Cherry Audio – ESQ-1 v1.0.2.86 for WiN

The Ensoniq ESQ-1 from Cherry Audio is an iconic virtual synthesizer that captures the essence and iconic sound of the classic ESQ-1 digital-analog hybrid synthesizer, perfectly timed to celebrate its 40th anniversary. This plugin uses the original 32 waveforms, allowing it to accurately reproduce the complex, evolving, and richly textured sounds of the 1986 ESQ-1 in software form. It’s also packed with advanced features designed for modern musicians and producers. Its sleek design features extensive modulation capabilities, rhythmic pattern generation, and enhanced performance capabilities with polyphonic aftertouch and MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE). The Ensoniq ESQ-1 also includes a library of over 400 outstanding presets, including original factory presets from the hardware, highlighting the best of both classic and brand-new sounds.

Ensoniq ESQ-1 Features

Accurate emulation of the sounds and functionality of the original Ensoniq ESQ-1 hybrid digital/analog synthesizer, released in 1986.

Developed by Cherry Audio with comprehensive circuit and behavior modeling techniques to ensure unrivaled accuracy and exclusive compatibility with original equipment.

A masterfully designed and rendered user interface, organized into five context-sensitive sections: Play, Edit, Modulation, Envelopes, and Sequencer.

Three digital oscillators per voice, individually animated in the interface.

Uses the original 32 ESQ-1 waveforms, licensed from Creative Technology, in four categories: Basic and Noise, Samples, Additive/Formant, and Band Limited.

Oscillator sync and amplitude modulation (AM) options for additional rich harmonics and aggressive, metallic, and bell-like tones.

Voice modes: Mono Legato and Mono Retrig (with note priority), Unison, Polyphonic and MPE, with detune, portamento and glissando modes.

A highly optimized, large-scale stereo dual-layer vocal architecture with up to 32 polyphonic voices per layer. Split Layer and Keyboard Layer modes allow simultaneous use of two layers with separate controls for all parameters, including synthesis, modulation, patterns, and effects.

Accurate modeling of the Curtis CEM3379 analog resonant low-pass filter (4-pole 24 dB/oct), expanded with 2-pole low-pass, high-pass, and band-pass options.

Three LFOs for each layer, each with options for tempo sync, reset and human timing change, delay and 18 possible modulation destinations.

Four independent multi-stage (four levels, four speeds) envelopes with speed steps visualized via click-and-drag handles.

Exceptionally extensive modulation matrix with four slots with macros and easy assignment function: 41 sources (with MPE options) and 85 destinations, including integrated arpeggiator, sequencer and ESQ-1 effects.

Enhanced expressive performance capabilities with compatible MIDI controllers via channel aftertouch, polyphonic aftertouch, and a new, more flexible MPE system.

Independent layered arpeggiators with four pattern modes—Arp, Leap, Order, Random—with swing, chance, and feel to add degrees of randomness to patterns.

Syncable and layerable 16×4 polyphonic step sequencers for notes and modulations, with four independently assignable macro movements and 33 presets, humanizing options, precise beat and step sync.

Over 360 professionally designed presets in 15 categories, including MPE-specific presets.

Also includes 40 original ESQ-1 hardware presets

SysEx compatibility with original hardware: Import individual patches and patch banks via drag and drop from ESQ-1 SysEx files or directly via MIDI from hardware.

Export SysEx patch files from software compatible with the original hardware.

Cherry Audio’s award-winning effects system features three independent, customizable effects chains: one for each layer plus a global layer, and a separate effects modulator for each layer.

20 studio-quality effects that can be arranged, stored, and recalled in your own effects chains, and are interchangeable with other Cherry Audio synthesizers:

BBD Flanger, Compressor, Digital Delay, Digital Reverb, Distortion & EQ, Dual Delay, Dual Ensemble, Dual Phaser, Envelope Filter, Flanger & Chorus, Galactic Reverb, Lo-Fi, Lushverb, Ring Modulator, Sevenband EQ, Spring Reverb and Tape Echo. New to Mercury-8 are DCO Chorus, Panner and Pulser

Mini-interface for effects control with on/off, solo, bipolar modulator amount slider, and dry/wet mix for each effect. Global effects on/off, leveling, and stereo widening.

Separate virtual instruments and plug-ins are included

• User adjustable oversampling control
• Full MIDI control and DAW automation for all controls with easy-to-use MIDI learn and mapping (preset and global)
• Cherry Audio’s popular Focus Zoom feature, as well as standard drag-and-drop zooming and UI resizing
• Full documentation is available directly online from the tool or in PDF format for download.