Ensoniq’s SQ-80 is back as a free VST/AU synth plugin: authentic ‘80s synthwave sounds for your DAW

(Image credit: SampleScience)

An evolution of the classic ESQ-1, the Ensoniq SQ-80 was a wavetable workstation that was released back in 1987. A firm favourite back in the day, it’s now been revived in the form of SQ8ROM, a free VST/AU synth plugin from Sampleson.

Taking the SQ-80’s sound and architecture, this comes with 50 sounds, with more being available as free expansions to bring the total up to 168.

So, if you want authentic synthwave, synth-pop and vaporwave tones on tap, head on over to the SampleScience website and do the download thing.

I’m the Deputy Editor of MusicRadar, having worked on the site since its launch in 2007. I previously spent eight years working on our sister magazine, Computer Music. I’ve been playing the piano, gigging in bands and failing to finish tracks at home for more than 30 years, 24 of which I’ve also spent writing about music and the ever-changing technology used to make it.