Ensoniq VFX-SD (1990)

A digital music production workstation with Transwave synthesis, a 24-track sequencer, and built-in floppy disk drive

Overview

The Ensoniq VFX-SD is a synthesizer/workstation keyboard released in 1990, building on the original VFX model by adding a 24-track sequencer and a built-in disk drive. It was designed as a complete music production system, combining synthesis, sequencing, and data storage. The 'S' in SD stands for sequencer, the 'D' for drums, reflecting its expanded role in composition and performance. It followed earlier Ensoniq models like the ESQ-1 and SQ-80 and was succeeded by the SD1, an upgraded version with new waveforms and enhanced effects.

Specifications

Transwave technology	wavetable-like oscillators that could sweep through waveform sets, producing evolving, complex timbres
Keyboard	61 keys with velocity and aftertouch
Aftertouch types	capable of generating two types of aftertouch - Poly-Key and Channel, that is, either polyphonic or monophonic aftertouch
Polyphony	21 voices
Oscillators	1 to 6 per voice
Wavetable	Wavetable
Sequencer	24-track sequencer
Disk drive	The VFX-SD includes a floppy disk drive

Design

The VFX-SD uses Ensoniq's Transwave technology, featuring wavetable-like oscillators that sweep through waveform sets to create evolving, complex timbres. It shares the same basic sound character as the original VFX, delivering the distinctive Ensoniq sound with expressive digital character.

Context

The VFX-SD succeeded the ESQ-1 (1986) and SQ-80 in Ensoniq's lineup and pushed the company into more ambitious territory with its integrated synthesis and sequencing capabilities. It became a popular studio workhorse and was positioned before the ASR-10 sampler and TS series workstations of the early 1990s. The SD1 followed as an upgraded version of the VFX-SD, with enhanced waveforms and effects.

Market

The VFX-SD has appeared on the used market with prices ranging from $190 to $220, with some listings noting an actual price of 600€. Common issues include failing floppy disk drives, leading some users to replace them with USB floppy drive emulators. Patch preservation and disk format compatibility remain active topics among users.

eBay Listings

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