Conference napalm::commusic_v1

    YES YOU CAN SET SEPARATE VOLUME LEVELS WHEN USING A SPLIT OR LAYERED
    KEYBOARD.  THERE ARE A FEW DIFFERENT WAYS, THE MANUAL EXPLAINS
    IT IN PRETTY GOOD DETAIL.  ONE WAY IS TO CHANGE THE DCA4 VOLUME
    FOR EACH OF THE VOICES.  THE VOLUMES SET IN THIS MANNER WILL STAY
    THAT WAY UNTIL YOU SELECT ANOTHER VOICE OR TURN THE KEYBOARD OFF.
    IF YOU WANT TO KEEP THE SPLIT/LAYER FOR FUTURE USE, YOU CAN SAVE THE 
    THE SPLIT/LAYER UNDER A NEW VOICE NAME.  THE SEPARATE VOICES WILL
    BE UNAFFECTED, AND YOU WILL HAVE A LAYERED VOICE WHICH IS EASILY
    ACCESSABLE.  
    
    AS FAR AS SAVING VOICES AND SEQUENCES TO TAPE, I DO IT ALL THE TIME.
    IT'S NOT AS CONVENIENT AS A DISK, BUT IT'S A LOT LESS EXPENSIVE.
    THE WAY TO INSURE A GOOD COPY IS TO SPLIT THE TAPE OUT OF THE ESQ
    AND RECORD THE DATA ON BOTH TRACKS OF THE TAPE.  I HAVE A ATARI
    1040 COMPUTER, SO I WILL BE USING THAT FOR EDITING AND STORAGE AS
    SOON AS I MAKE UP MY MIND ON WHICH SOFTWARE PACKAGE TO BUY.  I AM
    NOT SURE WHETHER A OUTBOARD DISK DRIVE IS AVAILABLE.  IF YOU WERE
    SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING BUYING A SEPARATE DISK DRIVE, YOU WOULD BE
    BETTER OFF BUYING THE SQ-80, BECAUSE IT COMES WITH A DISK DRIVE
    BUILT IN.  THE SQ-80 ALSO HAS TWO MORE SYTHETHIS MODES AS WELL AS
    HAVING AN AFTER TOUCH KEYBOARD.  PRICE APPROXIMATE $1850.00.
    
    I BOUGHT MY ESQ-1 USED FOR $950.00, IT CAME WITH A 20000 NOTES EXPANDER
    INSTALLED.  A FRIEND OF MINE BOUGHT ONE FOR $1200, THAT CAME WITH
    A STAND AND 4 CARTRIDGES.  THE GOING PRICES FOR AN PLAIN ESQ-1 SEEMS
    TO BE $1000.
    
    ITS A GREAT KEYBOARD, ESPECIALLY FOR THE PRICE.  ITS BEST SOUND
    IS PIANO.  IT DOES A PIANO SOUND BETTER THAN A LOT OF KEYBOARDS,
    INCLUDING THE D50.  IT ALSO DOES PRETTY GOOD STRINGS AND HORNS.
    ENSONIC KEYBOARDS ARE A LITTLE NOISIER THEN SOME OF THE OTHER
    KEYBOARDS.
    
    I'M IN A ROCK BAND, AND THE ESQ-1 HAS WORKED FINE.  WE EVEN USE
    THE SEQUENCER TO FILL IN ON CERTAIN SONGS.
    
    I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT.
    
    KEITH BELL
    

    re .1 ... ah, new noters.. there's this key called 'caps lock'.
    It doesn't have to be locked all the time.  Easier on the eyes.
    
    re .0 .. it's easier to buy a car.. the technologies used are all
    the same, it's just the shape/power/amenities that change.  Buying
    a keyboard (or rack unit!) is by far a more challenging task.. keys/
    nokeys, analog, digital, additive, subtractive, hybrid, sampling,
    sequencer/no sequencer, on and on.
    
    karl

    Thanks for the info so far. So the split patch will now have the
    volume param's saved for futher use if you want to call up that
    configuration bass/piano right ? 
    There is one in the Want ad for $1100.00 which comes with a stand.
    It say's it has internal 2400 note expandable to 10,000 notes.
    I'm a little confused here because you said you bought yours with
    20,000 expander installed.
    It seems to me then the price of $1100.00 is too high. What do you
    think.
    Also.. How much does it cost for the expander ?
    Thanks
    Rick L.

    I saw a used ESQ-1 up in Daddy's (Nashua) for $950.
    
    It isn't really fair to call an ESQ split patch a "split patch", as any
    patch can have a split, and a layer, and a split layer.  There is
    really no difference. 
    
    You can tell how old an ESQ-1 is by how much it weighs.  The truly
    ancient ones (like mine : bought used for $1000) weigh 30+ lbs.
    Newer ones are lighter, down to about 20 lbs.  
                         
    There are two kinds of expander cartridge for the ESQ-1.  The first
    kind is a patch expander; it's about 1/2" thick, bu 1.5" x 2". 
    It plugs directly into a slot on the top of the ESQ and adds two
    additional banks of 40 patches each.  You can get these cartridges
    in ROM or NVRAM (nowrite or user-writable), and can change them
    with the machine powered up and running.
    
    The second kind of cartridge is the sequencer note memory cartridge.
    This cartridge is about 1/2" x 3" x 5" and fits in a covered area
    in the back of the ESQ.  You need a screwdriver to install/remove
    it and the machine MUST be powered off.  Installing/removing the
    sequencer note expander cartridge will force the ESQ to be
    reinitialized (losing all sequences and restoring the default 40
    internal voices). 
                                            
    	-Bill
    

RE: .0, .3

    The ESQ is definitely dirtier than the D-10.  But it is nonetheless a
    good keyboard.  Here are my observations, having owned an ESQ-1 and
    owning 2 ESQ-Ms... 

