Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $359

Budget/Beginner

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Step into the world of sound design and musical creativity with the Ensoniq TS-12, a powerhouse synthesizer that has left a lasting impact on the music production landscape. Renowned for its 61-key weighted keyboard, the TS-12 offers a uniquely tactile experience, allowing musicians to express themselves with precision and depth. Its integrated sequencer and effects engine make it a versatile choice for both live performances and studio work.

The Ensoniq TS-12 synthesizer is celebrated for its rich, lush soundscapes, thanks to its advanced synthesis capabilities. It features a wide array of waveforms and patches, giving musicians a vast palette to create anything from ambient textures to punchy leads. The intuitive interface and comprehensive control options provide an easy workflow, making it accessible for both seasoned professionals and aspiring artists.

With its robust build and reliable performance, the TS-12 has earned a reputation for being a dependable workhorse in any setting. Whether you're crafting intricate compositions or jamming out with friends, its expressive touch and responsive keys ensure that every nuance of your playing is captured.

Key Features:

  • 61-key weighted keyboard for expressive play
  • Advanced synthesis engine with a wide array of waveforms
  • Integrated sequencer for comprehensive music production
  • Built-in effects engine for dynamic sound shaping
  • User-friendly interface with extensive control options
  • Robust construction for reliable performance in various settings

Product specs

Brand Ensoniq
Model TS-12 Performance / Composition Synthesizer
Finish Black
Year 1993 - 1996
Made In United States
Categories Digital Synthesizers, 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 type of keyboard action does the Ensoniq TS-12 have?

The Ensoniq TS-12 features a 76-note hammer action keyboard with channel aftertouch, providing a realistic piano feel that is ideal for expressive playing.

How many voices of polyphony does the Ensoniq TS-12 offer?

The Ensoniq TS-12 offers 32 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex layering and sequencing without note dropouts.

Is the Ensoniq TS-12 suitable for live performance?

Yes, the Ensoniq TS-12 is well-suited for live performance, thanks to its robust build, weighted keys, and versatile sound engine that can handle various performance demands.

Can the Ensoniq TS-12 be integrated into a MIDI setup?

Absolutely, the Ensoniq TS-12 includes MIDI Input, Output, and Through, making it easy to integrate into any MIDI-based studio or live setup.

What are the main categories the Ensoniq TS-12 falls under?

The Ensoniq TS-12 is categorized under Digital Synthesizers and Workstation Keyboards, offering comprehensive features for both sound design and music composition.

willrobinsonensoniq

willrobinsonensoniq

Ensoniq TS-10 TS-12 Factory Demo

Video thumbnail for Ensoniq TS-10  TS-12 Factory Demo by willrobinsonensoniq

Ensoniq TS-10 TS-12 Factory Demo

willrobinsonensoniq

willrobinsonensoniq

Video thumbnail for ENSONIQ TS-12 Synthesizer (1993) (No Talking) DEMO by Eaglechild

ENSONIQ TS-12 Synthesizer (1993) (No Talking) DEMO

Eaglechild

Eaglechild

Video thumbnail for ENSONIQ TS-12 DEMO // SOUND DESIGN by Warm Natural

ENSONIQ TS-12 DEMO // SOUND DESIGN

Warm Natural

Warm Natural

Video thumbnail for Ensoniq TS-12 cinematic by SynthMania

Ensoniq TS-12 cinematic

SynthMania

SynthMania

Video thumbnail for Ensoniq TS12 demo: 76 weighted-key synth. 80's overdrive! by Gearfacts

Ensoniq TS12 demo: 76 weighted-key synth. 80's overdrive!

Gearfacts

Gearfacts

Video thumbnail for Ensoniq TS 12 by Franz Kreimer KEYS by Franz Kreimer Keys

Ensoniq TS 12 by Franz Kreimer KEYS

Franz Kreimer Keys

Franz Kreimer Keys

Video thumbnail for Ensoniq TS12 hyperwave sounds from mikes free ts10 patches by willrobinsonensoniq

Ensoniq TS12 hyperwave sounds from mikes free ts10 patches

willrobinsonensoniq

willrobinsonensoniq

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ensoniq TS-12.

Features and functionality

  • The TS-12 features a storage slot for floppy disks, which can be upgraded with a USB or SD card emulator for faster data transfer.

    Source
  • The TS-12's Mobias Lead sound is praised for its breathing quality, and the Jazz Kit is noted for its realistic drum emulation.

    Source

Build quality

  • The 76-key weighted keybed is highly praised for its quality, comparable to modern synths costing over $2000.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The plastic casings around the hammer weights in the keybed may crack, especially if the unit is handled roughly.

    Source
  • The poly-aftertouch keybed may fail due to solder point issues, requiring re-flowing or wire replacement after extensive use.

    Source
  • Service manuals for the TS-12 are highly detailed, providing step-by-step troubleshooting and disassembly instructions valuable for DIY repairs or tech assistance.

