Hi! With this wonderful synthesizer, the Swedish super duo of Roxette, created the legendary song "The Look", N°1 in 32 countries in the world, (Record!!..) including USA, and ITALY!!! The sound of the song "The Look" is truly something exceptional, the atmosphere they have managed to create is truly Incredible, even listening to it today one is left speechless!!!
@HJPhilippi
Жыл бұрын
It's so sad that Ensoniq is no longer around.... many of their instruments were unique and had unparalleled character. I was lucky enough to find a brand new (forgotten in storage somewhere) TS-10 in the early 2000s, and I still love him so much. The heavyweight build quality, the sound quality, the very special and unique keyboard. I hope this beauty will live on for many years to come!
@33ordie
Жыл бұрын
Very good video, I'm a skinny puppy fan since 1988 😜
@SuperQuater
2 ай бұрын
Learned a lot about synthesis songwriting and arrangement with this keyboard
@mladenbasic1
2 жыл бұрын
I remember when it first came out. It was the bargain of the century at the time. Great video.
@MatthewHarrold
2 жыл бұрын
Ensoniq was one of a few synth makers available in Tasmania in the 1980's (Yamaha, Korg, Roland, and Kurzweil too). I had a Mirage, ESQ-1, EPS-16, SQ80, and eventually an ASR10R. They were robust gig capable keyboards (and rack gear).
@robmullins7052
6 ай бұрын
Yeah man I had all those except the 16
@jcoverpass
2 жыл бұрын
Love that you played a bit of Testure! SkinPup!!!!
@pshimmons
2 жыл бұрын
What a great video! Loved it! Loved the ESQ1 AND SQ80 I played on in the late 80’s too!
@EnochLight
Жыл бұрын
Ok, caught the clip of Cevin Key/Skinny Puppy live playing “Assimilate”. Then you did a key demo playing “Testure” from Vivisect 6. NICELY DONE!! Skinny Puppy FTW!!! Also saw Moev (opened for Clan of Xymox back in 1989) and Legendary Pink Dots (though that was early 2000’s).
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
Жыл бұрын
Amazing. yes it was a great time to be in that scene, especially here in Vancouver.
@Brother_Breadly
Жыл бұрын
This video really brings back a wave of nostalgia! In my high school music class from 2012-2015, we had either 3 or 4 older synths to play for our concerts. I was looking over them and the Ensoniq ESQ-1 caught my eye and I chose it as my primary instrument. It's sound quality in terms of realism couldn't match the newer synths my classmates were playing such as more modern Yamaha's but the Ensoniq had a very unique sound. I even recall the excitement of my teacher and I when I found a bin full of extra voice cartridges to expand it's capabilities. Part of the reason we were on older instruments was because our high school had a very limited budget but I had an excellent time playing this keyboard. Hopefully it is still functional and a new generation of students are learning on it. Thanks for uploading!
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing Brad. HIgh school music class was so formative for me - it's when we first heard a DX7 and it really started me down the road of playing synthesizers in other bands.
@daviddyer3543
Жыл бұрын
...an incredible time for "The Technology That Performs".
@chriswareham
2 жыл бұрын
Such a great synth. Great to see some Skinny Puppy usage, but the inclusion of Moev was the icing on the cake - their last two albums are fantastic!
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Chris - being from Vancouver, I had to dig deep but remembered they were ESQ-1 users and sure enough there it was!
@maria-lena5919
Жыл бұрын
I recently sold my ESQ-1. I purchased it 1987. Great synthesizer!
@Abruzzo333
Жыл бұрын
The ESQ-1 features heavily on SP albums. Especially Too Dark Park.
@amethystlegion
2 ай бұрын
@@johnnymorgansynthdreams I think many and maybe most of the Nettwerk bands used it. I know I have heard it in Bill Leeb/Rhys Fulber's stuff; especially Intermix. But yeah, Skinny Puppy are the reason I bought mine in '88. I had one of the plastic bodied models which I consider an advantage.
