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Average rating:
4.6 out of 5
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I bought my MR-76 brand new and it is fantastic keyboard. I have used it for many gigs but found that it was too heavy to lug around (I had trouble finding a decent keyboard stand to hold it up-audiences were thrilled wondering when it would fall over.) The criticisms I have are that the action is falling apart. The keys from the middle are noisy and difficult to play. I had a quote years ago for $800Aud to fix.... It now is in semi-retirement in the studio. This is a great pity. The Australian ensoniq dealers have not been helpful at all and I will turn my attention to other products. If anyone has a "fix" for the action please let me know.
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The MR76 is a good overall keyboard but not really practical if you're on the road often, it's very heavy compared to my Nord Electro, which plainly beats the E.piano/organ section! As for the synth sounds, there are many great transwaves and some nice analogue-sounding presets.. The MR has a load of useful functions such as the Idea Pad, pretty decent FX and extensive quantizing possiblities to name a few..
However the biggest drawback is the construction of the heart of the MR: its keyboard! I don't bang on the keys but one note clunks when i hit it, and the other one seems be kind of stuck, i have to hit it harder than the rest.. This is really annoying, since i expected better construction for such an expensive workstation! There is no warranty anymore so fixing it will cost me a considerable amount of time and money i fear..
Apart from this, i think the MR is a good workhorse for everyday composing since i wouldn't take it with me on a gig with no backup synth..
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THIS IS BY FAR ONE OF THE GREATEST KEYBOARDS IVE EVER BEEN EXPOSED TOO, NOT SAYING THIS BECAUSE I OWN ONE BUT BECAUSE OF ALL THE KEYBOARDS IVE LAID MY FINGERS ON THIS ONE OUT DOES THEM ALL. THERE ARE HOWEVER SOME THINGS THAT DO BOTHER ME..... THE MANUAL SUCKS THE BIG ONE, IT IS NOT IN DEPTH ENOUGH FOR THE NOVICE LIKE MYSELF.......THE DISPLAY IS SOMETHING TO BE DESIRED, NEEDS A LARGER SCREEN, THOSE TWO THINGS ARE MY PROBLEMS OTHER THAN THAT ITS GREAT, IF ANYONE WOULDNT MIND CONNECTING IN ORDER TO EXCHANGE IDEAS AND ANSWER MY SILLY QUESTIONS I SHOULD WOULD TO HEAR FROM YOU.
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The mR-76 is an exceptional performance/composition synthesizer. I have been a fan of ENSONIQ synthesizers since the introduction of the SQ1. I was also impressed with the TS series, however, until the introduction of the mR series, I have only toyed with these synthesizers at the local music stores. I have spent the last 5 years composing with a Korg O1W. This synthesizer served its purpose well, but it was now time to abandon it for something more. I looked at Kurzweil, Roland, and Korg, but I knew that this time it was going to be an ENSONIQ. I was originally considering the TS12(I've had my eye on this one for 2 years), until I discovered the mR-76. It took only a little bit of research and experimentation with it in the store before I was sold. Now that I have had one at home for a few weeks to really learn how to put it to use, this is what I think: It sucks! Just kidding. Among the most noteworthy features include: WEIGHTED ACTION. In my opinion it certainly beats Roland, whose weighted action is rather sluggish. However, I do prefer the feel of the Kurzeil 2500 series only slightly more. IDEA PAD. A very clever and useful innovation for composers. DRUM/RHYTHM SAMPLES. A major factor in my purchasing decision. These are the best I've ever heard on a synthesizer! Absolutely amazing stuff! In fact, ENSONIQ overdid these. Buy one and you'll know what I mean. ACOUSTIC PIANO SAMPLES. The hardest sound to duplicate is that of an acoutic piano. Time and time again I've been disappointed with what synthesizers have had to offer in the past. But not anymore. The Concert Grand and Stereo Grand are worth a listen, but listen carefully. You'll even hear the sound of the original keys being released as you lift your fingers! Again, the only other synthesizer to surpass this is the Kurzweil(the mR is a very close second), however, that does not qualify, as it is in a class of synthesizers priced between $4,500 - $12,000. I like the sound of an acoustic piano, but not that much. For the cost of the mR, you won't find any other synthesizer in the same category that will surpass it. QUANTIZING. It not only quantizes, but offers a vast selection of quantizing styles that make your sequences lifelike. EXPANDABILITY. Enough said. GOOD SAMPLES: The noteworthy samples are: bass, string section, organ.
Among the less than remarkable features include: SCREEN DISPLAY. This is a rather unsophisticated looking display. The fact that it offers only two lines of information at a time is terribly annoying. POOR SAMPLES. The unremarkable samples include: brass solo/section, string solo. RANGE. Although 76 keys constitutes about 99% of anyones performing range, I would love to have a full 88 keys. I suppose this is being rather trivial, especially when you consider the 76 doesn't even fit in an 88 key gigbag!
All in all the mR is a well thought out synthesizer. In comparison to all synthesizers that I have come in contact with, I'd give it a weak B+. However, in comparison to other synthesizers within its class, it definately deserves an A. Final note. The best part of owning an mR-76 is that I'd like to think ENSONIQ had me in mind when naming it. : )
Mark Rosenmeier
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VERY helpful!!! I'll be coming here more often!!!
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