The Ensoniq ASR-10R features state-of-the-art stereo Sigma-Delta (one-bit) 64x oversampling technology, offering selectable sample rates of 30 kHz or 44.1 kHz. It can record samples from a variety of sources, including stereo audio inputs, the optional DI-10 Digital I/O Board, or its own main audio outputs for seamless resampling. With the ability to sample in real-time while the sequencer is playing, as well as sampling its own sequenced playback, the ASR-10R provides unmatched flexibility. Its CD-quality output circuitry ensures pristine playback performance, while advanced editing functions like autolooping, gain normalization, volume smoothing, and various crossfading options give you full control over your sound.
For dynamic applications such as dance music or broadcasting, the ASR-10R includes a sophisticated Time Compression/Expansion function that allows you to change the tempo or length of a sample without altering the pitch.
The Ensoniq ASR-10R is not just a sampler—it’s also a full-featured synthesizer. With 31-voice polyphony, extensive filters and envelopes, and a comprehensive modulation matrix, it allows you to sculpt your samples into entirely new, exciting sounds.
The Ensoniq ASR-10R redefines how effects are used in samplers, offering 50 unique 24-bit effect algorithms, including high-quality reverbs, chorus, flanging, phasing, distortion, digital delays, and speaker effects. These tools provide a professional-grade sound palette, enhancing both sampled sounds and sequenced music. Additionally, the Ensoniq ASR-10R offers signal conditioning effects like EQ, compression, and ducking, which can be applied during the sampling process to capture the perfect sound every time.
The Ensoniq ASR-10’s effects were so good that Ensoniq decided to release them as a standalone unit – the Ensoniq DP/4 – which became a highly successful product for the company.
The Ensoniq ASR-10R’s effects section allows continuous monitoring of stereo audio inputs, which can be routed through its effects processor. External audio signals can also be processed live through the effects engine, eliminating the need for an external mixer. You can even resample audio with effects applied in real time, enabling complex sound design possibilities. For example, you can add reverb to a drum sample, resample it, and then continue to refine it using other effects.
As a fully-equipped 16-track sequencer, the Ensoniq ASR-10R offers complete mixdown capabilities for both MIDI and audio tracks. Record, edit, and refine your performances using an array of creative tools. Ensoniq’s innovative sequencing technology even allows you to audition changes before committing to them, giving you the freedom to experiment with different versions of your work.
Combining high-fidelity sampling and synthesis with versatile effects processing and sequencing, the Ensoniq ASR-10R is the ultimate tool for professional studios and creative sound designers.
Voice Architecture
- Up to 31 voices dynamically assigned
- Instant selection of alternate samples using Patch Select buttons, velocity, key-up, or legato playing
- Each instrument can contain up to 127 WaveSamples
- Each WaveSample includes:
- 2 independent multi-mode dynamic digital filters (low pass, high pass, variable bandwidth band pass)
- Pitch, filter, and amplitude envelopes (5-stages with 21 parameters per envelope), with velocity interpolation
- 14 preset envelope templates
- 1 multi-waveform LFO with delay
- Variable rate random noise generator for modulation
- 15 modulation sources routable to pitch, filter cutoff, volume, pan, loop start/end/position, sample start, LFO depth/rate, and effects parameters
- Legato, Pedal, Trigger, and Mini monophonic modes
- Transwave loop modulation for constructing unique spectral interpolation waveforms
- Each WaveSample can be individually panned and assigned to one of 3 stereo busses (6 busses with optional OEX-6sr output expander)
Effects
- Custom 24-bit digital signal processor with 48-bit accumulation
- Programmable stereo multi-effects processing with real-time modulation of any effects parameter from 11 possible modulation sources
- 62 algorithms (50 in ROM, 12 on O.S. disk) with new algorithms loadable from disk
- 4 programmable variations per effect (248 total variations)
- 3 stereo busses for dry, individual, or grouped effects processing, and dry routing to optional OEX-6sr output expander
- One custom effect per instrument and bank
- Audio Tracks allow routing of external signals through the effects for sample input monitoring or live performance
- Each Audio Track has its own mix level, pan, and output bus routing, with instant muting
Sequencer
- 8 polyphonic tracks, each with its own instrument, mix, pan, output bus, and MIDI channel
- 8 “Song Tracks” for recording of song-length tracks once sequences are chained into a song (virtual 16-track recording)
- Tracks can play internal voices and/or external MIDI instruments, with up to 31 internal voices dynamically assigned per track
- Up to 80 sequences (limited by sample memory)