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
2 ай бұрын
@@amethystlegion Ahhh - Intermix - I loved that album - the Process. Rhys and I used to hang out a bit back in the mid-90's and I don't remember an ESQ-1, but there were a lot of synths. Bill had everything - even a Matrix 12. I know Rhys used the Xpander a lot and was really into his E3 at the time. But Puppy was all over the ESQ-1 for sure. Was lucky enough to see the jam space once in the Seymour Building in downtown Vancouver - everyone had 'synth pods' all connected together with sync for some crazy jam sessions - where all the Download material originate from.
@birdbrainsane
Жыл бұрын
Thank you for covering and demonstration of the ESQ1. My first synth, and first sequencer.
@leeselectronicwidgets
2 жыл бұрын
Nice video, I've had its successor the SQ-80 for a few years - great for that 80s gritty sound
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
2 жыл бұрын
I hear the SQ-80 is great - basically a beefed up SQ-1 with loads more waveforms.
@leeselectronicwidgets
2 жыл бұрын
@@johnnymorgansynthdreams and polyphonic aftertouch too, which is nice if you can't afford a CS-80! :-)
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
2 жыл бұрын
@@leeselectronicwidgets Oh wow - cool - that is awesome.
@megainsider4610
Жыл бұрын
Such an outstanding tonal prograssion which cannot expain in few words! Becoz i owened An MR- 61 Ensoniq synthesizer workstation! Let us wait for ensoniq re production! iam from Kerala - South India.
@jon_c
2 жыл бұрын
Love this video (and your history video in general). I have an ESQm (upgraded to SQ80), Mirage, and Fizmo. For a while I just had a DX-7, ESQm, DSS-1, and Drumulator...and it was awesome! The Mirage is also awesome in its lo-fi crunchiness. I enjoyed the ZR-76 and Fizmo as well, but sadly sold the ZR...and I don't spend enough time with the Fizmo, honestly. Always loved the Ensoniq sound...it sits well with other machines without overpowering them...and yet is still distinct enough to point out.
@Mark_13
Жыл бұрын
Awesome doc, thank you. Love the SP references as they are WELL deserved for championing the ESQ-1 early on. Keep up the good work!
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Mark !
@Johnsormani
Жыл бұрын
Nice documentary . He esq1 is maybe my favorite synthesizer . Listening to the sounds here takes me back to the day in 86 when I bought mine and even brings back the smell from the new unit . I still have this unit today and I will never part from it
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing John. The ESQ-1 has a special place in my studio as well.
@Johnsormani
Жыл бұрын
@@johnnymorgansynthdreams good to hear that, nowadays I have collected a whole range of ensoniq gear but I still keep coming back to the Esq, although I have the sq80 as well. Like a first love 😃
@VacancyOfDisco
2 жыл бұрын
love all the Skinny Puppy in this video! Great little history lesson too! ESQ1 is one of my favorite synths ive never owned
@AlexAlcyone
Жыл бұрын
fantastic vid. all the nostalgia + great research, loved the jam as well
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Atomic.
@Black_Agent_Seattle
2 жыл бұрын
YES! The ESQ-1 is one of my favorite synths, i have two of them. Love that you included Skinny Puppy in there =o]
@_P_M_
2 жыл бұрын
Fantastic tribute. You really captured the 80's noistalgia in your video. I have a metal case ESQ-1. It's developed an issue where the sound intermittently becomes loud and distorted. I'm told reseating the chips might help. It's a great synth. I remember when it came out, loving it's sleek appearance and the very TRON-like VF display, which almost had an infinity mirror look to it. Even the Ensoniq logo looked similar to the Encom logo from Tron. Very distinctive 80's synth...digital, but with an analog quality.
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
2 жыл бұрын
Hey PM - thanks! Have you tried looking at the the volume slider? I hade mine go bad and it was doing a similar thing where it was just 'snapping' randomly to full volume.
@AsteroidKiller
2 жыл бұрын
Great video! The esq1 is probably one of my favourite synths of all time. Got my first one in 86.
@Death_By_Media
Жыл бұрын
Had the ESQ1 and later the SQ80 both great synths and sonically relevant to this day . Also the most user friendly programmable synths of the knobless era . Skinny puppy plug too . Instant like . Cheers !
