Tag: ensoniq

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Classic Synthesizers Synthesizer Models

Ensoniq Mirage

The Ensoniq Mirage is a digital synthesizer and sampler introduced in 1984 by the Pennsylvania-based company Ensoniq. The Mirage was one of the first affordable digital synthesizers on the market and quickly gained popularity among professional and amateur musicians.

The Mirage featured a unique sound generation system called “DSS” (Digital Sampling Synthesis) which combined the capabilities of both sampling and synthesis. It allowed the user to record and manipulate samples in real-time and then use them as the basis for creating new sounds. The Mirage also featured a built-in 8-track sequencer and a variety of preset and user-editable sounds, making it a versatile and powerful instrument.

One of the most notable features of the Mirage was its low cost. At the time of its release, it was significantly less expensive than other digital synthesizers on the market, such as the Fairlight CMI and the Synclavier. This made it accessible to a broader range of musicians and helped to establish Ensoniq as a major player in the synth market.

The Mirage’s design was also notable for its compact size, making it easy to transport and set up. The synth featured a built-in keyboard with velocity-sensitive keys and could also be played using an external MIDI controller.

The Mirage was also known for its ease of use. The interface was simple and intuitive, with a clear layout that made it easy to navigate and edit sounds. The built-in sequencer also made it simple for users to record and edit their own compositions.

Ensoniq released several updates and upgrades to the Mirage throughout its production run, including the Mirage DSK-1, Mirage DSK-8, and Mirage DSK-16. The DSK-1 and DSK-8 were expansion units that added extra memory and more advanced sequencing capabilities to the Mirage. The Mirage DSK-16 was a rack-mount version of the Mirage that did not include a built-in keyboard.

The Ensoniq Mirage was discontinued in the early 1990s, but it remains a cult classic among synth enthusiasts. Its unique sound generation system and ease of use made it a popular choice for electronic music producers, and it can be heard on many tracks from the 1980s and 1990s.

In conclusion, The Ensoniq Mirage was a revolutionary digital synthesizer that was affordable, easy to use, and powerful. Its combination of sampling and synthesis capabilities, built-in sequencer and its low cost made it a popular choice among musicians of the time. It remains a cult classic and its sound can be heard on many tracks from the 80s and 90s.

Used by

  • Depeche Mode: The band extensively used a Mirage on their album “Black Celebration” and their “Music for the Masses” tour.
  • New Order: The band used a Mirage on their ” Technique ” album and their “World In Motion” single.
  • Pet Shop Boys: The band used a Mirage on their album “Please” and also on their “Actually” album.
  • Jean-Michel Jarre: The French electronic musician used a Mirage on his album “Rendez-Vous”
  • Thomas Dolby: The English musician and producer used a Mirage on his album “The Golden Age of Wireless”
  • A-ha: The Norwegian band used a Mirage on their album “Scoundrel Days”
  • Vince Clarke: The musician and producer used a Mirage on his album “The Clarke Duke Project”
  • Neneh Cherry: The singer-songwriter used a Mirage on her album “Raw Like Sushi”
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Synthesizer Manufacturers

Ensoniq

Ensoniq was an American electronic musical instrument manufacturer, founded in 1985 by former employees of the Commodore Corporation. The company was known for producing a wide range of electronic keyboards and synthesizers.

In 1985, Ensoniq released their first synthesizer, the ESQ-1, a digital synthesizer and sequencer known for its realistic instrument sounds and advanced sequencing capabilities. The same year they also released the Mirage, a sampler known for its high-quality sound and affordable price.

In 1986, Ensoniq released the VFX, a digital synthesizer and music workstation, known for its advanced synthesis capabilities and wide range of sounds. This was followed by the SQ-80, a digital synthesizer and music workstation, in 1988.

