Cherry Audio Ensoniq ESQ-1
Cherry Audio is thrilled to announce the availability of Ensoniq ESQ-1, a virtual synthesizer that emulates the classic 1986 ESQ-1 polyphonic hybrid digital/analog synthesizer in software form. This landmark plugin is now available for just $69 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of one of the most beloved and affordable synthesizers ever made.
The release marks a first-of-its-kind collaboration between Cherry Audio and Creative Technology, the current owner of the Ensoniq intellectual property. Through official licensing, Cherry Audio built the instrument around the original 32 ESQ-1 waveforms, faithfully reproducing the complex, evolving, and richly textured sounds that defined the hardware.
Cherry Audio meticulously modeled the sonic signature of the renowned Curtis CEM3379 analog low-pass filter, along with the four DCAs, four multistage envelopes, three LFOs, amplitude modulation, and oscillator sync. The software also supports drag-and-drop import of patches and banks from original ESQ-1 SysEx files or directly via MIDI from the hardware. It can also export SysEx patch files compatible with the original instrument.
While the 1986 ESQ-1 required users to program much of its functionality through a small display and a data slider, Cherry Audio brings every control to the surface. The interface is organized into five sections — Play, Edit, Modulation, Envelopes, and Sequencer — making the powerful signal path far easier to understand and edit.
Cherry Audio's modern enhancements extend the instrument well beyond its origins. A highly optimized stereo dual-layer architecture supports up to 32 polyphonic voices per layer, enabling multitimbral split and stacked modes with independent controls. A comprehensive four-slot modulation matrix offers 41 sources and 85 destinations with click-to-assign functionality. Performers gain expanded expression possibilities through channel aftertouch, polyphonic aftertouch, and a flexible new MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) system.
The built-in arpeggiator and the syncable, transposable 16x4 polyphonic step sequencer add a dynamic quality that transcends the hardware itself. These features include options for humanizing patterns, and users can assign steps to either notes or modulations. ESQ-1 also offers three customizable effect chains with 20 studio-quality effects, enabling users to easily arrange, save, and recall their settings. Additionally, it comes with over 400 presets, including the original ESQ-1 factory patches, to inspire instant creativity.
"Partnering with Cherry Audio to revive the original sound of the ESQ-1 has been a truly rewarding collaboration," said Koh Zi Kai, Head of Licensing at Creative Technology Ltd. "Ensoniq represents a significant chapter in Creative Technology's history, and we are proud to see the authentic sound of the ESQ-1 preserved and made accessible to a new generation of musicians on the 40th anniversary of its release. Creative Technology stands behind its mission of bringing audio technology and people together, helping them to elevate their audio experience and connect on a deeper level with their music."
"The ESQ-1 is an important part of synthesizer history, and we aimed to honor that legacy with the depth and accuracy it deserves," said Dan Goldstein, CTO at Cherry Audio. "From the original waveforms to the precise modeling of the filter, we have carefully crafted every detail to capture what made the hardware iconic, while also providing today's musicians with the modern tools and expressiveness they expect."
A 40-year legacy
Released in 1986, the ESQ-1 combined affordable digital oscillators with warm analog filters and a capable onboard MIDI sequencer, all at a price musicians could truly afford. Launched at $1,395, it sold over 50,000 units and became a "first professional synthesizer" for countless players. Its distinctive character attracted artists such as Skinny Puppy, Jean-Michel Jarre, Steve Roach, John Carpenter, Prince, Roxette, and Deutsch Amerikanische Freundschaft.
Also available
Cherry Audio also offers the Soniq Odysseys Preset Pack for the ESQ-1, priced at $9.99. Created by sound designer James Dyson, this pack includes 100 presets, along with 25 bonus MPE presets. These presets further explore features such as layers and splits, complex modulation, sequencers and arpeggiators, expressive performance, and multiple effects chains.
Availability and system requirements
The Ensoniq ESQ-1 synthesizer exemplifies Cherry Audio's commitment to providing exceptional sound at an unbeatable price. Priced at just $69, the ESQ-1 is an excellent option for synthesizer enthusiasts who desire outstanding performance, features, and affordability.
Additionally, until June 30th at cherryaudio.com, customers can take advantage of Cherry Audio's "Build Your Own Bundle" promotion. They can select the Pick 3 bundle for $99 (regularly $119) or the Pick 6 bundle for $149 (regularly $169). This promotion allows customers to mix and match any of Cherry Audio's award-winning instruments for less than $25 per plugin.
Ensoniq ESQ-1 by Cherry Audio is available at cherryaudio.com and from authorized resellers worldwide for macOS (10.13 and later) and Windows (7 and later) in AU, VST, VST3, AAX, and standalone formats. A free 30-day demo is available. Visit cherryaudio.com for additional product details, a deep-dive introductory video, system requirements, and an extensive collection of awe-inspiring sound demos.
About Cherry Audio
Cherry Audio, founded in 2018, is a vibrant team of passionate developers, designers, sound programmers, and musicians who came together to turn a bold vision into reality. The foundation of their offerings began with Voltage Modular, which featured an innovative, alias-free analog modeling oscillator design. This original concept has blossomed into a robust modular virtual platform, enriched by a thriving community of talented module designers.
Since then, Cherry Audio has expanded its offerings to include an incredible array of high-quality, award-winning virtual instruments and effects. Many of these products honor classic synthesizers while introducing enhanced features and unique, original designs that spark creativity.
The committed team at Cherry Audio is dedicated to developing musical instruments that combine usability, aesthetic appeal, and superior sound quality. For individuals passionate about synthesizers, music production, and sonic exploration, Cherry Audio's instruments offer an exceptional and inspiring experience.
About Creative
Since its founding in 1981, Creative Technology has been driven by a singular mission: to reimagine the way the world experiences sound. A true pioneer in digital audio innovation, Creative introduced the groundbreaking Sound Blaster®, the invention that gave personal computers the gift of sound — and forever changed the landscape of PC multimedia.
Guided by a legacy of bold ideas and breakthrough technologies, Creative continues to lead at the intersection of engineering and imagination. From award-winning sound solutions to advanced personal audio ecosystems, the company's innovations are designed not just to meet evolving needs, but to inspire entirely new possibilities for connection, creativity, and experience.
At its core, Creative remains committed to pushing the boundaries of what audio can achieve — enriching lives, elevating experiences, and defining what's next in sound.
Ensoniq ESQ-1 waveforms are copyrighted works licensed from Creative Technology Ltd. ENSONIQ®, the Ensoniq logo, and ESQ-1 are registered trademarks of Creative Technology Ltd.
https://cherryaudio.com/products/esq-1-synthesizer