@ShakaCthulu
Жыл бұрын
Great doc. I love this synth. I've never found an instrument with that depth that has as good a UI as the ESQ-1. Wish the motherboard on mine hadn’t failed. :-(...I don’t like Behringer but if they did a copy I’d buy it in a heartbeat. On top of Skinny Puppy & Moev, I'll add that Gatekeeper uses the hell out it, it's all over their tracks.
@gruberstein
Жыл бұрын
If you still have it you can get a motherboard from Syntaur. They have working used for a decent price $179.99 on their website
@VincentsVideoVisions
2 жыл бұрын
Ensoniq rules. The sq80 is one of my favorite synths and the eps16+ and asr10 are my favorite samplers
@DasKreestof
Жыл бұрын
I really enjoyed being able to tell that a Skinny Puppy fanatic made this video. Great job!
@stellanholgersson7170
4 ай бұрын
ESQ-1 is the first workstation synth, its impact cannot be overstated
@quantumeseboy
6 сағат бұрын
I really miss Ensoniq.
@edgardvera3132
Жыл бұрын
Awesome synth. First time I heard it I couldn’t believe the clarity and quality of the sounds. The 80a were really the golden era of synth evolution.
@velonaut303
2 жыл бұрын
I love my Ensoniq keyboard. Terrific company, quality products still relevant today.
@klangkombinat-de
Жыл бұрын
You missed the best bit: Commodore sued them for doing a keyboard for Atari, and they pivoted to Ensoniq. Thanks Commodore :)
@pfdtx4633
Жыл бұрын
One of the great features of the Mirage and ESQ-1 was the keybed. I've always like the "bounce back" of the keys. Nothing like a weighted keyboard, but I found it really easy to play.
@SacSynths_Jack_Z
2 жыл бұрын
Love the videos Johnny! Keep em coming!
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Jack!
@rekindle
Жыл бұрын
great video!
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
Жыл бұрын
Thanks - more coming!
@soarornor
Жыл бұрын
Ensoniq was a great company. It’s really a shame about their demise. I still have my EPS. It hadn’t been played in a couple of decades at least when I pulled it up from my basement and set it up. Fired right up. I had lots of disks that were 30 years old at least and they all work too. I’m going to do some new pieces with it. Talk about a company that made things to last.
@MAZZI100
10 ай бұрын
Awesome video!. Much enjoyable. At 9:38min you can see the awesome Argentinian musician, Keyboard player, producer, great teacher and human being, Daniel Sais. ❤💪 At the moment the photo was taken he was playing keyboards with the also Argentinian band Soda Stereo (around 1987, 1988). I remember that I admired so much his playing and his 80s "The Cure" look, that became his fan. I investigated what instruments he used to play at live gigs and discover the ESQ-1!, along with the JX-8P, the ELKA X-50. Daniel is no longer with us but is still remembered and respected with much gratitude and love. I´m still looking for an ESQ-1 to pair with my JX-8P. My best regards.
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
10 ай бұрын
Thanks for that additional info on the late Daniel Sais and your search for an ESQ-1. Best regards as well!
@lostjohnny9000
Жыл бұрын
My ESQ-1 still going strong after 30 years. It's my go-to synth for Moog solos and the pitch bend wheel never goes out of tune.
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
Жыл бұрын
They are built like a tank!
@infindebula
2 жыл бұрын
Great video! You probably should have mentioned the ESQ-M, plus the SQ-80 since it is largely the same instrument. I own an ESQ as well as an SQ-80. I got both fairly cheaply. I love the gritty waves, analog filters, and crazy extensive modulation. I need to sell at least one of them to make space, but I'm not sure yet which one will be going.
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
2 жыл бұрын
I hear the SQ-80 is great - I'm looking for one to come by cheaply but I'll get one for sure - maybe a follow up video will be needed.
