Where digital
dreams are made
Digital synthesizers are often known for sounds that are razor-sharp, crystal-clear, and precise - SQ80 V has other ideas.
Explore a detailed software resurrection of a digital anti-hero that’s out to break the rules.
Capture the grit, character, and charming imperfection favored by John Carpenter, Adamski, Mr Bungle, and countless others with an instrument that’s simultaneously complex and accessible, focused and intricate, edgy and dream-like - and unlike anything you’ve heard before.
The digital edge
SQ80 V’s perfectly-modeled 8-bit 5503 DOC chip delivers digital sounds that are uniquely full of organic character, ranging from silky smooth to razor sharp - all ready to customize & play in seconds.
Analog character
Digital oscillators collide with an emulated analog filter and output circuit for sinewaves that growl, harmonics that sizzle, and warm lo-fi timbres that are perfectly imperfect.
Waveforms evolved
Explore thousands of possible combinations of waves, instrument-style transients, hidden waveforms, and VFX transwaves for sound design potential that surpasses the original hardware.
Digital made easy
Digital synths have long been notoriously tricky to program, both hardware and software. SQ80 V bucks the trend with an immersive digital architecture that can be tweaked instantly, hassle-free.
Riding
a wave
Created by the same engineers responsible for the Commodore 64 - considered the best-selling computer of all time - Ensoniq’s SQ80 was up against stiff competition.
At the time of its release, the digitization of hardware synthesizers was well under way - but it went on to become a cult classic.
Here was a digital synthesizer that offered a degree of warmth and character usually reserved for its analog peers; flexible voice and modulation controls that didn’t require 10,000 hours of practice to program; a workhorse keyboard that produced an unprecedented array of timbres to suit any style, without the stellar price tag of similarly capable instruments.
After finding success with the Commodore 64 computer, former MOS Technology engineers Robert Yannes, Bill Mauchly, Bruce Crockett, David Ziembicki, Al Charpentier, and Charles Winterble spent several years on projects that ultimately didn’t materialise. The best selling computer of all time was a tough act to follow.
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Their debut 1985 release, the Mirage, was a sampling keyboard that entered the market at considerably less than the dominant samplers of the time like the Fairlight CMI. Its affordable price tag came at exactly the right time, so success was all but guaranteed. Their next release, the ESQ-1, cemented the company’s place as worthy contenders in the synth arena.
By the time Ensoniq released the SQ80 - an updated version of the ESQ-1 - the digital synth market was saturated. Pioneering Japanese manufacturers were dominating, with releases like the Roland D-50 and the Yamaha DX7 already in the world's top studios and on the biggest stages.
The SQ80 was up against stiff competition. And yet, during a time when synthesizers were becoming increasingly complex, and therefore difficult to program, Ensoniq had the upper hand. Simple menus, a clear screen, and clearly assigned buttons meant that crafting your own sound was quick, fun, and versatile. Compared to the leading Korg M1, the SQ80 was a breath of fresh air for keyboardists. The fact that its proprietary digital circuitry was combined with a Curtis CEM 3379 filter & amp chip meant that its sound was unique too. Rather than glassy and precise like other digital offerings, it was crunchy, loud, and inconsistent.
It was this distinct formula that, ultimately, led to the SQ80 being considered a classic instrument. Its imperfect tones, featured on numerous ‘80s & ‘90s hits, soundtracks, and performances, are as nostalgic and edgy today as they ever were. SQ80 V brings them to your DAW in all their former glory, complete with additional enhancements modeled on Ensoniq’s later releases like the VFX.
Waveforms
SQ80 V’s unique voice is all about combining and manipulating waveforms.
Each of its 3 oscillators can be assigned a different waveform; SQ80 V unites classic waveforms from the original built-in library with hundreds more that we’ve added, ranging from the familiar to the abstract. The resulting range of sounds at your disposal is simply enormous; soft moving string pads, plucky pulse width basses, glitchy industrial percussion...
Just a small selection of the variety of sounds you can attain with SQ80 V, thanks to its diverse library of available waveforms.
SQ80 waveforms
The Complex Oscillator generates harmonically rich tones by folding a waveform’s peaks and valleys back on themselves.
