Arturia's new SQ 80 V! Sweet 80's synth emulation.

[@djelbert23]

I was scrolling through Insta last night, saw the Ad for this synth, logged into Arturia, immediately bought it without hesitation. Born in '72 these synths are the sound of my memories, and one of the main reasons I have loved electronic music for most of my life. Great Video. Subbed! Yes, please do another video on this great Synth!

[@jefgibbons]

Nice! Yeah… the 80s feels are strong in this one!

[@Johnsormani]

As an Ensoniq owner and fan since 1986 I immediately recognize some of the used waveforms, like piano, e piano and the bells. Great job arturia and nice review!

[@jefgibbons]

Thanks John! Glad to hear it from an actual owner!

[@MRFThorne]

This is easily one of the top 5 recreations of classic synths that Arturia have produced to date. Looking forward to seeing it in the V9 collection!

[@austincelaya1139]

I just went through every sound on this and I can honestly say I am wowed and Arturia outdid itself here. No bad sounds, an absolute beast of a synth.

[@Keroser1983]

Actually man I really respect Arturia's sounds :) I have Pigments and I kind of have invested on it. Both learning the synth itself ( it is my go to instrument ) and also soundbanks from Arturia ( I am a preset guy, please dont judge ). Whenever I have a sound in my mind it shows up in presets or very close to it :) I am sure this one rocks as well

[@jefgibbons]

@@Keroser1983 No shame in being a preset guy! The key is knowing enough about the synth to tweak presets to your liking.

[@rich_in_paradise]

Arturia has great sound designers for sure.

[@Keroser1983]

@@jefgibbons Exactly!

[@cccrow3348]

As a current owner of an original, this is really cool to see that it retains the overall vibe, but adds a lot of cool extras. Might have to own both :)

[@jefgibbons]

Lucky you! Let us know how it compares!

[@hoagy_ytfc]

Doesn't the original include polyphonic aftertouch on the keyboard? That's sadly rare!

[@cccrow3348]

@@hoagy_ytfc Yes it does :) The plugin support MPE if you have a poly AT keybed on something else. Another more recent synth with that is the hydrasynth. Hydrasynth seems to be loosely inspired by the SQ80

[@johnunkerman]

@@hoagy_ytfc. Yes. It was very underrated. Paid way too much for mine when it was new. 1987 I think? It could do almost anything

[@johnghadimi]

Love your videos and I have to confess, I am OBSESSED over your spaceman TV!! My family had one back in the day, and I just love the associated memories. :)

[@BeauTylerMakesMusic]

Holy vapor wave, Batman! Love it!

[@jefgibbons]

Ha! Indeed... such a nice synth!

[@cerebralkaos2385]

I've owned both the ESQ1 and the SQ80 and recently sold the SQ80 because it didn't respond to MIDI. I saw an ESQ1 on Ebay a few days ago for $880 Aus and was considering it until I received an email form Arturia. No brainer, bought the SQ 80 V and saved around $820 and am realy happy with the reproduction which is quite accurate. Great video!

[@jefgibbons]

Thanks for the comments! Good to hear from an actual SQ80 owner!

[@Finishyoursong]

The latest update for Analog Lab V has 20 presets for the SQ80, including some of the ones Jef showcases in this video. Great video, as always

[@jefgibbons]

Good tip, thanks!

[@garyhendrie4001]

The first synth i ever saw in the flesh so to speak was an Ensoniq, fell in love with them that day. Alas i never got one in the end opting for an SY85 as my first synth. This looks great. Real trip down memory lane.

[@nobrains6107]

Got the email announcing this this morning. Bought it immediately. Not disappointed!

[@Unitedbambu]

I love your 86 expo shirt!!!!! I was there myself as a kid

[@karatepod]

Ohhh, man. Between the SQ80, 16+, and the ASR-10, I don't know where I would be in my music without them.

[@Rhythmattica]

Back when you had to commit..... Unlike today, $50 ( wares) .... And thats why everyone can do music.... .. Ensoniq lover I am... still own everything today..... 2 x ASR, MR, DP4+ FTW. (had a VFX, EPS, 16+, so, still own almost everything I bought..Thousands of plugs in value.. lol)

[@velonaut303]

One of my favorite synths of the 80s.

