Ensoniq Fizmo (1998)

A rare 1998 hybrid synthesizer using Transwave digital synthesis with real-time front-panel control.

Overview

The Ensoniq Fizmo is a hybrid synthesizer with both analog and digital parts, released in 1998. It uses Ensoniq's Transwave synthesis. Transwaves are based on wavetables, but they're built to produce evolving, acoustic-like sounds. The unit has a 61-note velocity- and aftertouch-sensitive semi-weighted keyboard. It's known for hands-on control through five dedicated front-panel knobs labeled F, I, Z, M, and O. A rack-mount version, the Fizmo Rack, is a 5U module with expanded patch capacity.

Specifications

Polyphony	48 voices
Oscillators	2 per preset, 8 simultaneous
ROM sounds	128 ROM sounds
RAM sounds	128 RAM sounds
Presets	64 presets
Effects types	41 types
Keyboard	61-key semi-weighted, velocity- and aftertouch-sensitive
ROM size	4 MB of ROM
Synthesis type	Digital Acoustic simulation Transwave

Design

The Fizmo uses a Digital Acoustic simulation Transwave engine with 4 MB of ROM. Transwaves are wavetables, but Ensoniq's version allows dynamic, time-varying waveforms. The five front-panel controls, labeled F, I, Z, M, and O, let you change parameters in real time. All front-panel adjustments can be recorded in real time to an external sequencer. The synthesis and effects engines sit together on a single silicon chip, though the details about that chip are incomplete.

Market

A unit listed on Facebook Marketplace in excellent condition sold for $2300. That price included a power fix for the voltage regulator, a known issue that requires a modification. One knob was noted as non-original. Another unit was listed without a price at Nightlife Electronics. A Reddit user mentioned a chance to buy one for $1000. Rarity makes pricing hard. Replacement patches are available under product code SEP-005 from SoundEngine, and the owner's manual is accessible online.