Synths ⇝ Ensoniq ⇝ Ensoniq SQ-1

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:

• Formant-X
• Planet-X
• Electro-X
• Pulse 1-X
• Pulse 2-X
• Resonant 1-X
• Resonant 2-X
• Resonant 3-X
• Resonant 4-X

Common Repairs

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.

Manual

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.

Specifications

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

User Demo Videos

Rating

Sound Samples

WAV samples are available on freewavesamples.com.

File Downloads

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)

Items for Sale on Reverb

Ensoniq SQ-1 Synthesizer w/ SKB Flight Case & Sound Card & Alesis Data Disk ($553.87)

Ensoniq SQ-1 Plus Digital Synthesizer 1991 - Black ($299)

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 Plus OS 1.10 ROM update firmware kit set SQ1+ ($41.99)

Ensoniq Key Contact Retainers for Ensoniq ESQ-1 (both) & Mirage (all), SQ-1, SQ-2 ($1.50)

Ensoniq Power Switch for Ensoniq ESQ-1 (both), ESQ-M, SQ-80, Mirage (all), VFX, VFX-SD, SD-1, SQ-2, SQ-R ($5.95)

Ensoniq Sqx-10 sequencer expansion cartridge for esq-1 ($75)

Ensoniq Sq-80 Voice/Data Disk #1 Floppy 1987 ($35)

Ensoniq SQ-80 Voice/Data Disk #1 ($35)

IC, SSM2300 Multiplexed Chip for Ensoniq ESQ-1 SQ-80 E-MU Oberheim Akai. ($19.99)

DIY Ensoniq ESQ-1/SQ-80/ESQ-M EEPROM RAM Cartridge ($58.48)

IC, CEM 3379 Voltage-Controlled 24 dB/oct. VCF, VCA, VC pan Chip for Ensoniq ESQ-1 SQ-80 Prophet VS.. ($29.95)

80's ENSONIQ SQ 1 SYNTHESIZER MANUAL & SWITCH made in USA TIME WARP ($151.23)

Ensoniq SQ1 Keyboard Workstation ($699)

Curtis CEM3379 Synthesizer IC for Ensoniq ESQ-1 (both), ESQ-M, SQ-80, Sequential Prophet-2000/2002, Doepfer A-107/109 ($39.95)

Curtis CEM3379 Synthesizer IC for Ensoniq ESQ-1 (both), ESQ-M, SQ-80, Sequential Prophet-2000/2002, Doepfer A-107/109 ($39.95)

SSM 2300 Multiplexer IC for Ensoniq ESQ-1 (both), ESQ-M, SQ-80, Mirage (all), E-Mu Emulator III, Emax (both) ($24.95)

Curtis CEM3379 Synthesizer IC for Ensoniq ESQ-1 (both), ESQ-M, SQ-80, Sequential Prophet-2000/2002, Doepfer A-107/109 ($39.95)

SSM 2300 Multiplexer IC for Ensoniq ESQ-1 (both), ESQ-M, SQ-80, Mirage (all), E-Mu Emulator III, Emax (both) ($24.95)

SSM 2300 Multiplexer IC for Ensoniq ESQ-1 (both), ESQ-M, SQ-80, Mirage (all), E-Mu Emulator III, Emax (both) ($24.95)

Curtis CEM 3379 Synthesizer IC for Ensoniq ESQ-1 (both), ESQ-M, SQ-80, Sequential Prophet-2000/2002, Doepfer A-107/109 ($39.95)

Curtis CEM3379 Synthesizer IC for Ensoniq ESQ-1 (both), ESQ-M, SQ-80, Sequential Prophet-2000/2002, Doepfer A-107/109 ($39.95)

Ensoniq FSW-1 foot switch ESQ-1 SQ-80 TS-10 SD-1 ASR ($65)

Ensoniq ESQ-1/ESQm/SQ-80 Memory Card cartridge DIY ($75)

Ensoniq SQX cover for Ensoniq ESQ-1 (metal body) ($6.95)

Voice Crystal Voice Crystal 1 SQ2 160 Voice Ram Ensoniq SQ2/SQ1+/SGR+ ($90)

Ensoniq OTISR2 609-01381303 IC for VFX-SD, EPS16+, SQ1, SQ2, ASR-10, ASR-88 ($39)

Panasonic 3 Volt Battery for Ensoniq ESQ1 ESQM SQ80 SD-1 VFX-SD ESQ ($24.95)

Panasonic 3 Volt Battery for Ensoniq ESQ1 ESQM SQ80 SD-1 VFX-SD ESQ ($24.95)

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 SQ-80 OS ROMs HI/LO V 1.50 1988 ($9.99)

Ensoniq Hex Wrench for Mirage, ESQ-1, ESQ-M, SQ-80, ASR-X, ASR-X Pro, VFX, VFX-SD, SD-1, more! ($4)

64-IN-1 (5120-Patch) Ensoniq ESQ-1, ESQ-M, SQ-80 Rewritable Cartridge RAM ($271.89)