Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $2,382
High-end/Boutique
$500
$1501+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
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Description
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.
Product specs
| Brand | Ensoniq |
| Model | Fizmo Transwave Digital Synthesizer |
| Finish | Purple |
| Year | 1998 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Digital Synthesizers, Keyboard Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Digital |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Semi-Weighted |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through |
| Number of Keys | 61 Keys |
| Polyphony | 48 Voices |
FAQs
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What type of synthesis does the Ensoniq Fizmo use?
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The Ensoniq Fizmo utilizes Transwave synthesis, which allows for dynamic waveform manipulation and evolving textures, making it ideal for creating complex, evolving sounds.
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How many voices of polyphony does the Ensoniq Fizmo have?
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The Ensoniq Fizmo offers 48 voices of polyphony, enabling rich layering and complex sound design without note dropouts.
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Is the Ensoniq Fizmo suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Ensoniq Fizmo is well-suited for live performances, featuring a full-size 61-key semi-weighted keyboard and robust MIDI capabilities for seamless integration with other gear.
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Can the Ensoniq Fizmo be integrated with modern DAWs?
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The Ensoniq Fizmo can be integrated with modern DAWs via its MIDI input, output, and through ports, allowing for control and sequencing from your digital audio workstation.
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What are the standout features of the Ensoniq Fizmo's sound engine?
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The Ensoniq Fizmo's sound engine is notable for its unique Transwave synthesis, which provides dynamic waveform modulation for creating evolving and expressive soundscapes.
Videos
AudioPilz
Bad Gear - Ensoniq Fizmo
Bad Gear - Ensoniq Fizmo
AudioPilz
Ensoniq Fizmo all by itself :-)
Rhythmrancher1
Ensoniq Fizmo: The Weirdest 90’s Synth You’ve Never Heard of | Synths that Time Forgot
Alamo Music Sound Lab
ENSONIQ FIZMO SOUNDS
muzykujkropkacom
Best Ambient Synth Shootout #12: Ensoniq Fizmo - Song 3
Christian's Sonic Spaces
ENSONIQ FIZMO: THE TRIPPIEST SYNTH EVER
Blush Response
Ensoniq Fizmo's Vocoder
Bon Lucas
Best Ambient Synth Shootout #11: Ensoniq Fizmo - Song 2
Christian's Sonic Spaces
Reviews
PROS
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Produces unique and insane sounds, standing out even among vintage gear
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Real-time controls offer extensive manipulation of sound
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Ideal for psychedelic synth sounds, akin to Flaming Lips and vintage string machines
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Offers character through effects similar to Dp/pro and ASR-X
CONS
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Sound quality and presence considered average compared to competitors like Kurzweil K2500
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Requires an editor for full functionality, limiting accessibility to some effects
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Comparable sounds available in cheaper alternatives
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Described as not justifying its high price for practical musician use
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ensoniq Fizmo.
Features and functionality
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Ensoniq Fizmo offers rare wave-to-wave interpolation in its wavetables, creating unique 'fizzy' overtones not found in typical VA or analog synths.
Source
Use cases and applications
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Ideal for complex ambient pads, the Fizmo excels when used for music styles like ambient and downtempo, where pads are a primary focus.
Source
Comparisons
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Fizmo's sound palette is likened to Absynth or Alchemy but offers a more unique sonic signature due to its wavetable synthesis and filtering.
Source -
The Kawai K5000 is highlighted for its ability to create long, evolving sounds, making it a potential alternative for Fizmo’s unique soundscapes.
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The Kurzweil K2000 is suggested as a cheap alternative, with its VAST synthesis engine offering unparalleled complexity similar to Fizmo's capabilities.
Source
User experience
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Owners describe the Fizmo as a 'unicorn' in the synth world, providing a distinct and rewarding experience for those who can master its unique sound capabilities.
Source -
Some users report the Ableton pack claiming to emulate the Fizmo is not usable, as it lacks realtime wave scanning and heavily taxes CPU and RAM.
Source
Build quality
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Ensoniq's high-quality DACs significantly contribute to Fizmo's unique sound, distinguishing it from other synthesizers with similar features.
Source
Software and compatibility
Value and pricing
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Fizmo prices have soared, with units that sold for just over $1000 in 2012 now much higher on the used market.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 6 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Sold on Reverb.com in 2019 for charity.
This Ensonic Fizmo Synthesizer is from the private collection of Martin Gore, founding member of Depeche Mode
SN: FIZMO-11570. Ensoniq synthesizer. A couple of key contacts have fallen out. Taped to the front. The red LP screen cover has come off.Taped to the front. IEC included. Signed by Martin Gore.
All items in The Official Martin Gore of Depeche Mode Reverb Shop ship fully insured with delivery confirmation and include a signed and embossed Certificate of Authenticity from Martin Gore.
An Ensoniq Fizmo is shown at 3:49 in this studio tour with MusicTech. Ulrich says "There's some digital stuff here, like the Ensoniq Fizmo, which is quite an interesting instrument. Digital waveforms."
In this interview for MusicRadar, Machinedrum says he used the Ensoniq Fizmo on his first album "Now You Know" for sampling purposes.
In an interview with Synth History John Medeski mentions using the Ensoniq Fizmo.
Listen on the equipment page of artist's website, also seen in studio photos and interview videos
In this photo, you can see Roger with a Ensoniq Fizmo.
Quickly, quickly is confirmed to use the Ensoniq Fizmo, as evidenced by an Instagram post by user qqitemstorage, which showcases the artist's first experience with the synth. The caption highlights the Ensoniq Fizmo as a "dream synth" and describes its features, including "4 layerable sounds with 2 oscillators and hella envelopes per sound, 58 scrubable wavetables."
Album Usage
The Ensoniq Fizmo has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ensoniq Fizmo, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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