The original Ensoniq EPS, the "Performance Sampler," is a really cool piece of gear from the late 80s that's still got a lot of love today, especially from people who are into that vintage, gritty sound. It's not a pristine, high-fidelity machine, and that's exactly its charm.
First off, let's talk about the sound. The EPS is a 13-bit sampler. Don't let the number fool you into thinking it's bad. That 13-bit sound has a specific "crunch" or "grit" to it that's super appealing, especially for lo-fi hip-hop and electronic music. It's not a clean, transparent sound; it adds character. You can also play around with the sample rates, from super low to get that truly lo-fi effect, all the way up to 52kHz. This versatility in its "low-fi" nature is a big part of why people still seek them out.
One of the standout features that earned it the "Performance" name was its ability to load new samples while you're playing. This was a pretty revolutionary feature back in the day and made it a powerful instrument for live use. You could be playing a beat or a bassline and seamlessly load a new sound without stopping. This, combined with its polyphonic aftertouch (which is still a rarity on many keyboards), made it a truly expressive and dynamic instrument.
Now, for the downsides. The original EPS had a tiny amount of memory—480KB. That's a fraction of a megabyte, which is pretty wild to think about now. This meant you were working with very limited sample time. You also had to deal with floppy disks, which were slow and prone to failure. The sequencer, while pretty capable for its time, also shared memory with the samples, so you had to be mindful of how much you were using. The digital filters are also often described as non-resonant and not the best, but hey, you can't have everything.
Despite its limitations, the EPS became a beloved machine for a specific kind of sound. Its unique character and workflow made it an instrument that inspired creativity. Some of the most influential artists used Ensoniq samplers to craft their sound.
Bands and artists who used Ensoniq samplers (including the EPS and its successors like the EPS 16+ and ASR-10) include:
- RZA of Wu-Tang Clan: The man himself reportedly used an Ensoniq EPS on some of the early Wu-Tang Clan albums, including parts of Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). The raw, gritty sound of the sampler perfectly suited the dark, cinematic beats he was creating.
- The Electric Hellfire Club: They used the EPS extensively, showcasing its versatility beyond just hip-hop.
- Cirrus
- John Carpenter: The legendary filmmaker and composer used the EPS in his work.
- **Me! I used this beast
In a world of perfect, high-res digital samplers, the Ensoniq EPS stands out as a funky, imperfect, and deeply inspiring classic. It's a testament to the idea that limitations can often spark the greatest creativity. If you ever get a chance to play one, you'll understand why it's more than just a piece of old tech—it's a cult classic.