    Used ESQ-1s are going for $900 around here (Ohio), including expander
    cartridges.  Like Bill said, there are patch cartridges and there are
    sequencer cartridges.  The internal sequencer in the ESQ-1 has 2400
    "notes" (or around 4K RAM).  There are two sequencer expander
    cartridges: 10000 notes (32K) and 20000 notes (64K).  The latter runs
    new around $110. 

    Bottom line - you should be able to get a used ESQ-1 with at least 10K
    note sequencer for around $950.  I just sold one for $900. Another
    thing to look for is the software rev - should be 2.3 or 3.6, as those
    are the only non-buggy versions that I know of. 

    The previous note said something about being able to modify a
    split/layer and not affect the previous patches ... well, I've NEVER
    been able to pull that off.  According to Ensoniq, splits and layers
    are not real patches, but contain pointers to other patches at
    DIFFERENT memory locations.  So if you futz with the DCA4 volume of
    PIANO3 when it's layered with VELBAS and store it, you're actually
    modifying PIANO3 for ever and amen.

    The easiest way to mix volumes is to use the sequencer.  Select a
    sequence, put VELBAS (for example) in TRACK 1 and PIANO3 in track two.
    Then use the MIDI MIX page for MIDI volume and set the values the way
    you like them (from 0-63). 

    As for a disk drive, well ... that kind of depends on how you want to
    use the machine.  Is this for home use/pleasure, or do you intend to
    gig with it?  Unless you're using the sequencer a great deal, you
    should be able to get by without a disk unit.  Get the patch memory
    expander (ups patch memory from 40 to 120) and at least the 10K
    sequencer cart instead.  You should never have a reason to use more
    than 120 patches per gig (at least I don't, and I use LOTS of patches). 

    If, however, you intend to use the sequencer a lot live and need to
    quickly load things, you should really take a hard look at the SQ80.
    Otherwise, the tape interface is pretty good on the ESQ (despite my
    earlier gripes ... I had a bad cord). 

    Oh yeah - in my opinion, the ESQ is very easy to program, and the MIDI
    implementation is great when compared to almost every other unit. 

    Summary - I wouldn't pay more than $1000 for a used one, and that would
    have to have at least the 10K sequencer expansion.  If you do go used,
    make sure you really look carefully at the keyboard.  Unlevel keys tell
    the tale. 

    Did I miss anything?  Good luck.

-b

    Well this is kinda related, so.....
    
    About how much should one expect to pay for a used ESQ-M rackmount
    these days? Yes I know it doesn't have a sequencer in it (I don't
    need the sequencer)....but how else does an ESQ-M differ from a
    regular ESQ-1?
                                                                   
    Mike D

    Boy, this topic will keep me busy.

RE: .6

    A used -M should run somewhere around $450-500.  It has no sequencer
    (obviously) and not nearly as nice a U/I as the ESQ-1 does.  The
    display is 1 line x 16 chars.  Other than that, programming and what
    not are quite similar. 

    An interesting thing about the ESQ-M - it's capable of responding to
    *9* MIDI channels.  It has 8 tracks (1-8), plus the base channel (which
    is TRACK 0).  I have two that are cascaded into one 16 voice x 9
    channel synth.

    What else - oh yeah.  Stereo outs (bleah - why not individual?), and
    the units are quite large (11" deep x 2 rack spaces). 

-b

    Maybe this keyboard won't do what I want, let me try to explain...
    I will be using this for live performance. The band that I am currently
    in requires me to play bass on the left hand. I want to be able
    to call up "patches" of splits bass/piano,bass/vibes,bass/strings
    as fast as possible between songs. I am using an FBO1 right now
    live and have setup the user configuration slots for this purpose.
    I don't like the string sound on the FB01, that's why I'm looking
    for something to add to my setup. I have no experience with sequencers
    but I thought this might be a good keyboard to start with. Maybe
    even get to the point where I can use the sequencer live.
    Do any of you ESQ-1 owners use this keyboard in the above fashion ?
    I really appreciate the help on this .....
    Rick L.
    

    Yes, it can and will do exactly that, if you want.
    
    WORST CASE three button pushes to change from any split patch to
    any other (assuming that you've done your homework sometime in the
    previous month, setting up and storing the splits into non-volatile
    RAM).
    
    BEST CASE is one button push to change over.... and you have up
    to ten such split patches available on one-button access.
    
    -----
    
    Re: software rev:  ESQ rev 3.6 has a much nicer sequencer (you can
    add/delete bars anywhere in a sequence) than 2.3 .  However there is
    pitch-bend digital "grunge" on the EL PNO waveform (not on any other
    that I know of).
    
    If you're going to ignore the sequencer completely, and don't want
    to use the analog pedal as a volume control, V2.3 is fine. 
       
    -----
    
    Question: do you like the sound of the unit?  If so, it certainly
    can do what you want.
    
    	-Bill

    From what I have heard so far I like the sound. I still have to
    spend some more time playing one before I make my final decision.
    I glad to hear it can do the type of splits I'm looking for.
    
    One more question if you don't mind. How much does it cost to
    upgrade from one version of software to the next ?
    Thanks again....
    Rick L.
    

>software upgrades

    Cost $20 if you have a service center install them.  The o/s comes on
    two ROMs which are socketed in the ESQ, and you can get 'em yourself
    and install them for nothing.  O/S updates are free - it's the
    installation that costs.