[@mnordavind]

I didn't have an Arturia instabuy since the OB-Xa V release. So a finger up with the tutorials, thanks Jef!

[@jefgibbons]

Thanks Cristobal!

[@MarkHBands]

I love the 80s intro track! Arturia's stuff is fantastic.

[@johnpaulpatton9786]

You have a great desk. Would love to see a video about your synth and desk setup.

[@jefgibbons]

Here is an old one! kzbin.info/www/bejne/maKVlnx9o9RjqNU

[@Meteotrance]

I have this virtual synth, im impressed that we can get that kind of industrial vibe like early Trent Reznor NIN album, it can be chezzy and lofi but also very brutal in a cool way.

[@umanoid1523]

Lol. I just bought it. I upgraded the bundle to 8 since my last version was Arturia 6. This was one of my first hardware synths (First was the previous ESQ1). I just sold it off a year and a half ago when i sold off all my hardware. Now i have it again without taking up the space. Thanks for the quick update and review as always. You could add a lot of waveforms by adding cartridges and there were some 3rd party cartridges that had double the sounds than what Ensonique had on theirs.

[@jefgibbons]

That's awesome... let us know here how it compares to the original!

[@umanoid1523]

@@jefgibbons The drum sounds were always crappy on the ensonique. These sound great. The SQ80 also had an 8 track sequencer which is what I used to write a lot of songs with back in the day. The Arp is a good replacement and the new modulation additions are great too.It has some of that signature grainy low bit rate sound that the Ensoniques had.

[@Johnsormani]

You never were able to add waveforms to an Ensoniq esq80 from external sources. That was only possible with the later generation ts10/12 which could import samples

[@umanoid1523]

@@Johnsormani right. It was additional patches only on the cartridges.

[@gustavoruiz5637]

Sold! Great review, thanks 👍🏼

[@futur_sunds]

I gotta say your videos are so professional!

[@lefterismatapasmusic]

It sounds very nostalgic!!

[@static-san]

I was wondering when Arturia would get to Ensoniq! Would love to see them emulate the EPS 16+... I used a number of Ensoniq keyboards over the years, though not including an SQ-80 - closest I got was a TS-10. The SQ 80 V UI has the same design language as Pigments, their own VST. I wonder if the next major version of Pigments will have some of the unique tricks the SQ80V has. I love Arturia's preset browser - so much better than NI's one, I have to say. I just found the SQ 80 V in the latest Analog V update - this might be the first VST I might actually buy from the Analog V collection... (I bought Pigments before I bought Analog V).

[@Cap10NRGMusic]

EPS16+ would be awesome!! My buddy has one if these and we had made countless tracks on it in the early 90s

[@Stanze]

I was at Expo 86! Born in '71.

[@robertzantay5923]

My last system for playing out for live performance with my Yamaha WX-7 was all Ensoniq because of the incredible expressive possibilities of the EPS 16plus and the VFX. I look forward to seeing them made in software although mine still work, just too big to move!

[@jefgibbons]

Having these on a laptop sure makes things more portable!!

[@MarcWeertsMusic]

Great demo, fantastic sounding synth!

[@gsk3037]

Thanks Arturia for the emulation of SQ80, I just bought it !! After selling mine a few years ago to EDC, I am delighted to see it again in emulation, but what a shame Arturia didn't ask Aril Brikha, the sq80 master, for a testimonial and especially a list of presets, he is the person who has been using the sq80 the best for the last 20 years

[@andrew6889-p5c]

Would love a detailed video and tutorial.

[@DoctorJRx]

Great stuff Jeff ..I been looking for the hardware as well !!

[@soundmechanicssd]

Thanks for the video. This is turning out to be one of my favourites and I'm now waiting for it to be added to the next V Collection update. Never tried the real thing but I've compared the DX7 to the DX7 V and if that's anything to go by I'll pass on the hardware SQ-80.

[@rg2027x]

that's a nice setup man

[@wattage2007]

Good demo!

[@jh5131]

Great video great content! Hope you hit 100k soon

[@BeauTylerMakesMusic]

For real. Will be WELL deserved.