Transwaves
An additional technology taken from Ensoniq’s follow-up generation of synthesizers, including ‘Transwaves’, a pioneering form of wavetable application.
ESQ-1 hidden waveforms
ESQ-1 preceded the SQ80, but had the same software. The same ‘hack’ was applied to produce a new selection of unique waveforms.
SQ80 hidden waveforms
By ‘hacking’ the original SQ80’s software, users unearthed a series of unpredictable waveforms made entirely of manipulated code.
Shades of
analog
SQ80 V’s unique voice begins with its 8-bit oscillators and endless hybrid waveform combinations.
It’s when these components collide with its emulated CEM 3379 analog filter that it truly comes into its own. By processing digital sounds through its emulated analog filter and amp, SQ80 V can inject organic imperfections, crunchy harmonics, and tangible lo-fi distortion into your modern mixes.
Using our proprietary TAE® technology, we remodeled it in unparalleled detail to bring you a virtual instrument that sings, barks, and growls just like the original hardware.
Hear the richness of SQ80 V's modeled CEM resonant low pass filter and how well it complements the digital voices.
Layer upon
layer
From the immediacy of its controls to its games console aesthetic, SQ80 V is as charming, edgy, and accessible as the real deal. Use it in your DAW or as a standalone instrument and, quite literally, make waves.
An authentic experience
The main interface is stripped down, as with the original, with a mini display menu providing instant access to your main voice controls, including tuning, waveform selection, octave switching, and more.
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01. Oscillator triple threat
In the Synthesis tab, you’ll find more detailed controls for SQ80 V’s 3 oscillators, each with a dedicated DCA (amplifier) and hundreds of waveforms to choose from. This simple architecture is comparable to classic analog synths, making it ultra-accessible despite its complex sound. And, just like the original, you can explore unique hard sync and AM (amplitude modulation) configurations to unlock more abstract sonic behavior.
02. Analog output
Where digital meets analog, magic happens. SQ80 V features a meticulously-modeled Curtis CEM 3379 chip that provides the beautifully warm resonant analog filter and stereo amplification stage. Better still, we implemented subtle analog dispersion to reproduce the nuanced ever-changing behavior of analog circuitry for a truly organic sound.
03. Movement and modulation
Ensoniq’s instruments were known for providing a more familiar synth architecture than many of their digital peers, closer to that of an analog synth in many ways. SQ80 V replicates and enhances this familiarity in detail so you can craft your own evolving, pulsing, and rhythmic sounds in no time: 4 multimode polyphonic envelope generators, 3 LFOs with 6 waveforms, 8 MIDI sources, and even a dynamic modulation mixer.
3-Oscillators Versatility
A demonstration of how the layering of 3 distinct waveforms can create a unique patch, like this dirty bass sound.
Analog Dirt Output
Even a simple filtered sawtooth waveform can sound beautifully grainy and lo-fi thanks to SQ80 V's emulated analog filter and output.
MSEG
A demonstration of how a single sustained note can become an interesting rhythmic and melodic pattern in itself, simply by applying SQ80 V's MSEG modulator.
Effects
Getting SQ80 V mix-ready is as easy as hopping over to the Effects tab. A familiar but powerful array of 15 effects add the final piece to its end-to-end sound design puzzle. From modulation to dynamics, configure the effects section in series or parallel to refine your patch into a finished product.
FX
Subtle application of SQ80 V's Effects can make any idea into a mix-ready melody or pattern that's full of life.
Stereo Pan
Bitcrusher
Phaser
Pitch Shift Delay
Delay
Compressor
Flanger
Tape Delay
Param EQ
Multiband Compressor
Juno Chorus
Reverb
Multi Filter
Overdrive
Chorus
What we
added
SQ80 V strikes the perfect balance between ‘80s cult classic and modern production workhorse with character.
To achieve this, we added hundreds more waveforms and retrofitted its architecture with a number of extra creative features - without compromising its distinct retro charm.
The arpeggiator
Introducing an arpeggiator to SQ80 V’s curious sound equips it for easy performance and melody creation. A classic component with the familiar controls, including arp direction, sync, octave range, and hold. Just turn it on and enjoy free-flowing lo-fi sounds that fit right into your mix.
