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Average Price: $300

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$500

$1501+

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Description

The Ensoniq KS-32 is a versatile synthesizer that has found its place in many studios around the world. Combining the power of a synthesizer with the functionality of a keyboard, it offers a robust music-making experience that appeals to both beginners and seasoned musicians. With its 76 semi-weighted keys, the KS-32 delivers a responsive touch that emulates the feel of an acoustic piano, making it an excellent choice for keyboardists who want the flexibility of a synthesizer without compromising on playability.

The KS-32 is equipped with Ensoniq’s proprietary Sound Engine, which provides a wide array of sounds ranging from classic pianos to rich, layered synth patches. Musicians can easily navigate through these options with the intuitive interface, making sound selection and customization a breeze. One of the defining features of the KS-32 is its ability to layer and split sounds across the keyboard, allowing for complex performance setups that can be tailored to any musical genre.

Additionally, the KS-32 supports MIDI connectivity, making it a suitable companion in a modern studio setup. This connectivity allows users to integrate the KS-32 seamlessly into their existing workflows, whether they are recording or performing live. Its onboard sequencer provides the added benefit of creating and editing sequences directly on the keyboard, offering a comprehensive tool for composition and live improvisation.

Key Features:

  • 76 semi-weighted keys for an authentic playing experience
  • Ensoniq proprietary Sound Engine with a wide array of sounds
  • Layering and split sound capabilities
  • Onboard sequencer for composition and live performance
  • MIDI connectivity for seamless integration with other gear
  • Intuitive interface for easy navigation and sound customization

Product specs

Brand Ensoniq
Model KS-32 Weighted Action MIDI Studio
Finish Black
Year 1992
Made In United States
Categories Workstation Keyboards
Analog / Digital Digital
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Weighted
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Number of Keys 76 Keys
Polyphony 32 Voices

FAQs

What are the key features of the Ensoniq KS-32 synthesizer?

The Ensoniq KS-32 features a 76-key weighted action keyboard, 32-voice polyphony, and 24-channel multitimbrality. It includes 167 waveforms, dual multimode digital filters, three 4-stage envelopes, an LFO, and a built-in sequencer, making it a versatile tool for music production.

Is the Ensoniq KS-32 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Ensoniq KS-32 is suitable for live performances due to its weighted action keys and robust sound capabilities. It offers a wide range of sounds and onboard effects, making it a reliable choice for live settings.

Does the Ensoniq KS-32 have MIDI capabilities?

The Ensoniq KS-32 is equipped with MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and MIDI Through, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with other MIDI-compatible devices for expanded control and versatility in both studio and live environments.

How does the weighted action of the Ensoniq KS-32 affect playability?

The weighted action of the Ensoniq KS-32 provides a piano-like feel, enhancing expressiveness and control, especially for pianists transitioning to a synthesizer. This feature makes it ideal for dynamic and nuanced performances.

Can the Ensoniq KS-32 be used as a stand-alone workstation?

Yes, the Ensoniq KS-32 can function as a stand-alone workstation. It includes an 8-track sequencer and a wide array of sounds and effects, allowing musicians to compose and produce music without additional equipment.

Indonegro

Indonegro

Ensoniq ks 32 Presets

Video thumbnail for Ensoniq ks 32 Presets by Indonegro

Ensoniq ks 32 Presets

Indonegro

Indonegro

Video thumbnail for Ensoniq KS 32 Dark Piano by Indonegro

Ensoniq KS 32 Dark Piano

Indonegro

Indonegro

Video thumbnail for Ensoniq KS32 piano - someone somewhere in summertime by Jimi Uno's Pound Store Synth Emporium

Ensoniq KS32 piano - someone somewhere in summertime

Jimi Uno's Pound Store Synth Emporium

Jimi Uno's Pound Store Synth Emporium

Video thumbnail for Cinematic! Ensoniq KS-32 piano/synth pad by Bruce Phoenix

Cinematic! Ensoniq KS-32 piano/synth pad

Bruce Phoenix

Bruce Phoenix

Video thumbnail for Ensoniq KS 32   Synth Hunter Episode 38 by Synth Hunter Germany

