Ensoniq's 1996 rack module and a 90s sleeper hit. The MR-Rack crams 64 voices, 886 sounds and Ensoniq's signature 2nd-generation Transwaves into a single 1U space, sample-based bread-and-butter (keys, strings, brass, basses, drums) sitting right next to gassy, evolving, Wavestation-style textures you cannot get anywhere else. The on-board ESP2 effects chip (the same family as the legendary DP/4) gives it a genuinely lush character, and three internal expansion slots plus a card slot mean it grows with you.

FEATURES & PROS:

• Signature Transwaves: Ensoniq's time-shifting resynthesis for moving, morphing textures that defined the FIZMO and MR sound.
• 64 Voices, 886 Sounds: deep sample-based palette across acoustic and electronic, fully GM compatible.
• ESP2 Effects: 40 effects from the same chip family as the DP/4, a real strength of the unit.
• Expandable: three internal EXP board slots plus a PCMCIA card slot for more sounds.
• One Rack Space: a huge sound library in a compact, studio-friendly 1U.

GENRE / USE

• 90s dance, trance and electronica, where the Transwaves and ESP2 effects come alive
• All-round production: keys, strings, brass, bass, drums and GM across pop, R&B and hip-hop
• Ambient pads and evolving soundscapes (the famous gassy, Wavestation-style lushness)
• A compact sound source to add classic 90s digital colour to any MIDI rig

THE WORD: Sound on Sound found the MR-Rack expandable and refreshingly user-friendly for a module, with a sound set too wide to pigeonhole, a general Wavestation-like lushness alongside ambient and ravey textures, and effects strengthened by Ensoniq's ESP2 chip. Read the review at Sound on Sound.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Released: 1996
• Type: 64-voice expandable rackmount sound module (1U)
• Synthesis: sample playback plus 2nd-gen Transwaves
• Sounds: 886 presets (816 ROM, 70 RAM), 320 instruments, GM compatible
• ROM: 12MB, 44.1kHz / 16-bit
• Multitimbral: 16 parts
• Effects: 40, via Ensoniq ESP2 chip
• Expansion: 3 internal EXP slots plus PCMCIA card slot
• I/O: 4 audio outs, 3 MIDI ports
• Condition: used