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Description

Unlock your creative potential with the Ensoniq ASR-X Pro, a powerhouse in the world of production and groove machines. This versatile unit combines the legendary sound quality of Ensoniq samplers with a comprehensive set of production tools, making it a favorite among producers and live performers alike. Its intuitive interface is designed to streamline your workflow, featuring a robust sequencer and extensive sampling capabilities that cater to both beginners and seasoned musicians. The ASR-X Pro is equipped with a resonant digital filter, allowing you to sculpt your sounds with precision and add a unique character to your music.

Whether you're laying down beats, crafting intricate soundscapes, or performing live, the ASR-X Pro has you covered. It supports a wide range of MIDI and audio connections, ensuring seamless integration with your existing setup. The unit's dynamic pad section offers responsive control, perfect for live drumming or triggering samples on the fly. With its built-in effects processor, you can add depth and polish to your creations, all from a single device that sits comfortably in your studio or stage rig.

Key Features:

  • Powerful sampler with extensive memory capabilities
  • Intuitive user interface for streamlined music production
  • Built-in effects processor for added sonic versatility
  • Dynamic pad section for live performance and sample triggering
  • Comprehensive MIDI and audio connectivity options
  • Resonant digital filter for precise sound shaping
  • Robust sequencer for complex arrangements and beat creation

Product specs

Brand Ensoniq
Model ASR-X Pro Resampling Production Studio
Finish Red
Year 1998
Made In United States
Categories Drum Machines, Samplers
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Number of Pads 13 Pads

FAQs

What kind of sounds can I create with the Ensoniq ASR-X Pro?

The Ensoniq ASR-X Pro is a versatile sampling workstation that allows you to create a wide range of sounds, including drum beats, synth lines, and complete compositions. Its resampling capabilities enable you to manipulate and layer samples creatively for unique sound design.

Is the Ensoniq ASR-X Pro compatible with modern MIDI setups?

Yes, the Ensoniq ASR-X Pro features MIDI Input, Output, and Through ports, allowing it to integrate with modern MIDI setups and other MIDI-compatible gear for expanded control and sequencing options.

How many pads does the Ensoniq ASR-X Pro have, and are they velocity-sensitive?

The Ensoniq ASR-X Pro is equipped with 13 pads, which are velocity-sensitive. This feature allows for dynamic and expressive performance, capturing the nuances of your playing style.

Can the Ensoniq ASR-X Pro be used for live performances?

Yes, the Ensoniq ASR-X Pro is suitable for live performances thanks to its robust sampling capabilities, real-time control options, and intuitive pad layout, making it ideal for on-the-fly music production and performance.

What distinguishes the Ensoniq ASR-X Pro from other samplers?

The Ensoniq ASR-X Pro stands out due to its resampling capabilities, integrated effects, and intuitive interface, which provide a comprehensive production environment for creating complex arrangements and soundscapes.

SampleKings

SampleKings

ASR X Pro THE BEGINNERS WORK FLOW GUIDE

Video thumbnail for ASR X Pro THE BEGINNERS WORK FLOW GUIDE by SampleKings

ASR X Pro THE BEGINNERS WORK FLOW GUIDE

SampleKings

SampleKings

Video thumbnail for Ensoniq ASR X Pro - Initial Thoughts and Prayers and Beats by LUGO “beats by lugo”

Ensoniq ASR X Pro - Initial Thoughts and Prayers and Beats

LUGO “beats by lugo”

LUGO “beats by lugo”

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The ASR-X Pro is fixed at 44 kHz sample rate, limiting its ability to emulate the ASR-10's lofi tricks of lowering sample rates significantly.

    Source
  • The Xplode feature in OS v3.20 automatically splits sampled beats into separate samples without expensive software, enhancing workflow.

    Source
  • The ASR-X Pro includes a 48-bit internal processing capability with 4 extra bits for safety, allowing it to handle saturation like tape without hard clipping.

    Source
  • Designed by experts like David Andreas and William Mauchly, the ASR-X Pro's effects are regarded as superior to those from E-mu, thanks to efficient EQ and compression instructions.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Tactile switches on the ASR-X Pro are prone to failure and require a heat gun, tweezers, and soldering iron for replacement.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users experience crashes, potentially losing hours of work, indicating a need for regular backups to a DAW or recording device.

    Source
  • Chopping samples on the ASR-X Pro is simplified with coarse and fine adjustments available on the same menu, and settings to ensure zero-crossing accuracy.

