The Patch Base ESQ-1 librarian editor for ipad & Mac is amazing. Completely solves the limited patch saving issues and the ipad can sit next to/on top of the synth. It has made a huge difference with my ESQ-1. It also puts all the parameters on one screen for an instant overview of a patch.
there is a good reason, why the ESQ-1 has no floppy drive: this is a synth, all waveforms are already there, there is no need to load them everytime from disk, like on a sampler. What the ESQ needs, are only the sound settings, which take just few bytes. This small amount of data can be hold by the internal battery. And you could store the patches not only on cartridges - but also in a MIDI sequencer or via tape interface if needed. You could even use Mirage's floppy disk to store ESQ-1 patches...
Maybe it is because it was my first digital board (and I still have it even after all these years) but I personally think the ESQ's sequencer is perfect. It does precisely what I need a sequencer to do. My only complaint is that it can store so few key events even with its memory maxed out.
This is by far my fav synth too, and I've tried many including synths that cost many times more. Another great feature not mentioned on the video is that the ESQ1 is 8 parts multi-timbral, Also worth mentioning that a lot of the patches that come with the ESQ1 (and the ones on many optional cartridges too), have the DCA volume of each osc set to the max value of 63, and this overdrives the filter a bit giving you a dirty crunchy tone, but if you turn down the DCA to around 40-50 say the tone is a lot smoother and more "hi-fi". It sounds beatiful..And yes, I agree the keybed is the best ever, it feels like you are playing a vintage accordion or something like that, not plasticky at all like most other synths out there.
It's 'almost' nine-part multitimbral, as you can sequence eight parts in the sequencer, then play a ninth sound on the keyboard. Even after all these years, it's the keyboard that keeps on giving.
hey, worth mention here... you are correct... the keys on the esq-1 are the best feel. They are "velvet". No other keyboard I've ever played has EVER felt as buttery-smooth like the esq-1. period. That needed to be said! There is nothing like it!
Actually, there IS a way to store ESQ1 sounds to floppy disks. The MIRAGE'S floppy disks, to be exact. Interfacing the ESQ1 and Mirage together via midi allows you to send the ESQ1's sequencer memory and ALL OF THE INTERNAL PATCHES to the Mirage (a function that Ensoniq seemed to downplay in the ESQ1 manual.) After the patches and sequences have been sent to the Mirage, you just save them to a single slot on the Mirage disk, meaning you can fit 3 banks (or 120 patches) onto a single Mirage Disk.
FANTASTIC video dude. Just dropped off a Roland D-10 to get fixed and was offered an ESQ-1 for like nothing... Watched this after a 'factory patch demo' ...you answered like all of my questions about its useability, so thanks. FYI - memory cards during this time generally had a similar (or frequently the exact same) "watch" style battery for memory retention - so using a RAM cartridge or using onboard memory is essentially the same risk of loss... although it can be 5-7+ years on a fresh battery. I've learned that a lot of these early digital synths have a capacitor tied to the battery slot so a quick battery change SHOULDN'T erase user-saved patches.
Bought mine in 1985 when released and wait about 6 months to get it here in France ! It was a metal case of course, then sold it, then bought another one (plastic case) back in the end 90's for about nothing and then sq80 same shot (sounds much less interesting to me) . You just don't imagine how pricey was the 3"1/2 floppy drives back , that's the reason ! I agree totally with the programming interface ! Just imagine having knobs instead of the simple button+ data combination ... hummm ... heard about the Ambika ? The Ambika is another synth of the same kind with a great mojo. And it's french ! I have two of them with different filters and looooove the sound !
