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SQ8L / SQ8X

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SQ8L / SQ8X
SQ8L / SQ8X by Siegfried Kullmann is a Virtual Instrument Audio Plugin for Windows. It functions as a VST Plugin.
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KVR Rank

Overall: 9   9

30-Day: 15; 7-Day: 16; Yesterday: 26

SQ8L is a software model of Ensoniq's classic 1980s synth SQ80. The SQ80 features 3 digital wavetable oscillators for each of its 8 voices which are fed through analog 4-pole lowpass filters (-24dB gain) with resonance. Sound parameters can be modulated by 4 envelopes, 3 LFOs and several MIDI sources. The SQ80 also has a predecessor, the ESQ1, which can do most of the same stuff.

Although the technology may seem obsolete, these synths can produce a wide variety of interesting and extremely usable sounds. Thanks to the lo-fi oscillators and the analog components it can sound very digital and dirty, but also very analog and warm. Which is a good thing because modern synths often tend to sound rather clean.

The SQ8L ("L" stands for "Light") is the free demo version of the forthcoming SQ8X ("X" for "eXtended"). Besides any bugs that will be fixed in the full version and planned features that won't find their way into the light version, there are only a few limitations:

  • Polyphony limited to 8 voices.
  • Program change messages ignored.
  • Common MIDI controllers (Master Volume, Pan, ...) by default have no effect and must be programmed as modulators.
  • When used with a sequencer, the only sound the host can save within the song file is the one in the edit buffer. The full version will store the entire library (which makes sense when program change messages are used).
  • LFO humanization not implemented.
  • No Split/Layer to combine several sounds.
  • No internal sequencer (and there will never be one).

The full version SQ8X will have the following additional features:

  • Combinations of up to 4 single sounds.
  • Adjustable polyphony (far more than 8 voices).
  • New Filter algorithms with different modes (lowpass, bandpass, highpass).
  • 2nd Filter and different routing modes for the filters: serial, parallel, split.
  • Improved GUI.

Latest User Reviews

Average user rating of 4.67 from 3 reviews
SQ8L / SQ8X

Reviewed By TAUL [all]
March 2nd, 2022
Version reviewed: 0.91 on Windows

Hi, all! I use SQ8L on Mac by VFX software of SM Pro Audio, what have made with "Wine".

Although that limit OS version to Mojave or lower, and having some defect (only about the Mac version).

It can be downloaded from the following HP.

http://bahmi.com/vmachine/.

This software is superior to other methods, becouse it have nearly "zero" delay time.

I thinks that have not any problem of functions, except the condition of the background-area of controler window to transparentizes and cannot click or drug on it.

You'll be recording with DAW, choose input source "IAC" (of AUDIO MIDI).

I am happy if even slightly useful these informations.

Good luck.

Read Review
SQ8L / SQ8X

Reviewed By gwenmollo [all]
November 19th, 2021
Version reviewed: 1 on Windows

Only 32-bits, a few (good) presets and a good sound.

I use it a lot (even create a song only with him) a must to have in my opinion.

Ton bad it's not 64-bits, and not update anymore, it's a excellent free synth !.

Read Review
SQ8L / SQ8X

Reviewed By alienimplant [all]
September 12th, 2019
Version reviewed: 1.x on Windows

I am a Logic Pro user. I run this plugin in a Vienna Ensemble Pro host in VMware Windows in 32-bit mode on my laptop and trigger it from Logic Pro on my Mac with the VEP AU plugin. It works well. I sure wish the author would release the code and allow it to be updated though. I'd spend a lot for a 64-bit AU. This emulation is impeccable and could not be better designed. I am able to import all presets ever released for ESQ-1 and ESQ-80 via SYSEX. This VST is stellar! I cannot say enough good things about it.

Read Review

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Comments & Discussion for Siegfried Kullmann SQ8L / SQ8X

Discussion
Discussion: Active
wallplug
wallplug
2 December 2013 at 12:19pm

Will there ever be an update for this wonderfull VST-i?

64-bit, VST3 all in the long awaited SQ8X???

Wildfunk
Wildfunk
2 December 2013 at 12:29pm

Unfortunately not :-(.

