SQ80 V

Organic digital wavemaker.

SQ80 V is Ensoniq’s classic ‘80s crosswave synth reborn, weaving hybrid lo-fi character, complex industrial textures, and thousands of unique waveform combinations into a quick-fire softsynth enhanced for modern production. Digital synthesis unraveled.

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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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.

HARDWARE VIEW
SYNTHESIS VIEW
EFFECTS VIEW

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.

Hear 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

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

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

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

A colorful acid house track, with lots of energy and a little mystery. No external effects were used.

SQDM

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

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

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

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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Toutes les fonctionnalités
dont vous avez besoin

  • Tutoriels intégrés

    Les tutoriels intégrés détaillent chaque aspect de l’instrument, des différents paramètres aux conseils de nos designers sonores, pour que vous puissiez vous concentrer sur votre créativité. Cela ne devrait pas être aussi simple, et pourtant ça l’est !

  • ASC

    L’Arturia Software Center vous sert à télécharger, organiser et mettre à jour tous vos logiciels d’Arturia au même endroit, ou encore à gérer toutes vos licences sur plusieurs appareils. Plus c’est simple, mieux c’est.

  • Compatible avec votre STAN

    Nos instruments virtuels et nos plug-ins sont conçus pour s’intégrer facilement à votre installation. Quel que soit votre style, vous pouvez expérimenter tout en profitant d’une parfaite compatibilité avec les principales STAN, aussi bien sur Windows que sur macOS.

  • Navigateur de presets

    Ne passez pas des heures à chercher le son que vous avez en tête. Le navigateur intelligent vous permet de trier les presets par mots-clés, par type d’instrument, style musical, etc. Vous pouvez même sauvegarder vos sons favoris pour les rappeler instantanément dès que vous en avez besoin.

  • Interface graphique redimensionnable

    Vous voulez profiter de nos émulations d’instruments classiques avec une immersion visuelle totale ? Vous préférez économiser le précieux espace sur votre écran ? Les interfaces de tous les instruments virtuels d’Arturia peuvent être redimensionnées à la taille qui vous convient.

  • Intégration parfaite

    Les paramètres des instruments sont directement assignés aux commandes des claviers de la gamme KeyLab d’Arturia, mais ils fonctionnent aussi très bien avec d’autres contrôleurs MIDI. Vous bénéficiez ainsi de macros pour modifier instantanément le son, d’une intégration facile avec la STAN et d’un fonctionnement indépendant.

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

Work with ASC

  • An elegant and simple solution to help you install, activate, and update your Arturia software instruments

All manufacturer and product names mentioned on this page are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Arturia. The trademarks of other manufacturers are used solely to identify the products of those manufacturers whose features and sound were studied during the development. All names of equipment, inventors, and manufacturers have been included for illustrative and educational purposes only, and do not suggest any affiliation or endorsement by any equipment inventor or manufacturer.