The Ensoniq ESQ-1 Digital Wave Synthesizer. This is the desirable and very rare early-production version featuring Ensoniq’s rugged metal chassis that was available for only the first few months of production before the company transitioned the ESQ-1 to its later molded-plastic housing in April 1987. This particular synthesizer was made on January 20, 1987 as is shown in the picture of the serial number and date of manufacture included in this listing.

The synthesizer is in excellent condition and works beautifully. All keys, buttons, controls, display functions, outputs and operating features have been tested and are working properly. It also includes a compatible voice cartridge, providing an additional collection of sounds beyond the ESQ-1’s internal programs.

Introduced in 1986, the ESQ-1 has earned a lasting reputation for its distinctive hybrid architecture. It combines three digital wavetable oscillators per voice with genuine Curtis CEM3379 analog resonant low-pass filter/VCA chips—one for each of its eight voices thus allowing it to produce everything from rich vintage pads and evolving textures to aggressive basses, cutting leads, metallic timbres and unmistakably gritty digital sounds.

Features include:

• Eight-voice polyphony

• Three digital oscillators per voice

• Warm analog resonant low-pass filters

• 61-key velocity-sensitive keyboard

• Four envelope generators and three LFOs per voice

• Oscillator sync and amplitude modulation

• Extensive modulation and sound-design capabilities

• Built-in eight-track sequencer

• Split, layer and multitimbral performance capabilities

• MIDI In and Out connectivity

• Cartridge storage and sound-expansion capability

• Stereo audio outputs

Although the ESQ-1’s keyboard does not generate aftertouch, its synthesis engine can receive channel or polyphonic pressure through MIDI from a compatible external controller and use that information as a programmable modulation source.

The ESQ-1’s large fluorescent display, dedicated parameter buttons and data slider make sound creation refreshingly straightforward compared with many other programmable synthesizers from the same era.

The early metal-chassis ESQ-1 has a substantial, professional feel and is increasingly difficult to find in excellent condition. This would make an outstanding addition to a vintage synthesizer collection, recording studio or live keyboard setup.

Included:

• Ensoniq ESQ-1 early metal-chassis synthesizer

• Voice cartridge

• Power cord

This is a vintage electronic instrument and may show minor signs of normal age or previous use. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description. The synthesizer was not designed with internal speakers so enjoyment of the synth must be had with an amplifier or other external audio interface.

The synthesizer will be packed carefully and securely for shipment.

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