Ensoniq Fizmo Transwave Synthesizer

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Playlist via the listing below:
Ensoniq Fizmo - 1 Sound
ENSONIQ FIZMO P49
Fizmo
Ensoniq Fizmo all by itself :-)
Ensoniq Fizmo Demo 01
Ensoniq Fizmo Demo 02
Ensoniq Fizmo Demo 03
fizmo experience #1
ensoniq fizmo

via this auction

"The Ensoniq Fizmo is a very rare and distinctly original synthesizer. It is an incredibly unique sounding transwave synthesizer that is sought after for its one of a kind sound. The spacious front panel provides 23 knobs and 34 buttons, making it quick and easy to modify every parameter of your sounds without being buried in cryptic menus. Manipulating the presets is very satisfying and the creative sound explorer will be well rewarded. (see video links below for many examples)" Playlist above.

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Rare Ensoniq Fizmo Rack with Software Editor

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via this auction

""In response to the overwhelming requests from dealers and customers worldwide, Ensoniq announces the Fizmo rack, a 5U rack-mount version of the successful real-time Transwave synth. Fizmo rack utilizes real-time Transwave synthesis, a powerful synthesis engine capable of 48-voice polyphony, state-of-the-art 20-bit output converters, 24-bit on-board effects with 41 algorithms including the new Ensoniq Vocoder, an arpeggiator with 118 editable patterns, and a Flash OS that is user upgradeable via the internet.
You can view the default presets or download Free Sounds.

Exclusive transwave synthesis

Ensoniq's Transwaves form the foundation of Fizmo rack's sound. A Transwave is a single ""waveform"" made up of a series of sequential wavetables. These wavetables evolve over time from one wave to another. Some Transwaves have dramatically different wavetables that produce a rhythmic effect, rather than an evolution of the sound. ""Transwaves remove a major limitation of wavetable synthesizers, that is the waveform being played is usually static and has no change in harmonic structure over time, other than by filtering it. Transwaves allow a sound to evolve subtly or dramatically, slowly or quickly over time, producing a richly animated, complex sound,"" says Bob Yannes, Ensoniq chief engineer.


Vocoder with audio input

Fizmo Rack includes a mic input to access the Vocoder, one of the most popular features of the Fizmo keyboard. This input may also be routed to any of the 41 insert effects for powerful processing capabilities. Presets include emulations of classic Vocoder modes as well as modern voicings. ""Fizmo's Vocoder has been extremely well received,"" says Joe Kramer, Ensoniq Product Manager, ""for less than the price of some stand-alone Vocoders customers can own a Fizmo Rack.""


Arpeggiator

Fizmo rack's arpeggiator includes 118 musically useful patterns. A ""Tap Tempo""' button is provided, making it easy to lock in to a live performance. All rhythmic components of Fizmo rack's sound, including the arpeggiator and LFO's, are synced together and will automatically lock to an incoming MIDI clock, making it ideal for Techno/Electronica music production.


Real-time control interface

A real-time control interface is coupled with Fizmo rack's advanced wavetable synth engine, creating a truly interactive playing experience. Every programming function has it's own dedicated knob or button. Five Fizmo tweak knobs provide real-time performance modulation to the Fizmo rack sounds. Each knob conirols all current sounds within a preset simultaneously and may address several controllers, allowing the player to make dramatic, real-time changes. In addition, all controls may be recorded in real-time to an external sequencer. Additionally, a version of SoundDiver, Emagic's cross-platform editing software is included, providing users with access to all parameters via computer.

"

Technical specifications
five Fizmo real-time control knobs

four dedicated Sound buttons allow convenient selection, layering and key range assignment of presets

17 dedicated Sound and Effect editing knobs

all four zones can play local sounds or external MIDI sources

48 dynamically assigned voices

Dual layer voice architecture with the following parameters (per layer): Independent waveform selection, Volume, and Pan

four-pole dynamic digital low-pass resonant filters with key tracking (33 settings, including fractional scaling)

three envelope generators that can be modulated by velocity, key scaling, and response to release velocity

22 modulation sources, 8 modulation destinations

one LFO (seven waveform choices can sync to Arpeggiator or external MIDI clock)

variable rate noise generator can sync to Arpeggiator or external MIDI Octave, semi-tone, and fine tuning

pitch tracking (33 settings, including fractional scaling)

45 ROM pitch tables (256 steps per semi-tone resolution)

glide mode, glide time
mono/poly playback
programmable pitch bend range
sustain on/off
Ensoniq Fizmo Rack Specifications:

Synthesizer Section
Maximum Polyphony: 48 voices
Memory Capacity Presets: 64
Data Encoding: 20-bit
Sound Memory: 4 MB
EFX: 41"

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Ensoniq Fizmo Realtime Transwave Synthesizer

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via this auction

"Here's what is included:

(1) Ensoniq FIZMO 61 Key Realtime Transwave Synth - very clean! Works perfectly and sounds amazing!

