The Ensoniq EPS-16 PLUS Digital Sampling Workstation represents a significant advancement in digital sampling technology, building upon the legacy of the 8-bit Mirage and original 13-bit EPS models. While maintaining Ensoniq's commitment to affordable pricing, this workstation introduces groundbreaking features that set new standards in the industry.

At its core, the EPS-16 PLUS integrates professional sampling capabilities with a comprehensive workstation environment, highlighted by its innovative 24-bit dynamic effects processing. The instrument combines the flexibility of sampling with robust sequencing features and superior sound quality, all while maintaining the expressive control that musicians demand.

Sampling Technology

The unit employs 16-bit linear oversampling technology with sampling rates reaching 44.6 kHz, delivering CD-quality output. Users benefit from comprehensive editing capabilities including autolooping, volume smoothing, gain normalization, and various cross-fading options, providing complete control over sample manipulation.

Synthesis Capabilities

The synthesizer section offers exceptional versatility with 20-voice polyphony. Multiple filters and envelopes work in conjunction with an extensive modulation matrix, giving users unprecedented sound-shaping possibilities.

Effects Processing

The 24-bit dynamic effects processing system includes professional-quality reverb, chorusing, flanging, phasing, distortion, and delay. These effects can be dynamically controlled through performance, allowing real-time sound manipulation and enhancement of both instruments and sequences. At the time of its launch, the EPS-16 PLUS was the sole sampler in its price category to provide such advanced effects section.

Sequencing Functions

As a full-featured workstation, the EPS-16 PLUS includes a sophisticated 16-track sequencer with comprehensive mixdown capabilities. The system offers extensive recording and editing tools, featuring Ensoniq's unique ability to audition changes before committing them.

Enclosure

5-octave keyboard in a plastic enclosure.

Expansion Accessories

ME-16 Plus Memory Expansion

The ME-16 Plus expands the non-volatile RAM of the Ensoniq EPS-16 Plus to 2MB, effectively doubling the available sample time. This enhancement also increases the sequencer memory capacity to approximately 320,000 notes. The expansion was available in two forms: a cartridge for the keyboard version and a board for the rack version.

SP-1/SP-2 SCSI Interface

This expansion board enables SCSI connectivity for the EPS-16 Plus, allowing connection to external devices such as:

• CD-ROM drives (compatible with Ensoniq CDR collection and other CD-ROMs)
• External hard drives
• Apple Macintosh computers

For keyboard model users, the ME-16 Plus expansion must be installed first, as it provides the necessary SCSI bus cutouts. The package includes both a standard IDE 34-pin cable and a DB25 female connector to IDE 26-pin cable.

FB-1/FB-2 Flashbank Storage

The Flashbank expansion provides internal flash storage with two capacity options:

• FB-1: 512KB
• FB-2: 1MB

This versatile addition offers significant advantages:

• Files load extremely quickly
• Storage doesn't utilize the system's non-volatile RAM
• Data persists even when powered off
• Includes a standard IDE 50-pin connector cable

OEX-6 Output Expansion

The OEX-6 adds six additional output buses to the EPS-16 Plus. This expansion comes pre-installed in the rack version and proves particularly useful for routing specific instruments or sequencer click tracks to separate mixer channels.