Ensoniq ZR-76

Back in 1998, this powerhouse landed as Ensoniq's final keyboard before the company folded, packing a massive ROM of sounds drawn from their legendary library into a stage-ready workstation that still turns heads today.

Its 76-note semi-weighted keyboard delivers responsive velocity and monophonic aftertouch, perfect for expressive piano work or quick drum programming, while the 64-voice polyphony handles dense arrangements without breaking a sweat. Sample-based PCM synthesis powers 778 patches including 751 drum elements, shaped by onboard filters and a versatile effects section with reverb, delay, and chorus. A built-in 16-track sequencer with exclusive Delta quantize—re-timing performances on the fly—pairs with the floppy drive for loading sequences and sounds, plus full MIDI In/Out/Thru for seamless integration. Stereo main outs and assignable aux outputs round out the back panel on this black-finished, US-made beast weighing in as a solid performance companion.

Players love its fresh, unique tones that cut through mixes and the rock-solid sequencer for live gigs or studio sketching, though some note the floppy drive feels dated now. It's a hidden gem in the vintage workstation world, blending Ensoniq's gritty character with practical workflow tools that hold up remarkably well.