(1) Ensoniq FIZMO User's Guide - some wear, but intact

(1) Ensoniq FIZMO User's Guide (Dealer Only Copy) - some wear (staining)

(1) Ensoniq FIZMO Sales Resources Guide - some wear (staining)

(1) Class 2 Power Supply Input: 120V AC 60hz | Output: 9V AC 2000mA"

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1999 Ensoniq Fizmo Transwave Two Oscillator Keyboard Synthesizer

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via this auction

Update: note the display cover appears to be missing.

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check my Ensoniq Fizmo for Sale on eBay #120537049091

YouTube via Rhythmrancher1.

via this auction

"Ensoniq FIZMO RealTime TransWave Synthesizer ~space machine! :)) here is the linkage for your easy journey :-))..
I just made this little demo of my FIZMO that im trying to sell for only $899. I recorded this demo by laying a handful of tracks with the FIZMO keyboard and nothing else.....just foolin around really, but havin fun.

i wanted to give you an idea of what this beast sounds like....amazing in the right hands :)) if you are a sound designer, a soundscaper, a cinematic soundtrack creator, then you need my FIZMO now!! go and buy as fast as you can cuz it wont last long at $899. its a steal for one this nice. AND for all you FIZMO heads out there, this puppy HAS the proper Voltage Regulator upgrade repair done by TheSoniq, the dude who used to work for Ensoniq before they went under. AND i have used the proper Power Adapter from the original Nintendo machine with all the proper specs. so, in other words, YES, this machine has all the electro necessities handled by me. i humbly advise you to not purchase a FIZMO if it hasnt been upgraded electronically. These came from Ensoniq with an under power Voltage Regulator as well as a wrong-speced external power supply. SO, you need the eletro upgrades. Check with all the FIZMO experts on line and you will see :)

This puppy has plenty of miles left in it and sounds like it was made in another world. its very Orphean! :) Aye!"

1998 Ensoniq Fizmo, Transwave Two Oscillator Synthesizer SN 10536

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via this auction

"1998 Ensoniq Fizmo Synthesizer, in perfect working order and in excellent condition. The Fizmo was the ultimate and short-lived attempt by Ensoniq to create a truly powerful and unique experimental machine. Transwave synthesis lies at the heart of the Fizmo, pulling from layers of varied loops within wavetables of sound data, allowing for real-time, dynamic response and decay modulation. Heard in use by bands such as the Faint and Eat Static, this versatile, hidden gem is perfect for creating ambient, atmospheric textures that are completely tweakable and interactive.

The Fizmo is a 48-voice synthesizer which uses 2nd-generation Transwave technology to create organic, interactive sounds unlike any other synth available at the time. Every programming function has its own dedicated knob or button, and there is a limited but useful four-character LCD display. The Fizmo features an Arpeggiator and 24-bit VLSI effects with 41 algorithms and a Vocoder. There are 2 oscillators available for each of the 4 presets allowing for 8 unique oscillators at the same time, each with individual LFO and Noise generators. The built-in Arpeggiator has 118 presets which can be easily edited to your liking, and 26 real-time control/editing knobs make mutating your sound a pleasure. All controls may be recorded in real-time to an external sequencer.

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Severely Weathered / Neglected Waldorf Q, Alesis Andromeda A6, & Ensoniq Fizmo

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Waldorf Q via this auction

Alesis Andromeda via this auction

Ensoniq Fizmo via this auction

No mention what happened to them, but if I had to guess on the Waldorf Q, the Nextel paint got sticky and someone attempted the talcum powder fix. Apparently you can coat stick plastics with talcum power and then give them a light wipe to clean any excess off. The silo knobs likely broke apart, which actually happened to me on my XTk as you can see here.

That said it looks like a job gone horribly wrong. I was going to say the A6 and Fizmo faired better, but check out the cigarette stains on the keys, dirt on the surface, and missing knobs. They look like they've been stored in an outdoor shed. The listings state they are estate sales. There are other synths listed including an EMU PK-6 Proteus keyboard, XK-6 Extreme Keys, Proteus 2000 rack synth, and two Yamaha EX5s. On the non synth front there's a Porsche steering wheel for anyone interested! Click on "See other items" to right of the seller's name after click any of the three auction links above.

