Ensoniq EPS 16 Plus Music Library Acquired

I acquired a music library. Actually I acquired 2 for my battered Ensoniq EPS 16 Plus sampler. In fact if you are following the channel on Instagram you might of seen some photos of the boxes arriving following the purchase of one of these.

By the way, why aren't you following me on instagram? (@themusictechguyuk)

Ensoniq EPS 16 Plus Music Library just after it had arrived

As you can see from the photo many of the boxes that were sent through are still wrapped in the cellophane.

First problem?

As many will know, the first Ensoniq EPS 16 Plus sampler that I acquired, I have described many times on my YouTube channel as 'a bag of spanners'. It became unserviceable so I had no way of testing this library that I had acquired.

But I took the decision to buy it anyway as it was too good an opportunity to acquire these sounds for the sampler. And at some point I would repair the sampler and then could use them.

Therefore on acquisition the sound library was boxed up and taken up to my storage unit.

Storage Unit

The great thing about the storage unit that I own is that it is a purpose built storage facility and they maintain the temperature and humidity of the location all year around. But as an additional safety feature I always pop some silica sachets into the boxes and cases when they are placed in storage just to deal with any moisture. My experience so far is that these sachets aren't really needed.

Top tip - For vintage electronics and their peripherals try and rent units that have constant temperature and humidity. It will extend the life of your equipment.

Ensoniq EPS 16 Plus Bag of Spanners

You have heard me say that my first exploration into the joys of the Ensoniq EPS 16 Plus resulted in the acquisition of a bag of spanners. But ever the optimist I decided that I would set about returning the sampler back to full health.

The problem was every time I recovered the sampler from storage something would get in the way and I would end up taking it back to storage with very little progress. And then each time it was retrieved I'd go back over old ground reminding myself where I had got to.

But that didn't stop me buying these two sample libraries when they came up. I did the same with the Yamaha TX16W when sample libraries were presented to me. You don't know how much of the original media is intact, but you have to try and preserve the legacy.

Late last year I was offered another Ensoniq EPS 16 Plus that was working. It was in much better condition than the first example, but this also had an issue with loading files into the sampler. As it turned out this was a relatively easy fix and now I have a working sampler that I can start to use to catalogue the sound library

Second Problem: Supplies to catalogue the sample library

No one thinks about this. Honestly.

You need Double Sided Double Density (DS DD) disks to make a working copy image. I have a policy that I never use the original media. The originals always go into storage. I make a copy. It is the copies are what are used in 'Hobbit Hut' studios.

Then you need a place to store the image when you create it. Labels for the disks that you create and time to undertake the process.

But you can create disks on the Ensoniq EPS 16 Plus

And you can this is true. There is a feature in the operating system that allows you to create a duplicate disk. And I have used this a couple of times with disks that are starting to show signs of wear.

You see writing the data to a newer disk allows you to create a better image of that disk. But I will still create the image. Why?

Well a good image means that I don't have to use the original. As long as I can get the target disks I can simply insert the disk and hit the duplicate button when my working copies decide to fail Which is normally when I need them for a project!

Many other instruments and samplers of this era did not include a disk copy utility, I guess fearing piracy. But if you read the literature that came with the sample libraries that I acquired, create a copy is stated as a good course of action.

Copy them and give them away?

Sample library disks that have been processed so far

This is a statement I hear all the time. Everyone wants something for nothing. I learnt long ago that is not how the world works! Preserving these disks for many years to come, comes at a cost.

You have the first acquire the library contents.

Then you have to work out how to read it? How to image it? How to copy it to new media?

This takes equipment, supplies and time. So please don't ask me to give the contents of the library away because I will say no.

But I would be open to swaps or other arrangements. Some of the library is available on E-bay. These disks are made available to fund the costs associates with maintaining my website, YouTube channel and the equipment that I own.

As I said above nothing comes for free!

Until next time!

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About the Author

Jon describes himself as a frustrated musician with a passion for the electronic instruments that help him and other musicians be creative. He started playing keyboards in his late teens and re-ignited his passion, building a new studio following his separation and subsequently founding Hobbit Hut Studios.

About the Blog

The Music Tech Guy UK's Blog, Website, and YouTube channel were started to share Jon's experiences and views on the industry at large, how they affect small musicians, and provide technical tips on configuring and maintaining the equipment he owns.