>ESQ bass/mumble splits

    This type of thing is a cinch with the ESQ, Rick.  If you intend to
    play all bass lines yourself (ie non-sequenced), you'll want to get a
    patch cartridge (giving you 120 patches).  I used to arrange splits and
    layers as follows: 

    ESQ Front Panel (sort of)

	    O       O       O       O       O
	+----------------------------------------+
	| XXXXXX  XXXXXX  XXXXXX  XXXXXX  XXXXXX | <-- upper half splits
	| XXXXXX  XXXXXX  XXXXXX  XXXXXX  XXXXXX | <-- lower half splits
	+----------------------------------------+         ^
	    O       O       O       O       O              |
						Not in the first page; it
	           O = patch select button      contains 10 favorite split
	      XXXXXX = patch name               setups.

    You get 40 patches (4 "screens") without the expander cart, 120
    (or 12 screens) with the expander.

    I always put the 10 splits I couldn't live without in the first 10
    locations.  The always pointed to patches contained in the other 3
    screens (I tried to arrange the other 3 as above).  Assuming, of
    course, that I did not use an expander cart.  ??? 

    Man, this is bloody hard to explain over a terminal.  Take Bill's word
    for it.  The ESQ is great for things like this.  And it should be very
    easy to control your FB01's various configurations using the ESQ
    sequencer pages. 

-b

    Hi Rick,
    
           I used my ESQ-1 for 2 years in exactly the same mode as you
    would like. Here is the method I used to use. First have a split
    patch with bass on the lower part of the keyboard panned 100% to
    the left of the ESQ's stereo output jacks,,then have say a piano
    for the upper part of the keyboard 100% panned to the right. The
    bass and piano will be *separate* outputs from the ESQ. I would
    then run each output through separate volume pedals then into 
    separate channels on my amp. This way relative volume of the
    bass and piano can be real time-variable. This is nice when you
    would have bass on the bottom and strings on the top. You could
    fade the strings in and out while the bass stayed at a constant
    volume. It is almost like having two separate keyboards.
    
          Frank

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note 1955.0        ESQ Voice allocation problem.Please help!!!        No replies
2EASY::PIKET "I'm Handgun Control, Inc."             21 lines  10-APR-1989 09:18
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    
    I hope some of you geniuses can help me out. I bought a used ESQ-M.
    According to the manual the thing is supposed to have dynamic voice
    allocation so that  if you hold down 8 notes, and then play a ninth,
    it steals the voice from the first 8 to play the 9th. Unfortunately
    it isn't doing this.
    
    The patches are _not_ in overflow mode. I checked. In fact, it has
    this problem for every program, as far as I can tell. 
    
    I also checked the software version. It is running v. 1.0!
    Is this a software bug? If so, How/where can I get it upgraded?
    
    
    I checked out all the ESQ notes, and didn't find anything on this
    particular problem (but I sure learned a lot). Any info/help/advice
    would be greatly appreciated.
    
    Thanks.
    
    Roberta (newcomer)

    Roberta, I think that DVA will steal the oldest note ONLY if you're
    using the sustain pedal (read: envelopes haven't completed cycle yet). 

    If you're explicitly holding down 8 keys, the ESQ will employ "low note
    priority", meaning that the lowest 8 notes will sound. At least, I
    *think* this is how it works. 

    I know you said you checked, but make *certain* that the OVERFLO
    setting (on the MIDI page, [PARAM 3]) is OFF.

-b

    
    Brad,
    
    Please bear with me as I'm not that knowledgable. You're saying
    that the low-note priority is the only kind of note-stealing the
    ESQ has, and that it only works if you hold down the sustain, or
    are you saying that it will employ high-note priority (or some other
    algorythm) if using the sustain and low-note priority if not using
    the sustain?
    
    I did try it with the sustain. Basically I played a chord, held
    the sustain pedal, then lifted my hands and (with sustain still
    on) hit another chord, which did not sound at all. 
                                                       
    Thanks again.
    
    Roberta
    
    P.S. I REALLY DID check the overflow mode. It says OFF. I guess
    the only way to test it is to MIDI up another unit to my ESQ.
    Unfortunately I don't have another MIDI module. But it SAYS off.

Check the "restart voice" parameter in the patch.

    
    Hmmm. I wasn't even aware of this parameter, but I will look at
    it tonight. Care to elaborate a little on your suggestion? What
    does it do? What should I check for? Could it be wrong for _every_
    patch I have???
    
    I have a feeling it must be the ESQ itself, since it's the same
    story for every patch. But you guys are the experts, so I'll give
    it a whirl.
    
    Thanks.       
    
    Roberta

It's on the "modes page" and it might be called restart oscillator, or something
else. Check the manual.

Anyway, this parameter forces it to reuse the same voice if a key is hit that is
still sounding from the last time it was hit.  This may or may not have anything
to do with your problem; just stabbing in the dark...

						-Jeff

    
    I checked it out last night. According to the manual, the restart parameter
    is only relevant when you are lifting up and repeating the _same_
    note, but I tried changing it anyway. Nothing.
    
    I'm almost ready to give up and sell the d*mn thing. Anyone have
    any other ideas?           
    
    Roberta

Roberta,

You say that the ESQ is not playing the 9th note correctly, or is it
not playing it at all? Can you describe the symptoms a little better?
You can contact Jeff Majeau at Union Music. I consider him the local
Ensoniq guru. He is very friendly, professional, and helpful. The number
is (508) 753-3702. Tuesday is his day off.
Wednesday is the store's late night (open 'til 9pm). They repair them
there also, in case it needs it. You are welcome to say I referred you,
or just tell him you are with DECMS (Digital Employee's Computer Music
Society).

Dave Orin

    
    Thanks. Where is Union? Sorry for my ignorance.
                                     