@patricksummey1982
2 жыл бұрын
I found one of these at a pawnshop with a faded out tag that said $350. I talked the shop into giving it to me for 60. All it needed was a fixed key spring and bsttery replacement, but i was blown away by the sound possibilities keybed,and uniqueness of it. I later undersold mine during hungrier times, but i saved the tape memory of the wild patches i made with it and one day, i will be reunited with that synth!
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
2 жыл бұрын
Great story - I hope you find another ESQ-1 soon.
@Spikeypup
2 жыл бұрын
HEY! I know you! lol ;)
@Radek__
3 ай бұрын
Awesome work / video. 9:02 but one thing which was annoying for me - is that side chain effect to the background music (each time when you speak, the music goes quieter) - this could be a good idea, but you overdosed that effect. It could be better if the music stays at the same level, instead jumping from loud to quiet all the time like crazy, or if that side chain effect could be less noticeable.
@SpikesStudio3
2 жыл бұрын
Aaaah johnny morgan does it again. Strangely, i miss my esq more than my old roland gear(106,8p) Still proudly have my eps16+. (And 2 midibugs!!!) Ensoniq were a special company and the esq-1 is a might fine piece of gear. Funny how just recently, digital and analogue have been united in similar formats, again. 👍
@marcgrauss3425
2 жыл бұрын
I sold all my remaining physical synths for a computer only set-up with no regret but EPS 16+ and ASRs are still fantasies to me. I liked them so much. No current virtual sampler have their efficiency... I kept all the sounds libraries I created at that time and I still use them with less user friendly software... My dream would be to have a VST virtual ASR.
@TryptychUK
2 жыл бұрын
The Mirage was groundbreaking at the time, but Ensoniq never managed to retain the sampling market, even though the later EPS was excellent, as Akai dominated. The machine I spent most time with was the Ensoniq VFX and VFX-SD which became the successors of the ESQ-1. They were fantastic machines, but prone to terrible reliability issues. At one point they were coming out of the factory with a 95% failure rate. When on tours I would take two spares because they were so flaky.
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
2 жыл бұрын
Exactly - I always used Akai on tour - bomb-proof at the time.
@TryptychUK
2 жыл бұрын
@@johnnymorgansynthdreams I started with the S900 and went on to S1000, they were used everywhere.
@dpalaoro
Жыл бұрын
thanks for doing this. ❤🎉
@marcgrauss3425
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for all your "Story" videos. They are very well done, I liked them all !! Regarding Ensoniq I started selling their products when they started their own subsidiary in France after using a particular local distributor. My love story with them started with the EPS Sampler (13 bits). I am looking forward to seeing your stories about EPS and ASR lineups !!!
@Noise-Conductor
2 жыл бұрын
Please do a video on the ASR-10
@DavidHarry
4 күн бұрын
Great video 👍 I done many recordings with the ESQ1 and used its sequencer in favour of a software sequencer (Cubase on an Atari ST) until I had no option but to move over to Cubase for routing options with the MIDEX interface to avoid MIDI timing issues, with it's multiple parallel MIDI outputs. I used to synchronise my ESQ1 via FSK to a multitrack and as archaic as that sounds, it was a great option before I started using SMPTE and MIDI timecode. Without the ESQ1 I doubt the UK dance scene of the early 90s would have been what it was. I have had many synths and the ESQ1 has always been my favourite and it probably had my favourite hardware sequencer as well. Again, great video 👍 Cheers, Dave.
@jsebastian9547
10 ай бұрын
Ensoniq and skinny puppy are like peas and fuckin carrots. ❤️
@tomhikon
Жыл бұрын
Great video and jam! I have played, bought and sold so many synths over the years, but the ESQ-1 is the only one I bought again after selling it to my regret. Also Skinny Puppy was always my favorite band so yea I may be biased lol
@thefeet
Жыл бұрын
I WILL NEVER sell mine. I've had it since about 1987 and it was a beast to haul around(all metal case version) on the road. It DID have it's problems though.....mostly with keys breaking and and they would pop up 1/2" above the rest but a simple piece of scotch tape remedied that problem on the fly and the show went on until I could get it serviced(this happened at least 3 times but I am a hard player). It never let me down through decades on the road! I am looking for the "rack version" now just for the "nostalgia factor" for my home studio but man they are pricey even on ebay IF you can find them. People just don't want to part with this amazing synth from that era!
