Cherry Audio have just introduced Ensoniq ESQ-1, an official recreation of the 1986 polyphonic hybrid digital/analogue synth of the same name. Created in celebration of the instrument’s 40th anniversary, the new virtual version captures the sound and character of the original hardware while introducing some handy modern extras. 

The instrument has been developed thanks to a collaboration between Cherry Audio and Creative Technology, the current owner of the Ensoniq intellectual property. Through official licensing, Cherry Audio have built the software around the original 32 ESQ-1 waveforms, faithfully reproducing the complex, evolving and richly textured sounds that defined the popular instrument. They have also modelled every other section, including the Curtis CEM3379 analogue low-pass filter, four DCAs, four multi-stage envelopes and three LFOs, as well as the amplitude modulation and oscillator sync functions. The software supports drag-and-drop import of patches and banks from original ESQ-1 SysEx files or directly via MIDI from the hardware. It can also export SysEx patch files compatible with the original instrument.

"Partnering with Cherry Audio to revive the original sound of the ESQ-1 has been a truly rewarding collaboration. Ensoniq represents a significant chapter in Creative Technology's history, and we are proud to see the authentic sound of the ESQ-1 preserved and made accessible to a new generation of musicians on the 40th anniversary of its release. Creative Technology stands behind its mission of bringing audio technology and people together, helping them to elevate their audio experience and connect on a deeper level with their music." - Koh Zi Kai, Head of Licensing at Creative Technology Ltd.

While much of the hardware version’s programming functionality was provided by a data slider and a small display, Cherry Audio have made every control readily available in the instrument’s GUI. The interface is organised into five sections: Play, Edit, Modulation, Envelopes and Sequencer — a move which the company say makes the powerful signal path far easier to understand and edit.

Other modern enhancements include a stereo dual-layer architecture that supports up to 32 polyphonic voices per layer, enabling multitimbral split and stacked modes with independent controls, along with a comprehensive four-slot modulation matrix that offers 41 sources and 85 destinations with click-to-assign functionality. Performers gain enhanced expressive possibilities thanks to channel and polyphonic aftertouch modes, as well as flexible MPE support. There’s also a built-in arpeggiator, a 16x4 polyphonic step sequencer and three customisable effects chains with total of 20 onboard effects to choose from. 

"The ESQ-1 is an important part of synthesizer history, and we aimed to honour that legacy with the depth and accuracy it deserves. From the original waveforms to the precise modelling of the filter, we have carefully crafted every detail to capture what made the hardware iconic, while also providing today's musicians with the modern tools and expressiveness they expect." - Dan Goldstein, CTO at Cherry Audio

Ensoniq ESQ-1 is supported on PCs running Windows 7 or above, and Macs running macOS 10.13 and later. VST, VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available. 

Ensoniq ESQ-1 is available now, priced at $69.

cherryaudio.com/products/esq-1-synthesizer