. Also, the software in the SD-1 is newer / better than in the VFX-SD. Add of course the 32-voice version of the SD-1 obviously has more voices available and this can play more sounds simultaneously.

But, this doesn't make the VFX-SD 'not good' any more. I still have the VFX-SD I bought in 1990; but I also bought a second-hand SD-1/32 as an 'extended backup', so to speak. Both still sound amazing.

I know, I've not actually been much help ;)

// Christian Brunschen


Re: VFX-SD vs SD1

2012-03-05 by Franz Schiller

I also have both a VFX-SD and a 32 voice SD1.

I must admit, I prefer the VFX-SD. I only use the SD1 as a backup.

I realize the SD1 is cleaner, and it does sound like slightly cleaner.

However, I love my VFX-SD. I don't use piano sounds or anything on it. I just like making weird programs and setups. The sequencer is magical, and the drum sounds are dark and grody. My VFX-SD is just super inspiring to me. Don't know why I prefer it so.

Just my feelings.

Re: VFX-SD vs SD1

2012-05-07 by rechner7@ymail.com

hello everybody,

since last saturday i am super happy vfx-sd user (i intended to buy one and found it incidantally on a fleamarket). 
i am a little bit confused regarding the version. i read in a german e-zine (amazona.de) that the latest vfx-sd ii version features an additional effect (<chor/dis/rev>). actually mine does have  <dis/chor/rev> (slightly different order) as the last effect in the list. in addition, it has the 2.0 os installed and the sequencer expansion (also included on disk). so is it the vfx-sd ii mark?

what is the last effect in a conventional vfx-sd, is it <dirt/roto/del> as stated in the manual?

are there mechanical differences between the vfx-sd and the sd1? the keyboard chassis seems to be very sensitive regarding tensions. i am afraid to lift the synth..

thanks in advance! sorry for this (dumb?) questions - i am new to this machines and this nice place here. regarding the vfx i think it is love on the first sight..

cheers,
r7


--- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, "Franz Schiller" <labyrinthbook@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> I also have both a VFX-SD and a 32 voice SD1.
> 
> I must admit, I prefer the VFX-SD. I only use the SD1 as a backup.
> 
> I realize the SD1 is cleaner, and it does sound like slightly cleaner.
> 
> However, I love my VFX-SD. I don't use piano sounds or anything on it. I just like making weird programs and setups. The sequencer is magical, and the drum sounds are dark and grody. My VFX-SD is just super inspiring to me. Don't know why I prefer it so.
> 
> Just my feelings.
>

Re: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Re: VFX-SD vs SD1

2012-05-07 by jammie

the vfx -sd1 all use the same voice chip
its only the the sd1-32 that uses the later voice chip
they all use the same dacs so some one saying the sd1 sounds better than the vfx-sd they sound the same the vfx sounds different due to having less sounds than the others
they all have version 1 esp chips as used in the eps16+ its a 24bit lsi chip
later synths got the esp2 version chips which is whats inside the asr10/ts10/12/fizmo/dp2 has 2/dp4 has 4 oif the same chips
the fx chip is also used in all later synths
on the vfx-sd range they have fewer algo,s than the eps16+
and also dont have the ability to write to the dsp chip like the eps16+
which is a shame as the waveboy resonant disk is excellent
and would make the vfx even more sound potential
the ts10 can load external fx algo,s
the flexing is the only down side to the plastic cases of these synths
its the same case as used from the plastic mirge all the way to the sd1 the sq1/2/+32 had aluminium cases and were built much better
as is the asr10 and the ts10/12
and the fizmo uses the sq1 case as does the ks32
the biggest problem with the plastic cases is its a molded in 1 case for the bottom
and the sides can get cracked or damaged if miss handled by postal companies
where as the sq1 and asr10/ts10 have plastic end caps that if damaged can be replaced
there where not many vfx-sd2 made as the sd1 came out not much after that
Show quoted textHide quoted text
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, May 07, 2012 7:08 PM
Subject: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Re: VFX-SD vs SD1

hello everybody,

since last saturday i am super happy vfx-sd user (i intended to buy one and found it incidantally on a fleamarket).
i am a little bit confused regarding the version. i read in a german e-zine (amazona.de) that the latest vfx-sd ii version features an additional effect (). actually mine does have (slightly different order) as the last effect in the list. in addition, it has the 2.0 os installed and the sequencer expansion (also included on disk). so is it the vfx-sd ii mark?

