SYNTHESIZERS: ES P

The ES P (Poly Synth) in Logic Pro is a classic-style polyphonic subtractive synthesizer designed for lush pads, bright synth strings, analog brass, and vintage electronic textures. With three oscillators, a multimode filter, flexible modulation routing, and a simple interface, ES P excels at warm, rich, ’80s-inspired sounds as well as modern electronic layers. It is an ideal teaching tool for understanding subtractive synthesis while still offering enough depth for professional production.

Key Features

• Polyphonic Subtractive Synthesis (up to 8 voices) — ES P is a full poly synth, capable of playing chords and layered sounds. 

• Multiple Oscillator Controls — Includes triangle, sawtooth, rectangle (pulse), two sub-oscillators (-1 and -2 octaves), and a noise generator, each with level sliders for mixing waveforms. 

• Octave Selector (4, 8, 16′) — Choose different base-octave ranges for oscillators for flexible tonal shaping. 

• Multimode Filter with Cutoff & Resonance — Classic filter section to sculpt harmonics, with cutoff and resonance controls. 

• Keyboard-Follow Filter Mode — Three “key-follow” settings (1/3, 2/3, 3/3) allow the filter cutoff to track MIDI note pitch — useful for keeping brightness across the keyboard range. 

• Filter Envelope & Envelope Modulation — Key-shaping via ADSR envelope and optional envelope modulation of filter cutoff, including velocity sensitivity to shape brightness. 

• Low-Noise Sub-Oscillators & Noise Source — Add depth and texture with sub-octave oscillators and noise for pads, brass, or effects — great for fat low ends. 

• Built-in Effects: Chorus & Overdrive — Onboard effects to thicken pads or add grit to leads — useful for analog-style warmth or dirty synth textures. 

• Flexible LFO & Modulation Options — Use LFO to modulate pitch, filter, or other parameters for vibrato, tremolo, or rhythmic movement.

LISTEN to this POD about the ES P Plugin

Best Use Cases

• Synth Pads & Strings: Warm, evolving pads for pop, electronic, ambient, film scoring, or synthwave.

• Polyphonic Brass & Stabs: Bright, ’80s analog brass perfect for retro pop or funk.

• Layering with Other Synths: Combine ES P with Retro Synth, ES2, or Alchemy for richer harmonic textures.

• Teaching Subtractive Synthesis: A clear, approachable layout ideal for classroom demonstrations.

• Classic Analog Poly Emulation: Good for replicating Juno, Jupiter, and OB-style tones.

Popular Song Examples

• Toto — “Africa” 

• M83 — “Midnight City”

• The Weeknd — “Save Your Tears” 

• Donna Summer — “I Feel Love” 

• A-ha — “Take On Me”

Workflow Tips

• Start With Saw Waves for Classic Pads: Add chorus and a slow attack for lush synth beds.

• Use the Multimode Filter for Character: Low-pass for warmth, band-pass for vintage strings, high-pass for airy textures.

• Add Movement With the LFO: Modulate filter cutoff or pitch for subtle vibrato or sweeping pads.

• Use Detune & Spread for Width: Slight detuning creates instant ’80s poly-synth character.

• Stack ES P With ES E or Retro Synth: Great for thicker pads and hybrid textures.

• Experiment With Long Release Times: Especially effective for ambient and cinematic patches.

• Use Velocity to Open the Filter: Makes performances more expressive and dynamic.