TMP-3-06 Vintage Synth TV Series from Benge

video upload by Memetune Studio

00:00 Opening Titles
00:17 Introduction
01:27 Switched On 80s
12:54 Little Black Boxes
17:29 Commercial Break
19:58 Patching Today
29:19 Synthesiser Club
31:59 Video Lab
36:07 Outro

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Sixth and final episode of the third series of the TV program from Benge, made at his Memetune Electronic Music Studio

The series explores his passion for vintage synthesiser instruments and studio gear and how he uses them in his productions and collaborations

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It is divided into the following sections:

SWITCHED ON 80s - This third series takes an in-depth look into six classic 80s synthesisers, selected because of their interesting and unique attributes

LITTLE BLACK BOXES - A further look at some classic rack mount studio gear of the 80s and 90s

COMMERCIAL BREAK - Some shameless Memetune shilling

PATCHING TODAY - A deep-dive into vintage modular systems and how to set up a patch on them, starting from scratch, this time using Cybersynthesis techniques to bring an element of surprise to the patches

SYNTHESISER CLUB - A short musical demonstration of a synthesiser classic or three, concentrating on 'families' of synths

VIDEO LAB - A look at old video equipment and how to create experimental visuals, concentrating on a specific device in each episode

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In THIS episode:

SWITCHED ON 80s - A look at Roland's first fully digital keyboard the D50 Linear Synthesiser from 1987

LITTLE BLACK BOXES - A look at the unique Kawai K5m additive synth

COMMERCIAL BREAK - Some adverts for Memetune-related goodies, including a new Benge album and the range of Memetune merchandise

PATCHING TODAY - Today is a bit special - Benge sets up a mega-patch using a Modcan A Series, an Emu 2000 modular, a Serge Paperface and an ARP 2500

SYNTHESISER CLUB - In todays episode, Benge makes some elevator muzak on Ensoniq synths: an ESQ1, an SD1, an ASR-X and a Fizmo

VIDEO LAB - In this episode we take a brief glance at the editing platform, DaVinci Resolve from Blackmagic Design

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LINKS:

Memetune Studio Instagram: @memetunestudio

Benge & Memetune Merch on Bandcamp: https://zackdagoba.bandcamp.com

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The MemeTune Programme Credits:
Everything in this video was created by B D Edwards (Benge)
All music, design, writing, filming and production completed at Memetune Studios, UK, 2025"

Additional Vintage Synth TV Series episodes from Benge

Ensoniq Fizmo

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this Reverb listing

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Ensoniq Fizmo Transwave Digital Synthesizer

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via this Reverb listing

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Ensoniq Fizmo Rack SN 069976515

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via this Reverb listing

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Fizmo Gizmo

video upload by Memetune Studio

"Some abstract spacey-noises on the incredible Ensoniq Fizmo

The images were stills from Dune 1984 put through an ai gizmo and messed around with in resolve"

Rare Ensoniq 14 Sound Disk Set #4-17 + Sound Lab For The Mirage NOS Sealed

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this eBay listing

This one was spotted and sent in via
M Me.

"RARE NOS 14 factory sealed (stapled) 1985 Ensoniq sound disks all featuring different sounds for the Mirage Digital Sampling Keyboard. Disks #4-17

Also included is a factory sealed Ensoniq Sound Lab for Apple Macintosh and the Mirage Digital Sampling Keyboard

All disks are 3.5” floppys"

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The 13 Most WTF Haunted Synthesizers

video upload by Magical Synth Adventure

"Hello adventurers, Nurse Bow here. Ready for some spooky fun? It's Halloween and here's the top 13 WTF haunted synthesizers!

00:00 Intro
00:44 Honourable Mentions
02:55 Waldorf Blofeld
04:34 4MS Metamodule
07:13 Liquid Sky D.Vices
11:00 Roland V-Synth
13:06 Technics WSA-1
15:42 Ensoniq EPS 16+
17:05 Mutable Shruthi-1
19:47 Intermission: Cold War Synths
20:08 Kurzweil K2000
20:59 Korg Nautilus/Kronos
22:49 Casio CTK-1000
23:56 Beast Tek Modules
25:35 Gotharman's Polyspaze/Zaturn
28:17 Evolution EVS-1

CREDITS:

Ghost Girl 3D Model by Shaban Hafizsalim"

Evolving Riddle-4

video upload by Memetune Studio

"Yesterday a new part of the riddle arrived in the post - a beautiful Ensoniq SD1!

