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 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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ENSONIQ FIZMO P02-12

YouTube via betteroffted23 — May 09, 2010 — Custom Patch for Ensoniq Fizmo. 2 Sounds, 2 Oscillators.

ENSONIQ FIZMO: P03-1

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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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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 - 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 Rackmount Transwave Synthesizer SN 069977049

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
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 48-Voice Transwave Synthesizer

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via this auction

"The Fizmo is a 48-voice synth that comes loaded with great presets running the gamut from deep slowly evolving washes to lead voices to drums and bass and some sounds that are basically “none of the above” all of which can be tweaked and saved. It also has an arpeggiator with 118 preset patterns which you can edit to make your own.

The real power of the Fizmo is that it is designed to be played live. The 5 F-I-Z-M-O knobs just above the keys give you real time control over 5 parameters of whatever patch is active. That’s a lot of performance control without having to do any menu diving. But it is also a great studio tool for creating deep, involving patches.

If you are familiar with the Fizmo’s history, you know that some units had an issue with the factory supplied wall wart and the internal power regulator. This unit had the regulator replaced soon after being purchased (new). It has worked flawlessly ever since."

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Ensoniq Fizmo / Roland SH-201

YouTube via betteroffted23 — May 04, 2010 — "All percussion: Ensoniq Fizmo (Recorded earlier).
Pads / Atmospherics: Roland SH-201(Recorded earlier) / Ensoniq Fizmo."

Fizmo 2010-05-04 [Test]

"betteroffted23 — May 03, 2010 — Low quality recording of Ensoniq Fizmo drone. Next time I'll record the line."
The volume does get better.

Bad Gear - Ensoniq Fizmo

video upload by AudioPilz

"Become a Patron and get access to music clips from the show, additional content, Bad Gear samples and even more AudioPilz madness

https://www.patreon.com/audiopilz

Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools. Today we are going to talk about the Ensoniq Fizmo. Is this one-of-a-kind digital transwave synth and unicorn of the kingdom of controversial gear actually worth the money it goes for on the used market. Why did it fail in the first place?

Interview with Scott Peer:
https://tapeop.com/articles/bonus/fiz...

Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
01:21 Overview Ensoniq Fizmo
01:44 Origin Story of the Fizmo
03:01 Transwaves, waveform modulation
03:45 Filter, envelopes, LFO, Noise, modulators
04:10 Layers/Sounds, Presets, Multitimbrality
04:33 FX section
04:48 F-I-Z-M-O realtime controls
05:25 Arpeggiator
05:30 Patches, sound examples
06:06 Hidden parameters, software control
06:24 What else??? (voltage regulator, pricing)
06:58 Hate
07:22 Jam 1
08:13 Jam 2
09:13 Finale
09:44 Verdict
10:52 Patreon Vocoder Shoutout"

Ensoniq Fizmo's Vocoder

Published on Apr 2, 2016 Bon Lucas

"This is just a brief demonstration of the Vocoder on the Ensoniq Fizmo Synthesizer.

I decided to do this because I was mad at the lack of "anything" showing off this machines vocoder. I recently got this one a few days ago, at the time of filming. So yeah, the first thing I learned was the vocoder. This is such a fun machine and it doesn't deserve the negativity It gets."

Some More Ensoniq Fizmo

Published on Jun 30, 2016 Bon Lucas

"Another video of me and my Fizmo. This time just messing around with ambient pads, some scratchy industrial stuff and the on board drum kit with the arpeggiator. I plan on doing some more Fizmo videos."

Ensoniq Fizmo rocks

Published on Jan 18, 2014 zorglub667

"A demo track i made for ensoniq back in the days to showcase that the Fizmo can do more than just ambient pad stuff. You hear a Fizmo and an Ensoniq ASR 10 playing the Drums. At times, the Fizmo is sampled for fast patch changes or layering, but no additional processing at all (also not needed, considering the Monster of an FX chip the fizmo had).

Still love this quirky weird machine :-)"

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 Realtime Transwave Synthesizer

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

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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THE ENSONIQ FIZMO "Fizzmosis"

THE ENSONIQ FIZMO "Fizzmosis" (https://soundcloud.com/jamesreeno)

Published on Mar 23, 2015 James Reeno

"Here is a demo I composed/recorded featuring sounds exclusively from ENSONIQ'S Obscure wavetable synth, the "Fizmo"--Produced in the late 90's, this synth was misunderstood by nearly everyone that touched it when it was first released.
Over the years, it's become sort of a "cult" synth due to it's unique sonics and quirkiness. (and rarity)

My composition, 'Fizzmosis' features a mixture of both Fizmo presets, and custom sounds designed by myself.

The effects applied are a combination of the Fizmo's built in effects, along with some from Logic applied during mixdown. Some moderate EQ was also used.

Note: No compression or brick walling was used during mastering, in order to preserve the full dynamics of the mix.

Free HQ download here:

https://soundcloud.com/jamesreeno/the..."

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 and Synth Dreams

via this auction

BIN: $999

"There were only 500 of these ever made, and many didn't survive due to an engineering flaw in the earlier production runs. This unit is one of the last ones produced and does NOT suffer from that flaw. It left the factory with the fix in place and has operated perfectly its entire life, and should continue to for many years to come. It's a beauty." See The Fizmo Fix on Carbon111 for more info.

BTW, this reminded me of a crazy synth dream I had last night. In my dream I was heading to some synth gathering and spotted a pawn shop when I parked. I went in not expecting much and then saw a bunch of stuff in different sections of the shop. I had that "yes!" feeling. To the right there was a two octave Fizmo! I have a Fizmo and debated whether I should pick it up as a lap synth. I then walked over and there was a Blue SH-101 in pristine shape for $400!!! I was definitely going to get that. I then started to see what else they had and Computer Controlled dropped in. I ran to the SH-101! :) Anyway he was coming in from the synth gathering to check things out. If only he dropped by beforehand. I took a bunch of shots for the blog and then woke up thinking well at least I got the shots! Yep... if only. :) The other night I had a crazy synth dream with Tom Cruise. He was on Oprah and then the show switched over to Letterman. He was talking about how he was all into synths now and he then performed some prog rock electronica. He kind of looked like a cross between Gandalf and this guy. Glad that one is over.

Real life synth dream: a few years back I went to Maui and on the last day after giving up on synth hunting from one jewelry pawn shop to another, my wife and I went to a Taco Bell to get something to eat. I snuck into one last pawn shop by the Taco Bell. I saw guitars and amps and got that feeling, "yes!". In the back corner was a TR-909 with a sticker on it that read 220, no dollar sign. I asked if that was the price. They said they'd give me $30 off of it!!! I got it for $190. Problem was they only took cash, I didn't have any and they were closing shop. I ran across a fourway highway as fast as I could to hit up the ATM. When I got back they were outside closing the door. I had that sick feeling in the pit of my stomache, but when they turned around they had the 909 in their hands. I bought it, cleaned it up and it's in pristine condition. True story.

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Fizmo

flickr set by betteroffted
(click for more)

"My new Fizmo arrived yesterday. Here are some pics of the un-boxing."

Remember to read the Fizmo Fix if you ever consider picking up a Fizmo.