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.
Rhythmic shimmering from LFO-controlled amp and filter. Gradually brightens as notes are held, and swooshes darker as notes are released.
The ESQ-1 has no reverb, but this eerie patch makes it sound like it does with long release times and LFO-modulated pitch during the release. It also shows how to use some of the less-standard oscillator waves.
Slight vowel sound from two synced square waves.
Starts with a quick attack/decay for a percussive saw wave tone, gradually returning to full volume and quickly released.
Light and bright, this tone features the presence of a music box with the sustain and fuller tone of a piano.
Slowly sweeping volume and filter makes for nice filler without being too dramatic. Add chorus for some blending and fattening.
Ring modulated distortion make this lead tone grab your attention. Mix with a heavy arrangement for stark contrast.
Ring modulation adds some sizzle to these synth strings. Play harder for brighter tone.
A slightly fuzzy lo-fi-ish lead with a quick delay. Don’t know why I called it Download$.
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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