- Song form provides up to 99 steps with up to 63 repetitions of each step
- Sequence size limited only by internal memory (up to 320,000 notes standard, up to 2,560,000 notes possible with 16 MB)
- 96 PPQ clock resolution, synchronised to internal or MIDI clock
- 3 real-time recording modes (Replace, Add, Looped) and multi-track recording via MIDI
- Quantisation (auto-correct to 1/64 note triplets) with key and/or bar range selection possible
- Event editing, transposition, clock-shifting, copy, append, change length, track merge, event scaling and filtering commands
- Auto-locate controls (bar/beat accuracy), adjustable click track, and tap tempo control
- Automated mixdown feature records volume/panning changes for each track
Digital Audio Recording
- Record to internal RAM (RAMTracks) or to SCSI drive (DiskTracks) – expanded RAM recommended
- Each sequence can have 2 tracks of audio recording; the song can have 2 linear tracks spanning multiple chained sequences; playback of any pair of audio tracks from sequences and/or song
- Stereo or mono recording at 44.1 kHz or 29.76 kHz (all tracks must be recorded at the same sample rate)
- Record dry or through the onboard effects processor
- Record via analogue inputs or digitally through the optional DI-10 Digital I/O interface (S/PDIF format)
- Editing features include auditioning of all recording and bounce-down, punch in/out recording per track, clock-shift, copy/erase track; delete, rename AudioSample; erase all AudioSamples, filter Mix/Pan events, append sequence
- Auto-locate with proper Audio Track playback, no matter where you locate within an AudioSample
- Audio Track playback parameters include Play/Mute, Pan (recordable), Mix (recordable), and Output Bus (BUS 1-3, AUX 1-3)
- 2 tracks can be bounced down to 1 for unlimited overdubbing
- A track can be bounced (resampled) back to itself through effects
MIDI
- Omni, Poly, Multi, Mono A and B modes supported
- 8-part multi-timbral with dynamic polyphonic voice allocation
- MIDI Local On/Off per instrument allows up to 8 outbound MIDI keyboard zones for master controller applications
- Global controllers in Mono mode for use with MIDI guitar and alternate controllers
- MIDI Song Position Pointer and Song Select supported
- XCTRL allows any inbound MIDI controller (0-127) to be used as a modulator
Version 2.0 Operating System
The Ensoniq ASR-10R Version 2 Operating System elevates the rackmount ASR-10 to a new level of functionality with the addition of two digital audio tracks. These Audio Tracks can be recorded either directly into RAM (RAMTracks™) or onto a SCSI storage device (such as a hard disk or removable media) via the optional SP-3 SCSI Interface (DiskTracks™). This capability allows you to seamlessly integrate live audio performances with your MIDI sequenced tracks, enabling full production recording within the ASR-10R.
Now you can record vocals, guitar, or any other live instrument directly into the Ensoniq ASR-10R and combine them with your existing MIDI arrangements, transforming your ASR-10R into a complete production workstation. To get started quickly, refer to the “Audio Track Tutorial” in Section 18 of the user manual for a comprehensive guide to the Audio Track recording process.
Optional DI-10 Digital I/O Interface Support
The Version 2 O.S. also adds support for the optional DI-10 Digital I/O Interface. This interface enables direct digital input and output connections using RCA-type connectors, conforming to the S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface Format) standard. The DI-10 provides a 44.1 kHz digital output of the Ensoniq ASR-10R’s Main Out mix when using effects that operate at the 44.1 kHz sample rate, ensuring the highest quality sound transfer.
The Digital Input allows for direct digital sampling from an external source at either 44.1 or 48 kHz, preserving audio fidelity throughout the signal chain. Be sure to verify that any digital devices connected to the DI-10 are compatible with the S/PDIF standard for optimal performance. For further details, consult the DI-10 Manual.
Compatibility Note: If you plan to record the ASR-10R’s 44.1 kHz digital output to a DAT recorder, ensure that your DAT recorder can handle recording at 44.1 kHz through its digital input. Some older consumer DAT recorders are unable to record at this sample rate due to copy protection measures, which may prevent successful recording.
New 44.1 kHz Effect Algorithms
The Version 2 O.S. also includes 12 additional effect algorithms designed exclusively for the Ensoniq ASR-10R at the 44.1 kHz sample rate. These new algorithms expand your creative possibilities but note that using them will reduce polyphony to 23 voices. Audio Tracks recorded at 44.1 kHz can be output directly through the ASR-10R’s Digital I/O output jack when using the optional DI-10 interface.
With these upgrades, the Ensoniq ASR-10R Version 2 O.S. transforms the Ensoniq ASR-10R into a fully-fledged digital production powerhouse, providing unmatched versatility and high-quality sound processing for any studio setup.
