Still having trouble with the ROMs - I've followed the instructions closely. I'm on Mac Sequioa 15.7.4. I attached screenshots of the error message, my directory and the unzipped folder. Hopefully I'm just missing something obvious.

 

I haven't tried this yet, because of time mainly, but perhaps this is useful to someone with more time than me?


Step-by-Step: Converting .syx → Disk Image

1. Get a blank/formatted VFX/SD-compatible disk image
   • Download examples from VintageSynth forums (e.g., the SD-1 OS v4.10 bundle includes Omniflop raw .img and .EDV Giebler versions) or Archive.org/Ensoniq collections.
   • Or start with any raw 800K image matching the geometry (80 tracks, 2 heads, 10 sectors, 512B). Tools like HxC Floppy Emulator or MAME's floptool/imgtool can help create/convert blanks.
   • .EDV files are just raw images + a small header (easy to strip/add with a hex editor if needed).
2. Load the blank disk in the emulator
   • MAME: Use -flop1 yourblank.img (or software list slot).
   • VST: Click “Load Floppy/Cartridge” → mount the .img → Storage → DISK → LOAD (select file type if needed).
3. Send the .syx via MIDI
   • The emulated SD-1 receives it exactly like a real synth (use any MIDI librarian or DAW to transmit the bank).
   • The synth will load the programs into internal memory (or directly to disk in some librarian modes).
4. Save to disk inside the emulation
   • Navigate the synth’s Storage menu (use the VST’s on-screen controls or MAME keyboard mapping).
   • Save the bank(s) as a program file (60-patch banks are most common).
   • The image now contains native files (directory entries, FAT, etc.) ready for MAME or real hardware (via HxC/Gotek).
5. (Optional) Convert formats
   • .EDV ↔ raw .img: Use HxC batch converter, hex editor (add/remove EDV header + 0x1A EOF), or the tools in the Archive.org “ENSONIQ ALL FILES CONVERTORS” pack.
   • The resulting image works in MAME’s floppy driver and the VST’s loader.

For Cartridges (.crt / .bin)
Cartridges are raw memory dumps (not floppies).

• Load a blank/writable .crt in the VST or MAME cartridge slot (if supported).
• Use the synth’s “Cartridge Copy” functions (Internal → Cartridge or via MIDI Sysex if the dump is cart-compatible).
• Or start with pre-made cart dumps from forums (many full ROM/RAM cartridge sets exist as .crt/.bin). The VST explicitly lists .crt support with the same Load button.

Advanced / Direct Conversion (If You Want to Skip Emulation)

• A set of Perl scripts exists in the private Ensoniq VFX Facebook group (look for the “Sorted VFX / SD-1 Sysex Libraries” post). They parse VFX bank .syx and output ready-to-use .edv disk images with the bank embedded as a proper file.
• With the disk format docs (Device ID block, OS block, sub-directories, type 0D/0C banks, etc.) you could theoretically write your own script, but it’s non-trivial.

Pro tips

• Always start with the official SD-1 Sequencer OS disk image (v4.10 raw/EDV) for full functionality.
• Test in the Sojus VST first — it’s literally built for this workflow and runs the original MAME core.
• Once you have images, they load instantly in MAME (-flop1 or software list) or the VST’s Load button.

This is exactly how people have turned Rhythm-Lab .syx banks (and thousands more) into working SD-1 disk/cartridge sets for both emulation and real hardware. If you share a specific .syx link or need direct links to blank images/OS disks, I can point you to them!



MORE:


Here's a direct, reliable source for a blank/formatted disk image compatible with the Ensoniq VFX/SD/SD-1 (800K, 3.5" DD format, matching the exact geometry needed for MAME, Sojus VST, HxC/Gotek emulators, etc.):

The best publicly shared one comes from the Vintage Synth community thread where users discuss and archive these files. A pre-formatted blank disk image (raw/Omniflop-compatible .img style) is often referenced or bundled in similar packs, but the most straightforward blank/usable starting point is to grab a known-good formatted base from the OS bundle and wipe the user data if needed (or use it directly as a template—it's already in the correct proprietary format).

• Download the Ensoniq SD-1 800K Omniflop & EDV v4.10 Sequencer Operating System Bundle here: https://mega.nz/file/qUtwmYxD#7DD94QSYFDeFXsqbHKL49LTGQpchhO1P_k8Fg8__nnk

This Mega link (from the 2017 VintageSynth forum post) includes:

• SD1OS410.EDV (Giebler format, which is essentially a raw image + small header)
• A universal raw (Omniflop-compatible) .img version of the same disk

How to turn this into a blank/empty disk image for your .syx ports:

1. Download and extract the files from the Mega link.
2. Use the raw Omniflop .img file (it should be named something like SD1OS410.img or similar in the bundle—check the contents).
3. If it has the OS files on it (normal for these bundles), you can:
   • Mount it in MAME or the Sojus VST emulation.
   • Use the synth's Storage menu to Format the mounted image (this will wipe user programs but keep the format/structure intact, or fully reformat if you want it completely blank).
   • Alternatively, use a hex editor (like HxD) to zero out the data blocks after the OS/boot sectors if you want it pristine empty— but formatting inside emulation is safer and ensures compatibility.
4. Save the modified image as your new blank .img (or convert to .edv/.hfe if needed using HxC Floppy Emulator software's batch converter).

