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$69.00
Earn 186
A landmark virtual synthesizer. Captures the essence of the classic ESQ-1.
$69.00
Earn 186
A landmark virtual synthesizer. Captures the essence of the classic ESQ-1.
An exacting emulation of the sounds and functionality of the original Ensoniq ESQ-1 hybrid digital-analog synthesizer released in 1986
Engineered by Cherry Audio with comprehensive circuit and behavior modeling techniques to provide unparalleled accuracy and exclusive compatibility with the original hardware
Expertly designed and rendered user interface organized into five context-sensitive sections: Play, Edit, Modulation, Envelopes, and Sequencer
Three digital oscillators per voice, individually animated in the interface
Utilizes the original 32 ESQ-1 waveforms, licensed from Creative Technology, in four categories: Basic and Noise, Samples, Additive/Formant, and Band Limited
Oscillator sync and amplitude modulation (AM) options for additional rich harmonics and aggressive, metallic, and bell-like timbres
Voice Modes: Mono Legato and Mono Retrig (with note priority), Unison, Polyphonic, and MPE, with detune and portamento and glissando modes
Highly optimized, massive stereo dual-layer voicing architecture with up to 32 polyphonic voices per layer. Keyboard split and stacked layer modes allow two simultaneously playable layers, with separate per-layer controls for all parameters, including synthesis, modulation, patterns, and effects
Precision modeling of the Curtis CEM3379 analog resonant low-pass filter (4-pole 24dB/oct), expanded with 2-pole 12dB/oct low-pass, high-pass, and band-pass options
Three LFOs for each layer, each with tempo sync, reset, and human timing variation options, delay, and 18 possible modulation assignments
Four independent multistage (four levels, four rates) envelopes with velocity stages, visualized with click-and-drag handles
Exceptionally comprehensive four-slot modulation matrix with macros and simple click-to-assign functionality: 41 sources (with MPE options) and 85 destinations, including ESQ-1's integrated arpeggiator, sequencer, and effects
Enhanced expressive performance options with compatible MIDI controllers through channel aftertouch, polyphonic aftertouch, and a new, more flexible MPE system
Independent per layer arpeggiators with four pattern modes – Arp, Leap, Order, Random – with swing, chance, and feel to add degrees of randomness to patterns
Syncable and transposable per layer 16x4 polyphonic step sequencers for notes and modulations, with four independently assignable macro motions and 33 presets, humanize options, with precision clock and step synchronization
Over 360 professionally designed presets in 15 categories, including MPE-specific presets
Also includes the 40 original ESQ-1 hardware preset patches
SysEx compatibility with the original hardware: drag-and-drop import of individual patches and patch banks from ESQ-1 SysEx files, or directly via MIDI from the hardware
Export SysEx patch files from the software compatible with the original hardware
Cherry Audio’s acclaimed Effects system, with three independent customizable effects chains, one for each layer plus the global layer, and an individual effects modulator for each layer
20 studio-quality effects that can be arranged, saved, and recalled within their effects chains, which are interchangeable with other Cherry Audio synthesizers:
BBD Flanger, Compressor, Digital Delay, Digital Reverb, Distortion & EQ, Dual Delay, Dual Ensemble, Dual Phaser, Envelope Filter, Flanger & Chorus, Galactic Reverb, Lo-Fi, Lushverb, Ring Modulator, Seven Band EQ, Spring Reverb, and Tape Echo. New in Mercury-8 are DCO Chorus, Panner, and Pulser
Mini UI effects control tray for on/off, solo, bipolar modulator amount slider, and dry/wet mix for each effect. Global FX on/off, level, and stereo expand
Standalone virtual instrument and plug-in versions included
User-adjustable oversampling control
Complete MIDI control and DAW automation for all controls, with easy-to-use MIDI learn and mapping (Preset and Global)
Cherry Audio's popular Focus zoom-in feature, as well as standard UI zoom and resize via drag
Complete documentation available directly online from the instrument or in downloadable PDF format
Ensoniq's story began in 1982 when a group of engineers left Commodore after disagreements about the company's direction. Among them was Robert "Bob" Yannes, the designer of the legendary SID chip, which provided the Commodore 64 with its unique sound. Shortly after their departure, the team shifted its focus to digital audio. This change proved successful in 1985 with the introduction of the Mirage sampling keyboard. Its success gave Ensoniq the momentum to create something even more ambitious: an affordable digital synthesizer, known as the ESQ-1.
Released in 1986, this hybrid digital-analog instrument combined affordable digital oscillators with warm analog filters, included a capable MIDI sequencer, and offered all of this at a price that musicians could actually afford. Ensoniq marketed the ESQ-1 as a "digital wave synthesizer," and the label set it apart from the crowd. The mid-1980s belonged to analog keyboards and FM machines like the Yamaha DX7, but the ESQ-1 carved out its own space by blending old and new technology.