HELLSPAWN25
HELLSPAWN25
27 October 2016 at 2:32pm

I would pay money for that - because the 32-bit version crashes in Cubase 8.5 when using more as one instance :- (.

gabrielwilde
gabrielwilde
12 January 2020 at 1:57am

Hi, I use Presonus Studio One 4 with Jbridge and it never fails or crash. Cheers.

sharkie
sharkie
2 December 2013 at 12:37pm

That is so unfortunate....

dwozzle
dwozzle
17 February 2014 at 9:59pm

The read-me says...

  • Program change messages ignored.
  • When used with a sequencer, the only sound the host can save within the song file is the one in the edit buffer.

Does anyone know if those statements are actually true? If they are, its usefulness is extremely limited. If not, it'd be great. I still have an ESQ-M, not used a lot any more, but I really liked it back in the day.

T-CM11
T-CM11
18 February 2014 at 7:52am

I don't know... I never use program changes, and have never used more than one instance per song.

It's free and it sounds great, that's a lot of usefulness to me! But yeah it's too bad that it never got any further developement.

michaelmoye
michaelmoye
12 August 2014 at 9:31am

sign up.

Taketori
Taketori
27 January 2015 at 2:52pm

Hi, everyone.

I'm new here, and I have to say, I should have registered earlier. Great stuff here.

I love the SQ80 and the ESQ-1. And I bought a SQ80 because I totally fell in love with the sounds I heard in the german "KEYS" magazine, issue 08/2000, when they wrote about the machine in a vintage corner. I never managed to find those sounds, or reprogram them.

Does anyone of you by coincidence know, which sounds were used for this article? I would die for that information. So please, if anyone of you knows what I'm talking about, let me know, please. I'd be tremendously grateful.

Once again hello, and thanks to all of you! :)

solo7
solo7
26 July 2020 at 11:21pm

hi; you must have checked out this site, hosting SQ8L: http://www.buchty.net/ensoniq/index.html#sq8l and stuff about the SQ80, like ROM, dumps, etc.

Also, guys have done a ROMpler kind of stuff, based on SQ8L apparently (not sure whether they sampled from the SQ80 hardware or from the SQ8L VST. .) https://www.samplescience.ca/2019/09/sq8rom.html

adelila
adelila
31 August 2015 at 6:48pm

I know it's pretty much abandonware.. but any chances to install it using FL Studio 11/12?

T-CM11
T-CM11
1 September 2015 at 12:59pm

There are no installation files - just unpack the zip file in your VST folder. And yes it works with all versions of FL Studio.

Molegz
Molegz
28 February 2021 at 4:28pm

I unpacked it on my VST folder but it doesn't show on FL, anybody know how to use it on FL?

DanielFA
DanielFA
4 May 2016 at 3:04pm

Lovely free VSTi! Very unique sounds from the 80s. It is really a pity it's abandonware now but still is a must have... :D.

Taron
Taron
9 May 2016 at 11:58pm

I just wonder where Siegfried went? He's done such a marvelous job with this. ESQ-1 was once my most beloved synth and I'm over the moon to have found this vst, which really feels fantastic and brings back pure joy to me. I'd just want to say "THANKS" to him and hope he's making an excellent and happy living with what ever he chose to do.

Now I shall make some nostalgic tracks full of original happiness, haha, and I hope he gets to read of my sincere gratitude and that of everyone else.

You Rock, Siggy.

substage
substage
11 May 2016 at 12:12am

I would also like a 64-bit version of VSTi.

Peter Widdicombe
Peter Widdicombe
13 October 2017 at 12:11am

My ESQ-1 finally "almost" died on me, but had exported the patches and can use them all in SQ8L.

However, now it seems many of the DAW's are abandoning 32-bit .vsti's... Didn't really want to get into the complication of external bridging. Yep, would like the 64-bit version of this useful synth vst.

Wyrrdbryyngr
Wyrrdbryyngr
5 January 2018 at 9:59am

Reaper has built in bridging.

MartyK
MartyK
31 January 2018 at 7:47pm

Hello, .

