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Average rating:
4.3 out of 5
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The SD-1 is the finest live-use performance keyboard I own. Have 2 (one for back-up). I frequently use the "sequencer performances" to run my entire midi rig. It can split, layer, velocity switch, and set volumes for my entire rig (2 keyboards and 6 rack units) with the push of one button. And I can load 1, 6, 30 or 60 "sequencer performances" at a time from floppy as needed! When playing "live", that flexibility is unmatched by any other piece of equipment I have ever used (including PC! try switching all your sounds with a single key stroke on a PC in time to the music during a live show!). Sounds are functional - sequencer is very good for an on-board sequencer - i use it often to get the "rough tracks down" then take it to the PC. My only complaint...sticky buttons on hot humid outdoor gigs and display is REALLY hard to read in sunlight. As far as the "digital hiss" referred to above, Ensoniq did not install noise gates on their keyboards by default like almost all other manufacturers do. Invest in / Use a noise gate for recording / studio work and your hiss problems are history. Shame, they didn't make a 88 key weighted version. I would have bought atleast one of them if they did.
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I just love the weighted action keyboard of the SD-1. It allows you to do expressive piano comping as well as playing fast killer lines with synth sounds.
The Sequencer is very easy to use and months passed by before I first touched the user manual.
The Master Keyboard features are better than the ones of real master keyboards. I usually do everything on the basis of Sequences (I don't like Performances). So I can control up to 12 different slaves (I only have 3!), assign individually the use of sustain pedal and volume. That's a very handy thing for the stage!
Sure, the waveboard is not session standard but consider it came out 1991. And due to its modulation matrix and transwaves it is to me still the most modern sounding synth I know. I make extensive use of the modulation matrix and the various controllers: filter with the pedal, transwave with the modwheel, pitch with (polyphonic) aftertouch. Anything you do sounds really exciting. Have you ever heard a korg or a roland sound exciting?
Don't use it as a normal workstation -it's a synth!
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Looking for another set of comments on the SQ-80? If so, here goes...
A highly capable synth especially suited for 70's & 80's rock and pop. The board is sturdy and rather roadworthy. With backwards compatibility with the ESQ-1, and a built in 3 1/2 disk drive you can gather a huge library of patches still available through various sources in the U.S. (See Rubber Chicken Software and Syntaur Software.) The large flourescent screen makes editing and finding sounds easy although it can be hard to read when used outdoors. The sequencer is relatively easy to use and is very capable, allowing up to 8 tracks, midi channel control and step editing. (Although the 8 note polyphony makes for narrow sound replay.) The key feel is light and has Esoniq's usual velocity sensitivity parameters. It also has polyphonic aftertouch, a great extra in an older keyboard. The only minor problem with the keys is an annoying "clack". The rubber used as the bumber gets hard and makes an audible "clack" when a key is depressed. Overall, a wonderful keyboard that works well as a master controller or as a secondary board. With literaly 10's of thousands of sounds available, onboard disk drive, sequencer, aftertouch and stereo output, the SQ-80 is a keeper for every studio or road musician.
R. Romano 16 year professional musician/singer/songwriter, Ensoniq user for 12 years
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The SD1 is a mainstay for our act. Great sounds and no problems since I upgraded to a new motherboard, a 4.0. and extra memory. It was a little tricky syncing to another sequencer to roll over midis from a computer but toughing it out for a week I learned, ignoring directions somewhat. I recently purchased
another one used that had just had the upgrade for a backup. When I compared it to a new friends roland synth after 7 years it still blows away the competition. You gotta love four outputs, panning bass to a bass amp, Keys stereo, and a hi hat clic to a drummer. For a four eyes like myself a large display is necessary. It is nice when it loads and holds a set and a third easily And how lovely to be able to write a decent variety of pedal steels.
Its probably the best buy used on the market, again, if it has been upgraded.
If not you can get stuck" editing data" till hell freezes over. Also, watch surges,
it can speed up and rewrite tempos. 4.999999999
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Lots of churches use these. Sequencer is intuitive. I've let sequences fly at
live performances with no glitches. Slight buzz on piano decay but it's still
the best piano for the money!
Lots of programing depth. You'll never get to the end.
Avoid VFX models since they have a split circuit board that
bends in the middle after sitting on stand for awhile with unpredicatable
sonic results and frequent operating system re-initiations.
This unit is a winner at used price of ~$700 American.
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