    Source
  • Owners have noted that the ASR-X Pro's interpolation is superior, enhancing the clarity and quality of sampled sounds compared to other models.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Unlike the ASR-10, the ASR-X Pro cannot use Waveboy effects, missing out on specific lofi effects available on the 10.

    Source

Build quality

  • The pads on the ASR-X Pro are noted as fragile, affecting long-term durability and usability.

    Source
  • Late ASR-X Pro units were manufactured in Scotts Valley instead of Malvern, with a slightly different paint finish, indicating potential batch variations in build quality.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • OS v3.20 beta allows Direct Audio Sampling from CDs via a compatible CD-ROM drive, maintaining sound quality during extraction.

    Source
  • SoundFont Bank importing is enabled in OS v3.20, offering access to extensive libraries like E-MU SYSTEMS' Module Mania Series.

    Source

Other

  • The project lead and software designer of the ASR-X Pro actively engage with users in a dedicated Facebook group, providing insights and support.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Ensoniq ASRX Pro

soundonsound.com

The Ensoniq ASR-X Pro presents a robust yet slightly dated sampling workstation with notable advancements like a built-in SCSI interface and expanded RAM capacity. Its sound quality is top-notch, and it excels in fast sampling and song construction, making it an excellent tool for professional musicians. However, it falls short with a small display, no digital I/O options, and limited ROM sound updates. The Stomper synthesis feature is less impressive, lacking user-friendly interaction and presets. While it offers a significant improvement over its predecessor, the ASR-X Pro's high price may not justify the modest upgrades.

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 8 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
bklyn

THe ASR-X-Pro is an underappreciated classic!

I still sample with my ASR-X-Pro but I'm mostly using it for its onboard synthesizer these days. The synth engine has always been slept on for some reason, which is insane because the way it sounds is beautiful.

One of the things I never liked about the beatmaking community is the fact that cats flock to the SP-1200, and the MPC because of whoever their favorite producer is used that gear on a record or two they liked, so they are greatly ignorant to the power of the ASR-X-Pro which is one of the dopest samplers ever created.

I also own the ASR-X so there's a lot of history for me with these samplers. But if you come across any of these joints, don't hesitate, get it!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tycho uses Ensoniq ASR-X Pro

Tycho

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Tycho

...
Verified via Xlr8r

"When I started, the first thing I got was a drum machine and a little synth. I moved up to a sampler/drum machine, the Ensoniq ASR-X Pro. I just started [collecting gear] after that."

See how J. Cole uses Ensoniq ASR-X Pro

J. Cole

Rapper, Music Producer

All City Chess Club

...
Verified via Soundonsound

In this article J Cole says he used to use an ASR-X Pro

See how Large Professor uses Ensoniq ASR-X Pro

Large Professor

Rapper, Music Producer

Zulu Nation

...
Verified via YouTube

Large Professor's Ensoniq ASR-X Pro features in this footage of his studio from 2015.

See how KayKay uses Ensoniq ASR-X Pro

KayKay

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 13:10, Kay shows her ASR-X Pro.

See how Session Victim uses Ensoniq ASR-X Pro

Session Victim

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video by hillprop97 titled "Making Beats On The Ensoniq ASR-X (Boom Bap Music)," Session Victim is shown using the Ensoniq ASR-X Pro.

See how E‐A‐Ski uses Ensoniq ASR-X Pro

E‐A‐Ski

Rapper, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In a YouTube short, E-A-Ski showcases a beat on his Ensoniq ASR-X Pro, as indicated by the video caption "Mood Music #easki #hiphop #oakland #asrxpro."

See how Don Cannon uses Ensoniq ASR-X Pro

Don Cannon

Singer, Music Producer

...
Verified via TikTok

In a TikTok video, Don Cannon discusses how the Ensoniq ASR-X Pro was his first drum machine, purchased from Sam Ash, after his mother bought it for him when the MPC 2000 was unavailable.

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-X Pro, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Ensoniq ASR-10
Ensoniq ASR-10 Audio Samplers
1
Roland MV-8000
Roland MV-8000 Keyboards, Synthesizers & MIDI
1
Akai MPC60
Akai MPC60 Production & Groove
1
Akai MPC 5000
Akai MPC 5000 Keyboards, Synthesizers & MIDI
1
Arturia Spark LE
Arturia Spark LE Drum Machines
1
Yamaha HS80M Active Studio Monitor
Yamaha HS80M Active Studio Monitor Active & Passive Monitors
1

Community setups

Show yours
P

pierre_nic

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1 alternative for Ensoniq ASR-X Pro, curated by the Equipboard community.

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