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Rating: GoldLayout: Ensoniq SQ80 / ESQ1
by andyv

0 votes
Rating: Gold
Gold
MIDI Target Manufacturer(s): Ensoniq
Summary: An awesome first layout for the classic Ensoniq SQ80 (and the ESQ1, too) by first-time layout author AndyV. Gold! The SQ80 is a vintage synth first released in 1987 (it has a floppy disk drive in it!) and was the first keyboard ever to feature Ensoniq's "Polypressure Keyboard." This produces channel and poly aftertouch, and the SQ80 has MIDI out so you could control something else with it. But I digress: this layout is about controlling the SQ80, and it's dense and complete. Enjoy, redesign, share!

Hello Folks!

Submitted for your approval is a basic sysex sound editor for the SQ80 http://www.vintagesynth.com/ensoniq/sq80.php and ESQ1 http://www.vintagesynth.com/ensoniq/ens_esq1.php synthesizers from Ensoniq.  This was created with MD Pro 1.7.0. Since I only own the SQ80 I've not been able to test it for the ESQ1.  However, if I'm not mistaken, the main difference between the two is the additional oscillator waveforms available in the SQ80.  I'd expect the ESQ1 to ignore values outside the normal range, but if it causes problems they can be easily deleted from the list. I can say with certainty that it will NOT work with the ESQm as the addressing of parameters is different.

This is my first attempt at a layout design and as you can see by the screenshots my approach was to cram as many controls as possible per page to minimize page turning during edits.  It may be a little crowded.  I encourage you to redesign and share as you see fit. 

Make sure you're keyboard is set to rec'v Sysex messages… 

on the [MIDI] page ENABLE = Keys+CT+PC+SS+SX

also confirm your keyboard's MIDI base channel and set the layout's MIDI OUT channel using the MIDI CHANNEL CHANGER slider….SLOWLY.  (I've had some crashes with rapid value changes of this parameter.)  

Otherwise Let 'er rip!

I've had a lot of fun programming it and would like to thank the Rosenstarks and their team for making such a terrific tool!  It has allowed me to unlock a bunch of new sounds from the synth, and I hope you'll find it inspirational too!

Here's the link!

Downloads: 886
Download the Layout - SQ-80 LAYOUT REV 1
Downloads: 886
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asked Jan 4, 2016 in Community Shares by andyv (360 points)
edited Sep 30, 2016 by MIDI Designer Team (Dan)
I don't have an Ensoniq machine, but your layout looks damn cool.
I am sure you made a lot of people happy.
commented Jan 5, 2016 by ezb (5,680 points)
Thanks ezb!  I have a DX7 and have been digging your layout for it.  Your compliments mean alot!
commented Jan 5, 2016 by andyv (360 points)
edited Jan 6, 2016 by andyv
So it occurs to me this morning that this statement I made about the esq-1 is WRONG!  

"However, if I'm not mistaken, the main difference between the two is the additional oscillator waveforms available in the SQ80."

There is one small but very important difference....
And that is the device ID in the sys ex header which identifies the synth as eiher an sq80 or an esq1.   Soooooo.  Looks like I need to make a dedicated version of this layout for the Esq1 this weekend.....  Stay tuned!
commented Jan 5, 2016 by andyv (360 points)
False alarm.  After checking the Sysex documentation for both synths the ID is the SAME for BOTH the ESQ1 and the SQ80  so there shouldn't be any
problem using this layout to control the ESQ1!!!!!
commented Jan 5, 2016 by andyv (360 points)
Oh wow! Thanks for this, very exciting stuff! Please let me know if you'd like me to add you to the beta team for MD Version Next. Thanks and happy new year and congrats on this layout!
commented Jan 7, 2016 by MIDI Designer Team (Dan)
Cool, Thanks Dan! Yes, I like to help out whatever way I can. I'm still pretty green but I've been dissecting other layouts to learn a few more tricks.  Lots of fun.  Best wishes for you in 2016!
commented Jan 9, 2016 by andyv (360 points)
Cool, just added you. Also, this layout has gotten a bit of buzz on Matrix Synth Lounge etc., because Ensoniq is so, um, dead. So it's a pure technology project, somehow. Very nice work, looking forward to more stuff and to helping you make more stuff. Best!
Dan
commented Jan 9, 2016 by MIDI Designer Team (Dan)
Thank you for using my DX-7 layout. I don't know if you saw it, but a while ago I uploaded version 1.3. I wanted to improve the workflow and I added a keyboard of a few octaves so TX7 users can also use it.
commented Jan 10, 2016 by ezb (5,680 points)
Nice! I wonder if this design work with the Korg wavestation, they are kind of similar machines.
commented Jul 2, 2016 by alberto-o (100 points)
moved Jul 20, 2016 by MIDI Designer Team (Dan)
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