    No, the ninth, tenth...nth notes DON'T play at all if you are already
    holding down 8 notes. It's as if there is no dynamic voice allocation.
    If I read the manual right, there's supposed to be.
    
    Roberta

    Are you in MIDI POLY mode or in MIDI MULTI mode?
    
    One of them turns off dynamic allocation.  The other doesn't.
    
    And it is LAST-8 priority- not low-priority or high-priority.
             
    You might want to get a more recent rev of the software than 1.0
    as (at least for the ESQ-1) the latest rev is 3.5 !!
    
    	-Bill

    
    I tried both multi and poly mode. Didn't make a difference.
    
    I am aware that I don't have the latest rev, but is there a bug
    in 1.0 that would cause my problem? Also, how can I get a rev? Do
    I just bring the thing to Union and they put it in? (Still don't
    know where this place is by the way). How much will they charge
    me? Does it matter that I'm not the original owner?
    
    Thanks for the help so far.
    
    Roberta
    

    Union is on Southbridge St., Worcester.
    
    Does anyone know if v1.0 even supported this feature? Maybe all
    you need is the update...
    
    Edd

    Gee, I had two of 'em for a while (both were @ v1.0) and I never
    noticed a problem.  The current rev (per Ensoniq) is v1.2, which
    (again, per Ensoniq) were diagnostic fixes and should not affect normal
    operation of the ESQ-M. 

    Perhaps you should back up the internal patches to something and do a
    system reset (described in "Hidden Features" section).  A reset will
    skunge your RAM, so make sure you back up your patches.  Also will want
    to Tune Filters after the Reset. 

    I'd bet that someone tried to load in an SQ-80 patch at some point in
    the thing's past. 

-b

Location: Union Music
          142 Southbridge St.
          Worcester, Ma. 01608
Phone: (508) 753-3702
Contact: Jeff Majeau (keyboards) or Carl Kamp (owner)

Here are some directions for getting to the store...

Take RT. 290 West to Worcester. Take Exit 13 Kelley Square. At the end
of the off ramp, turn right. Follow the signs marked RTE. 122 NORTH.
Kelley Square is very tricky. You go thru the square then BEAR LEFT
between two gas stations. One of them is a Merit station.
You will go under an overpass and come to a light. Keep going on Rt. 122
to the next light (Southbridge St.) and turn left. Union Music will be
on your left next to the Coney Island. Parking is on the street.

dave

> You will go under an overpass and come to a light.
  
    Actually, the light is *just before* you go under the overpass....
    
    Edd

    If you have ever replaced PROMs before you can probably do the upgrade
    yourself at no more cost than the gasoline it takes to get to Union.
    They will ask for a $20 deposit until you turn in the old PROMs.
    
    You should make the upgrade even if it is not the source of the
    problem.
    
    The "Transoniq Hacker" publishes a list of hotlines for Ensoniq
    equipment. If I ever remember to bring in a copy I'll post the number
    here, unless someone else beats me to it.
    
    
    					Mark
    

    
    The thing started really acting up, so I took your advice and went
    to Jeff at Union Music. It looks like a hardware problem :^(
    I hope I didn't throw $450 out the window. (I shoulda bought yours,
    Brad).
    
    Roberta

    $450 for a used ESQ-1 sounds like a *great* price to me even if
    you do have to repair it once or twice!
    
    				Mark_who_misses_his_ESQ-1_which_he_sold_to
    				_buy_an_EPS_which_he_likes_better_but_still
    				_misses_his_ESQ-1

    
    No, it's not an ESQ-1. It's an ESQ-M (rack mount vsn). I'm told $450 
    is the low side of average. I've seen them in the papers for around 5-550. 
             
    I'll have to see what they say, but since I like the thing when
    it works, and since I already paid (cash) for it, there's a good
    chance I'll have it repaired. Otherwise I've thrown $450 out the
    window.
    
    Roberta

    Hi - I own a couple ESQ Ms - I like them a lot. I'm a little confused
    regarding your problem, though. I'm somewhat technical, but confess
    that I am still learning a lot of technical basics when it comes
    to the internals of synthesizers.
    
    First - from what I gather, you are getting eight voices, and are
    having a problem with getting the machine to borrow from the eight
    you have down already on the keyboard, in order to get a ninth (which
    means you still only have 8).
    
    If your machine is providing 8 voices under normal circumstances,
    for me anyway, I usually got by with 8 voices when I only had one
    module, so it doesn't sound like a total waste, anyway.
    
    As far as not getting the machine to borrow from one voice to play
    another - it might be a pain, but you could time it by lifting up on one
    key to allow the machine to use that voice for the new one.
    
    I don't have any insight as to why you need this capability so badly,
    but you could probably do with a work around under certain circumstances.

    My 2 cents, for what it's worth!
    
    Bill (who bought Brad's!)

    
    If the thing is broken I want to know about it so I can get it
    fixed. Is that understandable enough?
     
    As far as making a deliberate effort to play only 8 notes at a time,
    all I can say is I can't go back to playing piano the way I did
    when I was seven and didn't know anything about touch, dynamics,
    or damper pedals. 
    
    
    Roberta

    Geesh ... Yea, that's understandable enough, I guess that was easy
    for me to say when I don't really need that functionality - no offense
    intended. My only point was that I didn't sound like a total waste,
    but like I say, that's easy for me to say.
    
    By the way, I guess I expected some flack, but it seems like the
    notes file in general is pretty volatile right now.
    
    I'd want mine to work right, too.
    
    Bill

    
    Sorry if that came out a little harsh...
    
    Roberta
    

    HEY!  (now that I have your attention ...)

    Before we start talking hardware problem, PLEASE try doing a system
    reset (like I posted a few notes back). 

