Mirage DSK-8

Ensoniq Mirage DSK-8

Released: 1984

MSRP: $1695US

Synopsis:

Ensoniq's first sampler (very similar to Emu's Emulator). Original Mirage (black metal case, black buttons), used Pratt-Read keys (Japanese version has membrane buttons). Later versions had an improved noise floor. Second generation (dark grey metal case, multi-colored buttons) used improved Fatar keys. Architecture Class: Sampler.

Ebay Description:

The Ensoniq Mirage DSK-8 is a velocity sensitive (pressure via MIDI) 61 key (8 voice), 8 bit sampler, featuring 24dB low pass analog filter, dedicated APDSR filter and amp envelopes, vibrato, single track real-time sequencer, and MIDI. Sample memory (2x64kB) can contain up to 8 upper and 8 lower waveforms, recorded at 10-33kHz. Sample editing includes rotate (additional editing with MASOS disk). Samples can be stored via a 3.5" SSDD disk drive.

Physical

Form Factor	Dimensions	Weight	Audio Input	Audio Output	Communication Port	Control Input	Control Output	Switch Input	Power
61 keys	W:40.5in (103cm) H:4in (10cm) D:13.5in (34cm)	24.75	sample	mono	MIDI: In Out	sequencer-sync	no	sustain/sequencer	AC

Interface

Compatibility	Multitimbral Memory	Program Memory	External Storage	External Programming	UI Input	UI Output
Mirage DSK-8 DMS-8 DMS-1 DSK-1	N/A	upper:4 lower:4	3.5" SSDD floppy drive	no	menu based	LED display

Architecture

Multitimbral	Polyphony	Unison	Architecture
split (upper/lower samples)	8	no	DCO1+DCO2->DCA->VCF

Output

Effects	Pan Modulator	Volume Modulator	Headphone
chorus (actually detune)	N/A	VCF-EG	no

Control

Arpeggiator	Arpeggiator External	Sequencer	Sequencer Memory	Sequencer External	Continuous	Program Change
no	N/A	real-time single track	1 sequence (333 notes) disk:8 sequences SXQ-1(expander cartridge): adds 1024 notes	MIDI:clock/start/stop/continue pedal:start/stop	Mod-Wheel Pitch-Wheel MIDI-Bend MIDI-CC1 MIDI-CC2 MIDI-CC4 MIDI-CC6 MIDI-CC7	MIDI

Keyboard

Key Pressure	Chord Memory	External Control	External Sustain	Key Scaling	Velocity Curves
channel (MIDI RX only)	no	MASOS Sysex	MIDI pedal	1	1

Sample

Stereo	Sample Depth	Sample Rate	Sample RAM	Sample ROM	Sample Points	Sample Trigger	Sample Loop	Sample Edit
no	8 bit	10-33kHz	2x64kB	no	upper:8 lower:8	threshold	1	rotate MASOS disk: fade, ramp, combine, invert, reverse, scale amplitude

Source

Name	Signal Class	Waveform	Octave Range	Amplitude Modulator	Harmonics Modulator	Pitch Modulator	Wave Assign Modulator
Sample	digital	upper:8 lower:8	-	mix: Mod-Wheel velocity	no	LFO MIDI-Bend Pitch-Wheel	no

Filter

Name	Signal Class	IC	Resonant	Shape	Frequency Modulator	Resonance Modulator	Shape Modulator
VCF	analog	CEM3328	yes	24dB low pass	key VCF-EG	no	no

Envelope

Name	Level	Rate	Loop	Polarity	Trigger	Level Modulator	Rate Modulator
VCF-EG	attack sustain	attack decay release	no	no	no	velocity	key:decay velocity(release):release
VCA-EG	attack sustain	attack decay release	no	no	no	velocity	key:decay velocity(release):release

LFO

Name	Waveform	Delay	Polarity	Sync	Delay Modulator	Level Modulator	Rate Modulator
LFO	triangle	no	no	no	no	pressure MIDI-CC1 MIDI-CC2 MIDI-CC4 MIDI-CC6 MIDI-CC7 Mod-Wheel	no

Sampler Models

Synth Museum

"Synthesizer preservation via research and education."