Hundreds of classic Mirage samples. Drums, synths, acoustic and more!
The Ensoniq Mirage, released in 1984, stands as one of the most significant landmarks in the history of music technology. Before its debut, high-quality digital sampling was a luxury reserved for elite studios and wealthy artists who could afford systems like the Fairlight CMI or the Synclavier, which often cost as much as a small house. The Mirage changed this paradigm overnight by offering professional sampling capabilities for under $2,000, effectively democratizing a technology that would soon define the sound of the 1980s and early 1990s.
Designed by a team of former Commodore engineers—the same minds behind the legendary SID chip found in the Commodore 64—the Mirage was built around a custom VLSI chip that allowed for sophisticated digital processing at a fraction of the usual cost. While its 8-bit resolution might seem primitive by modern standards, the machine is revered for its unique "crunchy" sonic character. This digital grit is complemented by eight Curtis CEM3328 analog low-pass filters, which provide a warmth and resonance that modern software samplers often struggle to replicate.
Operating a Mirage is famously challenging, as it lacks a graphic display or intuitive menu system. Instead, users must navigate a two-digit LED display and input parameters using hexadecimal code. Despite this steep learning curve, the machine’s flexibility was immense for its time. It offered 8-voice polyphony and a split-keyboard architecture, allowing users to load different samples into "Upper" and "Lower" memory banks. This architecture, combined with its built-in sequencer, made it a versatile centerpiece for early electronic music production.
The legacy of the Mirage is cemented by its massive commercial success, with over 30,000 units sold. It became a foundational tool for iconic producers such as the Bomb Squad, who used its lo-fi texture to craft the aggressive, layered soundscapes of Public Enemy. Today, the Mirage enjoys a dedicated cult following. Enthusiasts often modify their vintage units with modern floppy drive emulators, ensuring that this pioneer of the sampling revolution continues to provide its signature analog-digital hybrid warmth to a new generation of musicians.
