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Related: About this forumAfter 30 years, It was time to change the battery on this 1990 Ensoniq VFX-SD
The Ensoniq VFX Synth was initially released as a performance type synthesizer in 1989. It was soon followed by the release of the VFX-SD, which included some updated waveforms (drum waves), a 24-track sequencer and a floppy drive. Both models were equipped with the Ensoniq Signal Processing (ESP) chip for 24-bit effects. The VFX-SD also included two AUX outs, which allowed for a total of 4 outputs from the synth for more routing flexibility. The initial models were 21-voice polyphony, and in latter models of the VFX-SD (I/II) and the SD-1, the polyphony was 32.[1]
Trivia: Rick Wakeman of Yes used one on tour...
from my Christian rock period. Beyond Phrygia..."John 3:16"
2 guys 1 guitar one voice 1 keyboard. The singer-songwriter died in his 40s
Just to show how powerful this synth was...check this out
https://soundcloud.com/user-196145096/beyond-phrigia-best-13-track-13john-316?si=cabe691432184b939885da392c76bae2&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
CaliforniaPeggy
(152,097 posts)It sounds great to my old ears.
Thank you!
justaprogressive
(2,451 posts)We played a bunch of shows opening for more established acts.
Harmonizers were big back then (the electronically created harmony part during the guitar solo...)
Back then (1990)the VFX cost $3500 new (!)
In 2012 I bought a used one for $300, It still sounds awesome
Callalily
(15,013 posts)justaprogressive
(2,451 posts)Marcus IM
(3,001 posts)I could not believe that it still works and sounds great.
Ensoniq really did use quality keybeds and components.
Made in the USA
Long lasting
Latest tech of the day
Bought out by big Japanese music company
Now, closed and gone.
It's a prototypical American manufacturing story ... bought by a foreign government subsidized competitor company and shut down.
USA USA USA