Digital Wave Synthesizer. This gem of a synth offers three digital oscillators, each with its own digitally controlled amplifier (DCA), which are mixed together to pass through its analog low pass filter. Modulation of pitch, volume, filter cutoff, etc. can be achieved using its three LFOs and/or its four envelopes. These ESQ-1 patches should also work nicely with any ESQ1 software emulation or with the Ensoniq SQ-80.
This synth bass has some sizzle on the attack, but not too overpowering. Osc sync gives it a unique texture.
This monophonic tone can be used as a lead or a monster bass. The mod wheel is used to sweep the filter as needed.
Slight vowel sound from two synced square waves.
From the podcast, here is an example using oscillator sync to tweak the harmonic content of the patch.
Dynamic synth bass patch—play harder for brighter attack, softer for darker, rounder sound.
Piercing and a little distorted with a perfect 5th. Nice for bass lines to punch through the mix.
Nice and round in the bass, or light and spacious in the treble. Sustain notes for widening effect.
My take on an upright string bass played softly.
Growly bass with auto-alternating octaves. Adjust the speed of LFO1 to change the speed of the octaves.
A monophonic bass with resonance—also works for lead. Use the wheel for vibrato.
Synth bass with a sharp attack and quick decay. Add delay and a touch of distortion to bring it to life in your mix.
To load a patch sysex file, set up the ESQ-1 to receive sysex data: press the “Master” button and set ENABLE=KEYS+CT+PC+SS+SX. Then access any of the program select pages (where you choose a sound to play). Send the sysex data from your computer using any sysex utility. Upon completion, the ESQ-1 should prompt you to save the new patch. Play keys to audition the patch before saving.
If nothing happens when sending the file from the computer, try setting up the ESQ-1 to receive on different MIDI channels on the “Master” page.
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