Vintage Synth Explorer Forums

I've been trying to remake the famous, instantly-recognizable Roland D-50 patch "Staccato Heaven" on my SQ-80 and I'm still coming up short. It doesn't seem to have the depth of the D-50's patch. Both synths have a similar voice structure so I'm sure it could be done to a degree. Has anyone tried this?

D-50 patch here:

Staccato Heaven

Probably the best way is to dissect Staccato Heaven's partials on a D-50/550 and then recreate them individually on the SQ-80, at least as close as you can.

If you don't have a D-50 handy, maybe someone could record the partials separately for you. I could do it, if time permits, maybe tonight (if the wife lets me...)

Of course, nothing sounds quite like a D-50, so you will probably only get a passable imitation on something else.

Also, the D-50 has chorus, reverb, and delay effects built-in, and Staccato Heaven definitely uses some of them. Have you tried running your SQ-80 through some effects to add depth?

I almost bought a D-50 but ended up with an SQ-80 since it was much cheaper and had a neat built-in sequencer.

Funny you should mention effects, just last night I bought an Alesis Midiverb III Multi-Effects Unit for the Ensoniq. I'm hoping it will help add some depth to the sound.

I wish I could be more help, I'm in college now and my SQ-80 is 200 miles away so I can't upload my attempt at "Staccato Heaven". It's more or less a tweak of the SQ-80's factory preset "Hush" if anyone here has heard that one.

Easily the best preset on the D-50, number 28 on mine

Ensoniq is more rough and industrial, D-50 is clinchier and smoother!

iProg wrote:Easily the best preset on the D-50, number 28 on mine

You (or someone) must have moved it then. In the original preset bank it was in 61.