my absolute favorite synth...really an underrated board. Anyone who is a synth aficionado and has played mine went and bought their own. It is easy to find them cheap
I certainly agree this synth is underrated-absolutely! I got my first one in 1986 when they came out and liked it ok but of course I had other synths at the time that I liked much better back then such as my Roland JX8P with PG800 and Juno60/106, Minimoog, DX7,etc,etc..the ESQ1 was somewhat neglected and used only for it's sequencer...now fast forward 20+ years and it's an entirely different story! After owning many many synths over the years I sat down with the ESQ1 and started digging into it and realized it's way more than I thought and it does an awesome job at emulating Oberheim and Roland synths specifically the OB8 brass/analog string-like pads and Roland Stab brass-like sounds! I've been able to program some very impressive OB pads-think Prince and Jump and you will get an idea of what I mean and I have put it side by side with my OB8&Xa to compare the sounds I put in it and it is very close to the Xa/OB8 same sound! It also does some impressive CS80 brass/horn sounds! It's all in the programming and patience and if you have both skills then this synth can deliver some amazing sounds with plenty of punch...it has so much more than many other digital/analog hybrids because after all, it does have 3 oscillators which was quite impressive at the time for any digital/analog synth and with most having 2 which is the norm, it's 3osc put it in rare company which includes the MemoryMoog although an entirely different synth-the ESQ1 certainly is no MemoryMoog but still is no slouch either-nothing beats the MemoryMoog anyway except maybe the OB-Xa can match it but still, the ESQ1 can certainly do some of the best Oberheim sounds I've heard while also having it's own unique sound as well and different than anything else. It's also maybe the easiest sequencer to learn for anyone wanting to learn how to use a sequencer...also the seq. expansion cartridge can usually be found and expands the sequencer capacity greatly over the standard..It's a really great synth and highly recommended as many owners tend to hold onto them because this synth can do so much for so little and definitely worth the price!
There's a number of ways to save sounds externally on the ESQ-1, however they involve using a remote device. The topic under discussion in this review is in regards to on board saving. Aside from the ESQ-1’s internal battery, the storage cartridge is the only available option as an onboard storage device.
@@TheDaydreamSound I love to rough things out on my SQ80 sequencer before taking it all in to the DAW. It is so quick and easy and doesn't interrupt the flow when you are coming up with ideas.
I saw one of these for sale and loved the industrial look and feel of the metal chassis. I watched your video before I bought it and I'm glad I did. There's nothing else like it. I love the action of the keys and the wheels. The velocity curve is amazing. I've found a lot of sysex patches people have made that push the limits of the machine. So awesome. Even replacing the battery when it died wasn't that hard (thanks to youtube!).
Maybe I can help you out if you haven't found the answer yourself already - Yes you can hook it up to a computer, either with a MIDI-Gameport adapter (the 90's way) or with a MIDI-USB cable. You can use MIDI to play the ESQ1 from another keyboard or synth. There are also so-called librarians floating around the web for a while now. They allow you to transfer patches and banks of sounds that you can download to the ESQ. There are even editor programs that let you program the ESQ1 from your PC.
I am on my second ESQ1 - and I am considering buying more - as you can build-up the polyphony over MIDI which is awesome - the ESQ-M (module versions) are VERY rare. I have purchased Programmable EPROMS - but there are no more!! You have to keep trying to find them. I agree with all you have said, I love it - adding an effects unit at the end will bring this up to modern synth standards and far beyond. Menu system - agree - fantastic.
Very well done. I love my ESQ-1. Extremely versatile and inexpensive. The SQ80 has poly aftertouch, more waveforms, and the floppy drive. With a MIDI cable, saving and transferring patches is a snap.
nice video as always. if you google "Alternate (actually the first) method of saving and loading patches" you will get a page telling you how to backup your patches using the tape out function. i believe you can also dump sysex into a program like SoundQuest.
Problems with the display like flickering and garbled text can indicate a problem with the transformer(not the best quality in the ESQ). There is a modification available to fix this, and parts are still around in decent numbers. I've just had a scanner chip replaced in mine, as well as an op-amp very cheaply.
Yep. I got my esq1 in the repair shop right now, getting that battery changed.... got me a fresh eprom cart, and I'm fn' ready to go. Only problem with these is that finding a legit synth tech is so difficult these days and being they're so old, things can go wrong. Having just picked mine up recently, it kept on bugging out after about 5 minutes and while I found this is a common problem, I'm not risking screwing anything up by trying to fix it myself.
I've owned many boards over the years and the ESQ-1 was a road warrior. It's pretty beat up, has a broken key, battery was dead decades ago but i'll never part with it. I've for years saved my sounds via sysex dump so all is good. I still use it but program the sounds ON the ESQ-1 and trigger from a MIDI controller. I've sold all my old keyboards but this is one that I'll never let go. Luckily I still have a DUAL-BANK EPROM for it (has an A/B switch on it for a total of 80 sounds on cartridge)
When I bought mine back in the 80's It was like having a race car in my room. It was the baddest coolest synth bar none. I produced for hundreds of hours on it. The only fail is the springs on the pitch bender. They break and they are a PITA to fix. I still own mine and I will N E V E R sell it. I will be buried with it or if they cremate me the synth is coming with me. It'll make the flames pretty colors.