    Source
  • Cleaning cable plug/socket connections and reseating all cables can resolve issues, as these areas commonly degrade over time in older synths.

    Source
  • Capacitor failure is common in older equipment; replacing leaky capacitors can often resolve unpredictable performance issues.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Upgrading the RAM to 8MB using 30-pin SIMM modules can enhance performance and is a recommended modification.

    Source
  • Owners recommend using a Gotek USB floppy emulator since Ensoniq's floppy format is incompatible with standard USB floppy drives.

    Source
  • Analog board replacements are occasionally available, though often out of stock. They can be sourced intermittently and used for component-level troubleshooting.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite potential internal wear, the keybed is durable with epoxy-reinforced hammer assemblies, although care should be taken to avoid physical impacts.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • ChickenSys Software was a recommended tool for managing samples on a computer and transferring them to the TS series.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • TS-12s frequently sell for $400 or less, making them more affordable than the 61-key version despite their unique features.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
mike916

Classic Ensoniq Synth

The TS series have always had their own lane. Has its own great classic sounds. It’s pretty bulky, big and weights alot compared to its little brother the TS-10, but both are pretty much identical internally other than the polyphonic aftertouch and the ts12 having channel aftertouch..

From Gear Setup
janregular

Awesome keys

Excellent for producing and composing soundtracks. Good EPs with certain FM character. Excellent pads e organic sounds in general.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

Good EPs with certain FM character. Excellent pads e organic sounds in general.

cfeijao

Workstation da Ensoniq

Interessante para alguns trabalhos. Tem ótimas teclas.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Graeme Norgate uses Ensoniq TS-12

Graeme Norgate

Composer

...
Verified

"No, we didn't have devkits for a long time during that project. Equipment wise, we all had similar setups, I had the Roland JV1080, Ensoniq TS12, Yamaha SY77, Alesis SR16 and an Akai S3000 sampler."

See how Robin Beanland uses Ensoniq TS-12

Robin Beanland

Composer

...
Verified via Twitter

Tweet from Robin Beanland in which he says he used an Ensoniq TS-12 for the Killer Instinct soundtrack.

See how Eddie Rayner uses Ensoniq TS-12

Eddie Rayner

Singer, Keyboardist

Split Enz

...
Verified via YouTube

Eddie Rayner is playing an Ensoniq TS-12 during this 2005 live performance with Split Enz; the model number can be seen clearly at 0:38.

F

Florian Fricke

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Popol Vuh

...
Verified

Train Through Time, a ten-minute bonus track included on the Affenstunde reissue, hints at what might have been a way forward. This rhythmic composition by Fricke and Fiedler, made on an Ensoniq TS 12 workstation synth, uses samples of trains. Dating from around 1997, it nods to the first-ever piece of musique concrete, Pierre Schaeffer's Etude Aux Chemins De Fer, created nearly half a century earlier.

D

David Bronner

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

Found in an Interview from German Magazine Tastenwelt 5/95

See how Jørn Ellerbrock uses Ensoniq TS-12

Jørn Ellerbrock

Keyboardist

Helloween

...
Verified via YouTube

At 38 minutes and 18 seconds into the video titled "Helloween - Live in Köln (Full Concert, 1992)" by ScorpionsPriest on YouTube, Jørn Ellerbrock can be seen using an Ensoniq TS-12 during a live performance with Helloween.

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 TS-12, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
mike916

mike916

Gear IQ 1072

More Ensoniq Synthesizers

Ensoniq MR-61

 

 
Linsi_ana
1 artist using
Sequential Prophet-6

$3,289.36 - $3,499.99

# 1

Rank

Kevin Parker Thom Yorke Mike Shinoda
168 artists using
Moog Grandmother

$999.00 - $1,084.00

# 4

Rank

Dominic Fike Deadmau5 Martin Garrix
52 artists using
Korg Minilogue

$411.00 - $699.99

# 10

Rank

Aphex Twin King Krule Misha Mansoor
132 artists using
Moog Subsequent 37

$1,475.01 - $1,899.00

# 14

Rank

Neil Halstead Skrillex Charlie Puth
68 artists using
Arturia MicroBrute

$299.79 - $652.00

# 15

Rank

John Dwyer Adrian Utley Jordan Rudess
64 artists using
Korg MicroKORG

$385.00 - $530.00

# 16

Rank

Kevin Parker Frank Iero Joe Duplantier
324 artists using
Yamaha Reface DX

$279.00 - $449.99

# 18

Rank

Mac DeMarco Aphex Twin Taylor Swift
34 artists using
Korg MS-20 Mini

$494.30 - $899.99

# 20

Rank

Kevin Parker Mike Shinoda Deadmau5
93 artists using
Roland AIRA SYSTEM-1

$276.06 - $1,763.18

# 21

Rank

Nick Reinhart Porter Robinson Liam Howlett
53 artists using

Accessories & Related Items

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    ehans12
    ehans12

    Gear IQ 45