Ensoniq ASR-10

The Ensoniq ASR-10 (Advanced Sampling Recorder) is the keyboard sampler behind a long list of hip hop’s biggest producers. Released in 1992 and made until 1998, it put 16-bit sampling, a sequencer and a powerful effects engine under a 61-note keyboard.

History and specs

The ASR-10 is the third generation of Ensoniq’s EPS sampler line, after the EPS and EPS-16 Plus. It samples at 16 bits at 44.1 or 29.76 kHz with 31 voices, 2 MB of memory expandable to 16 MB, a 61-key keyboard with polyphonic aftertouch, a 16-track sequencer and a 3.5-inch floppy drive, with SCSI as an option. A rack version, the ASR-10R, and the OEX-6 output expander were also available.

Resampling and effects

Its built-in 24-bit effects processor is the key. Producers could resample a sound with effects printed into it, or run external audio through the effects live, stacking and mangling samples entirely inside the machine. With the sequencer, a full beat could be built on the keyboard without a computer.

Who used it

Gearnews calls the ASR-10 Timbaland’s go-to tool early in his career. Just Blaze has said the ASR-10 he photographed is the one Kanye West used in Roc-A-Fella sessions for Dynasty, The Blueprint, The Blueprint 2 and The Black Album. Other listed users include RZA, J Dilla, The Neptunes, The Alchemist, Large Professor, Havoc, No I.D., DJ Toomp, Prince Paul and El-P, and Sweetwater lists it among the gear behind Wu-Tang Clan’s Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). The Alchemist has taught a course on it.

Buying one today

The ASR-10 remains a sought-after vintage sampler. Test every key and the aftertouch, check the display, confirm the floppy drive reads disks, and ask how much memory is installed and whether SCSI is fitted. Listings often include the similar EPS-16 Plus, ASR-X or TS-10, so check the model.