Patches and discussion for Ensoniq VFX family

I haven't been able to play my SD-1 32 Voice for several months.  It was 
stored, safely in a corner, in my home and previously sounded and 
operated beautifully.  Fired it up today and now suddenly the audio 
output (main/aux/phones) is distorted on every patch, also makes ugly 
digital glitches when selecting sounds, and the volume slider now only 
acts as off or full volume (no levels in between).

I have tried a hard reset, different amps, different power outlets, 
several cables, powering it up several times repeatedly, and 
disconnected the sustain pedal, all to no avail.  It just up and decided 
to whack out on me.  Any suggestions would be more than helpful and 
totally appreciated.  Thanks!

Synthesist,
It could be the effects chip. My VFX has had nearly the same issue, and I've found it to be a faulty ESP chip. If you can find a replacement, I suggest giving it a try.

-Nick

On Apr 30, 2011, at 9:24 PM, Synthesist <synthlists@...> wrote:

> I haven't been able to play my SD-1 32 Voice for several months. It was 
> stored, safely in a corner, in my home and previously sounded and 
> operated beautifully. Fired it up today and now suddenly the audio 
> output (main/aux/phones) is distorted on every patch, also makes ugly 
> digital glitches when selecting sounds, and the volume slider now only 
> acts as off or full volume (no levels in between).
> 
> I have tried a hard reset, different amps, different power outlets, 
> several cables, powering it up several times repeatedly, and 
> disconnected the sustain pedal, all to no avail. It just up and decided 
> to whack out on me. Any suggestions would be more than helpful and 
> totally appreciated. Thanks!
> 
>

----- Original Message -----

From: Synthesist

To: Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Sunday, May 01, 2011 5:24 AM

Subject: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] SD-1 Help Please???

I haven't been able to play my SD-1 32 Voice for several months. It was
stored, safely in a corner, in my home and previously sounded and
operated beautifully. Fired it up today and now suddenly the audio
output (main/aux/phones) is distorted on every patch, also makes ugly
digital glitches when selecting sounds, and the volume slider now only
acts as off or full volume (no levels in between).

I have tried a hard reset, different amps, different power outlets,
several cables, powering it up several times repeatedly, and
disconnected the sustain pedal, all to no avail. It just up and decided
to whack out on me. Any suggestions would be more than helpful and
totally appreciated. Thanks!

No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 9.0.894 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3606 - Release Date: 04/30/11 07:34:00

I would check the diodes on the power supply.

Rish

Life is like MIDI, your either IN, OUT or THRU.

On May 1, 2011, at 3:18 AM, <jammie.emma@blueyonder.co.uk> wrote:

> power supply problem
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Synthesist
> To: Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Sunday, May 01, 2011 5:24 AM
> Subject: [Ensoniq-VFX-SD] SD-1 Help Please???
> 
>  
> I haven't been able to play my SD-1 32 Voice for several months. It was 
> stored, safely in a corner, in my home and previously sounded and 
> operated beautifully. Fired it up today and now suddenly the audio 
> output (main/aux/phones) is distorted on every patch, also makes ugly 
> digital glitches when selecting sounds, and the volume slider now only 
> acts as off or full volume (no levels in between).
> 
> I have tried a hard reset, different amps, different power outlets, 
> several cables, powering it up several times repeatedly, and 
> disconnected the sustain pedal, all to no avail. It just up and decided 
> to whack out on me. Any suggestions would be more than helpful and 
> totally appreciated. Thanks!
> 
> 
> 
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com 
> Version: 9.0.894 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3606 - Release Date: 04/30/11 07:34:00
>

--- In Ensoniq-VFX-SD@yahoogroups.com, Synthesist <synthlists@...> wrote:
>
> I haven't been able to play my SD-1 32 Voice for several months.  It was 
> stored, safely in a corner, in my home and previously sounded and 
> operated beautifully.  Fired it up today and now suddenly the audio 
> output (main/aux/phones) is distorted on every patch, also makes ugly 
> digital glitches when selecting sounds, and the volume slider now only 
> acts as off or full volume (no levels in between).
> 
> I have tried a hard reset, different amps, different power outlets, 
> several cables, powering it up several times repeatedly, and 
> disconnected the sustain pedal, all to no avail.  It just up and decided 
> to whack out on me.  Any suggestions would be more than helpful and 
> totally appreciated.  Thanks!
>

Hi... It's not the power supply.  They internal ribbon cable connectors are dirty.  Try spraying and re-seating them.  Had the same problem and I reseated all the cables and socketed chips.  This took care of the problem.  Start with the cables... if that doesn't do it, try the chips.

/Dave