@Vangelismusic1
6 ай бұрын
Very under rated synth as of today and what makes me mad is that they are dirt cheap as opposed to a D-50,Korg DW8000 or a Sequential Circuits synth, for me one of the greatest companies way ahead of their time and another that comes to mind is Generalmusic.
@jbognap
Жыл бұрын
Had the ESQ-1 and SQ-80 had delay / reverb, they'd have eaten into the big 3's lunches. Oscillator sync and resonant filters were rare at that time. There was even a way to do PWM on it. The UI was so logical, the Hydrasynth uses it. Do yourself a favor and try the SQ8L VSTi (only 32bit) with some effects , it's crazy good.
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
Жыл бұрын
Ok will do - I'm thinking of finding an SQ-80 - I live my ESQ-1 so it feels like the logical progression
@elMaxx5
2 жыл бұрын
I hate this company went under. Industry leader. Today would look so much different had they been around.
@homophonia1570
Жыл бұрын
Forget to mention the SQ80... the same synth but with sequencer
@peterream9437
Жыл бұрын
I was at a music and hifi show in London late 80's, and spent awhile at the ensoniq stand. They drew in the crowd with their wonderful sounds. Did the intro for Simple minds Alive and Kicking, most of the audience thought the band were doing a gig...❤
@josejuan4405
Жыл бұрын
When you play the ESQ1 via MIDI with a poly pressure controller it shines in a way that is unbeliable. Very often overlooked feature.
@goldenmantis
3 ай бұрын
Yes. Or arp or chord memory. Transforms it
@zachariahpoltergeist4516
2 жыл бұрын
2:57 Skinny Puppy!
@noisetheorem
Жыл бұрын
I've got an EPS and SQ80 in my studio. They are still phenomenal instruments.
@tonymason6686
2 жыл бұрын
Bought this the week it came out - the sequencer is what introduced me to songwriting. Loved that keyboard!
@Ullish1989
2 жыл бұрын
I'm loving the amount of Skinny Puppy in this video. Are there any clones or plugins available today??
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Ullish. Yes - UVI makes the USQ-1 plugin - I love the UVI stuff - highly recommend.
@Ullish1989
2 жыл бұрын
@@johnnymorgansynthdreams I'll have to try it out! Literally working on a cover of Worlock
@Ullish1989
2 жыл бұрын
@@johnnymorgansynthdreams would love to see more docos like this and lengthier ones! I think you perfectly capture the concept of why certain instruments became what they are today
@Death_By_Media
Жыл бұрын
Hopefully you discovered SQ8L VSTi or Arturia SQ80V instead of the UVI rompler . Cheers
@lundsweden
Жыл бұрын
These were always highly regarded in Australia, even in the 90s the price never got that low. But the good news is they are still affordable. The synth certainly has character, I had mine for around 5 years in the mid 2000s.
@twiff3rino28
Жыл бұрын
I think the SQ80 was made to 1990.
@murraybartley4467
Жыл бұрын
Still have a Mirage and the ESQ-1, SQ-1( i use to have two ESQ1's), and am dying to play with it again. Current Collection: Korg PolySix, Korg Triton Le, Korg Kronos 88 special edition, Ensoniq Mirage, ESQ-1, & SQ-1, Roland JX-1, Oberheim X-Pander. MC-500 Sequencer. Yamaha P-115, Roland V Drums & TD-25, & 1001 soft synths. Things i sold i wish i hadn't!!!: Korg VC-1, Casio FZ-1!!!!!!, Casio CZ-5000!!! (I think) Yamaha DX-9, Roland JX-8P!!!!!
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
10 ай бұрын
Great setup - thanks for sharing the details Murray. Those Casio Synths were really good - I might do a video on them.
@orthoooo
2 жыл бұрын
I wish there was a website with a public exchange for ESQ-1 sequences with the patches too, sort of like the Patternarium for Sonic Charge's Microtonic. I just started to understand the sequencer and it's fun to see how much you can pack in w only 8 voices. And also i'm dying to hear what kind of patches the rest of the world has come up with in recent decades as opposed to the old presets being passed around.