For a number of reasons. The main one being because I enjoy it. Does it bother you that I can simply talk and get more views on this video than all of the videos you have on your channel combined?
bendacko2003 I know this is an old post, but SoundDiver version 3 by Emagic will let you upload, control, and even do all your editing visually, directly on the computer screen. You will need to dig around for the program it was killed by Apple.
SQ80 is much more expensive and I can't justify the extra cost personally. Tons of great resources out there for it. MIDI ox and the old ESQ librarian (with vdms) runs great on win7 in virtual XP mode.
Yes, very nice review. I bought one of these back in 1987, & still have & love it. It does need a battery replacement, and had some dirty pots. Other than that: works great, less filling.
Just started using my ESQ-1 again recently and still love it. Battery is still dead, but cartridge works. This review says it all. Would love to know if you still use yours more recently. Incidentally, also really enjoying your music on Bandcamp.
Last year, a local keyboard wizard/player/tech repaired my ESQ-1, replacing the battery. He couldn't update the OS, but he did load some great patches he created. Because I mostly work/play/create in my little semi-modular system, I don't use the ESQ-1 much anymore. But I still love it and have trouble giving it up.
Sadly true. I don't know what Ensoniq were thinking, using cartridges instead of disks. Though, I imagine that using a cartridge system was probably cheaper than installing a floppy drive in every unit, which reflected in the end price for the customer. It's sad, really. Those cartridges go for $40 a piece these days.
i'm a big fan of your videos, TDS. I'd love to hear you review an SQ80, as I'm debating whether the extra dollars would be worth opting for it over an ESQ
If you want a keyboard with afertouch, a floppy drive and more waveforms, go for the SQ80. In my opinion, those features are worth the extra dollars, but if you don't need them, you'll be fine with an ESQ1.
I have a SQ-80 that died on me, it's powers up to a screen that says INIT and goes no further. I have emailed a few people online but never heard back. Id love to get it working again. You can do alot with the sounds on these, the filter sounds great though its not midi controllable. I bought a Filter factory and Mo-FX and used that as an external filter and got some wicked sounds out of it. Now I mostly use VST's but Id love to get it working again for nostalgic and its aftertouch keyboard.
Your music sounds really great. If it was say 40 minutes instead of 14 I might have bought it. Don't mean that to sound too negative. Sorry. It is good.
Believe me..Im copin that album TDS! Last one was Hot Fire! Peace! - Logikbomb (DC Producer) PS: I use a Ensoniq SQ1 Plus with my MPC 3000 for SOUL SEQUENCE VOL 2.
just found your awesome channel and subscribed. I love the esq-1 sequencer - you mentioned the later samplers might be even better. which do you like most??? soooo curious
@ TheDaydreamSound. First of all thanks for the video. I got one question, is it possible to detune the oscilators fine from eachother? Not octaves but semi tones?
@@TheDaydreamSound I was hoping for a rack version because I'm running outta space but vintage rack versions seem harder to come by...everything is tabletop or eurorack now it seems
There are never good deals on synths or even any synths that show up where I live. I saw a ESQ-1 for 150 locally. Insta buy. It was a bit beat up and I needed to change the battery.
The big problem with the ESQ-M is that the incredibly easy user interface of the ESQ-1 is completely butchered, with a small 1-line display (+/- 10 characters), all 10 softkeys above/below display are gone, and the non-page-diving programming buttons are gone, too. So you really need to program the ESQ-M from a PC editor program, unlike the ESQ-1, with really one of the best interfaces ever in a digital synth.
This keyboard blew my mind when I first got it in 1987. Incredible sounds for the time, 8 - part polyphony (like having 8 synthesizers in one!) and an incredibly intuitive sequencer and sound programmer. I wrote more songs on this synth than I did on any other because it sounded so good and the technology didn't get in the way of the creative process. The backup of sounds/sequences definitely *is* the biggest weakness. I finally bought an Indian Valley (no longer in business) rack mount disk drive that allowed me to back up all my sequences to floppy disk rather easily. Still have my ESQ-1 and disk drive and have to play it every now and then for old times' sake. Great memories with this keyboard!