[@jefgibbons]

Thanks JH! (and Beau!)

[@jh5131]

@@jefgibbons have you ever thought of doing a video about your PC/audio setup or specs you would recommend for running pigments or other VSTs? Would love your input on that

[@James-ip1tc]

I got one of those robots on top of that tape machine. It has a little tape machine in it and a cool walkie-talkie.

[@jefgibbons]

Nice! Mine doesn’t work :(

[@Jpetersson]

I had an Ensoniq SQ-80 that i rented for several years in the 90s. I think it had a sequencer in it, I gotta find my old casette tapes that should have a couple of songs I wrote on it :-D Im from sweden btw.

[@Meteotrance]

I hope Arturia can make also the fizmo from ensoniq too.

[@beatnikcafe]

If Arturia would do an emulation of the E-mu Morpheus that would be truly amazing. Does anyone know of a softsynth that sounds and functions similarly to the E-mu Morpheus?

[@beatnikcafe]

I would be wonderful to see a combination emulation of the Ultra Proteus and Morpheus since they are really the same breed. It would be great to have features from both accessible in a single software instance.

[@glennmckenzie1096]

The Ensoniq synths and samplers had polyphonic aftertouch, which is great for changing the tonal/volume balance within a chord. I wonder if this has a similar response via MPE? I loved using it on my ASR10.

[@mimikova390]

• The midi sources are Modwheel, Velocity, Aftertouch, Keyboard 1, Breath, Velocity-Exp, Expression and Keyboard- from the pdf manual can be downloaded on Arturia's website. in short..yes

[@Yahoomediaclub]

Nice one Jeff 👍🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹

[@mimikova390]

I have been begging for a good esq 1 sq 80 vst .

[@Hello-bl9ip]

Ok you got me here … hope it’s good

[@seekingtruthonly.4299]

Now we need an ASR10. They should make samplers

[@xaelgolden7134]

Hi Jef!! ENSONIQ FIZMO.... could be cool for have in virtual studio!!! Thanks for the GREAT review. I still have my SQ 80 Mint conds. Not same same sound in a ANALOG way cause the convertors from physical parts and so.. BUT a GREAT Arturia recreation. A keeper YUK01

[@JayEP86]

I wonder do you have videos on the Roland cloud

[@falazarte]

Please, do a comparison with the original one.

[@jefgibbons]

I'll keep an eye out for one!

[@HUMZMIC1]

Hey Jeff...With my SQ80V im getting the keys to work off my laptop buttons but no sound will come out of it off my MK3 what should my setting be set to have my SQ80v to work with my keyboard and my MK3? (PLZ HLP)

[@jacey714]

Many of the patches are set up where if you push the same key over and over with the sustain pedal ON the note cancels the subsequent attacks...You have to go to EDIT mode and set Envelope RESET to ON. Was this how the original was? Just curious. I've never had any other synths do that before.

[@jefgibbons]

Didn’t notice that, but good tip!

[@TheBiggerNoise]

Now someone needs to release a five octave poly aftertouch controller

[@ronnyb5890]

i have their keylab 61 MKII keyboard wich does that,and the keyboard also integrates their software as if every synth is on that keyboard,wich it is lol

[@dominicmajor]

The new hydrasynth deluxe 🤟🏽

[@TheBiggerNoise]

@@ronnyb5890 That's what I have as well, but it only produces channel pressure, not poly aftertouch

[@TheBiggerNoise]

@@dominicmajor Believe me, I have considered it :)

[@mimikova390]

My Keylab MKII 61 haz polyphonic aftertouch. Keybed feels great.

[@HUMZMIC1]

Awesome video...I LIKE!!!

[@jefgibbons]

Thanks Tommy!

[@SpacePatrollerLaser]

Spli/layer both available at once? Oscillators have two Mokulators available at the same time. I used to use that to make strings

[@agst2006]

How do we load a new user library?

[@realjake5578]

great video as always !! how u like that Moog Subsequent 25? I have the prior Subphatty 25 & absolutely love it !!

[@jefgibbons]

I haven't had enough time to play with it lately! Such a great sounding synth though...

