Patches and discussion for Ensoniq VFX family

On Saturday 03 November 2001 05:42 pm, you wrote:

> I wish they reproduce synth like ESQ or SQ-80 with powerful
> effects and few knobs or ribbon or any real time controller.....
> I think it would be a hit......I love ESQ/SQ-80's Digital Analog
> Hybrid Sound....   :-)

I agree, though the closest you can get to the ensoniq(s) for a controller, 
these days, is the Kurzweils. If you're looking for a master controller, the 
K2600 is the place to start. They lack poly aftertouch, but so does everyone 
else's :/. That said, you have the patch select buttons - well, 2 buttons in 
the same location that can be set to produce just about any CC value), 4 
footswitch inputs, 2 foot pedal inputs, 2 ribbons, 8 sliders.  It really is 
control heaven.

Another good master controller with lots of control options is the Oberheim 
MC3000 that gibson/oberheim still sell. Again lacks poly aftertouch, but has 
*8* MIDI outputs, and a programmable patchbay - plus similar control options 
to the K2600. Or it would be, I just checked the site (after writing all 
this) and the MC3000 has been removed from Oberheim's product catalog within 
the last 3 days :/ Maybe they'll replace it with a similar product, but given 
how Gibson are running these 'subsiduary' companies, I have my doubts :( 
(still, might be worth rumaging online to see if you can find an alternate 
vendor - though MusicYo were probably the sole distributor - before they 
clear their stock)

Some day, and hopefully soon, someone will write good 'virtual instruments' 
for many of these mid-80s to early-90s synths, and everyone will be able to 
experience SQ and VFX sounds without hunting for used versions :)

As I said the other day, the K2600 is on my shopping list - If new fuses 
fix my SD1, it will complement it (and I'll still have poly aftertouch :), if 
not, it'll replace it. 

Btw, I have a feeling that poly aftertouch will make a 'comeback' in the next 
few years. I think its overdue, and techs such as MLAN will remove all of the 
major problems associated with poly aftertouch. Plus with the interest in 
VA's and soft synths, giving back the control methods of those old analog 
synths (which is where poly aftertouch was most common) will become more of 
an incentive. Plus, making good reliable poly aftertouch sensors is a lot 
easier these days than it was in the 80s.