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Ensoniq Fizmo Rackmount Transwave Synthesizer SN 069977049

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YouTube Published on Aug 22, 2012 by TallmanJosh

"for sale on ebay"

Note this demo doesn't do the best job demoing the synth, but it's purpose of course is to show it is working. The Fizmo is a Transwave synthesizer which was Ensoniqs implementation of Wavetable Synthesis. When it was released Virtual Analog synthesis was all the rage and people were disappointed with the Fizmo because although it was knob laden like the new hardware VAs, it definitely was not a VA synth. It excels in digital morphing sounds and that is a good thing. It is a unique synth and sonically, always reminded me as sitting somewhere between the Waldorf uWave/XT series and a Hartmann Neuron. The Neuron of course employed a whole different method of synthesis termed neuronal synthesis along with I beleive methods of re-synthesis.


via this auction

"Up for sale is a used Ensoniq Fizmo Rack, and non-original nintendo gaming console power supply. There was an issue with the orginal power supplies damaging Fizmos, so I never used the supply that came with it."

I heard changing the power supply actually doesn't solve the problem. See The Fizmo Fix on Carbon111's site for the hardware fix.

The auction also pointed to Fizmotropolis, what looks to be a great resource for the Fizmo. I haven't seen it before. I'll put a separate post on it next.

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Ensoniq Fizmo Rack

via this auction via the forum.
"The Fizmo is a 48-voice synthesizer which uses 2nd-generation Transwave technology to create very organic sounds unlike any other synth available. Every programming function has its own dedicated knob or button. The Fizmo features an Arpeggiator and 24-bit VLSI effects with 41 algorithms, including a Vocoder and the ability to process incoming audio through the Vocoder and effects.

Transwave synthesis uses wavetables of sound data with layered variations in harmonic structures such that their timbres progress naturally from one end to the other. This allows for sounds to modulate over time, or by velocity, wheel, pressure, or any number of other options.

There are 2 oscillators available for each of the 4 presets allowing for 8 unique oscillators at the same time, not to mention individual LFO and Noise generators for each Osc. Another wonderful feature is the ability to stack up to four individual presets together into one sound and map them across the keyboard. This synth is very capable of some very complex sounds.

The built-in Arpeggiator has 118 presets which can be easily edited to your liking, and 26 real-time control/editing knobs make mutating your sound a pleasure. All controls may be recorded in real-time to an external sequencer.

Performance features
* five F-I-Z-M-O real-time control knobs
* four dedicated Sound buttons allow convenient selection, layering and key range assignment of presets
* 17 dedicated Sound and Effect editing knobs
* all four zones can play local sounds or external MIDI sources
* 48 dynamically assigned voices
* four-pole dynamic digital low-pass resonant filters with key tracking (33 settings, including fractional scaling)
* three envelope generators that can be modulated by velocity, key scaling, and response to release velocity
* 22 modulation sources, 8 modulation destinations
* one LFO (seven waveform choices can sync to Arpeggiator or external MIDI clock)
* variable rate noise generator can sync to Arpeggiator or external MIDI Octave, semi-tone, and fine tuning
* pitch tracking (33 settings, including fractional scaling)
* 45 ROM pitch tables (256 steps per semi-tone resolution)
* glide mode, glide time
* mono/poly playback
* programmable pitch bend range
* sustain on/off

Ensoniq Fizmo Specifications:
#Polyphony - 48 voices
#Oscilators - 4 MB of 16-bit internal wave ROM, featuring Transwaves (created through digital synthesis and resynthesis technologies); 2 osc for each of 4 presets - total of 8 simultaneous - 58 waveforms
#LFO Time - 8 LFO's (7 waveform choices, can sync to Arpeggiator or external MIDI clock)
#Filters - Resonant LP & BP 4 pole filters. Non-Resonant 2LP+2HP, 3LP+1HP, 2LP+2LP, 3LP+1HP filters.
#Efects - 41 digital VLSI 24-bit effects (8 Global Reverbs, Chorus, Flanger, DDL, Distortion, Tunable Speaker, Chatter Box, Vocal Morph, Auto-Wah, Vocoder); Processes incoming audio
#Memory - 128 ROM sounds, Up to 128 RAM, 64 Presets
#Control - MIDI (up to 4 polyphonic channels)"

Ensoniq Fizmo

images via this auction
"The Ensoniq Fizmo was Ensoniq's last attempt at creating The perfect synthesizer. The Fizmo is a 48-voice synthesizer which uses 2nd-generation Transwave technology to create very organic sounds unlike any other synth available. Every programming function has its own dedicated knob or button, and there is a limited but useful 4-character LCD display. The Fizmo features an Arpeggiator and 24-bit VLSI effects with 41 algorithms, including a Vocoder and the ability to process incoming audio through the Vocoder and effects.

