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SQ-1
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SQ-1 (c) 1990 Ensoniq The SQ-1 is a 61-key digital programmable sample-playback synthesizer and workstation. Developed as an aggressive entry into the highly competitive "all-in-one" studio keyboard market, the SQ-1 was engineered to strip away the premium price tag of high-end workstations while preserving Ensoniq's critically acclaimed sound quality, multi-timbral sequencing depth, and professional effects processing. The underlying sonic architecture of the SQ-1 is a 21-voice polyphonic, 8-part multi-timbral digital engine (which was bumped to 32 voices in the subsequent SQ-1 Plus revision). The core sound generator pulls 16-bit linear samples out of an internal ROM wave pool containing multi-sampled acoustic instruments, drum kits, and digital synthetic loops. Each individual patch can combine up to three discrete digital oscillators, with every layer routing through an independent digital low-pass filter (featuring selectable 2-pole or 4-pole roll-offs), a dedicated LFO, and a highly customizable 4-stage envelope generator. The final audio matrix passes through Ensoniq's 24-bit proprietary ESP chip, wrapping dry sequences in rich, studio-grade digital reverb, delay, chorus, and heavy distortion algorithms. The physical unit is housed in a streamlined, compact black metal and plastic chassis designed with portability in mind. The front panel features a bright, backlit custom alphanumeric LCD screen accompanied by a centralized matrix programming grid of soft-touch selection buttons, a primary data editing slider, and classic pitch/modulation wheels. The rear connectivity panel provides a slot for Voice/Sequence expansion cards, a stereo analog output pair, dual pedal inputs, and a standard 5-pin MIDI In/Out/Thru triad. - TRIVIA - The "Plus" Wave Pool Expansion: Following its initial 1990 release, Ensoniq quickly rolled out the SQ-1 Plus in 1991. The critical upgrade wasn't inside the synthesizer's structural programming, but inside the ROM chips themselves: the wave memory was expanded from 1MB to 2MB, allowing Ensoniq to inject a pristine, highly requested acoustic grand piano multi-sample that helped the keyboard compete directly with the dominant Roland U-20 and Korg M1. The Onboard 8-Track Studio: The defining feature that turned the SQ-1 into a true standalone workstation was its built-in 8-track hardware sequencer. It allowed musicians to record up to 8 independent multi-timbral parts simultaneously in real-time or step-time mode. Out of the box, the system shared an 8,500-note internal data buffer, which could be upgraded to a robust 31,000-note capacity via an optional SQX-70 hardware memory expander card. The ESP FX Chip Pedigree: Despite its position as Ensoniq's entry-level budget keyboard workstation in 1990, the company refused to compromise on the effects stage. They equipped the SQ-1 with the identical 24-bit ESP (Ensoniq Signal Processor) chip found inside their elite, top-tier VFX synthesizers and EPS samplers, giving the budget unit an exceptionally lush, premium studio shine. Instant Rhythmic Multi-Mapping: The SQ-1 featured a specialized Drum Kit Mapping mode that allowed individual digital drum samples to be assigned to separate keys across the keybed, complete with independent volume, panning, and effect send routings for each key. This meant a single MIDI track on the internal sequencer could drive a complex, full acoustic drum performance, leaving the remaining 7 tracks completely wide open for bass lines, pads, and lead hooks. - SOURCES - Machine's Bios.
Your Changes (editable)
SQ-1 (c) 1990 Ensoniq The SQ-1 is a 61-key digital programmable sample-playback synthesizer and workstation. Developed as an aggressive entry into the highly competitive "all-in-one" studio keyboard market, the SQ-1 was engineered to strip away the premium price tag of high-end workstations while preserving Ensoniq's critically acclaimed sound quality, multi-timbral sequencing depth, and professional effects processing. The underlying sonic architecture of the SQ-1 is a 21-voice polyphonic, 8-part multi-timbral digital engine (which was bumped to 32 voices in the subsequent SQ-1 Plus revision). The core sound generator pulls 16-bit linear samples out of an internal ROM wave pool containing multi-sampled acoustic instruments, drum kits, and digital synthetic loops. Each individual patch can combine up to three discrete digital oscillators, with every layer routing through an independent digital low-pass filter (featuring selectable 2-pole or 4-pole roll-offs), a dedicated LFO, and a highly customizable 4-stage envelope generator. The final audio matrix passes through Ensoniq's 24-bit proprietary ESP chip, wrapping dry sequences in rich, studio-grade digital reverb, delay, chorus, and heavy distortion algorithms. The physical unit is housed in a streamlined, compact black metal and plastic chassis designed with portability in mind. The front panel features a bright, backlit custom alphanumeric LCD screen accompanied by a centralized matrix programming grid of soft-touch selection buttons, a primary data editing slider, and classic pitch/modulation wheels. The rear connectivity panel provides a slot for Voice/Sequence expansion cards, a stereo analog output pair, dual pedal inputs, and a standard 5-pin MIDI In/Out/Thru triad. - TRIVIA - The "Plus" Wave Pool Expansion: Following its initial 1990 release, Ensoniq quickly rolled out the SQ-1 Plus in 1991. The critical upgrade wasn't inside the synthesizer's structural programming, but inside the ROM chips themselves: the wave memory was expanded from 1MB to 2MB, allowing Ensoniq to inject a pristine, highly requested acoustic grand piano multi-sample that helped the keyboard compete directly with the dominant Roland U-20 and Korg M1. The Onboard 8-Track Studio: The defining feature that turned the SQ-1 into a true standalone workstation was its built-in 8-track hardware sequencer. It allowed musicians to record up to 8 independent multi-timbral parts simultaneously in real-time or step-time mode. Out of the box, the system shared an 8,500-note internal data buffer, which could be upgraded to a robust 31,000-note capacity via an optional SQX-70 hardware memory expander card. The ESP FX Chip Pedigree: Despite its position as Ensoniq's entry-level budget keyboard workstation in 1990, the company refused to compromise on the effects stage. They equipped the SQ-1 with the identical 24-bit ESP (Ensoniq Signal Processor) chip found inside their elite, top-tier VFX synthesizers and EPS samplers, giving the budget unit an exceptionally lush, premium studio shine. Instant Rhythmic Multi-Mapping: The SQ-1 featured a specialized Drum Kit Mapping mode that allowed individual digital drum samples to be assigned to separate keys across the keybed, complete with independent volume, panning, and effect send routings for each key. This meant a single MIDI track on the internal sequencer could drive a complex, full acoustic drum performance, leaving the remaining 7 tracks completely wide open for bass lines, pads, and lead hooks. - SOURCES - Machine's Bios.
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