Ensoniq ESQ-1

Ensoniq discontinued
synth sequencer

Firmware discontinued

The manufacturer has stopped releasing firmware updates for this device. Last known version: 3.5.

You can still add it to your rig to keep an inventory and track its used market price.

Firmware is stored on two ROM/EPROM chips inside the unit; there is no software update process. Installing the final OS (v3.5) requires physically replacing the ROM chips — a hardware service best performed by a qualified technician, not a user-installable software update.

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Firmware History

Changelogs summarised from the manufacturer's release notes.

3.5
Ensoniq ESQ-1 Software Version 3 Update (final OS issued by Ensoniq for the ESQ-1). Added sequence editing features, allowing addition and deletion of variable bars at any boundary within a sequence. Added ability to rename songs by pressing the soft button above the song name on the SONG EDIT page. Startup screen now automatically switches to the last selected internal page. VELOCITY parameter renamed to TOUCH. Unit can remain in SONG mode even after being turned off. Corrected a sequencer problem which prevented the ESQ-1 from recording correctly when synchronized (SYNC-MIDI CLOCK) with units which send clocks continuously. Added a parameter to allow the CV Pedal to be used as a volume pedal as well as a MOD pedal. Allowed data dumps to disk drives capable of accepting generic system exclusive messages. Allowed compatibility with MIDI Guitar controller. Added ability to output a tape sync clock when syncing to MIDI clocks as well as when syncing to tape. Fixed a bug which caused erratic operation when using the LOCATE function by more than 16 bars.
Release notesopens in a new tab — buchty.net
Manual →opens in a new tab — archive.org
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