Ensoniq EPS/ASR to Tascam GigaStudio Translation

Status: Implemented in the current version of Translator.
This translation is only available on the Windows version; it will be available on the Mac version shortly.

KeySwitching and Release Trigger Support
This format supports keyswitching, which is a function where pressing a non-sounding key (or a Patch Select in the case of Ensoniq) instructs the sampler engine to switch what samples play on what key.

This format also supports other similar features such as release trigger samples, samples manipulated by the sustain pedal, etc.

Since this source format may contain this type of information, it is supported by this destination.

A complex algorithm has been implemented to handle the full 5-stage envelopes that Ensoniq provides into the more simple ADSR’s of Gigasampler. The dual-filters of the Ensoniq are also handled. Currently LFO settings are not translated, along with any effects settings. The former will be implemented later, and the latter is being investigated for a possible translation using the Gigaeffects of the new GigaStudio platform.

Ensoniq samplers have the ability to loop using fractional loop points; that is, using data points between the displayed sample points available to editing. This is accomplished my taking advantage of the internal sample interpolation the Ensoniq accomplishes. Emu’s do not have this feature, so certain loops (perhaps about 15-20%) will either sound out of tune or perhaps have a faint click. We are researching a solution for this; this will be available in a future update.

GigaStudio/Sampler can support a Stereo Sample structure - click here for special notes regarding translating into this structure. Ensoniq wavesample pairs that are deemed "stereo" are combined into stereo.

Giga lacks a proper Coarse Tuning parameter - it uses a Unity Note parameter to change ptich coarsely. However, when the Pitch Track parameter is turned off, there is no more coarse tuning facility. Click here to see how Translator deals with this.

GigaStudio/Sampler supports only a specific number of Layers and Velocity Splits - please see the Giga Overview for more information.

Ensoniq samplers have the capability for alternative looping modes; Translator compensates for these modes.

Translator supports the conversion of Ensoniq Bank Files. Ensoniq Banks simply refer to the loading of seperate Ensoniq Instruments at one time. Translator simply treats these files as a "macro" to load and convert these seperate Instruments in one operation. This is helpful for destination formats that hold various Programs/Instruments in one file, such as Giga, SoundFont, Emu, etc, but it useful for all destination formats.