    I had a similar problem when I bought my ESQ-Ms new - one arrived in
    "brain-dead" mode ... it wouldn't even play a note!  The rep at Ensoniq
    (this guy was a good egg, Dave O.! 8-) talked me thru a RESET since I
    had no manual ... and it cleared up the problem. 

    My buddy Pete down the road here is willing to put money down that a
    reset will fix the problem (right, Mr. Rose?). 

-b

    
    Hmmm...is this the reset that wipes out all your internal sounds?
    I didn't try that one. I did try the soft reset though, which is
    basically the same as turning the thing off and on again.
    
    Right now it's at Union Music. I brought it in last Wednesday and
    Jeff looked at it. He said it looked like a hardware problem and
    so I left it to be looked at by the repair guy (Steve?).
    
    It's now a week later and I still haven't heard back from them with
    so much as a diagnosis. To be honest, I'm getting rather angry and
    frustrated that after a week they can't even tell me what's wrong.
    Every time I call they say Steve isn't there, and that he'll call
    me as soon as he comes in.
    
    I'm not holding my breath. I'm beginning to regret that I didn't
    take it somewhere else though. They could at least have the courtesy
    to return my calls.
    
    
    Roberta

    Roberta,
    
        Maybe you could ask for Jeff if Steve won't call you back. Jeff
    is a pretty good guy and may be able to track this down for you.
    I've never met Steve and don't know anything about him ...
    
    Good luck,
    
    Bill

    
    Um, I just got a call from Steve. My ESQ is fixed. It only cost
    $35 and if I have any other problems the $35 will be applied towards
    fixing them.
    
    Roberta
    

    Ask 'em what they had to do to it (and play dumb).  I'll lay odds
    that all they did was a SYSTEM reset.

-b

    Union is the only place I've seen allow me to make an appointment
    for repair work, rather than bring it in and then they get to it
    ASAP. 
    
    "Bring it in Tuesday and we'll work on it Wednesday."
    
    I had Kate's JX3-P upgraded in 1 business day...
    
    Edd

    
    Yeah, I think they said they just did a system reset. I was afraid
    to do it though for fear of losing internal sounds. A bigger hassle
    than paying the $35 is having to drive back out to Worcester from
    the Boston area. And for the same money they are willing to upgrade
    the software when it comes in (although that means another trip
    to Worcester...)
    
    But if I ge my dynamic voice allocation, it'll be worth it (I have
    _ten_ fingers, after all :^)    )
    
    Roberta
                    

    If it makes it any easier, Union is on my way home. Where do you
    work???
    
    Edd

    Roberta,
    
    If they did a system reset, then you lost your internal sounds.
    
    Now, they could have reloaded them for you, but you could have
    done that yourself.
    
    With the new system software, a reset will give you the original
    factory sounds (the old software gave you 40 copies of a patch
    called BRASS1).
    
    My point: I think $35 is a rip-off if that's all they did.  I will
    gladly push two buttons (that's all it takes) for anyone willing
    to pay me $35.
    
    I would push back on them.
    
    And some folks think Daddy's is bad...
    
    	db

    Not sure 35 is a ripoff - less than a plumber's callout charge in the
    U.K., and I had to pay a standard minimum fee when I got a moog fixed
    (before they charge for parts/labour). Doesn't sound that bad -- it's
    just their bad luck you know how little (in this particular case) they 
    needed to do!
    
    Richard.

    
    Actually I just remembered that he said it was a bit more than a
    system reset. The thing was screwing up so badly when I brought
    it in, it was showing characters that didn't exist and the buttons
    weren't doing what they were supposed to. So he definitely had to
    do something internal to unscramble it all.
    
    FWIW.
    
    Roberta

            <<< Note 1488.47 by 2EASY::PIKET "I am NOT a purist!" >>>

Roberta,

I'm glad your ESQ is working now. I don't think you were ripped off. Most
kinds of service centers charge at least $35-$45 dollars an hour, with a
minimum charge of one hour. With the amount of time spent removing and
replacing the cover, inspecting, and testing the unit to determine the
symptoms, resetting then testing to make sure it is working properly again,
I think it's reasonable. It's the only reliable place I could
recommend and I hope that you are satisfied and that the ESQ works well for you.

dave

    FWIW:
    	I've had my esq-m lose its mind for no reason a few times.
    	Ensoniq support had me step through the hidden modes
    	and they would verify the filter numbers and other
    	junk the mode shows, then They'd have me do a system reset.
    	It always worked. (except I have to do this every 3 months or
    	so). Esq-m owners should definately do patch backups.
    	Also, 35 for a trained tech to look and do a sanity check
    	isn't bad. I just had a quote of $105 for someone to 'look'
    	at my vcr. Needless to say, Im doing it myself.
    
    

    > it was showing characters that didn't exist and the buttons
    > weren't doing what they were supposed to.   So he definitely had to
    > do something internal to unscramble it all.
    
    I strongly doubt that.  That sounds like a software error.
    
    Look in the back of your manual in the trouble shooting section.
    That's one of the symptoms that a reset is supposed to fix.
    
    It's my hope that you will take what I've been saying with an open
    mind rather than react "defensively", but I think it's pretty clear
    that all this guy did was push two buttons.  If he did more than that,
    like open the unit up, why would he be willing to apply the $35
    to something else?
    
    Answer: because he only did the reset but HAD to charge you the minimum
    even though he didn't do anything substantial and he's being a good
    guy.  If he had opened it up, you can bet he would have charged you
    whatever it cost (and it probably would be a lot more than $35) and
    NOT have it apply to future work.
    
    What's my motive here?  Make you feel bad about the $35.
    
    Nope.  Ask anyone in Commusic.  That would not be like me.
    
