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.
Clean, simple, analog-like filter sweep built on a single oscillator.
This monophonic tone can be used as a lead or a monster bass. The mod wheel is used to sweep the filter as needed.
A percussive blip with a bit of a zap at the beginning when notes are played harder. Uses amplitude modulation for the metallic sound.
Like a string section except made up of square waves.
Slight vowel sound from two synced square waves.
A mellow, almost flute-like lead tone. Use the mod wheel to bring in a touch of vibrato for a human feel.
Inspired by the syncopated chords in “Time To Get Away” by LCD Soundsystem.
From the podcast, here is an example using oscillator sync to tweak the harmonic content of the patch.
Noise and computery sci-fi sound reminiscent of a space quest.
Dynamic synth bass patch—play harder for brighter attack, softer for darker, rounder sound.
This may sound wimpy, but mixed with other drums in a pattern, it works. It can fill the role of snare or claps. Some keys trigger metallic-like sounds.
A replacement for the factory kick drum preset. This one has more tone like an 808. Use the mod wheel to open the filter even more for a metallic clang.
Crisp and clear percussive tone. Use it to add extra punch to other sounds or as a standalone melodic element.
Simple and effective transitioner inspired by DJ mixes everywhere. The sample is dry, but you may want to drench it in reverb.
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.
Wah-like lead tone with a bit of resonance. Nice for single note transitions or tremolo chords.
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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