Ensoniq SQ-80 CrossWave Synthesizer

vintage synth demo by RetroSound

some typical self-made and factory sounds from the Ensoniq SQ-80 Cross Wave Synthesizer from 1987;

SQ-80 = 75 digital 8-bit waveforms + analog curtis filter, Osc-Sync, Ringmodulation (AM)...

The SQ-80 is very underrated, easy to program and really nice for PPG Wave and Prophet VS like sounds but nevertheless particularly in sound. The perfect machine for ambient music or horror movie soundtracks.

check the SQ-80 / ESQ-1 review by me on amazona.de:
http://www.amazona.de/index.php?page=26&file=2&article_id=2202

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Ensoniq
• SQ-80
• SQ
• 80
• ESQ-1
• ESQ
• VFX
• TS
• Fizmo
• analog
• digital
• synth
• PPG
• Wave
• Sequential
• Circuits
• SCI
• Prophet
• VS
• Korg
• Wavestation
• Roland
• D-50
• vintage
• 80`s
• synthesizer
• synthesizers
• retrosound
• music
• elektronisch

[VacTrooper]

There are some REALLY nice sounds on this thing! I found one at my local music store, and have been toying with it for a while. I didn't get the chance to coax WONDERFUL sounds out of it, though. I LOVE the saws, squares, and also the chior/breathy/airy sounds also. HOLY CRAP! I think I might buy this synth after hearing this demo of it's potential. It's a bit dusty, but nothing some Good Gone, wet-wipes, and water wipe-downs won't take care of. Thanks for the video! You're good. :)

[retrosound72]

@VacTrooper

very cool!

thank you

[opium47]

weis jmd wo man das ding noch herbekommt?

oder gibts gute vsts dafür? hab bisher nur einen freeware gefunden und der is nich für mac os =(

[retrosound72]

@opium47

SQ8L ist sehr gut

[Desmaad]

Can this thing load samples?

[retrosound72]

@Desmaad

no

[ciolamorta]

This one is really Hammerish instead. Really, Jan Hammer's sound.

[KillKyleWeiss]

Once you get past the 20 layers of modifiers you'll be alright... heheh if the SQ80 doesn't get you into synths NOTHING will! Hang in there.

[kdkmo]

I had one of these a long time ago and I loved it. It had it's limitations, only 8 voices at any one time but I liked the sounds it could produce and I had a lot of programs for it. I liked the sequencer and the feel of the keyboard. I had to hock mine unfortunately. Another thing it has that is particularly good in mono mode with portamento. I don't know if any modern synthesizers can do this.

[Dectheboner]

Hi did you some off these patches yourself

[AlienatedStud]

BEST. SYNTH. EVER. MADE.

[douro20]

@ScientistOfSound1

If you consider around $400-500 cheap, then yes.

[douro20]

@900Turbo1996

Definitely not.  It's a wavetable synthesizer with 64 waveforms and sampled drums.

[midierror]

i want one of these babies. then i want to have its babies.

[JayJLucas]

I have one, willing to sell, Nothern Ontario Canada

[ScientistOfSound1]

Is this synth cheap?

[456and7strings]

Maybe this is just me, but at 1:50 I was expecting Ozzy to scream out some lyrics..........

[docfraktal]

At 0:36 it's a fantastic 80's sensation,i can't stop to listen it ...at 1:26 I have never heard a sound like that, fantastic warm and enchanting sound !! Very nice demo, i watch it ten times ! you're really lucky to have a synth like that !