Ensoniq KS 32 Synth Hunter Episode 38

Synth Hunter Germany

Synth Hunter Germany

Reviews

PROS

  • Includes sound sets from the sought-after SQ series for retro enthusiasts

  • Onboard MIDI sequencer enhances integration with DAWs

  • Unique hammer action keyboard provides an authentic piano feel

  • Built like a tank, ensuring durability and longevity

  • Compatible with SQ cards for expanded sound possibilities

  • Offers PPG-type sounds and DP4 FX onboard for versatile sound design

  • Highly affordable, offering vintage value for budget-conscious musicians

  • Some piano sounds, especially in the upper range, are quite beautiful

  • Full weighted action comparable to top brands like Korg and Roland

  • 32-voice polyphony and 16-track sequencing capabilities for complex compositions

CONS

  • Display is small, which can make navigation challenging

  • Internal sounds are considered vanilla without additional programming or card usage

  • Weighs nearly 50 pounds, making it less portable

  • Some instrument samples are dated and less usable

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ensoniq KS-32.

Build quality

  • The KS-32 features a keybed from Fatar, specifically the TP/10 model, known for its weighted action.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A non-functional KS-32 might fetch around $100, while a working one with good physical condition could reach $400-$500.

    Source
  • Repair costs must be weighed against Reverb resale values, which range from $196 to $378, making repair potentially more economical than replacement.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The KS-32 is noted for its connection to Ensoniq Transwave synths but is less desirable due to programming difficulty.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Battery replacement is straightforward if there's no leakage, but the battery is soldered directly to the circuit board, requiring desoldering for removal.

    Source
  • The KS-32 can be prone to weights falling off the TP/10 keybed, causing a "clunk" sound; this requires disassembly to fix.

    Source
  • A hard reset procedure involves turning the unit off and on slowly at 2-second intervals seven times; the eighth power-on reinitializes the unit.

    Source
  • If the headphone jack works, the sound issues might not be severe, indicating a potential fixable problem.

    Source
  • Replacing middle C and B key contacts requires removing adjacent keys, which can be stressful to the remaining functional keys during reassembly.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Despite its issues, the KS-32 is favored as a MIDI controller due to its key feel.

    Source

Other

  • Older Ensoniq gear often has simple fixable problems like loose connectors or bad power supplies, which can be addressed with basic electronics knowledge.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Syntaur offers both bubble pad strips and circuit board strips for replacement, costing about $200 for complete refurbishment.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite key issues, users appreciate the weighted piano action and opt to use the keyboard as a MIDI controller for its feel.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Ensoniq KS-32 MIDI Studio (MT May 93)

muzines.co.uk

The Ensoniq KS-32 impresses with its authentic piano feel, thanks to a flying-action weighted mechanism that mimics acoustic hammers. It's a versatile MIDI studio with a 76-note keyboard, 180 presets, and powerful sequencing capabilities. The onboard effects, derived from Ensoniq's renowned DP/4 unit, are a highlight, though somewhat limited in variety. While the KS-32 may not be revolutionary, its user-friendly design makes it ideal for musicians needing a reliable, standalone workstation. Despite lacking a spark of brilliance, it succeeds as a multifaceted tool for both live performance and MIDI integration.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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jimiuno

Underated - Amazing board

These boards are built like a tank, it has an amazing full weighted action as good as anything. If you have this board and use the internal sounds which are OK but very vanilla you are not doing this great board any justice. When you either program it or load the memory card sounds into it the board comes to life, comparable with the SQ1, SQr, SQ1 plus & SQ2 it really sounds like nothing else and has awesome effects and a nice onboard sequencer.

In my eyes Ensoniq is the most underated keyboard manufacturer and these are at least equal and usually surpasses the Korg, Roland, Yamaha equivalents of its age by some way.

Ensoniq really had something special back in the day and then disappeared known to only the chosen few who either owned or used them.

Can be picked up for very low prices but i'm sure as soon as people become more aware they will be very desirable and sought after.

bios7

Great value for little cash

I have 2 of these, one for practicing, one for live use. Old, but still working perfectly. The pianolike keyboard feel is excellent, not too heavy. Some of the piano sounds are quite good with a little eq, in the upper range even beautiful. Some really good synth sounds too. And I got them for less than 10 % of the original price.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Yuki Kajiura uses Ensoniq KS-32

Yuki Kajiura

Composer

Kalafina

...
Verified via YouTube

In a 2003 interview featured on YouTube, Yuki Kajiura can be seen with an Ensoniq KS-32 in the background.

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 KS-32, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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