Ensoniq ESQ-1 by Cherry Audio is a software synthesizer that emulates the Ensoniq ESQ-1 hybrid digital-analog synthesizer released in 1986, and it is available as a standalone application for Windows and macOS.
Ensoniq ESQ-1 Synthesizer at a glance
| Developer | Cherry Audio |
|---|---|
| Type | Instruments / Synth |
| Formats | Standalone |
| Operating systems | Windows 7 or later, macOS 10.13 or later |
| Apple Silicon | Native |
| Architecture | 64-bit |
| RAM | 8 GB or more |
| Price on Plugin Boutique (October 2026) | €68.43 |
What Ensoniq ESQ-1 Synthesizer does
Each voice has three digital oscillators, and the oscillators draw on the original 32 ESQ-1 waveforms, licensed from Creative Technology and grouped into four categories. Oscillator sync and amplitude modulation add harmonics the developer calls aggressive, metallic and bell-like.
Voice modes include Mono Legato, Mono Retrig, Unison, Polyphonic and MPE, with up to 32 polyphonic voices across a stereo dual-layer architecture.
Key features
- Five-section interface and modulation. The interface is split into five context-sensitive sections. A four-slot modulation matrix with click-to-assign macros offers 41 sources, including MPE inputs.
- Arpeggiators and step sequencers. Each layer also has a syncable, transposable 16×4 polyphonic step sequencer that records notes and modulations.
- Effects chains. Three independent, customizable effects chains hold 20 studio-quality effects, including BBD Flanger, Compressor, Digital Delay, Digital Reverb and Dual Delay, and can be saved and recalled.
- SysEx exchange with hardware. Individual patches and patch banks from the original ESQ-1 can be imported by drag-and-drop, and patch files exported from the software load on the original hardware.
- MIDI control and automation. All controls respond to DAW automation and MIDI learn mapping, and the instrument also accepts channel and polyphonic aftertouch from compatible controllers.
- Oversampling and zoom. A user-adjustable oversampling control is provided, and the interface can be zoomed with the Focus feature or the standard UI zoom. Documentation is available online and as a downloadable PDF.
Compatibility
Ensoniq ESQ-1 is offered in Standalone format for Windows and macOS (64-bit). It requires macOS 10.13 or Windows 7 and 8 GB of RAM, and native support for Apple Silicon processors is listed.
Plugins similar to Ensoniq ESQ-1 Synthesizer
| Plugin | Developer | Type | Formats | Systems | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ensoniq ESQ-1 Synthesizer | Cherry Audio | Synth | Standalone | Windows, macOS | €68.43 |
| Rhodes Chroma by Cherry Audio | Rhodes | Synth | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX, Standalone | Windows, macOS | €74.33 |
| Synthx V | Arturia | Synth | VST2, AU, AAX, Standalone | Windows, macOS | €147.76 |
| Memory V | Arturia | Synth | VST2, AU, AAX, Standalone | Windows, macOS | €147.76 |
| Prophet~5 | GForce Software | Synth | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX, Standalone | Windows, macOS | €79.33 (regular €118.99) |
Price and availability
Ensoniq ESQ-1 Synthesizer was listed on Plugin Boutique in October 2026 at €68.43. Prices change often, so the store page shows the current one.
Ensoniq ESQ-1 Synthesizer FAQ
Is there a working serial key or keygen for Ensoniq ESQ-1?
A working serial is the string most often typed next to the name, and keygen and serial key queries pair with the release.
Is Ensoniq ESQ-1 available as a torrent or magnet link?
The release circulates as a torrent with a magnet link, and a repack in .rar or .iso form is common.