    I think that the next time you experience a problem, don't be in
    such a hurry to give it to a repair shop.  Consult the folks in
    the Commusic file.   MIDI gear is incredibly complex even though
    the interfaces hide a lot of the complexity.  But builtin to a lot
    of products are features (like the system reset) that get the thing
    back into a known consistent state.
    
    I think you have to be prepared to follow the trouble shooting
    instructions before giving it to a shop, or you'll be spending
    a lot of money there.
    
    The people in this file are a wonderful resource too.  In any other
    file I would tell you to be extremely reluctant about taking advice,
    but this file has a truly amazing level of expertise.
    
    	db

    
    The thing is that the buttons weren't doing anything. I could
    have pushed buttons until I was blue in the face. They weren't doing
    what they were supposed to do. They either didn't respond or responded
    the wrong way. Before they took it into service,
    Jeff did look at it and try fooling around with the software. He
    had no better luck than me and it was only at that point that he
    suggested I leave it for the repair shop to look at. I'm a software
    engineer and I've had electronic music classes at NEC. I'm no
    expert but I'm not stupid either. I realize you aren't implying
    this. I thought I'd just point it out preemptively :^). 
    
    My point is that pushing buttons doesn't do a lot of good if the
    buttons don't do what they are intended for.
    
    Ed, thanks for your offer, BTW. I live in Somerville and work in
    Tewksbury. I kind of doubt it's anywhere near you, but if it is
    I'd be grateful.
    
    Thanks to everyone in this file for your advice. Nice to meet people
    who are willing to help out.
    
    Roberta
                                                                

    RE: .49/Pushing buttons in general ...
    
    With regard to backing up patches - I just got a copy of ESQBANK
    (a librarian) when I bought Brad's ESQM. I decided to back up my
    internal sounds from my original ESQM, and was VERY glad I did!
    The other day, I was pushing buttons to do a soft reset, and
    ended up pushing the wrong combination and copying my CART A sounds
    to internal memory! I'd have been livid beyond words if I hadn't backed
    the sounds up, since I use them all the time in sequences/songs
    I have created. Since I reference them by Program Change (number)
    with no notes as to the program names, half of them I wouldn't even
    know the patch names to! Besides, if I knew the patch names and
    they weren't on the other banks I have stored, how would I get them
    back? I don't even know if Ensonique could help, since I have a
    feeling the initial 40 sounds they send out aren't the same for
    all units they ship (mine were different from Brad's, I think).
    
    Random thoughts ...
    
    This librarian is actually share-ware for IBM/compatibles - cost
    $10.00 - can post how to get it if anyone is interested. I had
    to use a PD one when copying patches to the ESQM from an ATARI ST
    (to get them into my Compaq) - called Esquizit - I believe this
    I mentioned elsewhere).
    
    At any rate, if you have some kind of PC, you can probably get a
    cheap/free librarian that will at least allow you an inexpensive
    way of backing up patches (as opposed to buying E-PROM2s ($$).
                                                       
    Bill (who's glad he backed them up!)

    
    Roberta:
    
    	Do you have the manual for your ESQ-M ?
    
    	If not, then call Ensoniq (their phone # is in one of the first
    	few notes of this conference) and they will send you a new one.
             
    	They usually don't even charge for manuals.    
    
    
    	-Bill

    
    ...But thanks.

    
    Sure, I'll add a note on the great $35 controversy...
    
    I just upgraded my ESQ to the 3.5 ROMs (I did it myself to save
    time -- Jeff at Union traded my old roms for new)
    
    In the instructions for replacing the ROMs, they indicate that it's
    possible for the ESQ to be stuck in a state that even a system reset
    won't get you out of.
    
    The instructions say:
    
    NOTE:  If the ESQ-1 software has become scrambled to the point that
    it cannot be reinitialized in this fashion, briefly short the *right*
    lead of CR1 to the *right* lead of C1 to clear the internal RAM.
    
    For those that are uncomfortable doing that sort of thing, $35 sounds
    like a good deal to have it done.
    
    Enjoy your ESQ.... It's really a fine machine...
    
    /Mitch.
    

    
    Gee, I enter a note in this file for the first time and instantly
    become embroiled in controversy! :^)
    
    Got it back this weekend and it works great. It's SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
    nice to have that dynamic reallocation of voices working (not to
    mention characters appearing that make sense).
           
    Thanks again for all the help.
    
    Roberta
    

    
    Greeting,
    
    I'm new to this however..... I've been following this discussion
    with interest. About a year ago I purchased a new ESQ-M from my
    local music store. They were having a close-out on them and I got
    it new in a sealed box for $450. Within a week, I began experiencing
    very similar problems to the ones listed above. Patch paramaters
    began changing by themselves, patch names appeared as garbage and
    finally, it did an internal reset by itself resetting all 40 internal
    patches to BRASS1 (I think!). Anyway, I returned it to the store
    for service where it sat for 3-4 weeks, while the store claimed
    that they were unable to get replacement parts!! I eventually got
    my $ refunded....
    
    
    My Problem.... I really like (love??) the sound of these things
    however, I have a real bad feeling towards the reliability and
    support of the company.
    
    Since then..... I purchased a Roland D-10 to replace my older
    non-midi keyboards and to use with my yamaha DX-27 in my current
    set-up. While I'm pretty happy with the D-10 (internal reverb/drum
    machine etc. makes for painless practicing especially at late
    hours.) I still miss that "big" sound I heard coming from the
    ESQ-M.
    
    Current story.... I thinking about purchasing a used ESQ-M if I
    can find one. I also came across a local dealer selling new
    ESQ-1's for $975.00 He is not going to carry them anymore, he's
    opting for the new model VFX, I think. Anyway, I could sell
    my D-10 and Yamaha QX21 and come out of this even......
    
