Ensoniq Mirage
| Mirage | |
|---|---|
Ensoniq Mirage DSK-1, the third generation | |
| Manufacturer | Ensoniq |
| Dates | 1984–1988 |
| Price | $1,695 (introductory, DSK-8) |
| Technical specifications | |
| Polyphony | 8 |
| Timbrality | 8 |
| Oscillator | 16 accessible (32 with alternate OS platform), digital PCM sampler, 8-bit |
| Synthesis type | Digital/Analog Sample-based Subtractive |
| Filter | Analog resonant Curtis CEM3328 4-pole 24-dB/octave low-pass VCF per voice |
| Velocity expression | Yes |
| Storage memory | 128 KB samples + 16 KB system |
| Input/output | |
| Keyboard | 61-key |
| External control | MIDI |
The Ensoniq Mirage is one of the earliest affordable sampler-synths, introduced in 1984 as Ensoniq's first product. Introduced at a list price of $1,695 with features previously only found on more expensive samplers like the Fairlight CMI, the Mirage sold nearly 8,000 units in its first year - more than the combined unit sales of all other samplers at that time. The Mirage sold over 30,000 units during its availability.