Arturia SQ 80 V

[Teksonik]

duplicate post

[olepro]

i didn't bother to watch the stream but as soon as someone starts off with the "ableton twitch infant" routine, i just tune out.

though i will say "1-2 button editing" is a stretch. i do wonder whether you've programmed a sound on that generation of hardware.

The programming interface was very clever laid out. As said every parameter was one to two button push away.
I have the hardware SQ80 since 1987, and always found editor software an obstacle in relation to the synth's own interface.

[jojoB3]

Meh. Could care less how you view my reply, it won't change the fact that this leak was handled by a hack. And unfortunately, and perhaps it's because of what little the hack knew of these synths, it also outlined that it didn't capture the SQ80's sound at all (although I don't dislike Arturia, I bet they get very close. Again, all that should be rather simple espec with these classic synths). It's the hardware's usage that will remain an unknown (it's a VST).

There's a ton of vst's I dig. Goofballs with a boom mic?...not so much.

I'll say it again, 1-2 button editing. Anyone who's worked with these synths knows this.

[gaggle of hermits]

it's been a while but if i recall it takes up to two buttons to get to a particular edit page. you then scroll to the required parameter using button presses.

[zerocrossing]

How accurate is SQ8L? I mostly don't care about the sounds but there are a few really good patches. Never tried to program one myself.

Pretty good. I bought an SQ-80 for it’s polyphonic aftertouch keyboard and I compared the sound of it to the software and for me, the software was close enough. Maybe the filter was a bit different. The keyboard had become very stiff and the aftertouch had become unplayable, so it went right back.

[jojoB3]

SQ8L (deprecated) compared to hardware:

It's filter is definitely the weak point. 50/50 on it's mirroring of sound and patches. Still a very low taxing VST to learn the synthesis though, well worth it's price (free).

SQ80 uses a contactless keybed system (read that again, one of the most repairable keybeds out there). If your poly-at is diminished it simply requires a cleaning. There are repair .pdf's out there.

[Teksonik]

Meh. Could care less how you view my reply, it won't change the fact that this leak was handled by a hack. And unfortunately, and perhaps it's because of what little the hack knew of these synths, it also outlined that it didn't capture the SQ80's sound at all

Well that's a completely different subject than "no synth emulation will ever be more than 50% because of the hardware". Again that's utter nonsense.

But I agree about the video. He totally failed to show the strength of the SQ-80. I don't think he was trying to demonstrate the plugin and in fact it seems like he wasn't even thinking about using a synth that hadn't even been leaked yet. I'd say he was more careless than malicious.

I'll say it again, 1-2 button editing. Anyone who's worked with these synths knows this.

I'll say it again I have owned and played these synths, hell I even sold these synths when I worked in a music store.

You'll never convince me that editing patches from the hardware will ever be as efficient or ergonomic as using a software editor or the VST interface when it's released. I'll take editing on an HD 27" monitor rather than being bent over a hardware unit squinting at its tiny display any and every time.

[zerocrossing]

It can also work against them, if they team up with some clown, as it can reflect poorly on the company.

I have a feeling that, nowadays, for many companies, it's "bad publicity is good publicity". I really can't interpret all those silly discussions about literally no known facts at all everywhere in any other way.

Typical case: a 50 second product video, which shows the right edge of the product. The internet speculates wildly, and everyone knows exactly what the product will be like, and why it will ultimately fail.

Just witnessed such a case in an Android smartphone forum.

As for your thoughts on influencers: Yep, totally agree. I have no idea why everyone is an expert for everything these days, and why people are so into that kind of thing these days. Most influencers are just hipster role models, I guess.

The whole “influencer” thing is a bunch of b.s. It’s all a direct descendant of the kind of Kardashian thing, where you can become famous for basically nothing. Marketing about marketing. I hope it dies soon.

[Teksonik]

SQ80 uses a contactless keybed system (read that again, one of the most repairable keybeds out there). If your poly-at is diminished it simply requires a cleaning. There are repair .pdf's out there.

You'll want to watch this episode of The Synth Wizards where they repair and upgrade the keyboard of an SQ80.

Sam Mims has been one of the Ensoniq experts since day one.

You can jump to the 11:37 mark of the video:

[zerocrossing]

SQ8L (deprecated) compared to hardware:

It's filter is definitely the weak point. 50/50 on it's mirroring of sound and patches. Still a very low taxing VST to learn the synthesis though, well worth it's price (free).

SQ80 uses a contactless keybed system (read that again, one of the most repairable keybeds out there). If your poly-at is diminished it simply requires a cleaning. There are repair .pdf's out there.

The keyboard was described as in “great” condition, and I specifically asked about the key bed feel and I was assured that it was, “like new.” I just didn’t feel like going though the hassle of fixing it myself or having it fixed. I returned it and found a GEM S2, which feels amazing with no maintenance.

[Teksonik]

I just find it amusing when people get so excited about something like Cherry Audio's upcoming synth because it might be a Jupiter 4 but if anyone gets excited about an emulation of a hybrid synth from the 80's they're all "but what does it bring".

It's ok to want a hundred different ways to run a saw wave through a low pass filter but emulating a synth with some unique architecture and sound is considered frivolous.

Anyway we have no idea when or indeed if the Arturia SQ80 will see the light of day so until then there's really nothing to discuss. You either want such an emulation or you don't.....

[jojoB3]

Really? You think I haven't seen this?

No, the repair manual itself BEST informs owners how to maintain (if you're willing to learn that is). The "Talking Synths" crew are making 'channel content'. Sometimes good for a repair part or two, they're mainly synth hunters providing a service and in the biz of repair and resale.

And there are better SQ80 vids out there btw.

You'll want to watch this episode of The Synth Wizards where they repair and upgrade the keyboard of an SQ80.

Sam Mims has been one of the Ensoniq experts since day one.

You can jump to the 11:37 mark of the video:

[jojoB3]

Again, rather simple repair/maintenance. You picked up a 'vintage synth'.

The keyboard was described as in “great” condition, and I specifically asked about the key bed feel and I was assured that it was, “like new.” I just didn’t feel like going though the hassle of fixing it myself or having it fixed. I returned it and found a GEM S2, which feels amazing with no maintenance.

[gaggle of hermits]

how does cleaning fix the aftertouch in a coil-based (that is, magnetic) contactless keybed?

[jojoB3]

Yep. Exactly! Hands on synth, not the mouse

The programming interface was very clever laid out. As said every parameter was one to two button push away.
I have the hardware SQ80 since 1987, and always found editor software an obstacle in relation to the synth's own interface.