Keyboards

Ensoniq were as the forefront of workstation and sampling technology in the '80s, but their recent synth offerings have not kept up with the fashion for controller-festooned techno boxes. The Fizmo, however, updates their take on wavetable synthesis with extensive real-time control.

To create the MR Keyboard line, Ensoniq could simply have taken the insides out of their MR Rack module and grafted on a keyboard. Instead, they've thought long and hard about what a performing and composing musician really needs from his instrument. Julian Colbeck applauds the result.

On its release in the late '80s, the SQ80 had to slug it out with Roland's D50 and Korg's M1, and didn't come out on top, at least as for sales were concerned. Steve Howell takes a look at an early and underrated workstation that still has a lot to offer.

Following hot on the heels of the TS10, the weighted 76-note keyboard and improved features of the TS12 make it a hot contender for 'top workstation'. David Crombie passes judgement.