Transwave synthesis uses wavetables of sound data with layered variations in harmonic structures such that their timbres progress naturally from one end to the other. This allows for sounds to modulate over time, or by velocity, wheel, pressure, or any number of other options. Just like Waldorf MicroWave and PPG WAVE.

There are 2 oscillators available for each of the 4 presets allowing for 8 unique oscillators at the same time, not to mention individual LFO and Noise generators for each Osc. Another wonderful feature is the ability to stack up to four individual presets together into one sound and map them across the keyboard. This synth is very capable of some very complex sounds.

The built-in Arpeggiator has 118 presets which can be easily edited to your liking, and 26 real-time control/editing knobs make mutating your sound a pleasure. All controls may be recorded in real-time to an external sequencer.

Lots of info including audio demos HERE and THERE"

Ensoniq FIZMO

Title link takes you to shots pulled via this auction. This one almost went up on Matrixsynth-b, but I really like this shot. I remember when the FIZMO came out. It bombed because people were expecting it to sound like an agressive analog style synth, because of all the knobs. It doesn't emulate analog well at all. Why? Because it's a transwave synth which was Ensoniq's rendition of wavetable synthesis. The oscillator sources were what they called transwaves which you could sweep through in time. It made for some interesting textures. FIZMO was an appropriate name as it was definitely capable of some fizzy sounds. For an example of an oddball FIZMO sound, check out this post. When I first ran across it, it reminded me a bit of a drawn out pad in the same vein of COIL's After the Snow. If you ever plan to own a FIZMO, be sure to read this. If you don't you might find yourself with a dead FIZMO.

Previous FIZMO posts

Ensoniq Fizmo Transwave Synthesizer

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via this auction

"Ensoniq Fizmo - serviced (including 5v regulator), fully working, factory reset and loaded.

Fizmos do create sounds and evolving textures I've never heard from any other synth. With stackable oscillators, real time control, and the very flexible arpeggiator which can be used as a control source, the Fizmo creates complex tones quickly.

Considering it combines analog and digital features, the 48-voice synthesizer uses 2nd-generation Transwave technology to create very organic sounds. Interestingly, the Fizmo has the ensoniq 24-bit VLSI effects with 41 algorithms, including a Vocoder and the ability to process incoming audio through the Vocoder and effects.

There are 2 oscillators available for each of the 4 presets allowing for 8 unique oscillators at the same time, not to mention individual LFO and Noise generators for each Osc. It's possible to stack four individual presets together into one sound and map them across the keyboard."

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Ensoniq Fizmo Transwave Digital Synth

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via this auction

"The very rare and mega unique Ensoniq Fizmo Transwave Digital Synthesizer. Fully Functioning and in great cosmetic condition give or take one or two very superficial scuffs. Comes with the original power supply.

A little bit of historic info:

'The Fizmo is a 48-voice synthesizer which uses 2nd-generation Transwave technology to create very organic sounds unlike any other synth available. Every programming function has its own dedicated knob or button, and there is a limited but useful 4-character LCD display. The Fizmo features an Arpeggiator and 24-bit VLSI effects with 41 algorithms, including a Vocoder and the ability to process incoming audio through the Vocoder and effects.'"

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Ensoniq Fizmo

via this auction

If you ever consider picking up a Fizmo, be sure to read The Fizmo Fix.

The Ensoniq Fizmo is a transwave synth, similar to a wavetable synth. Rather than a set waveshape for it's oscillators, you can sweep through various waveshapes via the available modulations sources.

"Specifications
* Polyphony - 48 voices
* Oscillators - 4 MB of 16-bit internal wave ROM, featuring Transwaves (created through digital synthesis and resynthesis technologies); 2 osc for each of 4 presets - total of 8 simultaneous - 58 waveforms
* LFO - 8 LFO's (7 waveform choices, can sync to Arpeggiator or external MIDI clock)
* Filter - Resonant LP & BP 4 pole filters. Non-Resonant 2LP+2HP, 3LP+1HP, 2LP+2LP, 3LP+1HP filters.
* Effects - 41 digital VLSI 24-bit effects (8 Global Reverbs, Chorus, Flanger, DDL, Distortion, Tunable Speaker, Chatter Box, Vocal Morph, Auto-Wah, Vocoder); Processes incoming audio
* Keyboard - 61 semi-weighted keys (velocity and channel pressure sensitive, 4 programmable key ranges, 4 possible zones)
* Memory - 128 ROM sounds, Up to 128 RAM, 64 Presets
* Control - MIDI (up to 4 polyphonic channels)
* Date Produced - 1998"

Ensoniq Fizmo Transwave Digital Synthesizer Rackmount / Desktop Version SN 069976593

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via SYNTH CITY Reverb

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"Ensoniq Fizmo 5U rackmount version, super hard to find these days! This one was just serviced with a NEW voltage regulator (notorious problem) that has been corrected. Factory patches have been restored over Sysex like new. Sounds absolutely insane!