[@realjake5578]

@@jefgibbons heck yeah 😎🤙

[@xiaoxia5]

what's the effects pedal above the Moog? do you use the foot pedal part with your hand?

[@klevervillamar4842]

el L,A BRASS de ensoniq sq1 estará ahi o ks32

[@Hello-bl9ip]

Rise my friend

[@pascalschwaller7573]

If you can get hold of an original SQ80 and compare it with the software, I would definitely watch it! Happy hunting!

[@Johnsormani]

Would be nice if you could set the synth to original mode with one master switch, so you could use it at voice expander for the hardware synth or to program it from the software

[@ralphgomez9006]

How different is this set compared to say the Arturia 5 installation? Super thanks for the great upload.

[@jefgibbons]

Hi Ralph, do you mean how do the patches compare to what is in the package already? Definitely some overlap… but also some unique patches to this synth!

[@HUMZMIC1]

how do i set my settings to have my mk3 sync to the sq80v? (PLZ HLP)

[@jefgibbons]

Hey Tommy! Do you mean things like the controls of the sq80 showing up on your mk3? What happens for you currently?

[@HUMZMIC1]

@@jefgibbons Ok you see when you have your SQ80V loaded up and your maschine mk3 session view open on your screen and you start playing some music on your mk3 or your keyboard you see the keys on the sq80v responding to it with the sound. Im not getting no sound or response or sound when i touch my keyboard or mk3 for the sq80v. So i wanna know how my setting have to be so all of it can work together!!!

[@SpacePatrollerLaser]

All SQ-80 waveforms were samples some single-cycle and some multi-cycle

[@jefgibbons]

Thanks for the info!

[@srcodling]

the synth is one thing, but where did you get that t-shirt is what I WANT TO KNOW! Very cool!

[@jefgibbons]

This was an antique store find!! It only comes out on special occasions...

[@EvanPriceMusicChannel]

Any idea if the VST responds to polyphonic after touch If I'm using an Ensoniq Keyboard as a controller? Or any other controllers for that matter?

[@MrArpSolina]

Check this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqnaq6Bqpqeob9E

[@etpslick100]

Ya’ll went Ensoniq, huh? Nice! Sorry Ensoniq went outta business! They made nice products!😌🎶🎹❤️👍🏾

[@muco007]

Does anyone know if ESQ-1 patches (midi or sysex) can be opened in this software?

[@georgegeorgio1751]

Yes my thoughts also , i sold an esq1 while back made some awesome sounds so i would only buy if it could load esq/sq sys x files if not no deal.

[@muco007]

@@georgegeorgio1751 Just confirmed works ok. I uploaded my Teanegro Patches (sysex) with no issues. :)

[@georgegeorgio1751]

@@muco007 ok great do they sound the same?

[@georgegeorgio1751]

I loaded some sounds that I made 2 years ago they just don’t sound the same , but maybe with some tweaks could be ok I think it”s the filter they did a good job but it’s hard to emulate an analog filter.

[@muco007]

@@georgegeorgio1751 You beat me to it. I agree not identical but for software you can get close. You'd likely have to tweak on the same brand but different hardware units ( I use ESQM rack to save space, but love and sold many Ensoniq keyboards). I keep some hardware filters around plugged into my patchbay to "warm" the signal up for this very reason. Hardware signal processing makes a difference, but for being on a beach with laptop this meets my needs :).

[@rich_in_paradise]

Would definitely be interested in a comparison with the real synth, but don't fill your studio with more gear on my account :) I think I commented on the Casio video that the VST sounded a bit thin compared to the real synth. But I expect with a touch of drive plugin and a bit of EQ you could make them sound pretty similar.

[@jefgibbons]

Thanks! Maybe I'll also ask around to see if I could borrow one...

[@michalnewton9281]

If you want to hear the SQ 80 all over a track, listen to Killer by Seal

[@AirArtStudiosOfficial]

You mean Adamski🙏🏻 man what a time to be alive :) the rave scene busting through

[@mycosys]

Kinda love that Arturia's offfer email arrived halfway thru watching. Youre definitely on it Mr Jeff Touch disappointed it isnt included as an update in 8, but only cos Arturia have been stupidly generous in the past, the upgrade offers are great. Looks compelling

[@jefgibbons]

Yeah, they gave me the heads up! Thanks Mijc

[@jefgibbons]

@@fantomas9661 Dang, that's a great deal!

