OVERVIEW
ES P
(SUBTRACTIVE SYNTH-POLY)
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.
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
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.
Toto — “Africa”
M83 — “Midnight City”
The Weeknd — “Save Your Tears”
Donna Summer — “I Feel Love”
A-ha — “Take On Me”
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.
FAMOUS USES
(These songs do not use ES P specifically, but they all feature analog-style polyphonic subtractive synths similar to sounds ES P can produce.)
Toto — “Africa”
Duration: 4:55
Timestamp: 0:12–0:35
Use: Classic analog synth pads supporting vocals—ES P can recreate this with saw waves + chorus.
M83 — “Midnight City”
Duration: 4:03
Timestamp: 0:00–0:24
Use: Lush poly pads with heavy detune—ES P’s oscillators + detune settings handle this texture well.
The Weeknd — “Save Your Tears”
Duration: 3:35
Timestamp: 0:10–0:30
Use: Retro-inspired synth chords—ES P suits this ’80s-style poly sound perfectly.
Donna Summer — “I Feel Love”
Duration: 5:54
Timestamp: 0:40–1:05
Use: Bright, resonant poly textures—ES P’s multimode filter can mimic similar timbres.
VIDEO TUTORIALS
An overview of the ES P subtractive synthesizer instrument in Logic Pro. An overview of the interface along with demonstrations on how to layer sounds is provided. (5:52)
This video is a general overview and introduction to the basic parameters of the ES P. (12:50)
This video is shows how to create custom bass sounds using noise oscillation using the ES P Polyphonic Synth. (9:31)
This video shows how to create a house bass line using the ES P Polyphonic Synth. (5:10)
A tutorial on how to create a kick drum sound using the ES P Polyphonic Synth. (2:12)
A tutorial on how to cream a snare drum sound using the ES P Polyphonic Synth. (2:19)
A tutorial on how to create drum sounds using the ES P Polyphonic Synth. (14:06)
A tutorial on how to create synth sounds using the ES P Polyphonic Synth. (12:00)
Analog Expanse demonstrates how you can use the envelope to modulate multiple parameters in your synth. (18:39)
SOURCE ARTICLES
SOURCE ARTICLES YOU CAN READ:
“7 classic Logic Pro synths you might have forgotten — but are still worth using today” — MusicRadar
Creating Sounds in ES P (Logic Pro X) — U Let The Electro (blog)
Your thoughts on Logic basic synths — ES M, ES E, ES P etc. — LogicProHelp forum
Patches / Plug-In & Channel Strip Settings (LogicProHelp forum index — ES P preset threads)
“Basics: Subtractive synthesis” — FabFilter Learn
“Subtractive Synthesis: The Complete Guide for Producers” — EDMProd
“The Basics of Subtractive Synthesis for Beginners” — Synthtopia
“Subtractive Synthesis 101: Everything You Need to Know” — Mastering.com
“What Every Logic Pro User Ought To Know About Synthesizers” — Logic Studio Training
QUIZZES
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