SQ8L
by Siegfried Kullmann
by Siegfried Kullmann
4.8 / 5
(73 votes)
SQ8L is a software model of Ensoniq's classic 1980s synth SQ80.
The SQ80 features 3 digital wavetable oscillators for each of its 8 voices which are fed through analog 4-pole lowpass filters (-24dB gain) with resonance. Sound parameters can be modulated by 4 envelopes, 3 LFOs and several MIDI sources. The SQ80 also has a predecessor, the ESQ1, which can do most of the same stuff.
The SQ80 features 3 digital wavetable oscillators for each of its 8 voices which are fed through analog 4-pole lowpass filters (-24dB gain) with resonance. Sound parameters can be modulated by 4 envelopes, 3 LFOs and several MIDI sources. The SQ80 also has a predecessor, the ESQ1, which can do most of the same stuff.
Downloads
Win 32 VST
(0.6 Mb)
(5 / 5)
Il peut faire un très bon set à lui tout seul.
(5 / 5)
Why doesn't the dev give the source code to the Surge XT developers? C'mon man, was ist die problem?
How do you get all 200 sounds? I only have 28
Clic droit sur afficheur rouge..
Can someone help me with installing sq8l?! After downloading it on my (Windows 11) PC, it shows me after opening with Winrar a .dll data, but no Installation or VST 3 Plugin Data
*.dll is format of VST2 plugin. Just drag & drop this into your VST2 Plugins directory. But this is 32-bit version and you work on the 64-bit PC. Use DAW which can run x86 (32-bit) plugins like Bitwig or FL Studio 21 or use program called "jBridger" to make it run in the 64-bit only DAW ;)
There is no VST3 version of this synth – it's the 32-bit plugin. You need either a 32-bit host (usually marked as x86) or a bridge for 64-bit DAWs.
Just use j. Brigde to convert the 32bit to 64bit that what im using on my windows 11 bro
(5 / 5)
This plug is like the Pyramids. Nobody is able to make a plugin this good today.
What You mean by Pyramids? VST Plugin? Can You precise a name more? Cheers ;)
This plugin is Magic... same Pyramids.. no one can build like it :)
(5 / 5)
I like it
(4 / 5)
The original synth had a very logical user interface, but very poor hand on control, and the filter was a bit bland. Despite that, while not enough to obtain a legendary status, it is a true classic. The VST is a perfect recreation of this synth with all the drawbacks, but also all the goodness of its sound that brings back memories. I give only four stars because of the lack of hands on control (does'nt respond to midi CCs).
(5 / 5)
I'm pretty sure Night Lovell used the "Bottle" preset in his track - LET ME DIE, lol, great plugin.
btw you can listen this sound in the track hulu
(5 / 5)
I love it deeply. Thanks
(5 / 5)
Wow,what a low end! Thanks!
How did you open this. It wont allow me to open it
Maybe your daw doesnt support 32-bit plugins as this is
(5 / 5)
Very nice, good sounds and convincing GUI
How do I install this? Do I extract the files?
Yeah I cant' figure out either
File dll in folder VST your DAW
(5 / 5)
Best synth plugin out there. You can buy thousands, but none will have the personality and functionality this one has, too bad we'll never have the full version of it. Rest in peace, Siegfried Kullmann. You've changed the way my music sounds.
How do you know he is dead?
(5 / 5)
I need help, my daw's (ableton) not scanning the plugin in my custom folder... I also tried putting it in steinberg but I still cant make it work
It's 32bit. Live stopped supporting these and can only use 64bit plugins now. Download jbridge to "convert" your 32bit plugins to 64bit and.... tadaa! (Issues might appear though)
Download The Reaper DAW it has built in bridging and can load any 32bit plugin as if almost native type support. Unlike many other companies who don't care about the classic 32bit plugins anymore.
(5 / 5)
I love this VST
(5 / 5)
I love this thing. Warm, vintage sounds, tons of controls, tons of great patches, and tons of applications.
(5 / 5)
Absolutely classic sounds! Must have for anyone who wants to make 80s style soundtracks!
(4 / 5)
I just realized the plugin automation settings are blank in LMMS which is a real shame as it's such a fantastic synth. No plugin automation in Cakewalk either even with Jbridge. Gutted. it's still a great synth tho but automation would've been nice. Thanks
It's a classic. ity he stopped development.
Here's a useful video on how to automate SQ8L in Ableton and how to assign to knobs on your midi controller. I found it pretty interesting. and the sounds of the SQ8L are amazing. heres the video https://youtu.be/JrzZnZUIDHM
(5 / 5)
If you're reading this comment, please try it out on VSTHost. It works pretty well on Windows, I noticed though on PlayOnLinux using either VSTHost or LMMS on Ubuntu it will glitch out the overlay on the VSTi Plugin.
I too noticed it doesn't work with Yabridge on Linux. It's a real shame.
(5 / 5)
The presets for this are amazing and the versatility this thing has packed into it makes it a must have.
(5 / 5)
The SQ8L is without a doubt a timeless classic. A one of a kind.
(5 / 5)
I'd say all of the superlatives have already been used. This is a bloody stunning VST clone of the SQ and I did get to use the real one for over a year. Also, I've had my own ESQ-1 for over 20 years and still use it. It's incredibly generous of you to allow us to have this for free. This beats many a paid VST emulation of other synths by a country mile. My hat is well and truly doffed to you sir.