what is the last effect in a conventional vfx-sd, is it
are there mechanical differences between the vfx-sd and the sd1? the keyboard chassis seems to be very sensitive regarding tensions. i am afraid to lift the synth..

thanks in advance! sorry for this (dumb?) questions - i am new to this machines and this nice place here. regarding the vfx i think it is love on the first sight..

cheers,
r7

--- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, "Franz Schiller" wrote:
>
> I also have both a VFX-SD and a 32 voice SD1.
>
> I must admit, I prefer the VFX-SD. I only use the SD1 as a backup.
>
> I realize the SD1 is cleaner, and it does sound like slightly cleaner.
>
> However, I love my VFX-SD. I don't use piano sounds or anything on it. I just like making weird programs and setups. The sequencer is magical, and the drum sounds are dark and grody. My VFX-SD is just super inspiring to me. Don't know why I prefer it so.
>
> Just my feelings.
>

Re: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Re: VFX-SD vs SD1

2012-05-07 by fddi


SD1-21 voices and SD1-32 voices does not use the same voice chip ?
doesn't they sound the same ?

thanks


On 5/7/12 8:56 PM, jammie wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text

the vfx -sd1 all use the same voice chip
its only the the sd1-32 that uses the later voice chip
they all use the same dacs so some one saying the sd1 sounds better than the vfx-sd they sound the same the vfx sounds different due to having less sounds than the others
they all have version 1 esp chips as used in the eps16+ its a 24bit lsi chip
later synths got the esp2 version chips which is whats inside the asr10/ts10/12/fizmo/dp2 has 2/dp4 has 4 oif the same chips
the fx chip is also used in all later synths
on the vfx-sd range they have fewer algo,s than the eps16+
and also dont have the ability to write to the dsp chip like the eps16+
which is a shame as the waveboy resonant disk is excellent
and would make the vfx even more sound potential
the ts10 can load external fx algo,s
the flexing is the only down side to the plastic cases of these synths
its the same case as used from the plastic mirge all the way to the sd1 the sq1/2/+32 had aluminium cases and were built much better
as is the asr10 and the ts10/12
and the fizmo uses the sq1 case as does the ks32
the biggest problem with the plastic cases is its a molded in 1 case for the bottom
and the sides can get cracked or damaged if miss handled by postal companies
where as the sq1 and asr10/ts10 have plastic end caps that if damaged can be replaced
there where not many vfx-sd2 made as the sd1 came out not much after that
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, May 07, 2012 7:08 PM
Subject: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Re: VFX-SD vs SD1

hello everybody,

since last saturday i am super happy vfx-sd user (i intended to buy one and found it incidantally on a fleamarket).
i am a little bit confused regarding the version. i read in a german e-zine (amazona.de) that the latest vfx-sd ii version features an additional effect (). actually mine does have (slightly different order) as the last effect in the list. in addition, it has the 2.0 os installed and the sequencer expansion (also included on disk). so is it the vfx-sd ii mark?

what is the last effect in a conventional vfx-sd, is it as stated in the manual?

are there mechanical differences between the vfx-sd and the sd1? the keyboard chassis seems to be very sensitive regarding tensions. i am afraid to lift the synth..

thanks in advance! sorry for this (dumb?) questions - i am new to this machines and this nice place here. regarding the vfx i think it is love on the first sight..