At its core sat the custom Ensoniq 5503 Digital Oscillator Chip. This chip gave the instrument its gritty, lo-fi, and often glassy character. Each voice used three independent digital oscillators, capable of playing back 32 single-cycle sampled waveforms. The digital signals were processed using analog Curtis Electromusic 3379 low-pass filters, which helped to smooth and warm the sound. The ESQ-1 featured 8-voice polyphony with seamless dynamic voice allocation. One of its most notable features was the built-in sequencer. This onboard multitrack MIDI sequencer could store up to 24,000 notes across 10 songs. This all-in-one approach laid the groundwork for the "music workstation" concept that would become dominant in the 1990s.
Launched at an affordable price of $1,395, the ESQ-1 quickly became a commercial success and a “first professional synthesizer” for many, selling over 50,000 units. Its budget-friendly cost and distinctive, rough-edged sound made it a popular choice in the electronic music scene, particularly among industrial pioneers like Skinny Puppy, as well as various other artists over the years, such as Jean-Michel Jarre, Steve Roach, John Carpenter, Prince, Anything Box, Roxette, Jexus, Avey Tare, Richard Barbieri, Speedy J, Benge, and Deutsch Amerikanische Freundschaft.
Ensoniq continued to develop its synthesizer and sampler technology, achieving notable advancements with the SQ-80, the VFX and SQ "Transwave" workstations, and the TS series of workstations. They also created the ASR and EPS sampling workstations, culminating in their final and most unique synthesizer, the Fizmo. Additionally, Ensoniq's technology was deeply integrated into the PC hardware ecosystem of the time, which eventually led to its acquisition by Creative Technology in 1998, enhancing Creative Labs' groundbreaking Sound Blaster product line.
In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, Cherry Audio partnered with Creative Technology, the current owner of the Ensoniq intellectual property, to obtain official licensing for the original 32 ESQ-1 waveforms for this release. Equally important, we meticulously emulated the sonic signature and behavior of the original hardware's legendary analog filters provided by the renowned CEM3379 IC. We also precisely recreated its four DCAs, four independent multistage envelopes, three LFOs, amplitude modulation, oscillator sync, and expanded its modulation system. Its accuracy is such that the ESQ-1 software supports drag-and-drop import of individual patches and patch banks from ESQ-1 SysEx files, or directly via MIDI from the hardware. Additionally, the software can export SysEx patch files that are compatible with the original hardware.
Ensoniq's ESQ-1 was a powerful synthesizer, but it required users to program much of its functionality via a letterbox vacuum-fluorescent display, soft buttons, and a data slider. In contrast, Cherry Audio's ESQ-1 brings the controls and visualization directly to the surface, enabling users to easily edit settings across multiple pages and gain a more comprehensive understanding of its powerful signal path.
Cherry Audio's ESQ-1 features a highly optimized stereo dual-layer architecture that supports an astounding 32 polyphonic voices per layer, enabling multitimbral split keyboard and dual-stacked modes. A comprehensive modulation matrix includes four slots with user-friendly click-to-assign functionality and offers dozens of source and destination options.
The built-in arpeggiator and 16x4 programmable polyphonic step sequencer are both syncable and transposable, featuring flexible humanize settings and macro motions for patterns that go far beyond the original hardware. ESQ-1 also features three independent effect chains and provides 20 studio-quality effects for chains that can be customized, saved, recalled, and shared with other Cherry Audio synthesizers.
Ensoniq ESQ-1 by Cherry Audio is more than a nostalgic tribute to what was the first synthesizer for many musicians, including us! It masterfully reimagines this iconic workstation as a fresh, inspiring tool to help today's producers explore both the musical past and new, uncharted horizons.
Ensoniq ESQ-1 by Cherry Audio is available in AU, VST, VST3, AAX, and standalone formats, and a free 30-day demo is available.
macOS Requirements: 10.13 or above. macOS 13 Ventura supported. 64-bit required. Native Apple M1 or greater processor support, including Ultra. 3.4 GHz Quad-Core or M1 CPU with 8GB of RAM is recommended. Hard disk space: 173 MB
Windows Requirements: Windows 7 or above (including Windows 11), 64-bit required. Quad-core computer with 8GB of RAM is recommended. Hard disk space: 173 MB
An internet connection is required for product activation.
Ensoniq ESQ-1 waveforms are copyrighted works licensed from Creative Technology Ltd. ENSONIQ, the Ensoniq logo, and ESQ-1 are registered trademarks of Creative Technology Ltd.