This raw .img works directly in MAME (-flop1 yourimage.img), the Sojus Records SD-1 VST (Load Floppy → select it), and Gotek/HxC setups (after conversion to .hfe via HxC tools if you're using real hardware emulation).

Quick alternatives if the Mega link is down:

• Search Facebook's Ensoniq VFX/SD-1 groups (e.g., "Ensoniq VFX" or "Ensoniq Users Group") for posts about "blank HFE" or "blank disk image"—users frequently share them there (one common request is for blank .hfe blanks specifically for Gotek).
• Or check HxC forums threads on Ensoniq SD-1 (they discuss creating blanks via "Load Raw image" with "Ensoniq EPS 3.5 DD Floppy Disk" layout preset, then saving a blank .img/.hfe).

Once you have your blank image mounted in the Sojus VST or MAME:

• Send your .syx banks via MIDI (use a tool like MIDI-OX, Bome SendSX, or a DAW).
• The emulated SD-1 will receive them.
• Go to Storage → Save the loaded programs/banks to the mounted disk (as type 0D bank files, etc.).
• Eject/save the image—now it's populated and ready for reuse.

 

I am getting SYX into my DAW and sent to a MIDI track.

I set SD-1 up for SYS-EX REC per the book.

I've found I have to mount the Sequencer disk, and load, and then mount a blank disk, and format.

Then I choose DISK / LOAD / SYS-EX REC

It says Waiting. I send the data with MIDI-OX, and see the MIDI indicator flicker on the track. SD-1 still says waiting.

This is where I am stuck for now.

Note - I don't see any way to eject or export a virtual disk as a file or image. I think the only export available is .vstpreset I don't know for sure. I think it can send SYS-EX but what good is that.

 

Last edited: Mar 23, 2026 at 5:51 AM

Your rom files damaged. Go to mdk.cab and get the files for sd132.

 

We can implement SYS-EX importing. Send me some valid SYS-EX files.

 

That would be scrumtrulescent. I'll send in a moment. I can only assume their validity, I have no way to test yet.

 

I've uploaded some sys-ex files I've found yesterday:
https://www.mediafire.com/file/3vecu4gdhn3bbso/Ensoniq_VFX_SD_-_SysEx_Library_%28fixed%29.zip/file

 

update dose not work. Working version is EnsoniqSD1-v.0.9.6b. The newer v.0.9.7b will not load.

 

Last edited: Mar 23, 2026 at 9:08 AM

PlugIn is not shown in Cubase 15 macOS 14.8.2 Intel.
Does anyone have any idea what might be causing this?

 

First, take the floppy disk I’ve uploaded here that’s already been formatted with this SD1 VST, and then you save your newly programmed sound to that disk using the ‘Storage’ function. This works perfectly, and you don’t need to save it as a VST preset! I’ll take a screenshot of the sounds appearing on the disk right away. You can rename this disk, make copies of it, and so on, just as you would with normal floppy disks.
(TimeActor is my stage name in real life)

 

Last edited: Mar 23, 2026 at 10:11 AM

Two causes:
- Cubase
- Mac


More seriously: the plugin is probably blacklisted by Cubase. Also, take a look about OSX security. They're many posts in this topic.

Plugin version 0.9.7 seems to work fine from either Bitwig Studio 5.1.9 and REAPER 6.8.3, Windows 10 PC.

 

Last edited: Mar 23, 2026 at 10:23 AM

What a load of rubbish! Will it never end? No Problems here on Mac with Cubase.

 

No, it’s not blacklisted. Cubase doesn’t recognise it.

 

Do you know humor?

 

Even the best joke gets old if you hear it over and over again for years on end. Now back to topic.

 

In v0.9.7, we implemented a strict SHA-256 hash check BEFORE the MAME engine even boots. Version 0.9.6 relied on MAME’s internal check, which sometimes allows slightly modified or ‘bad dump’ ROMs to boot with hidden warnings. Your sd132.zip works in 0.9.6 because the old version let it slide, but the files inside are mathematically not the official 100% clean dumps. Please find the correct MAME ROM set, and the 0.9.7 error will disappear!

 

We have tested 0.9.7b with Cubase 15/intel mac/Sequoia and works perfectly. Check the troubleshooting section at Github for more help.

 

Previous version worked as advertised. This .097b wont load or be recognized at all on CAtalina even after codesigning and dequarantine and on Seqoia it now says the rom is not loadable on the previously working rom.

 

Where / how does this new virtual 3.5" floppy disk containing sounds exist for later recall when you turn your computer on the next day?

Where / how do copies of this disk exist for later recall when you turn your computer on the next day?

Is a file made? Where and how does it remain in existence?

My stage name is Soulvant. No music released yet.

 

As written above, your rom is dirty. Your sd132.zip works in 0.9.6 because the old version let it slide, but the files inside are mathematically not the official 100% clean dumps. Please find the correct MAME ROM set, and the 0.9.7 error will disappear.
About Catalina: delete the plugin from the VST3 folder and the settings.xml in your Document/EnsoniqSD1 folder. Restart the computer, copy again a fresh VST3 from the 7z, and do the dequarantine/codesign routine. Possibly a dirty temp file from the previous version causing the error.