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Average Price: $1,578

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$500

$1501+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

Step into a world of sonic creativity with the Ensoniq ASR-10r, a rack-mounted powerhouse that brings the iconic sound of the 90s into your music production setup. Known for its advanced sampling capabilities, this synthesizer is a favorite among musicians who value rich, textured soundscapes. With a robust engine that supports up to 16MB of RAM, the ASR-10r is capable of handling complex compositions and intricate sound designs, making it an ideal choice for both studio recording and live performances.

The ASR-10r's Transwave technology offers a unique approach to sound shaping, allowing users to manipulate and transform samples with precision. Its user-friendly interface, combined with a flexible modulation system, ensures that both novice and experienced producers can easily navigate its features. The unit is designed to integrate seamlessly with other MIDI devices, providing expansive possibilities for creative expression.

Whether you're crafting beats, scoring films, or exploring new musical landscapes, the Ensoniq ASR-10r offers a versatile platform to bring your ideas to life. Its legacy in the music world is a testament to its enduring quality and innovative design.

Key Features:

  • Advanced sampling engine with up to 16MB of RAM
  • Rack-mounted design for easy integration into studio setups
  • Transwave technology for dynamic sound manipulation
  • Comprehensive MIDI implementation for seamless device integration
  • User-friendly interface with a versatile modulation system
  • Suitable for both live performances and studio production

Product specs

Brand Ensoniq
Model ASR-10 Rackmount Advanced Sampling Recorder
Finish Black
Year 1992
Categories Rackmount Synths, Samplers
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Polyphony 31 Voices

FAQs

What are the main features of the Ensoniq ASR-10r?

The Ensoniq ASR-10r is a rackmount version of the ASR-10, featuring 31-voice polyphony, dual multi-mode digital filters, and a stereo effects processor. It offers advanced sampling capabilities with MIDI input, output, and through connectivity.

How much sampling time does the Ensoniq ASR-10r provide?

The ASR-10r provides 31.5 seconds of mono or 15.75 seconds of stereo sampling time at a 29.8kHz rate with its standard 2 MB internal memory.

Is the Ensoniq ASR-10r suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Ensoniq ASR-10r is suitable for live performances due to its robust sampling capabilities and MIDI connectivity, allowing integration with other equipment in a live setup.

Can the Ensoniq ASR-10r be expanded for more sampling time?

Yes, the Ensoniq ASR-10r can be expanded with additional memory to increase sampling time, accommodating more complex or longer samples.

What type of connectivity does the Ensoniq ASR-10r offer?

The Ensoniq ASR-10r includes MIDI input, output, and through ports, making it compatible with a wide range of MIDI controllers and other MIDI-capable devices.

Yon Yonson

Yon Yonson

Ensoniq ASR-10R Demo

Video thumbnail for Ensoniq ASR-10R Demo by Yon Yonson

Ensoniq ASR-10R Demo

Yon Yonson

Yon Yonson

Video thumbnail for ASR 10 Rack RAM Upgrade Tutorial by Illegal Substance

ASR 10 Rack RAM Upgrade Tutorial

Illegal Substance

Illegal Substance

Video thumbnail for LOFIBEAT Mpc2000XL & Ensoniq Asr 10 Rack by MetamophisisBeats

LOFIBEAT Mpc2000XL & Ensoniq Asr 10 Rack

MetamophisisBeats

MetamophisisBeats

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ensoniq ASR-10r.

Features and functionality

  • The digital board offers high-quality effects without degrading audio, allowing 48kHz in/out audio and functioning as a pseudo hardware compressor with Waveboy effects.

    Source
  • Loop position can be assigned to the pitch bend wheel, enabling wavetable synthesis by chopping single-cycle waveforms of equal length.

    Source
  • The ASR-10's transwave feature is highlighted for its unique ability to create evolving soundscapes, which is difficult to replicate with modern gear.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The ASR-10 can internally resample down to 6.25kHz for gritty sound, making it suitable for specific lo-fi applications.

    Source
  • Waveboy effects, such as resonant filters, are highly recommended for expanding the ASR-10's sound shaping capabilities.

    Source
  • The ASR-10 is particularly favored for composing longer musical phrases, distinguishing it from gear like the MPC, which is more beat-oriented.

    Source

User experience

  • Users appreciate the ASR-10 for its historical insight and rapid multisample creation, despite longer processing times for tasks like time-stretching.

    Source
  • Owners note that the timing of the ASR-10 isn't very tight; directly routing audio through the ASR can enhance color and effects.

    Source
  • Users report that the ASR-10 can serve as a central controller and sequencer in live setups, offering versatility beyond simple sampling.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Prices range significantly, from $700 to $2,500, with configurations like SCSI affecting cost; some users scored deals at lower prices.

    Source
  • Despite the non-working floppy drive, an ASR-10 with an included SD drive is valued around $1,200, reflecting rising prices and included features.

    Source
  • Despite high prices, some owners believe the ASR-10 is a worthwhile investment for its unique sound and capabilities, especially if found below market rate.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners highlight frequent maintenance needs due to aging components, suggesting a hands-on approach for long-term use.

    Source
  • A preamp is necessary to record from a record player into the ASR-10, as direct RCA connections are insufficient for proper audio levels.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Users recommend replacing the Gotek SD card reader with a floppy drive and adding a SCSI2SD setup to maintain formatting capabilities.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The ASR-10's analog circuitry and DACs are noted for providing a distinct sound that software samplers and newer hardware fail to replicate fully.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 8 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
bklyn

Hands down the world's greatest sampler ever!

I was first introduced to Ensoniq Samplers back in the '90s through my friend Eric Roache who owned an EPS-16+ a couple of years later the ASR-10 arrived and I bought one of the first ones that arrived at Manny's Music in New York City and it's been a magical love affair ever since.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how DJ Jazzy Jeff uses Ensoniq ASR-10r

DJ Jazzy Jeff

Music Producer, DJ

The Roots

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "Studio Tour: DJ Jazzy Jeff on His 'Creative Utopia'" by Sweetwater, DJ Jazzy Jeff can be seen at 19:08 showcasing an Ensoniq ASR-10r placed on a shelf in his studio.

See how Junkie XL uses Ensoniq ASR-10r

Junkie XL

Composer, Music Producer

Tiësto vs. Junkie XL

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video at 4:17 Tom shows Ensoniq ASR-10 Rack and says "One of the best sounding samplers ever made!"

See how Erykah Badu uses Ensoniq ASR-10r

Erykah Badu

Singer, Music Producer

Soulquarians

...
Verified via YouTube

In a Red Bull Music Academy interview, at 23:09, Erykah Badu discusses her use of the Ensoniq ASR-10r synthesizer.

See how Grant Kirkhope uses Ensoniq ASR-10r

Grant Kirkhope

Composer

Grant Kirkhope & Graeme Norgate

...
Verified via Twitter

For context, I asked Grant Kirkhope what Ensoniq sampler he used for any n64 scores he did.

Grant asked Robin Beanland to help him by remembering the Ensoniq sampler he used and sending a screencap of the sampler itself.

And then replies later he said "That's the right one"

It confirmed Grant that he used this sampler for his earlier works in the n64 era.

See how Riow Arai uses Ensoniq ASR-10r

Riow Arai

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Rocketbaby

In an interview with Rocketbaby, Riow Arai includes the Ensoniq ASR-10r in his list of equipment, highlighting its role in his music production setup.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ensoniq ASR-10r, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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