Ensoniq SQ-R
Overview
The Basic Architecture
SQ-1/2/R series are basically a PCM synthesizer,
which is a simplified version of VFX's DCS (Dynamic Component Synthesis).
SQ can stack up to 3 PCM layers.
One layer consists of 1 DCO, 2 Filters, 1 Amp, 1 LFO, 1 S/H generator (called NOISE),
1 portamento generator and 3 Envelopes.
Layers are essentially independent and don't interact with each other.
The filters are multimode LPF/HPF.
They can be used as 4-pole LPF and other variations, but they are non-resonant.
The envelopes are loopable.
SQ has 1 multi-effector with 13 effect types.
There are single effect types like 8-Voice Chorus
as well as cascaded types like Distortion-Chorus-Reverb.
SQ responds to polyphonic aftertouch, as most Ensoniq synths do.
The Oscillator
The original SQs have 1MB PCM ROM.
Later, 1MB Piano samples added in the SQ plus versions,
and finally 1MB more accoustic instrument samples added in the SQ plus 32 voice versions
- 3MB total at last.
The samples can be reversed and their start point can be modulated.
And there are 2 waveform classes with unique modulation function
- Transwave and All-waves.
Transwave
Transwave is an series of single-cycle waveforms in a row that differs slightly from one another.
By modulating the start point for playing back the transwave,
morphing sounds can be generated.
Transwave can be used as emulating Resonance, PWM and Oscillator Sync,
and other nonlinear morphing sounds like formant shifting, etc.
It can be seen as Ensoniq's version of Wavetable (PPG Wave / Waldorf Microwave)
and KORG Wavestation's Wavesequence.
All-waves
All-waves is a waveform that plays back all the PCM ROM samples.
It can be seen as an extended version of Roland LA Synth' Jam Loop
(See MT-32 page).
Users can create their own Jam Loop by setting the start index and loop length parameters.
When looped samples are very short, All-waves generates a new synthetic waveform.
It's comparable to
CASIO CZ's Octave Modulation.
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8. 25. 2004