Unison
SQ80 V offers up to 16-voice polyphony - twice that of the original hardware instrument - but we couldn’t resist adding an 8-voice unison option. Stack up those oscillators for enormous basses, gritty percussion, and ultra-dense lead sounds.
Dispersion
When it comes to classic synths and keyboards, the true charm often lies in the details. We went a step further than emulating the SQ80’s sound and interface by introducing dispersion - meaning subtle variations and inconsistencies in the behavior of its emulated circuitry. No two notes will ever be exactly the same, bringing a truly unmatched organic sound.
Envelopes expanded
To further shape the attack, duration, and evolution of your sounds, we upgraded SQ80 V with 2 additional envelope modes: DADSR and MSEG. The former adds a delay stage to the traditional ADSR for staggered strikes and interesting rhythmic patterns. The latter is a fully-customizable looping function generator for painting envelopes your own way.
The Mod Mixer
Combine any 2 modulation sources, from envelopes to keyboard controls, to distort, mangle, and refract your patches in interesting and unexpected ways. With 6 different modes of modulation mixing, the combination possibilities are enormous - as are the potential sonic results.
MPE compatibility
SQ80 V supports MPE-compatible controllers for an advanced expressivity experience. Create dynamic performance patches and textures that can respond in numerous ways to a single keystroke.
Preset
library
Enjoy perfect tailor-made sounds from the offset with SQ80 V’s expertly-designed library of 160 presets, including 40 replicated from the original instrument.
From metallic industrial percussion to synthetic keyboard patches, you’ll find a sound that suits you in no time.
Basses
Chase Me
A layered retro bass sound that combines bell-like resonance with a smooth filtered low end, with the filter cutoff on the move.
90s Bass
A punchy bass straight from the '80s and early '90s, with a string-like slap and subtle distorted movement with the mod wheel.
Sequences
Ethereal Steps
Rich cascading arpeggios originating with just a single note, crafted with a DADSR envelope and pitch-shift delay.
Acid Rain
Warm arpeggios, acidic in nature, colored and expanded with intense delay and fading bitcrusher.
Keys
So Sqeet
An almost-familiar '80s brass patch with slow vibrato, complemented by the harmonic character that only SQ80 V's digital architecture can provide.
Distorted Life
Like a processed music box fading into the distance, this keys patch shines with overtone richness and chorus depth.
Lead
Double Phases
A dark lead sound with airy overtones, almost formant in quality; a sound that only SQ80 V's cross wave architecture can deliver.
Artic Blues
An eerie lead patch that's initially soft before introducing deeper reflections for a reverse-like call and response, courtesy of cross-fading between oscillators 1 and 2.
Strings
Infinity
A classic string-style pad with a pulsating filter. Control the filter's movement with the macro controls and the richness of the chorus with the mod wheel.
HARP
A bright and clean plucked string from the original Ensoniq instrument's factory library, expanded with stereo delay.
Pads
Liquid Thoughts
An ultra-smooth, dark, and rich pad that plucks softly and swells over time, demonstrating how mysterious and evolving SQ80 V's sound can become.
Bending Light
Refractions, fragments of sound, soft movements and interplay between different waveforms, FX, and expressive tools.
Da Honorable C.N.O.T.E
Work Hard
If you've been listening to rap in the last 15 years, the chances are that you have heard songs by the likes of Migos, Gucci Mane, Travis Scott, and many more, produced by Da Honorable C.N.O.T.E (C Note).
Read the StoryHear it
in action
SQ80 V’s distinct lo-fi charm is best expressed through sound.
We enlisted the help of established sound designers, producers, and music-makers to put it to the test - have a listen and immerse yourself in the sounds of a classic resurrected.
80 Squares
Solidtrax
80 Squares brings us back a good twenty years as it is heavily influenced by some key artists in the techno and house scene that we listened to a lot in early 2000. The SQ80 V delivers the ingredients for the track perfectly, as this synth was used a lot in the scene.
87 Summer Sunset
Maxime Audfray
A retro synthwave track with a lot of 80's action, showcasing the ability of the SQ80 V to trigger strong nostalgia response from the VHS era. All sounds present in this demo (even the drums!) are from the SQ80 V, with only a little bit of EQ and compression.
