That's why I adjust the filter on the ESX-1 and can play my pads with filter, resonance, and effects....
The ESX-1's external audio input offers much more than just the ability to feed an audio signal into the device and thus utilize tube saturation. The AUDIO button triggers an envelope that affects the input signal. This also allows you to utilize the ESX-1's filter unit and the internal effects. This example uses a pad sound from the Kawai K1.