@totallyfrozen
Жыл бұрын
There is
@orthoooo
Жыл бұрын
@@totallyfrozen like the SynthLib site?
@orthoooo
Жыл бұрын
@dan coleman yeah maybe if it was easier to share the sequence and any patches used together it might be more common.
@chinmitten
Жыл бұрын
Mine is unfortunately not currently in my rotation due to space restrictions but I can’t wait to pull it back out. Amazing synth and not as bad to program as many other things from the era. Looking at you, Oberheim
@resofactor
8 ай бұрын
Heya Johnny, love this series. OMG - great to see the insert video footage of Skinny Puppy slipped in there. Yes, Cevin used the ESQ-1 and Dwayne used the Mirage extensively. 6:40 in... someone likes Skinny Puppy. lol
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
8 ай бұрын
Hell ya - I know - I was able to visit Subconcious on Seymour street back in the Too Dark Park Era. A Duck loved his Ensoniqs.
@ageshero
Жыл бұрын
What’s the drum machine in that cool demo song?
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
Жыл бұрын
It's the TR-707 modded with the HKA mod so it's playing Linn Drum stock samples
@masguapoako
9 ай бұрын
*As of today, 12/22/23, my son is learning how to play piano using Ensoniq ESQ-1*
@steviewondek
2 жыл бұрын
Loved the esq, loved the UI the sound and flouro display, shame someone couldn't bring out a similar size modernized version, for us hardware loving dinosaurs.
@HatredPrime
Жыл бұрын
6:30 Skinny Puppy?
@daveogarf
Жыл бұрын
(*"FOR-ment", *NOT* "For-MONT"!)
@kaitlyn__L
6 күн бұрын
You know... I always liked the way both the Ensoniqs and the Hydrasynth put their controls around their screens; but it's only with your closeup of the signal-path diagram embedded in selection buttons, and so on, that I realised just how much the Hydrasynth is like a modern Ensoniq. Not just in front panel, but they have a similar method of interesting waves put through decent filters (and in being cheaper than their main competition) as well. (Though I think a turquoise VFD looks nicer than a white OLED, any day!) Speaking of the SID chip, the original intent was to have I think 8 voices! Which would've been an absolute power-house, and competed very well against the AdLib/Sound Blasters IMO. As it was, they cut it down to 3 voices to increase reliability and ship by Christmas. Which tbh, maybe that was a good idea with how many have their filter sections fail lately... But it's fun to imagine a SID chip with 8 or 9 voices belting-out massively complex harmony AND drums, rather than having to very quickly arpeggiate like the SID artists nowadays do. Though having said that, there is something of a charm to the driving arpeggiated beats and complex filter-switching on the noise-source to make drums on another channel. But I digress :)
@harfenspieler
2 ай бұрын
I had one (drove all the way to West-Berlin in a Volkswagen Beetle to pick it up). I remember tweaking sounds for hours and hours. The sequencer was great as I didn't have a computer yet, which seems odd from today's perspective. In hindsight, the design was good, but only took me half way to the desired results - there's only so much you can do with a single-cycle 8 bit waveform. It also needed the analog filter to barely survive basic criticism, I think that with a digital filter solution it would have sounded like a Casio toy. Still had a great time with it.
@stevecoscia
Жыл бұрын
Good video. The ESQ-1's release was a result of a simple and brilliant strategy. I started with Ensoniq in 1984 and saw much during those early years and beyond.
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
10 ай бұрын
Thanks for sharing! Ensoniq really had the right idea - the software they put into their products was where they spend the extra effort, and gave people loads of features for a relatively low cost.
@cymonalex
2 жыл бұрын
Love the work you do and your video memorabilia, but no way was the mirage compatible to the Emulator II (not even close) !! Sorry.. The rest of the video is great.. Thanks
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Cymon - yes I agree - The EII is so much more of a sampler, but the Mirage gave the ability for everyone to own a sampler (all be it limited) on a budget which was amazing.
