Temecula DSP DEEP/Z is a new FX plugin that emulates the very latest Ensoniq multi-FX processor released in 1997, the DP Pro.
In the 1990s, Ensoniq released several effects processors that are now considered legendary hardware effects by many music producers. Temecula DSP has already successfully emulated the DP/4 using hardware analysis and AI tools.
Now, he has packaged another FX unit from that era in software. Temecula DSP has released the DEEP/Z, an emulation of the very latest released Ensoniq FX processor.
Temecula DSP DEEP/Z
The DEEP/Z is an unofficial emulation of the Ensoniq DP Pro from 1997. More precisely, it was the last FX processor that Ensoniq released before they were acquired by Creative in 1998.
Like the previous Temecula DSP plugins, the new DEEP/Z was also created using a hybrid method of hardware analysis and AI tools. In a different article, John said to use Claude as a highly advanced compiler.
DEEP/Z is built around two independent processing engines. Each side can carry its own algorithm and parameter sets. Deep is how you can route the two sides. You can run them in serial, parallel stereo, using feedback, parallel mono split, dual mono, and stereo mix.
Before it goes into the main effects sides, the DEEP/Z plugin has input filters that let you prepare your signal. You have a pre-delay and low- and high-cut settings for the FC and gain.
The unofficial emulation features all 42 algorithms from the original hardware, including dynamics, pitch, modulation, reverb, delay, speaker color, EQ, utility, and combination effects.
Factory effects spanning halls, plates, rooms, delays, chorus, harmonizer, phaser, tremolo, speaker filters, dynamics, and loop effects
If you set the Reverb Tank 2 algorithm, you get controls over diffuser size, diffusion, reverb size, density, and more. Of course, the time parameters of the delays, modulation, and rhythmic movement are synceable to your DAW tempo.
There is no demo of the finished plugin, but there is one of the prototype.
First Impression
I must admit I haven’t dealt much with the Ensoniq DP Pro yet, so I don’t know exactly how the algorithms sound. The developer’s website, however, has hard vs. soft sound examples, and they sound very authentic to me.
Temecula DSP DEEP/Z is available now for $100. It runs as a VST3, AU, and AAX plugin on macOS (native Apple Silicon + Intel) and Windows.
More information here: Temecula DSP
So he used AI to rip off an old Ensoniq design and is charging us $100 for it? Is this the much-cited “democratization” of the development process we keep hearing about?
It’s becoming exhausting having to do more research to determine which software is now vibe coded by “fly by night” “developers”. I like to think that some of these actors are not trying to create a cash grab, but charging $100 which is reserved for, in my opinion, top-tier, proven developer plugins really puts a sour taste in my mouth.
soon will have emulations released built on DSP chip emulation and able to run legit Ensoniq firmware, spare your money to support developers not this AI nonsence
Can they at least TRY to make the GUI look a bit like an Ensoniq-inspired product?
This looks so generic for what is supposed to be a retro-inspired product.