In the early 1990s, Ensoniq released a number of advanced digital samplers and music workstations such as the ASR-10 in 1992, known for its advanced sampling and sequencing capabilities and wide range of sounds, and the TS-10 in 1993, known for its realistic instrument sounds and advanced synthesis capabilities.

In 1996, Ensoniq released the TS-12, a digital synthesizer and music workstation, known for its advanced synthesis capabilities, wide range of sounds, and user-friendly interface.

In 1997, Ensoniq released the DP/4, a digital signal processor, known for its advanced effects processing capabilities and ease of use.

In 1998, Ensoniq was purchased by Creative Technology, a Singapore-based company, and the Ensoniq brand was eventually phased out. The technology, design and expertise of the Ensoniq team were integrated into the parent company and many of the features of Ensoniq products were incorporated into the new products of Creative Technology.

Throughout its history, Ensoniq was known for producing high-quality, innovative electronic musical instruments with advanced synthesis capabilities, realistic instrument sounds, and user-friendly interfaces. The company’s products were widely used by professional musicians and music producers in a wide range of genres, from electronic to rock, to pop and jazz.

Important Models:

  1. Ensoniq ESQ-1: A digital synthesizer and sequencer released in 1985, known for its realistic instrument sounds and advanced sequencing capabilities.
  2. Ensoniq Mirage: A sampler released in 1985, known for its high-quality sound and affordable price.
  3. Ensoniq VFX: A digital synthesizer and music workstation released in 1986, known for its advanced synthesis capabilities and wide range of sounds.
  4. Ensoniq SQ-80: A digital synthesizer and music workstation released in 1988, known for its advanced synthesis capabilities and wide range of sounds.
  5. Ensoniq ASR-10: A digital sampler and music workstation released in 1992, known for its advanced sampling and sequencing capabilities, and wide range of sounds.
  6. Ensoniq TS-10: A digital synthesizer and music workstation released in 1993, known for its realistic instrument sounds and advanced synthesis capabilities.
  7. Ensoniq TS-12: A digital synthesizer and music workstation released in 1996, known for its advanced synthesis capabilities, wide range of sounds, and user-friendly interface.
Categories
Classic Synthesizers Synthesizer Models

Ensoniq ESQ-1

The Ensoniq ESQ-1 is a digital synthesizer that was first introduced in 1986. Ensoniq, an American company well-known for its electronic musical instruments, created and produced them. In the latter half of the 1980s and the beginning of the 1990s, producers and musicians frequently used the ESQ-1, and synth fans still covet it today.

The hybrid synthesis engine of the ESQ-1 is one of its fundamental characteristics. Because it combines the capabilities of digital and analog synthesis, a variety of sounds and textures are possible. The ESQ-1 comes with a library of pre-recorded samples that can be used to create sounds. The digital side of the synthesis engine is based on samples. Subtractive synthesis, which uses filters to shape and sculpt sounds, is the foundation of the analog side of the synthesis engine.

A strong sequencer included with the ESQ-1 enables users to construct intricate and complex compositions. The sequencer has numerous editing options and can hold up to 100,000 notes. Additionally, it has an integrated drum machine, which is excellent for making beats and rhythm tracks.

The ESQ-1 has a modern, straightforward user interface that is simple to use. It has a sizable LCD screen that shows all the crucial details, such as the settings for each parameter and the current patch. The keyboard has 61 velocity-sensitive keys, and the aftertouch feature on the instrument enables even more expressive playing.

The ESQ-1’s capacity to store and recall patches is among its most notable features. Users can save and load patches to and from external storage devices, and the instrument can store up to 64 patches in its internal memory.

In conclusion, the Ensoniq ESQ-1 is a traditional digital synthesizer that has withstood the test of time. It is a flexible instrument that can produce a wide variety of sounds and textures thanks to its hybrid synthesis engine and powerful sequencer. It’s a fantastic studio and live-use option due to its user-friendly interface and capacity for storing and recalling patches. The instrument is still highly sought after by collectors and synth enthusiasts.

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