Jun 23, 2026 | Tokuemon Sakurai Guitar DTM Channel
Japanese composer, arranger, producer, and equipment reviewer Tokuemon Sakurai (Daretoku Guitar) rates ESQ-1 4.5 out of 5 stars, and demonstrates the sounds and features.
This is a reproduction of the 1986 ESQ-1, so those who lived through the 80s will find it nostalgic, while those unfamiliar with that era will enjoy the emotional, mellow sound that evokes a sense of melancholy. I particularly love the organ and bell pad sounds; they're fantastic. Cherry Audio synthesizers are characterized by having many knobs, just like the real thing, which can be overwhelming for those unfamiliar with analog synths. However, once you get used to the knob layout and operation, it becomes very user-friendly. Among Cherry Audio products, there are relatively few digital synth emulation models, so compared to recent synths, the learning curve can be steeper for DTM beginners. However, the sound quality is excellent, so it's worth taking your time to master. The Ensoniq ESQ-1 Synthesizer's unique features include a dual layer with identical functionality, a built-in arpeggiator, and a 16x4 programmable polyphonic step sequencer.