I bought mine in 1986 immediately when it was demoed to me. I still have it and enjoy it every day . Even now I find out new ways to use it . It was such a marvel back in the day and many manufacturers fan Lear’s from ensoniq’s user interface . The most underrated synth I know . I can’t understand people are paying top dollar for a POS Juno6/60 ( I had one) and this unit gets hardly any love. Ignorant RU-vid folk I guess :-)
As a viewer I'd like to see more varied shots in your review. I like to see your face but not as much as i like to see equipment you're plugging. Otherwise great review, very helpful.
so this machine would still be compatible in today's age in terms of music production? i am a noob but have talent in the area and am looking to start making beats, this will be the first of my purchases so i am starting my homework on it (courtesy of rza) and want to make sure i know what i am buying.
Hey man! Thanks for the awesome video and I just bought one last week. I was wondering if you've ever heard any hiss sounds when you turn up your synth's volume?
Hi, I gonna pick up a esq-1 this week. Maybe you can help me out a bit. I heard that the display of the esq, has familiar problems. Like the yellow lighted display. I know there are also familiar issues whit the battery. Maybe you know more things i have to be a warned from. I hope you understand what i mean andbe able to help me a bit out, sorry for my bad english. Best TPS
Which album do you use this the most? I’m wanting a Prophet VS but, finding it way out of my budget. The ESQ1 is listed as having a somewhat similar sound. So, I’d like to hear a lot of variations of what it will do. & it’s ensoniq so, I’ll always have that soft spot...
So I found one for $100. It has a dead battery though. What happens when the battery is replaced. Do all the sound slots revert to some basic starting point? Im intrigued , but I dont want to get into synth repair.
What's up Brian! When the battery is replaced you'll lose a your sounds unless you back them up to a digital file. You can do this with the tape backup feature. Just use a digital recorder instead.
Have you had to replace the battery on your ESQ-1? If so, did you solder a new one? There are some sites that show how to replace it with alkaline batteries. I recently bought an ESQ-1 that is giving the 'Low Battery' error message and wanted to get your opinion.
+gentillyguy1 What's up man! Thanks for reaching out! The battery has been pretty loyal to me so far. I haven't had to change it as yet. The replacement batteries were available at RadioShack/Circuit City. I don't know if that's still the case today.
I'm confident with removing the circuit board but haven't done much soldering lately. I'm considering taking it to an electronics repair shop to see if they could do it. I don't want to ruin the board.
There are librarians floating arount the web that allow you to store your sounds on your pc and wise versa. I don't need no freakin overpriced cartridges.
So I just bought an esq1 for 200! But I noticed it has the low battery warning, and tho it has a cartridge, the end of your video is very ominous about the battery issue. If it is still working, should I wait till it putters out? What should I do to fix it? Thanks
John Hutchinson What's up man! Thanks for reaching out! The internal battery allows you to save your sounds and settings without the use of an EPROM cartridge which is very rare and not to be mistaken for a regular sound cartridge. Outside of that the ESQ-1 will still function without a battery. I would recommend having it replaced. Hope this helps, TDS www.thedaydreamsound.com
Keyboard tracking at max will cover the full midi range 0-127 and the keyboard on the ESQ-1 is only 61 notes which covers the middle of the full midi range. Just pull back on the keyboard tracking to accommodate the 61 note range on it.
I'm reading or coming across a lot info saying this synth keys are known to have issues with the sensitivity where some keys stop working or work intermittent. Are you familiar with this issue, glfoes yours have this problem, if so how bad does it effect your workflow .. thanks
The Daydream Sound that's a very good point and can be difficult to ascertain just from the owners description and an image as this issue is known exist with this product weather from abuse or age, and I'm guessing here.
hey man .. i been using a SQ1plus as my main keyboard and for sequencer purposes only... but ive come to really really love the digital waves on it so im tempted on the esq1.. how doeas the sequencer on the esq1 compares to the one on the sq1 plus ? thabks a lot. peace
What's up Juan! Thanks for reaching out! The SQ1 Plus and ESQ-1 are two Ensoniq synths that couldn't be further apart from each other as far as the sequencer and other functional processes go. If it's possible to try out a ESQ-1 before you buy one it would really help you make the best decision on whether to buy one.
The SQ-80 is far more than the ESQ-1 with a floppy. It has extra waveforms (including a drum kit!), an AM-type functionality, and (most importantly) POLYPHONIC AFTERTOUCH!