The SD1 is a Transwave Rompler workstation from 1990

Did you know that Ensoniq founder Bob Yannes invented the Rompler as we know it (and also the SID chip)? The very first one was called the ESQ1 and came out in 1986, the year before the Roland D50, and then all the other ones from Korg, Yamaha, Kawai, Emu, Alesis, and Kurzweil, each quickly developing their own digital rom chips. Actually Bob used single cycle waveforms stored in rom, but the basic structure and concept of the ESQ1 is what became the rompler. It had 3 simple rom-based VCOs that could be layered and sent through an analog filter. It is a wonderful, epoch defining synth - totally underrated IMO

It was enhanced and repackaged as the SQ80 in 1988 as a fully realised Rompler with more memory for the read-only samples

Their follow up was the VFX which added Transwave synthesis - a bit like the PPG wavetable idea where you can move through the waveform and modulate it. However the VFX had some reliability issues and was replaced a year later by the SD1 which also added a sequencer, and more voices and memory

And this is what we have here - mixed in with the other synths - Quadrasynth, TG33, Waldorf Microwave2 and the Roland JV1080

The reverbs are the Lexicon 224X and the Quantum Room Simulator

There is one part of the riddle left to make - I'll try and work on it tomorrow. Then I will release them all as an album - 'Evolving Riddles' by Benge 😀"

Ensoniq ASR-X Pro A

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this Reverb listing

"Ensoniq ASR-X Pro with 8 outs and SD Card Reader. Knobs work great , small dent on the side but has no effect on the Machine."

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Ensoniq Fizmo Transwave Digital Synthesizer

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this Reverb listing

"Excellent Fizmo ready for a new home. Plays great with excellent feel synth action keys. Serviced a couple years ago, this board has many years of life ahead of it. All knobs respond to fine control, and input/output is clear.

Unit comes with PSU and manual."

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Ensoniq FIZMO

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this Vemia listing

Click the auction link on top when you get there for additional listings.

"In excellent condition and fully functional. Most importantly it has had the essential regulator modification. The instrument has been well looked after, having been kept in a non-smoking and pet-free home studio.

The synth comes with the original user's guide and a suitable UK mains power adapter. If you intend to use it outside the UK you will require a 9VAC 1.3A adapter for your local mains voltage.

Ensoniq's swansong, the FIZMO is an incredibly rare and highly sought-after 48-voice synthesizer which uses 2nd-generation Transwave technology to create very organic sounds unlike any other synth available. The top panel is festooned with realtime controls for many of its features, including the unique and quirky 'F I Z M O' knobs which alter various parameters per patch. It is most revered for its ability to create immense textures and soundscapes, often from just a single note.

For deep diving using a computer, there is a reasonably priced Mac / Windows application available called Fauxmo which is a standalone editor / librarian GUI. It edits the instrument via MIDI in real time."

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Echograin Tranzwave 2 Software Synthesizer Inspired by the Ensoniq Fizmo

video uploads by Echograin


video upload by AMAZONA Music Mag



via Echograin

Introducing Tranzwave, a powerful wavetable Synthesizer, inspired by an unsung hero from the late 90’s: The Ensoniq Fizmo.

The flexible modulation engine, coupled with creative editing and randomization features, simplifies the creation of new, innovative sounds. Tranzwave brings all the wavetables from the Fizmo into the modern age for new creative explorations. With its user-friendly interface, Tranzwave provides complete control over wavetable and effect controls, making the creation of new sounds both fun and easy.

