The Ensoniq SQ-1 is a digital synthesizer based on ROM waveforms (a ROMpler). It is patch-compatible with the Ensoniq SQ-2 (the 76-key version with the same engine) and the Ensoniq KS-32. It is also available in rackmount form as the SQ-R.
21-note and 32-note-polyphonic versions of the SQ-1 exist. The models are SQ-1, SQ-1 Plus, and SQ-1 Plus 32-voice. The plus versions have improved piano sounds.
It contains a set of 9 transwaves that can be used for wave sequencing. Here is the transwave list:
The CR2032 memory backup battery is soldered to the main board. When it dies, a battery holder should be installed in its place.
The front panel buttons are table-shaped and rest on a plastic frame. The legs can become bent or broken, causing buttons to be permanently pushed in. They are not difficult to replace if you can find spares.
The 1/4" audio connectors are plastic and not flush with the case. They can break and will need to be replaced with new ones, but they are fairly standard and a simple soldering job to replace.
Broken keys can be challenging because you have to completely disassemble the synthesizer to remove the keyboard, but once you've removed so many screws that your hand hurts, replacing a key is simple. The key return springs have a fair amount of tension, and you will need pliers to reattach them.
Internally, the SQ-1 has 3 circuit boards - a power supply board, the main board which is managed by a Motorola 68000 CPU, and the front panel display/button board.
To our knowledge there wasn't a copy of the SQ-1 Plus / SQ-2 manual available in PDF form, so we scanned our copy. It's available below.
Year Released: 1991
MSRP: 1595.00 USD
Keyboard: 61 keys with velocity
Polyphony: 21 notes
Multitimbral: 24 parts
Preset Patches: 100
User Patches: 80
ROM: 3MB (167 16-bit waveforms including 1 MB piano)
Dimensions: 1026 mm x 340 mm x 130 mm
Weight: 11.3 kg
Latest OS Version: 1.11
Latest OS Version For SQ-1 32: 2.03
Latest OS Version For SQ-1+: 1.15
WAV samples are available on freewavesamples.com.
Ensoniq SQ-1 Plus and SQ-2 Manual
KSEdit for Ensoniq SQ Synths (Windows Freeware Works with Ensoniq KS-32, SQ-1, SQ-2, and SQ-R)
Ensoniq SQ-1 Synthesizer w/ SKB Flight Case & Sound Card & Alesis Data Disk ($760)
Ensoniq SQ-1 Synthesizer 1990+ seq upgrade & mini-manual ($520.57)
Ensoniq SQ-1 Plus Synthesizer FOR PARTS OR REPAIR ($250)
Ensoniq SQ-1 Plus Digital Synthesizer 1991 - Black ($400)
Ensoniq SQ1 / SQR / SQ2 Synth Patches • 3 Bank Set - Digital Download ($20)
Ensoniq SQ-1 version OS 1.01 EPROM Firmware Upgrade SET / Brand ROM Update Chips SQ1 ($27.95)
Ensoniq SQ-1 OS version 1.01 EPROM Firmware Upgrade Update for SQ1 Rom ($27.97)
Ensoniq SQ-1 Plus OS 1.10 ROM update firmware kit set SQ1+ ($41.99)
Slide potentiometer Volume For Ensoniq Sq-1 Sq-2 Sq-R Vintage Synth Parts ($9.90)
Ensoniq Jack Nuts for Ensoniq ESQ-1 (metal body), ESQ-M, Mirage (all), SQ-1, SQ-R ($1.50)
Ensoniq Key Contact Retainers for Ensoniq ESQ-1 (both) & Mirage (all), SQ-1, SQ-2 ($1.50)
Ensoniq - SQ-1, SQ-2 , SQ-R - Slide potentiometer 10kb ($16.99)
Ensoniq Cartridge Assembly for Ensoniq ESQ-1 (metal body), SQ-80 ($19.95)
Ensoniq - SQ-80 , VFX-sd , SD-1 - New Battery ($22.90)
Ensoniq SQ1+ SQ2 SQ1 Plus Musician’s Manual 1991 - Blue ($17.50)
Ensoniq - ESQ-1 , ESQ-M , SQ-80 - Slide potentiometer - 10kb ($16.99)
Ensoniq ESQ-1/SQ-80 EEPROM Cartridge PCB - Direct from PCB designer ($20)
IC, SSM2300 Multiplexed Chip for Ensoniq ESQ-1 SQ-80 E-MU Oberheim Akai. ($19.99)
Ensoniq ESQ-1 SQ-80 Original Display Bezel. Good Condition ! ($29)
Ensoniq ESQ-1 / ESQ-M / SQ-80 EEPROM Data / Memory Card Expansion ($87.86)
Ensoniq ISC-1 ROM Sound Card for SQ-1 SQR Synth ($80)
Ensoniq SQ-80 / ESQ-1 / VFX SD / SQ2 Volume & Data Slider Replacement Kit by Bassmobile ($24.95)
Ensoniq SXQ-1 Sequencer Expander Cartridge ($69)
Ensoniq FSW-1 foot switch ESQ-1 SQ-80 TS-10 SD-1 ASR ($65)
Ensoniq SQX cover for Ensoniq ESQ-1 (metal body) ($6.95)
Slide potentiometer For Ensoniq Esq-1 Esq-m Sq-80 volume or data Slider ($9.90)
Ensoniq - SQ1, SQ2, SQR, KS32 , DP series DP2, DP4 - Battery ($5.54)
Ensoniq - TS10, TS12, SQ1, SQ2, SQR, KS32 , DP series DP2, DP4 - Battery ($5)
Ensoniq ESQ-1 SQX-10 Sequencer Expander ($102.16)
Ensoniq Sqx-10 sequencer expansion cartridge for esq-1 ($75)
Panasonic 3 Volt Battery for Ensoniq ESQ1 ESQM SQ80 SD-1 VFX-SD ESQ ($22.95)
Panasonic 3 Volt Battery for Ensoniq ESQ1 ESQM SQ80 SD-1 VFX-SD ESQ ($23.95)
Ensoniq SQX-70 sequencer expansion memory upgrade kit TS-10, TS-12, SD-1, VFX-sd, KS-32, SQ-1, SQ-2 ($37.99)
Ensoniq - ESQ1 , ESQM . SQ80 . SD-1 - Battery ($13.99)
Ensoniq - ESQ1, Esqm , SQ80, SD-1, Vfx-Sd - Battery Holder replacement Fix ($14.49)
Ensoniq Hex Wrench for Mirage, ESQ-1, ESQ-M, SQ-80, ASR-X, ASR-X Pro, VFX, VFX-SD, SD-1, more! ($4)
☆SYNTHSQUARE.COM☆ 64-IN-1 (5120-Patch) Ensoniq ESQ-1, ESQ-M, SQ-80 Rewritable Cartridge RAM ($257.17)
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