I think Siegfried Kullmann is dead. :(.

https://trauer.rp-online.de/traueranzeige/siegfried-kullmann-9999

There are plenty of indications that this is the developer of the SQ8L, because of the man there is nothing to read for several years. Maybe he died of a serious illness.

GoodbyeKitty
GoodbyeKitty
7 June 2018 at 10:50am

Just got the shock of my life, omggg. Siegfried is a personal friend of mine even though I haven't heard from him in a while - I cannot confirm what MartyK wrote, I checked his FB account just now and found out that Siegfried is very alive and well.

Most likely development on the project stopped for other reasons ;)

THIS POST HAS BEEN REMOVED

MartyK
MartyK
7 June 2018 at 1:09pm
@GoodbyeKitty Did he write something on Facebook recently?

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Samuel_S
Samuel_S
9 July 2018 at 10:43am

I hope to god the SQ8X will be a real thing. Can't wait.

lyubokostadinov
lyubokostadinov
29 November 2018 at 4:59pm

Bullshit, he's alive and well. The project is pretty much dead though. :/.

Strangers410
Strangers410
9 March 2019 at 8:57pm

Can't get the files to show up in Reaper.

MikeyD5150
MikeyD5150
29 June 2019 at 4:41am

I absolutely LOVE this Synth. I have paid money for VST synths that don't sound this good.

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alienimplant
alienimplant
12 September 2019 at 6:10am

I am a Logic Pro user. I run this plugin in a Vienna Ensemble Pro host in VMware Windows in 32-bit mode on my laptop and trigger it from Logic Pro on my Mac with the VEP AU plugin. It works well. I sure wish the author would release the code and allow it to be updated though. I'd spend a lot for a 64-bit AU. This emulation is impeccable and could not be better designed. I am able to import all presets ever released for ESQ1 and SQ80 via SYSEX. This VST is stellar! I cannot say enough good things about it.

pauleamca
pauleamca
29 October 2019 at 10:38am

The author Siegfried Kullmann is passed away some years ago. So no 64-bit or mac version for the future.

It's like the HG Fortune productions. Guenther Hager is passed away also in autumn 2014.

vinx98
vinx98
23 October 2019 at 8:52am

theres a video on how to automate SQ8L in Ableton and how to assign to knobs on your MIDI controller. I found it pretty useful. and the sounds of the SQ8L are amazing. heres the video https://youtu.be/JrzZnZUIDHM

laztt
laztt
28 February 2021 at 9:08am

Hey, how do i download this?? I cant find a link.

prxdagy
prxdagy
1 March 2021 at 7:32am

how tf do I download this???

ProdApollo
ProdApollo
1 March 2021 at 9:26am

how do i download this?

THIS POST HAS BEEN REMOVED

Ben [KVR]
Ben [KVR]
1 March 2021 at 11:22am

You can get it directly the page linked to from the Downloads tab: http://www.buchty.net/ensoniq/index.html#sq8l which links to all versions. The latest: http://www.buchty.net/ensoniq/files/sq8l/SQ8L-v0.91b.zip

chef.tauz
chef.tauz
8 March 2021 at 8:59pm

Hey is this available on MAC? lmao.

shawncharvette
shawncharvette
9 July 2021 at 9:36am

Hey guys, i just downloaded the VST and its amazing! I also downloaded the 3 folders of sounds from this thread but i cant seem to load them? The files are all 8XL files. Does anyone know how to import all these presets? I am using Cubase 11 Pro as my DAW.

Any help would be grand, .

S.

g3ng4rb0i
g3ng4rb0i
2 January 2024 at 6:32am

as soon as i popped it in my fl studio 11 and started playing the sounds, i fell in love. fully recommend. sadly there will be no future updates but nonetheless this plugin has my heart.

ndaamtee
ndaamtee
13 February 2024 at 1:53am

How do I add this to FL 21 presets? I've been having trouble figuring it out.

ndaamtee
ndaamtee
13 February 2024 at 2:01am

It was much more simple than I thought, Just press the folder with the plus icon in Plugin Manager and add whatever folder you extracted sq8l into there.

gruust
gruust
13 March 2024 at 10:49am

Is there any reason why open-source plugins like SurgeXT cannot replicate SQ80 sounds? If so, maybe submit a feature request?

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