    Help!!!!!
    You folks are the experts and I'd appreciate any comments you may
    have.....
    
    Gary ( I guess i'm the new guy now!)  Ryan

    
    I'm not aware fo Ensoniq having a bad rep for QA on it's machines.
    It's always possible for one to break, but my friends own bothe
    a Mirage and an ESQ-1 and have not had real problems with either.
    The ESQ is an older one with metal case and is sensitive to static,
    but I think that's been fixed in the newer models. Oh yeah, we once
    spilled a beer in the disk drive of the Mirage and it stopped working
    8^).
    
    As far as trading, that's a tough one. I'm partial to the ESQ myself,
    like the sounds and the way it programs particularly. Don't know
    that much about Roland LA synths. But you will lose two nice features
    that you mentioned - the reverb and drum machine. The ESQ can create
    percussive, drum-like sounds, but I don't think it can really take
    the place of a drum machine. So you'd have to buy a drum machine
    (lot of used ones in the $200 range) and a reverb (another $200
    new for a Micro or MIDI verb) to keep the same functions. Now you'd
    have, IMO, a "better", more flexible system. But, it wouldn't be
    an even trade.
    
    Rob
    
    

	I have owned an ESQ-1 for over 2 years now.

	I have seen many of the problems that everyone else has, i.e.
	it's brains have scrambled more than once (I've learned how to
	do backups now), and the keybed is steadily deteriorating and I'll
	have to replace it (I'm sick and tired of gluing the pieces back
	together). I have never had a keyboard break on me in 20 years, so
	I doubt I'm "playing it too hard".

	I still like the sound, it's multitimbrality (=usefulness), and
	it's human engineering (ease of navigation). The quality of 
	the product could be better but I think Ensoniq has their act
	together a lot better than many music stores I have dealt with.

	I have had superlative service from both Ensoniq and my music
	dealer (Advance Music in Burlington VT).

	/pjh

    I have an ESQ-1 and an MT-32 (little brother of the sound generation
    stuff in the D10) & I suggest that you keep at least the D10 (if you
    sequence, you'll run out of available notes mighty fast on the ESQ-1,
    especially if you waste the ESQ-1's patches on drum sounds). Or, you
    might want to look for a seperate sequencer (ala Roland MC-500 or
    Alesis MMT-8).

    I think that the ESQ-1 has some magnificent sound capabilities (it gets
    used every time I play out, about 40 weekends per year), but, I
    couldn't do without the multi-timbral capabilities of my MT-32 (or in
    your case, the D10). You might wish to try to keep the D10 & get an
    ESQ-1, or buy another 'non-keyboard' rack mount.

    In particular, the built in sequencer or the ESQ-1 is nice, but it
    can't do anything that the MC-500 or the MMT-8 can't (in fact, they
    do much more). I use both the MMT-8 sequencer & the ESQ-1 sequencer
    in my live set up (I have a MIDI Disk filer), but given a choice, I
    pick the MMT-8 over the ESQ-1's sequencer (It's much easier to edit
    things & do strange stuff to the sequence - lots less button pushing
    & going thru menus).

    This is a hard choice to make. All options are appealing depending on
    your end goal.

						    Jens
    

    If you're looking for "standard" Rhodes and synth type patches, the ESQ
    is hard to beat; if you like the "newer" transparent type sounds, the
    D110 is probably better.  If you like both, you'll need both. 

    I owned an ESQ-1, which I later sold in lieu of 2 ESQ-Ms ... and in MY
    opinion, the ESQ-1 sounded much better than the Ms (not as gritty). 
    You should be able to pick up a used M for around $450 or less.

    My opinion - unless you're *really* sold on the ESQ (and need the
    sequencer), wait and get a Proteus. 

-b

    The best Rhodes sound I've heard (from something other than a Rhodes)
    is the Roland Digital Pianos that use SA synthesis (MKS-20, RD-series, 
    P-300, HPF, etc.).
    
    The E.Piano 1 sound on my RD-300 run through the chorus of my JC-120
    is THE classic Rhodes sound.   I really love playing with that sound.
    
    However, these are NOT general purpose synths like the ESQ.  They're
    dedicated to a particular set of keyboard sounds (piano, e. piano,
    harpsichord, clav, vibraphone).
    
    	db
    
    p.s.  Yes, I know that the Vibraphone is not a keyboard instrument

    re. 62, the best Rhodes sound.. Dave, the electric piano in the
    new sound block for the Kurzweil 1000 boxes is just as good, of
    course it lacks the classic Roland stereo chorus.
    
    karl

    Hi again....
    
    Thanks for the input, haven't made any decision(s) yet.... still
    trying to determine wants vs needs vs price etc....etc....
    
    I did some real soul serching around my D-10 the last few days and
    I really am pretty happy with it for most of my needs. It does seem
    to run out of note real quick during sequencing however. I am using
    a Roland TR-505 for most of my standard patterns (and adding an
    occasional drum sound from the D-10 for some sweetening) so I don't
    think that a real problem, I think I'm just not sure how much sound
    (notes??) to expect from onr of these things since I'm new to multi-
    tim. and to sequencing.
    
    I think whatever I end up with will have to be multi-t to help with
    my life as a basement sequencer.... the Proteus is an option I haven't
    considered....any further info you can offer?
    
    
    
    You know.....it was a lot simpler with a B-3 and 145 leslie...but
    not nearly as much fun!!!!!
    
    I still like the Ensoniq sound....ESQ-M...????
    