cheers,
r7

--- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, "Franz Schiller" wrote:
>
> I also have both a VFX-SD and a 32 voice SD1.
>
> I must admit, I prefer the VFX-SD. I only use the SD1 as a backup.
>
> I realize the SD1 is cleaner, and it does sound like slightly cleaner.
>
> However, I love my VFX-SD. I don't use piano sounds or anything on it. I just like making weird programs and setups. The sequencer is magical, and the drum sounds are dark and grody. My VFX-SD is just super inspiring to me. Don't know why I prefer it so.
>
> Just my feelings.
>


Re: VFX-SD vs SD1

2012-05-16 by rechner7@ymail.com

hey jammie,

thanks for information!

best wishes,
r7

--- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, "jammie" <jammie.emma@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> the vfx -sd1 all use the same voice chip
> 
> its only the the sd1-32 that uses the later voice chip
> 
> they all use the same dacs so some one saying the sd1 sounds better than the vfx-sd they sound the same the vfx sounds different due to having less sounds than the others 
> 
> they all have version 1 esp chips as used in the eps16+ its a 24bit lsi chip
> 
> later synths got the esp2 version chips which is whats inside the asr10/ts10/12/fizmo/dp2 has 2/dp4 has 4 oif the same chips
> 
> the fx chip is also used in all later synths
> 
> on the vfx-sd range they have fewer algo,s than the eps16+
> 
> and also dont have the ability to write to the dsp chip like the eps16+
> 
> which is a shame as the waveboy resonant disk is excellent
> 
> and would make the vfx even more sound potential
> 
> the ts10 can load external fx algo,s
> 
> the flexing is the only down side to the plastic cases of these synths
> 
> its the same case as used from the plastic mirge all the way to the sd1 the sq1/2/+32 had aluminium cases and were built much better
> 
> as is the asr10 and the ts10/12
> 
> and the fizmo uses the sq1 case as does the ks32
> 
> the biggest problem with the plastic cases is its a molded in 1 case for the bottom
> 
> and the sides can get cracked or damaged if miss handled by postal companies
> 
> where as the sq1 and asr10/ts10 have plastic end caps that if damaged can be replaced
> 
> there where not many vfx-sd2 made as the sd1 came out not much after that
>   ----- Original Message ----- 
>   From: rechner7@... 
>   To: Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com 
>   Sent: Monday, May 07, 2012 7:08 PM
>   Subject: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Re: VFX-SD vs SD1
> 
> 
>     
>   hello everybody,
> 
>   since last saturday i am super happy vfx-sd user (i intended to buy one and found it incidantally on a fleamarket). 
>   i am a little bit confused regarding the version. i read in a german e-zine (amazona.de) that the latest vfx-sd ii version features an additional effect (<chor/dis/rev>). actually mine does have <dis/chor/rev> (slightly different order) as the last effect in the list. in addition, it has the 2.0 os installed and the sequencer expansion (also included on disk). so is it the vfx-sd ii mark?
> 
>   what is the last effect in a conventional vfx-sd, is it <dirt/roto/del> as stated in the manual?
> 
>   are there mechanical differences between the vfx-sd and the sd1? the keyboard chassis seems to be very sensitive regarding tensions. i am afraid to lift the synth..
> 
>   thanks in advance! sorry for this (dumb?) questions - i am new to this machines and this nice place here. regarding the vfx i think it is love on the first sight..
> 
>   cheers,
>   r7
> 
>   --- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, "Franz Schiller" <labyrinthbook@> wrote:
>   >
>   > I also have both a VFX-SD and a 32 voice SD1.
>   > 
>   > I must admit, I prefer the VFX-SD. I only use the SD1 as a backup.
>   > 
>   > I realize the SD1 is cleaner, and it does sound like slightly cleaner.
>   > 
>   > However, I love my VFX-SD. I don't use piano sounds or anything on it. I just like making weird programs and setups. The sequencer is magical, and the drum sounds are dark and grody. My VFX-SD is just super inspiring to me. Don't know why I prefer it so.
>   > 
>   > Just my feelings.
>   >
>

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