@OscillatorCollective
2 жыл бұрын
I used to own one of these, sold it to my best friend at the time… And honestly, probably one if if not the best synth I’ve ever owned, and would get another one.
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
2 жыл бұрын
You should - they are so cheap!
@mrtvi46
2 жыл бұрын
Had one. Loved it. So easy to program
@JeremyParkerMusic
2 жыл бұрын
Great video/research as usual Johnny! Were the drums in your featured song here also from the ESQ-1? (they sounded pretty huge!)
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
2 жыл бұрын
Hey Jeremy - thanks! The drums are not ESQ-1 although that'd be cool to try - I think it's possible. They're old samples I had from my industrial electronic days in the 90's
@robotussin_synths
2 жыл бұрын
Lovely history, thanks Johnny. I just found your channel and it is so up my street! Love it.
@markchristopher2signal2
2 жыл бұрын
Johnny , thanks man. This is my first real real synth. I bought one in 97 for 300.00. It is a fat synth. My fault for stupidly trading it for a sampler
@AlainHubert
2 жыл бұрын
I still have my Ensoniq SQ80 (essentially an ESQ-1 with a floppy drive and expanded memory) and it's still working flawlessly some 34 years later. The user interface is the best one I've ever seen on any other synth, especially the sequencer section. Unfortunately, the 8 bit nature of the beast sometimes shows its limitations, but for the time it was very impressive at that price point.
@TimesOfTheSines.official
2 жыл бұрын
The SQ-80 was actually 12bit & not 8bit like the ESQ1 was... The SQ-80's were basically a late stab of releasing a bug free & better built attempt to revamp the initial great sales.. & reputation of esq-1s. SQ-80 is the rarer, & better 12bit version. There was only one, late production run of SQ-80's... I've been told that only about 800 units where made & sold in its time. They are usually sold 2nd hand now at close to twice as much as ESQ1s do. They do sound better, & are known to be well constructed & bug free for purchases as 2nd hand Ensoniq gear goes. If u have one don't let go of it.
@AlainHubert
2 жыл бұрын
@@TimesOfTheSines.official Are you sure about that? The SQ-80 uses the exact same chipset as in the ESQ-1 (Ensoniq DOC which works internally with 8 bits resolution, 8X CEM3379, 68B09E CPU), with added Western Digital 1772 Floppy Controller chip, and 80K of sequencer RAM. I should know I have the schematics in front of me. Perhaps you're thinking of the Ensoniq EPS (which is a 12 bit sampler), and the EPS 16+ which was 16 bits? The Mirage is, of course, 8 bits because it uses the same DOC chip as the ESQ-1 and SQ-80. As I said earlier, the SQ-80 came out in 1988, a few years after the ESQ-1, and it was a "souped-up" version, with a completely different keyboard controller with contactless keys and polyphonic aftertouch, a 3.5 inch floppy drive, and maxed-out sequencer memory, and a bigger choice of wavetable samples in a bigger ROM. But everything in it is 8 bits. It's essentially an 8 bit specialized micro-computer from the eighties with 80K of RAM, superb software in ROM, and a custom audio IC chip.
@davewilk7165
2 жыл бұрын
Ah yes...the 1st real affordable sampler (A/D resolution wasn't that good though)
@BaddaBigBoom
Жыл бұрын
I have one of these, it's been sitting in its flightcase ever since I (thought I) blew the motherboard by wiring up memory protect battery wrong. It actually works perfectly well, just needs a new memory protect battery. If I can source sysex presets I'll keep it, otherwise, it's going on Ebay.
@lassel1644
6 ай бұрын
My ESQ-1 changed my songwriting back in 1986/87 with that braindead easy sequencer that later led me into the world of Notator and Atari 1040 STFM. But still a great synth and incredible specs.... but the sounds are decent not more than that.
@resofactor
8 ай бұрын
Side note: Honestly deserves its own reply/comment... It would hella rawk if someone relaunched ENSONIQ today and see what new cool toys they would release. While sticking to their original core. Would SERIOUSLY rawk.
