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Description

Step back into the golden era of sampling with the Arturia Emulator II V, a plugin that brings the iconic sound of the '80s into your modern music production. Known for its high-fidelity 8-bit sound, this virtual synth emulator captures the nostalgic essence of the original E-Mu Emulator II, a favorite of legendary artists like Depeche Mode and Trent Reznor. But it's not just about retro charm; the Emulator II V adds a contemporary twist with advanced sampling capabilities and a diverse sound palette.

This multitimbral sampling machine allows you to layer up to 8 samples at once, transforming your keyboard into a veritable soundscape. Whether you're after the distinctive lo-fi grain or the shimmering sheen of the '80s, the Emulator II V's blend of vintage samples and modern flexibility has you covered. Dive into its deep editing tools to reshape samples with precision, or import your own to craft a unique sonic experience.

The Emulator II V is not just a sampler; it's a creative toolkit that offers expressive modulation, a 6-mode arpeggiator, and TAE® technology for realistic analog sound reproduction. With an array of effects including reverb, delay, and a phaser, you can personalize each sample or create a cohesive sonic journey across your mix. If you're looking to add a retro vibe with modern convenience, the Arturia Emulator II V is your ticket to a timeless sound.

Key Features:

  • Authentic 8-voice multitimbral architecture
  • High-fidelity 8-bit sound with analog filter
  • Advanced sample editing and playback control
  • Integrated 6-mode arpeggiator for dynamic performance
  • TAE® technology for true analog emulation
  • 11 master effect types for sound shaping
  • Includes factory sample bank from the original hardware
  • Compatible with major DAWs on Windows and MacOS
  • Resizable GUI and seamless MIDI controller integration

Owner's manual

Arturia Emulator II V User Manual

Product specs

Software Type Virtual Synthesizer
Platform Mac, PC
Upgrade/Full Full
Download/Boxed Download
Bit Depth 64-bit
Format AAX, AU, VST, NKS
Hardware Requirements - Mac Quad Core or higher, 4GB RAM minimum
Hardware Requirements - PC Quad Core or higher, 4GB RAM minimum
OS Requirements - Mac macOS 10.13 or later
OS Requirements - PC Windows 8.1 or later

FAQs

What are the standout features of the Arturia Emulator II V's sound engine?

The Arturia Emulator II V captures the iconic 8-bit sound of the original hardware sampler, offering authentic vintage textures with modern enhancements like advanced modulation and effects, making it ideal for producing classic synth sounds with a contemporary twist.

Is the Arturia Emulator II V compatible with my DAW?

Yes, the Arturia Emulator II V is compatible with major DAWs that support AAX, AU, VST, and NKS formats, ensuring seamless integration into your existing music production setup.

What are the system requirements for running Arturia Emulator II V on a Mac?

To run Arturia Emulator II V on a Mac, you need macOS 10.13 or later, with a Quad Core processor or higher, and a minimum of 4GB RAM.

Can I use Arturia Emulator II V on a Windows PC?

Yes, Arturia Emulator II V is compatible with Windows 8.1 or later, requiring a Quad Core processor or higher and at least 4GB RAM for optimal performance.

Does the Arturia Emulator II V come as a physical product or digital download?

The Arturia Emulator II V is available as a digital download, allowing you to easily install and use it on your computer without needing physical media.

Arturia

Arturia

Emulator II V - V Collection | ARTURIA

Video thumbnail for Emulator II V - V Collection | ARTURIA by Arturia

Emulator II V - V Collection | ARTURIA

Arturia

Arturia

Video thumbnail for Tutorials | Emulator II V - Overview by Arturia

Tutorials | Emulator II V - Overview

Arturia

Arturia

Video thumbnail for Arturia Emulator II V: Demo and Tutorial by CatSynth TV

Arturia Emulator II V: Demo and Tutorial

CatSynth TV

CatSynth TV

Video thumbnail for Made Sample Based Beat with only Arturia Emulator II V | WPKit #302 by Verysickbeats

Made Sample Based Beat with only Arturia Emulator II V | WPKit #302

Verysickbeats

Verysickbeats

Video thumbnail for 80's Famous Songs With Arturia !  - Emulator II V by Synthofsynth Sound Design

80's Famous Songs With Arturia ! - Emulator II V

Synthofsynth Sound Design

Synthofsynth Sound Design

Video thumbnail for Arturia Emulator II-V Guide by One Man And His Songs

Arturia Emulator II-V Guide

One Man And His Songs

One Man And His Songs

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Arturia Emulator II V.