Tranzwave – A Tribute to Fizmo’s DNA

In the late 1990s Ensoniq pioneered “Transwaves”, a unique form of wavetable synthesis notably featured in their Fizmo synthesizer. Unlike earlier forms of wavetable synthesis, which could sometimes produce more static or stepped sounds, Ensoniq’s technology facilitated fluid transitions between different waveforms within a wavetable.
This innovation led to the creation of evolving, dynamic soundscapes. Ensoniq’s approach allowed for a more seamless and organic morphing of sounds, enabling musicians to craft rich, textured audio experiences that changed over time. This method offered a fresh and novel way to explore sonic possibilities, distinguishing it from the more digital and discrete transitions of previous wavetable synthesizers like the PPG Wave. Although the Ensoniq Fizmo, which utilized Transwaves, did not achieve widespread fame, its distinctive approach to wavetable synthesis marked a significant development in the evolution of electronic sound and influenced modern synthesis techniques.

Tranzwave brings this older, unique wavetable concept, known as Transwaves, into the modern era of music production. By sampling each frame of these Transwaves, Tranzwave offers a rich and dynamic sonic palette that captures the essence of these early digital synthesizers. It’s akin to having a vast library of colors and shades at your disposal, offering endless possibilities for creating new and innovative sounds.

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Ensoniq Fizmo - Transwave Synthesizer

video upload by Blixxa Satanika

Ensoniq Fizmo Transwave Digital Synthesizer

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this Reverb listing

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ENSONIQ FIZMO Realtime Transwave Synth

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ENSONIQ FIZMO SOUNDS video upload by muzykujkropkacom

via this eBay listing, also on Reverb

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ENSONIQ MR61 Synthesizer Workstation

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by Steve Sisson

"A quick run through a few sounds on the ENSONIQ MR-61 synth.

Music featuring this synth can be found at http://www.stevesisson.com"

via this eBay listing, also on Reverb

Three large data knobs.

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1988 Ensoniq ESQ-1 Wave Synthesizer (Wavetable Osc / Analog Filters) SN ESQ-37397-D

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this Reverb listing

Additional SYNTH CITY Listings

"The Ensoniq ESQ-1 is a vintage digital-analog hybrid synthesizer released in 1986. It combines digital wavetable oscillators with analog filters, allowing for a wide range of rich and complex sounds. The synth features an 8-voice polyphony, a powerful 8-track sequencer, and real-time modulation capabilities. Its user interface, though button-based, is considered intuitive for its time, aided by a clear LCD screen. The ESQ-1 is well-regarded for its warm tone and versatility, making it a cult favorite among synth enthusiasts!

This particular unit is in lovely working condition, running OS 3.5 and includes a VOL.1 factory sound cartridge. Keys have faded to a mellow yellow color, looks perfectly vintage!"

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ENSONIC ESQ-1 - Handmade miniature 1/6 scale.

video upload by Ronaldo Lopes Teixeira ROLT

Synth Seeker One Synth Sketches

video uploads by Synth Seeker

Playlist:

1. One Synth | DSI Prophet 12 Desktop | Berlin School Sketch
2. One Synth | Waldorf Iridium Desktop | Berlin School Sketch
3. One Synth | Arturia Microfreak | Berlin School Sketch
4. One Synth | Ensoniq SD-1 | Berlin School Sketch
5. One Synth | Moog Minimoog Model D | Berlin School Sketch
6. One Synth | Nord Lead A1 | Berlin School Sketch
7. One Synth | Moog Minitaur | Berlin School Sketch
8. One Synth | Waldorf Blofeld | Berlin School Sketch
9. One Synth | Modal Cobalt 8m | Berlin School Sketch

Ensoniq ESQ-1 Legendary 80's Synth

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this eBay listing, also on Reverb

"Classic and cool Ensoniq ESQ1 from 1986! This is really amazing condition. Closet kept for decades and it shows!

It has OS 2.0, a new battery installed by a pro and a sequencer Cart is internally installed.

It ALL works and sounds as it should, also look at pics, it is in great condition.

This thing can emit some classic, Moog, Juno, Sequential type tones but can also get well into the PPG territory. Analog filters inside are supreme. This THREE oscillator synth is bold and at home in any synth freaks rig."

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