[@mycosys]

@@jefgibbons my offer is 149USD for V8 and SQ80 upgrade from my V6 or $49 for just SQ80 from my V8

[@Khemore]

Just wondering, i Use Serum alot and the sounds i hear sound similar to what i can make with that. What would i gain by getting this synth? :) Ofc. I allways love to get new VST´s and getting extra OSC is a bonus ;)

[@jefgibbons]

Good question! The thing I love about these is the unique approach the original synth had relates to a unique virtual instrument. No question that you could achieve sounds like this on serum, but sometimes a new synth brings new inspiration… best not to get caught up in GAS though!!

[@Khemore]

@@jefgibbons True, and i must admit it looks great and i like the layout. I might get it at some point 🎶 Cheers for the reply, and have to say the intro you made with it sounds nice 🍻

[@jefgibbons]

@@Khemore Thanks Khemore!

[@MIDAZSITH]

Jeff you must switch the MPC live 2 lol. That MK3 will collect dust. I know mine is lol. The SQ looks like pigmets ishh

[@Boissinova]

LOL NICE SHREDDING!!! Makes me want to buy my maschine again.. so tempted! 🔥 Have you tried the Roland bundle?! Some of those vsts sound insane.

[@jefgibbons]

No I haven't! Do you have it? It's a subscription right?

[@Boissinova]

@@jefgibbons Nah not yet, I’ve just seen Nick Mira crushing beats with the Promars synth or whatever it’s called. Also check out the Salzburg piano from Korg (not sure if that’s a sub or not, it might be). But I’m drooling over those two sound areas lately!! 🔥

[@MattGarwood777]

is your monitor just a gigantic 4k tv? Mind sharing the model and if you'd recommend it? Btw - just discovered you and subbed right away. Great content, yo!

[@jakobole]

I use a 65" LG 4K, and it's fab. You need to set it to "Game Console" for it to have no latency. Love it. And the Smart-Remotes that LG makes with it, is da bomb

[@jefgibbons]

I just added the link to a vid I made on the tv in the description!

[@Pauluz_The_Web_Gnome]

I have it yes!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Darkl0ud_Productions]

I must admit I am annoyed that this isn't in the V Collection... Feels like the collection is now incomplete :/

[@jefgibbons]

It is now ;)

[@Darkl0ud_Productions]

@@jefgibbons yeah literally a month after I bought V Collection 8 D:

[@jefgibbons]

@@Darkl0ud_Productions But did you get it at 50% off? If so you're still ahead... no?

[@BarryDanielMusic]

Great sounding synth but let’s talk about the drums in the intro 👾👾👾

[@BarryDanielMusic]

The drums are from the synth 🤯

[@jefgibbons]

@@BarryDanielMusic I know!! I had a totally different kit at first and then discovered them... gorgeous...

[@airforeffect]

This looks great! Have you played around with any of Cherry Audio's VSTs? I'd love to see what you make of them!

[@MofoNsh]

10 years ago you could pick one up on ebay from $150 -$200.

[@cesmcmyth]

Nice. Especially how you are playing melodies with the maschine and drums with the keyboard. 😐🤣

[@jefgibbons]

🤷🏻‍♂️

[@marteneliasson8385]

The free vst sq 8 sound better for 100% try it its free an sound perfekt.

[@Rhythmattica]

Playing on pads for chromatic sounds, to only play in key..... lol Opening win! Drums on Keyboard... More A win!

[@djelbert23]

Came here to see if anyone else said anything about that. I was like wait..wut? lol

[@Rhythmattica]

@@djelbert23 Juxtaposed....lol

[@tjosselin]

Great synth but a little expensive for non- pro musician ;-)

[@tabascocat5102]

Why must EVERY single presentation have the profile bleedin' cutaway? Its like 'Hellooooo , wrong camera!' Such an obvious bandwagon jumping attempt at effect.

[@alainterieur794]

Sorry, but it doesn't sound like the original. Not even close...