Ensoniq TS-10 vs VFX-SDII / SD-1

[coastalscrub]

I have an Ensoniq VFX-SD II and I've purchased a TS-10 for a great price. I know that the TS-10 is more powerful but is there anything I will be missing out on if I sell the VFX-SD II? I know more powerful and capable doesn't always equal better in synth-land. Sometimes it's just added complexity or sterility.

Of course, I'll let my ears do the final judging but any opinions would be welcome. The TS-10 is in another city and won't be in my hands for another month.

Thanks.

[Chewy]

If you like the transwaves, I wouldn't sell your VFX. Although the TS-10 has more than one synthesis method, it doesn't have near as many transwaves, if I remember correctly. I'd say keeping both is a good idea, as they're both cool synths and do different things, even though there is a bit of overlap

[Ashe37]

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=76293

The transwaves on the TS-10 are quite short compared to the VFX. or course, you could use Tranzilion to make new ones, iirc.

[Chewy]

^ Thanks for that thread link

It could be very useful in helping one decide which one to get/keep/sell. I've never owned a transwave synth, but I got an ESQ-1 probably around 6 months ago. It's pretty cool and I like it, but I'm not crazy about it; I think something like a VFX-SD would gel with me more. That list on the MR Rack definitely surprised me, so it'd be one to consider if I get one, it's just a shame the editing from the front panel is that limited

EDIT: Btw, Ashe, what do you think of your SD-1 (32), VFX, and SQ-R? If you like transwaves (and front panel editing), I know the SD or VFX would be the way to go, but is the SQ-R any good in your opinion? I like that it's a rack, but I wonder how easy the editing is and how it is overall.

[Ashe37]

The SQ-R is ok, and there is a KS-32 editor for Windows that also works on the SQ-R. It is capable of some of the same sounds but 3 layers instead of the 6 layers of the other units. Mine is a little hard to edit from the front panel because the silk screening wore off. I've been considering selling it because it is really just duplicating stuff i already have , and there's no way to convert patches.

[Chewy]

Ah, ok, thanks. Sounds like if you want transwaves in a rack with at least some editing controls*, SQ-R may not be too bad

*EDIT: needed to clarify. I meant gear with built in transwaves, since of course there's the ASR-10 rack you can get transwaves for, and you could always sample some into any sampler

[Ashe37]

Yep, i just couldn't get a way to duplicate some of my VFX patches...

[coastalscrub]

Thanks for the input! I just found a big box of ASR and EPS samples at the flea market so I'm excited to try out the sample playback capability of the TS-10. I may end up selling it because I already have a number of hybrid and digital synths (DW-8000, SQ-80, D-50/PG-1000, DX7, EX7) and I could use the money for an analog monosynth...