Fully functional unit, main volume control knob is unoriginal (purple cap). Several pot shafts are slightly crooked -- but fully functioning without issue (see detailed pictures). Includes a Lexicon power supply that is to factory spec.

Fizmo rack utilizes real-time Transwave synthesis, a powerful synthesis engine capable of 48-voice polyphony, state-of-the-art 20-bit output converters, 24-bit on-board effects with 41 algorithms including the Ensoniq Vocoder, an arpeggiator with 118 editable patterns."

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ENSONiQ FiZMO RacK TransWaVe Synthesizer

images via this auction
"Here I've got a mega rare Fizmo Rack up for sale.One of only 50 or 250 made.A few people have told me 50 were made and some say 250.Definately not many and are rarely seen for sale.It comes with original manual,presets sheet,and original adapter.

If you're concerned about the voltage regulator issue I think Ensoniq fixed this with the Rack versions.A few people I've talked to say it was plus no ones ever heard of a rack going bad."

Anyone confirm this either way?

"Here are some specs:
The Fizmo is a 48-voice synthesizer which uses 2nd-generation Transwave technology to create very organic sounds unlike any other synth available. Every programming function has its own dedicated knob or button, and there is a limited but useful 4-character LCD display. The Fizmo features an Arpeggiator and 24-bit VLSI effects with 41 algorithms, including a Vocoder and the ability to process incoming audio through the Vocoder and effects.

Transwave synthesis uses wavetables of sound data with layered variations in harmonic structures such that their timbres progress naturally from one end to the other. This allows for sounds to modulate over time, or by velocity, wheel, pressure, or any number of other options.

There are 2 oscillators available for each of the 4 presets allowing for 8 unique oscillators at the same time, not to mention individual LFO and Noise generators for each Osc. Another wonderful feature is the ability to stack up to four individual presets together into one sound and map them across the keyboard. This synth is very capable of some very complex sounds.

The built-in Arpeggiator has 118 presets which can be easily edited to your liking, and 26 real-time control/editing knobs make mutating your sound a pleasure. All controls may be recorded in real-time to an external sequencer. There are current operating systems and patches available over the internet from Emu/Ensoniq's Web site"

Ensoniq Fizmo Rack transwave synthesizer

images via this auction

The rare Fizmo rack.

See this prior post for more info on the Ensoniq Fizmo rack in general.

Ensoniq Fizmo - 48-voice Transwave synthesizer

via this auction
SN FIZMO-10595
"If you didn't already know, the Fizmo is a 48-voice synthesizer which uses 2nd-generation Transwave technology to create very organic sounds unlike any other synth available. Every programming function has its own dedicated knob or button. The Fizmo features an Arpeggiator and 24-bit VLSI effects with 41 algorithms, including a Vocoder and the ability to process incoming audio through the Vocoder and effects.

In addition, what appears from the front-panel to be a 4-stage envelope generator is revealed, with the help of the Sound Diver editor, as a 5-stage EG with five time and four level settings. Effects and arpeggiator patterns are also fully editable using the software."

If you ever consider picking up a Fizmo, be sure to see The Fizmo Fix.

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Ensoniq Fizmo Uvsed in Eat Static and Signed by Joie Hinton

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via this auction

"i have been asked to sell joie hintons beloved Ensoniq Fizmo it has been signed on the bottom with a special message the fizmo has been used by joie in the OzricTentacles , Here & Now, Eat Static and Inverse Gravity Vehicle. he is selling it very reluctantly due to urgent money issues to fund animal welfare. the synth has been well looked after even though its has been gigged the only problems are minor ones the top G key has stopped working and one of the black keys has a small chip the power supply has been strategically gaffa taped for added stability but i have been told it works just fine and does not effect the overall performance of the synth these small problems could be fixed with some time and care and they just show that the synth has been very much enjoyed. the notorious power supply fault has been taken care of by means of replacing the faulty part long ago"

Ensoniq FIZMO Realtime Transwave Polyphonic Synth

images via this auction

"Ensoniq FIZMO Realtime Transwave Synth (serial # 10679). As this was one of the later production units, the regulator “fix” was done at the factory and replaced with the corrected MC7805CT."

Anyone confirm later Fizmo's did not have the regulator problem? If so, anyone know the cutoff point for serial numbers?