Adjusting Global ES1 Parameters

This section covers global parameters that affect the overall sound, or behavior, of the ES1. The global parameters are found in the strip that spans the lower edge of the ES1 interface. The Glide slider is displayed above the left end of the strip.

Glide slider: Defines the amount of time it takes to slide between the pitches of each triggered note. The Glide trigger behavior depends on the value chosen for the Voices parameter (see below).
Tune field: Tunes the entire instrument in cents. A cent is 1/100th of a semitone.
Analog field: Slightly alters the pitch of each note, and the cutoff frequency, in a random fashion. This emulates the random oscillator detuning and filter fluctuations that can occur in polyphonic analog synthesizers—due to heat and age.
Voices field: Sets the maximum number of notes that can be played simultaneously. Each ES1 instance offers a maximum of 16 voices. Fewer played voices require less CPU power.
Bender Range field: Changes the sensitivity of the pitch bender. Adjustments are in semitone steps.
Neg Bender Range slider (Extended Parameters area): Adjusts the negative (downwards) pitch bend range in semitone steps. The default value is Pos PB (Positive Pitch Bend), which essentially means that there is no downward pitch bend available. Click the small triangle at the lower left of the ES1 interface to access the Extended parameters area.
Chorus field: The ES1 offers two classic stereo chorus effects and one ensemble effect.
- Off deactivates the in-built chorus circuit.
- C1 and C2 are typical chorus effects. C2 is a variation of C1 and is characterized by a stronger modulation.
- Ens (Ensemble) employs a more complex modulation routing, creating a fuller and richer sound.
Out Level field: Controls the master volume of the ES1.

Using the ES1 Analog Parameter

When the Analog parameter is set to a value of zero, the oscillator cycle start points of all triggered voices are synchronized. This may be useful for percussive sounds, when you want to achieve a sharper attack characteristic.

Use of Analog values higher than zero allows the oscillators of all triggered voices to cycle freely. Use higher values if you’re aiming for a warm, analog type of sound—where subtle sonic variations occur for each triggered voice.

Using the Voices Parameter in the ES1

When the Voices parameter is set to Legato, the ES1 behaves like a monophonic synthesizer—with single trigger and fingered portamento engaged. This means that if you play legato, a portamento will occur (the portamento time is defined by the Glide slider). If you release each key before pressing a new one, the envelope will not be triggered by the new note, and there will be no portamento.

Tip: You can use this feature to create pitch bend effects—without touching the pitch bender—so make sure you select a higher Glide value when using the Legato setting.