(5 / 5)
Great plugin! Thank you very much!
I have only one melody of organ? what should i do to fix this, bro?
Maybe try another preset?
Fantastic!!! Sounds really cool :-)
If you're familiar with Ensoniq's ESQ-1 & SQ80 & you like their sound, you'll like this synth. I love my ESQ-1 & this is really a great VST.
Love it. Love it, love it, love it.
This Plugin is awesome! Great work to the creators! ;)
(5 / 5)
Very nice synth! Thanks!
(5 / 5)
Ace! Thank you very much. Free VST Fairlight CM Emulator anyone? Someone somewhere must want to make one!
I need asign the midi controls, how I can do this in ableton ? Excelent vst ensoniq sounds, best ever.
(5 / 5)
Excelentes sons, grátis, leve e simples. Excellent sounds, its free and simple. Thanks a lot Kullmann.
(5 / 5)
Fucking amazing!
This is the best free vst I have ever downloaded. Everything about it is amazing
(5 / 5)
Fantastisk vst synth
Very good sounding plugin, I own an Ensoniq and am impressed how close it sounds.
(5 / 5)
Absolut fantastisch! Da sollten sich so manch kostenpflichtige Synthesizer mal eine Scheibe abschneiden!!! Wirklich gro�artige Arbeit!!!
(5 / 5)
Fantastic synth, really beautiful plugin, helps me create the sound I always wanted. An enormous thank you to those who have created this synth.
(5 / 5)
5000/5. This is amazing for synthwave stuff. Dat bass. OMG. A+++.
Amazing and dreamy
(5 / 5)
Its very good, amazing sound ;=
(3 / 5)
SO fine!! Remember me amiga500 sounds!!! I'll use for making music in independant games on xbox!!! If you are interested in sexy retro independant game have a look at "team suriken"!! SO GREAT:!!!!!!!
Excelentes sonidos Ensoniq, tengo el ASR10 y es genial, Tnank you very much!! por compartirlo.
CLASS ACT DUDE !!!! Very good plugin, 5 thumbs up;) Light on CPU, great classic sound, no MIDI control so far, but anyway, COOL stuff !
Any MIDI CC is assignable, plus there are some fixed controllers... The following midi controllers are always recognized: 7 (07 hex) : Master volume, 10 (0A hex) : Panning (relative, 64=neutral), 11 (0B hex) : Expression (relative volume increase, 0=neutral)*, 64 (40 hex) : Hold/Sustain pedal (values>0 = hold notes)**, 74 (4A hex) : Brightness (relative filter frequency, 64=neutral)*. Just decide which parameter you'd like to modulate and rethink the mod.
(5 / 5)
SQ8L is a great plugin for a classic synth! I just figured out a way to play and record the SQ8L plugin in Mac OS X through Ableton Live 8. If you'd like instructions on how to do it, download them here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/l4ds8z7melb9sqk/SQ8L_in_OSX.zip . LONG LIVE ENSONIQ
like a boss!
(5 / 5)
Flawless emulation of the SQ80. Fairlight patch reminds me of the old CMI IIx. Hey Siegfried, your vst rocks!!
(5 / 5)
Un excellent vst pour faire des bass vraiment claquantes, des pads super shimmering, mais bien d'autres choses si on prends le temps de s'y attarder un peu ! très bon soft !
(5 / 5)
Great Ensoniq sounds...
Great for a Halloween project, very good sounds and effects.
(5 / 5)
This Synth is A M A Z I N G, too good to be true. I use it for everything. Better than many commercial vsts. A must !
(5 / 5)
Oh that's realy fine, great sounds and so small. I`m looking for my oldest PC ;-)
(5 / 5)
GREAT!! One of the most important synth I ever used!
(5 / 5)
Lots of presets and it sounds great. Even though I never owned one, it makes me wish I would have.
(5 / 5)
Wide range of sounds x customization = greatness!
(4 / 5)
LOVE IT. I USED TO OWN AN SQ80 AND MUST SAY VERY VERY VERY CLOSE, lovin the adamski piano.
(5 / 5)
5 out of 5. Had an ESQ1 a long time ago and this sounds like a true Ensoniq synth of old. Great VST & can't believe it's free.
(5 / 5)
I had 2 Ensoniq ESQ1. The SQ8L sounds like the original. Excellent work!
Si que hicieron la pantalla igual de los Ensoniq! Muy retro!
(4 / 5)
4 out of 5 . only -1 for no automation or native OSX support .
Note Mac users works in the coincidentally named Vfx app for the V-machine
(5 / 5)
Exceptionally good VST synth with loads of excellent presets! Bravo!
(5 / 5)
Very nicely done. Really does remind me of the SQ80 and the ESQ-1. Bravo!!!
(5 / 5)
You are too cool! thanks for keeping this great ensoniq instrument alive!
(5 / 5)
In the 80's I had an Ensoniq ESQ 1. This emulation sounds like the original one!
(5 / 5)
Another one that I use quite often. Great sounds and exceptionally low CPU draw.
(5 / 5)
IT'S NICE! so many cool effects, it has distracted me =D
(5 / 5)
You can't just imagine how fat sounds the basses of this baby... Really great "Bottle" sound with a nice "windy" thing; really 80s, good emulation...
tnxs
(Sorry for bad english)