Planete X
Maxime Desormieres
Spatial/Melancholic Trap beat. All the melody except the drums and 808 are coming from the SQ80 V. I played with the «Detune» and «glide» option to get an old, organic type of sound. Some of the patches are custom but I used mostly the factory presets.
SQ Acid
Maxime Dangles
A colorful acid house track, with lots of energy and a little mystery. No external effects were used.
SQDM
Lily Jordy
A lofty, raw and mysterious IDM track using only 6 instances of the SQ80 V from the new Factory library. Automations made using macros and internal FX.
SQ Dreams
Jean-Michel Blanchet
A lofty evolutive piece using different layers of ambient sounds in the SQ80 V Factory. No external effects were used in the making of this demo.
To The Floor
Leonard De Leonard
A straight to the point techno piece that starts off with a bang (and ends with one too). No external effects were used in the making of this demo.
Train Fantome
Maxime Desormieres
Dark Trap/Drill beat, with layers of SQ80 V’s patches. Same MIDI used for all the melody parts, mostly keys and pads. There is a custom 808 with slides and drums to match with it.
Artistscorner
Included in
V collection
Legendary Keyboards Reinvented
This instrument is also part of the V Collection -your complete dream line-up of the legendary synths, organs, pianos and more that made keyboard history. They’re modeled with the most advanced technologies for authentic realism, and enhanced with new creative options. Whether you use it as DAW plugins in the studio or standalone at gigs, V Collection puts the greatest keys of all time at your fingertips for instant inspiration.
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The features
you need
Integrated in-app tutorials guide you through every aspect of the instrument, from individual parameters to tips from our sound designers, so you can focus on the creative stuff. It shouldn't be this easy, but it is!
Arturia Software Center lets you download, organize, and update all of your Arturia software titles in one place, as well as manage all of your licenses across multiple devices. Keep it simple.
Our virtual instruments and plugins are designed to fit right into your setup without hassle. Whatever your style, you can explore sound while enjoying full compatibility with major DAWS, on both Windows and MacOS.
Instantly find the sound that’s in your head with intelligent & streamlined preset browsing. Search with keywords, explore by instrument type, musical style, and more - you can even save your favorites to quickly recall later.
Whether you want the full visual immersion of our classic instrument emulations, or to save precious screen real estate, the interfaces for all of your Arturia virtual instruments can be resized to a scale that suits you.
Instruments come seamlessly mapped for the Arturia KeyLab range - but they’ll place nice with other MIDI controllers too. Instant sound tweaking macros, easy DAW integration, and standalone operation.
TAE® Powered
The exclusive analog modeling technology that makes our emulations indistinguishable from the originals.
By accurately mimicking the characteristics of analog oscillators, filters, and soft clipping, we can provide astonishing component-accurate detail and authentic analog charm in equal measure.
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Gallery
Main Features
3 digital oscillators based on the original DOC chip
Over 400 waveforms across 4 unique banks
Amplitude Modulation and Hard Sync
4 analog DCAs; 1 for each oscillator, 1 master output
Analog resonant low-pass filter based on the original CEM chip
4 polyphonic envelope generators with 3 modes; SQ80, DADSR, MSEG
3 LFOs with 6 waveforms
8 MIDI sources
Modulation mixer for combining 2 modulation sources
Built-in 7-mode arpeggiator
Up to 16-voice polyphony with Unison mode
4 FX slots across 2 busses, configurable in series or parallel
15 master effect types
Advanced Brightness, Timbre, Time and Movement macro controls
200+ factory presets, including 40 from the original SQ-80 instrument
MPE compatibility
Platform specifications
Windows
- Win 10+ (64bit)
- 2.5 GHz CPU
- 4 GB RAM
- 2GB free hard disk space
- OpenGL 2.0 compatible GPU
- ARM processors not supported on Windows
Required configuration
- VST, AAX, Audio Unit
Apple
- Mac OS 10.13+
- 2.5 GHz or Apple Silicon CPU
- 4 GB RAM
- 2GB free hard disk space
- OpenGL 2.0 compatible GPU
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