Ensoniq KT-88

Back in 1994, this powerhouse workstation hit the scene with 64-voice polyphony powered by dual ES5506 OTTO chips, a rare feat that let you layer massive orchestral arrangements without voice stealing—perfect for live performance or studio depth.

Its 88 weighted-action keys deliver that authentic piano feel with velocity sensitivity and monophonic aftertouch, while the synthesis heart draws from 211 16-bit PCM multisamples across 14 categories, including signature transwave synth tones. Each voice stacks up to three oscillators with flexible playback like delay, reverse, or variable start points, shaped by dual multi-mode digital filters (lowpass, bandpass, highpass in configs like 3LP/1HP) and four LFOs with seven waveforms that sync to MIDI clock. A deep modulation matrix routes 15 sources—think noise, envelopes, pitch bend, or pedal CV—to keep things evolving, plus 13 effects algorithms from reverb and delay to Leslie speaker and wah. The 16-track sequencer holds 6500 notes (expandable to 100,000 via PCMCIA RAM cards), with intuitive editing for chaining songs, all in a sturdy desktop/keyboard design with stereo outs and full MIDI I/O.

Owners cherish its rich, realistic GM-compatible sounds and user-friendly interface that punches above its era, though some note the fixed wavetable limits extreme sound design compared to open samplers. It's a gem in Ensoniq's lineup, bridging their VFX/TS synth legacy with pro workstation muscle.