Features and functionality

  • The Arturia Emulator II V includes some original Emulator II sounds, but not a comprehensive collection.

    Source
  • The 'Factory' folder in Arturia Emulator II V includes unique waveforms not found in other emulations, potentially designed by Arturia.

    Source
  • The original Emulator's playback circuitry used A-law/mu-law companding converters, influencing the sound's character, which modern emulations strive to replicate.

    Source

Comparisons

  • UVI's Emulator offers a more extensive and satisfying range of original presets compared to Arturia's version.

    Source
  • The Waldorf Quantum MK2 is recommended over the Arturia Emulator II V for those not constrained by budget, emphasizing its superior capabilities.

    Source
  • The TAL Sampler is preferred by some users for its functionality, though it lacks specific samples found in the Arturia Emulator II V.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A real Emulator IV can cost less than the Arturia plugin and runs classic samples, but space and availability are issues.

    Source
  • One user suggests the Arturia Emulator II V is overpriced for what it offers, suggesting alternatives like Nord Wave 2 and Waldorf Iridium for those seeking modern samplers.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • An actual Emulator can be upgraded with SCSI2SD for $80, enhancing its storage capabilities over original floppy disks.

    Source

User experience

  • A former owner described the original Emulator as cumbersome, citing issues like a frequently failing backlight and lengthy load times, which detracted from its appeal.

    Source
  • The physical Emulator weighs approximately 55 lbs (25 kg), adding to its impracticality for some users.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • A collector noted the Emulator's presets evoke strong nostalgia with sounds reminiscent of 80s and 90s media, making it attractive for those interested in iconic retro sounds.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The magic of the Emulator's sound is partly due to its playback circuitry, a feature not fully replicated by modern software samplers.

    Source
  • Arturia's Emulator II V may include DRM measures on its samples, restricting use outside the plugin.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Arturia Emulator II V – Beat Production

beatproduction.net

Arturia has successfully resurrected the Emulator II V, capturing the vintage essence of its predecessor while offering modern flexibility. The interface is user-friendly and inviting, making it easy to dive into sound design with a plethora of classic effects. However, some may find the learning curve steep due to the wealth of features. While it excels in delivering that nostalgic lo-fi sound that’s perfect for layering, the reliance on pre-recorded samples might not appeal to those seeking original sound synthesis. At around $720, it offers great value within the V Collection 8, but some users may still desire a more intuitive approach. Overall, it’s a highly recommended tool for those looking to blend vintage charm with contemporary capabilities.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

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emuemulator2

Perfect recreation

If you can tell by my name, the Emulator II and E-MU line of sampling keyboards are absolutely my favorite sounding keyboards in the world. I've only used the trial, but I can tell that this plugin instantly sounded exact just going through presets and the interface is great as well. When I have the means, I will absolutely be buying this.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

It's best to start with a preset and then use custom layered samples to get the DM sound.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ilan Rubin uses Arturia Emulator II V

Ilan Rubin

Guitarist, Drummer

Foo Fighters

...
Verified via Arturia

On this article and on the Arturia website, Ilan Rubin claimed to use Emulator II V from the Arturia V Collection.

See how So Wylie uses Arturia Emulator II V

So Wylie

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "4 Producers: my FULL music production process!" by So Wylie, at the 3:23 mark, the Arturia Emulator II V software synthesizer is visibly used by the artist.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Arturia Emulator II V, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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