Patches and discussion for Ensoniq VFX family

Hello.  About a year ago, I asked you all about the VFX SD I own and 
the problem of "calibration error".  You gave me good advice about 
repairing it, but---it is now a year later, and it still hasn't been 
fixed because I haven't the nerve or know-how to do this.
I explained at the time that I simply play it; I have no knowledge, 
or use, for the other capabilities of this instrument.  I know, go 
get another, simpler keyboard!  Problem is, I LOVE the sound of this 
thing (when it used to work!) and cannot make myself even consider 
another brand.  But---the more I read online about all the Ensoniq 
models, the more I need a glossary to explain what I am reading about!
Or, at least, a website that will explain, in layman's terms, what a 
particular model will provide.  For instance, I see on 
Ebay, "sampler" keyboards----what are they, what can they do, and how 
do they differ from "sound stations"?  All I want is an Ensoniq, with 
that MARVELLOUS sound that will put out a variety of instruments, not 
just piano, but without all the composing/arranging capabilities.  
Can anyone here give me a clue?

I won't repeat what Alan already pointed out.
However, looking at other Ensoniq devices, I'd consider the TS10 (61
keys) or the TS12 (88 keys, weighted) which are a bit more advanced than
the VFX/SD. If you want a sampler, the ASR10 is an excellent choice from
what I read. I've owned an EPS16 and even that it was one of the first
samplers and pretty simple and you had to store everything to a disk
before switching it off, sound and features were great!

Here are some more links for Ensoniq and other synths:

This is aone of the most comprehensive source of links:
http://www.synthzone.com/ensoniq.htm

You'll find Fabio's Neopatch link broken. Here's Fabio's new site:
http://www.azweb.com.ar/fabio/

The synth museum comes with a choice of ensoniq synths:
http://www.synthmuseum.com/ensoniq/index.html

Patches for synths are on: 
http://www.soundcentral.com/

There are at least two sources for parts:
http://www.syntaur.com
http://hometown.aol.com/mishon66/index.html

Hans



-----Ursprüngliche Nachricht-----
Von: paixwool [mailto:snowberry@...] 
Gesendet: Samstag, 5. März 2005 15:11
An: Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com
Betreff: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] Need some advice!




Hello.  About a year ago, I asked you all about the VFX SD I own and 
the problem of "calibration error".  You gave me good advice about 
repairing it, but---it is now a year later, and it still hasn't been 
fixed because I haven't the nerve or know-how to do this.
I explained at the time that I simply play it; I have no knowledge, 
or use, for the other capabilities of this instrument.  I know, go 
get another, simpler keyboard!  Problem is, I LOVE the sound of this 
thing (when it used to work!) and cannot make myself even consider 
another brand.  But---the more I read online about all the Ensoniq 
models, the more I need a glossary to explain what I am reading about!
Or, at least, a website that will explain, in layman's terms, what a 
particular model will provide.  For instance, I see on 
Ebay, "sampler" keyboards----what are they, what can they do, and how 
do they differ from "sound stations"?  All I want is an Ensoniq, with 
that MARVELLOUS sound that will put out a variety of instruments, not 
just piano, but without all the composing/arranging capabilities.  
Can anyone here give me a clue?






 
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On Wed, Mar 9, 2005 at 9:00:41AM -0600, Dennis Smith wrote:
> ... I have had the "Calibration Problem" with my VFXSD that has been
> factory upgraded to an SD-1 in 1994...   the factory had done the
> hard wire when they upgraded it. Well, this is actually good news,
> because,when I unplugged the keyboard from the unit via the ribbon
> cable, I noticed a little corrosion on the pins. I cleaned these off
> and blew the dirt out of the unit and when I put it back together,
> it calibrated perfectly!! 

This matches my experience, a few years ago now, buying a used VFX-SD
that was exhibiting the symptoms of the keyboard problem -- not so
much the calibration failure, but the occasional extra notes from
nowhere and such.  The seller was not sure if the keyboard fix had
been done, and was selling at a pretty good discount because of the
problems.  So I took a gamble and bought it.

When I received it, I first powered it on to make sure I had the same
problems the seller did -- who knows, shiping might have "fixed"
something, and I also find it's important to know how to reliably
cause a problem in order to know you've actually fixed it after
working on it.  Sure enough, the problems were there.

I opened it up, and to my dismay, the keyboard fix HAD been done on
the unit.  However, I re-flowed the solder joints for the keyboard
fix, and cleaned the other connectors (between keyboard and main CPU
board) a bit, and I haven't had problem one since!

--> Steve Wahl