@doordedeur
6 ай бұрын
Back then the ESQ-1 never sounded impressive, because shortly after the Roland D-50 came out. Nowadays the ESQ-1 has its own place in history.
@Novaheart1998
2 жыл бұрын
I have one and whats nice about mine is its mint, I have the 1024 sound cart also. This synth is a beauty. I also have a VFXsd, SD-1 and EPS "classic", all in great condition some with the GOTEK drives. The ESQ-1 sounds fantastic, never gets old.
@QuiqueConZinte
6 ай бұрын
Me pueden resucitar mi ensoniq ESQ1??? Alguien?
@tonelab
2 жыл бұрын
Nicely done 🤓
@DennisCaunce
2 жыл бұрын
I loved my ESQ1. I had this and a rack mount Mirage sampler. happy days...
@pabblo1
8 ай бұрын
Fun fact: The Ensoniq 5503 chip was also included in the Apple IIGS computer.
@a_nick_t
2 жыл бұрын
An ESQ-1 and rack Mirage were the core of a very productive music system for me back in the 80’s. 😎👍🏼
@EHiggins
2 жыл бұрын
I had a C64, as well as an ESQ-1. The ESQ-1 was awesome. I loved the filter, and it was super easy to program compared to something like the DX7. I had to replace the power supply twice though, and then one day ALL the magic smoke got out. It was a awesome synth to learn on.
@chinossynthesizer705
2 ай бұрын
I had a sq-80 but it had problems but amazing sounds. The battery would get warm the keyboard or voices mess up and the midi can be broken sometimes.
@SeverityOne
2 жыл бұрын
The ESQ-M is on my watchlist on both eBay and Reverb. One day...
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
2 жыл бұрын
They come up from time! Would be a great studio piece.
@SeverityOne
2 жыл бұрын
@@johnnymorgansynthdreams Keeping my fingers crossed. Going to pick up a JD-990 first this Saturday.
@christopherturner2479
6 ай бұрын
Just found a song tape from 86 i used the ESQ1 on sounds great 👍 this was my upgrade at the time from an early 70s korg mini 800 which i have on my earlier songs after 40 years or more these vintage keyboards sound much better than i thought at the time, now i have decided to buy synths again so have the M brute , a behringer poly d due in April plus my old stash of violins gretschs harps to keep it Wild ❤
@gloraditch6915
5 ай бұрын
Had an SQ80 as my first synth. Regrettably had to sell it due to finances. Missed it...was great also as a midi controller for rack mounts.
@johnleighdesigns
Жыл бұрын
Fab I owned one back in 87 ish and only let it go in 2011 as i moved into computer music making - im still tempted to get one of the VST ESQ1 or SQ80 for a bit of a nostalgia trip and that sonic flava
@pappyprimetime7510
Жыл бұрын
I used a mirage to break down a wooden door one time
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
Жыл бұрын
I can imagine
@mypdxrealtor
Ай бұрын
This may sound silly.... but is it also a sampler? As in you can get samples into it like the EPS or Mirage?
@danielluis7903
Жыл бұрын
Great work on this documentary and demonstrion and nod to the 80s Industrial movement.
@oscillationcommunications709
2 жыл бұрын
I use mine every single day. It’s one of the few vintage keyboards that I ALWAYS have at shows. It’s def one of my favorites ever,and is what I feel,to be a nice alternative take on the PPG vision,with its own vibes and interfacing. It’s kinda got it all- Amazing,dreamy pads that scream 80’s,ripping aliasing basses,great leads,and even a half decent piano now and then.😎 Hopefully there will be a desktop clone one day.✨⚡️✨
@johnnymorgansynthdreams
2 жыл бұрын
Totally true - it sort of has it all for sure. Awesome you still gig with one.
@oscillationcommunications709
2 жыл бұрын
@@johnnymorgansynthdreams Definitely. It’s a hidden weapon still for many. I put its modern bass style sounds up against any software. (including Massive etc) When I use it for Dub/Dnb/Bass stuff live,it will shake an inch of dust off the venue’s ceiling.😅
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