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Mirage DSK-8

Ensoniq Mirage DSK-8

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
Mirage DSK-8 Mirage DMS-8 Mirage DMS-1 Mirage DSK-1 EPS EPS-M EPS-16 Plus EPS-16 Plus Rack
ASR-10 ASR-10S ASR-10R ASR-88