     Hi - I'm working with a HI-HAT sound (from a VOICE CRYSTAL Cartridge).
     I'm working with notational software (inputting in score mode) and
     am playing the notes back. I'm trying to get the "ShoooDit" sound
     of a lifted HI-HAT that gets dropped when hit. I'm inputting 8th
     notes, and can only seem to get the Shooo sound if I align a 16th
     note of the HI-HAT under a dotted 8th of an adjacent staff for
     another channel. I stumbled across this, and it seems to be the only
     way I can control it, although I'm not sure that this is what's
     causing this effect.

     How can I get this affect in a more controlled manner without being
     dependent on aligning notes in adjacent channels. Why should what is
     occurring in another channel have any affect on the HI-HAT anyway?

     There must be some way to notate percussion that I'm not aware of to
     control the HI-HAT. I am using a percussion signature, which seems
     to be a requirement to get the HI-HAT sound.

     I can only get the affect in every 2nd measure, also! Bizarre!

     Anyway, any help is welcome!

     Bill     

    The way drum machines do this is to assign both the open and closed
    hihat samples to the same module, so that invoking the closed hihat
    truncates the open hihat.  This results in the desired effect. 
    You seem to have only one hihat sound though, so you must create
    this effect by using two different durations; i.e., a long note
    (the dotted 8th?) for the open hihat, and a short note (the 16th?)
    for the closed hihat.  If both notes end up going to the same module,
    then you'll get the desired effect.  If they don't you won't.  The
    problem seems to be getting this to happen consistently.  I don't
    understand what another channel has to do with this, unless you're
    running the ESQ in OMNI mode.  I don't know what the ESQ's voice
    allocation strategy is, or what (if any) control you have over it.
    The problem is compounded by the issue of how the notational software
    interprets the score and what MIDI events it sends as a result.
    
    Unless a synth/sampler gives you some control over this kind of voice
    allocation, this is one area where drum machines have an edge over
    synths/samplers.
                                                                   
    len.
     

    Could a dynamic voice allocation scheme be screwing you up by stealing
    a needed voice?
    
    Edd

    What seems strange is the randomness of it. There doesn't seem to
    be a direct relationship between duration and effect, although it
    is consistent once I get it to work. Key velocity doesn't seem to
    help either.
    
    I do have more than one hi-hat, though, so I think I'll try it on
    two different channels with the two hi-hats to see if this helps.
    
    Thanks! Bill (Who's next purchase might be a drum machine).

    RE: -1
    
    > Could a dynamic voice allocation scheme be screwing you up by stealing
    > a needed voice?
    
    I don't think that could be it because I'm not using all the voices.
    There is some strange interaction between the hi-hat channel and
    another one, but I really don't know what it is!
    
    Bill
    

    > There must be someway to notate percussion
    
    Not really.   It would be easy to do this with a drum machine using
    the special voice-allocation most drum machines do for HHs.
    
    For synths it's much harder.
    
    The ESQ doesn't allow you to limit voice allocation on a channel.
    
    I think the reason it's working every other bar is due to some
    unique event overlap/voice-stealing situation that you are not
    gonna ever get reliable control over.  Try muting another
    track (MIX page) and see if it still happens.
    
    I can think of some hacks to do it (like use the envelopes to put
    the "shoo" in only when the key is down, and the "dit" part when
    the key is released).
    
    But pragmatically, my advice is to either get a drum machine, or just
    forget it.
    
    	db

    Well, this is as close a note as I could find for this....
    
    Congratulations to Brian Rost for his article in the August 1990 issue
    of the Transoniq Hacker!  The article "Pseudo-Automated Mixing on the
    ESQ-1 and SQ-80" is a nice accomplishment.  Way to go, Brian!
    
    - John -
    
    P.S. Sorry if others have already beat me to the punch and posted this
    	 info elsewhere.  I'm still catching up on NOTES from some time
     	 away from the office.

    Cudos, bro...
    
    Edd

    
    The real credit goes to Dave "Mr. Ensoniq" Blickstein who read a reply
    I put in note 1001 and suggested I send it off to the Hacker.  Now I
    gotta pay him 15%  ...
    
    8^)  8^)  8^)
    
    						Brian

    It was a great article - a lot more useful and inventive than most
    of what you see in the Hacker.
    
    I've been slowly writing one of my own on "Swiss Army Knife"
    applications of the ESQ/SQ sequencer for gigging (system controller,
    as a live sequencer, etc.)
    
    True to my usual style, it's already too long and yet only about 1/5
    complete!
    
    	db
    

    BTW, when I opened the issue the first thing I looked for was what
    Brian put in for his biography (Hacker articles are usually accompanied
    by brief bios on the author).
    
    Brian's was sorta cute - it had the usual section of musical endeavors
    and accomplshments, and almost as an after-though, he included the
    following line (may not be an EXACT quote)
    
    	"In his spare time, Brian designs computer systems".
    
    	db

What is the latest (final) rev of the ESQ1 firmware ?

    
    I believe 3.5 is the latest and greatest.  This is ESQ-1 only, the
    ESQ-M used different ROMs and didn't get some of the final upgrades.
    
    						Brian

    In there ANY Ensoniq dealer out there who will do a part exchange for
    you, and let you install the ROMs yourself, rather than gouging you for
    a service fee?
    
    dp

    I had a semi-local dealer do that with me a few years ago when I
    upgraded from v2.1 to v3.5 ... all he wanted was the old ROMs back.
    
    I suspect it's dealer-specific (i.e., if you know them and they know
    you, no problem).
    
    Incidentally, the latest ESQ-M ROM was v1.1.  This was according to an
    Ensoniq tech rep I talked to a few years back (just before the ESQ was
    discontinued).  The ESQ-Ms always sounded inferior to the ESQ-1 - to my
    ears, at least.
    
+b