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Description
The E-Mu Emulator I is a trailblazing digital sampler synthesizer that has left a lasting mark on the world of electronic music. Released in 1981, this iconic instrument was one of the first to bring digital sampling to a broader audience. Its 8-bit sampling capability allowed musicians to capture and manipulate real-world sounds in innovative ways, paving the way for countless musical possibilities. With a straightforward interface and a unique approach to sound design, the Emulator I became a favorite among musicians and producers seeking to push the boundaries of creativity.
The Emulator I features a 4-octave keyboard and is renowned for its distinctive sonic character, often described as warm and gritty, which is a staple in many classic tracks. Its onboard floppy disk drive allowed users to store and recall samples with ease, making it a powerful tool in the studio and on stage. Despite being a vintage piece of technology, the Emulator I's charm and functionality continue to captivate artists who appreciate the roots of digital sampling.
Key Features:
- 4-octave keyboard for versatile playability
- 8-bit sampling with a rich, vintage sound quality
- Built-in 5.25" floppy disk drive for sample storage and retrieval
- Straightforward interface for easy sample manipulation
- Polyphonic capabilities with up to 8 voices
- Classic design that remains influential in electronic music production
Product specs
| Brand | E-MU Systems |
| Model | Emulator 49-Key 8-Voice Sampler Workstation |
| Finish | Blue / Black |
| Year | 1981 - 1983 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Samplers, Workstation Keyboards |
| Analog / Digital | Digital |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Synth Action |
| Number of Keys | 49 Keys |
| Polyphony | 8 Voices |
FAQs
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What is the polyphony of the E-Mu Emulator I?
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The E-Mu Emulator I features an 8-voice polyphony, allowing you to play up to eight notes simultaneously.
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Is the E-Mu Emulator I a digital or analog synthesizer?
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The E-Mu Emulator I is a digital synthesizer, known for its sampling capabilities and digital sound processing.
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How many keys does the E-Mu Emulator I have?
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The E-Mu Emulator I is equipped with a 49-key full-size keyboard, offering a synth action feel.
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What year was the E-Mu Emulator I released?
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The E-Mu Emulator I was released between 1981 and 1983, marking it as an early digital sampler in the music industry.
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What are the primary categories of the E-Mu Emulator I?
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The E-Mu Emulator I falls under the categories of samplers and workstation keyboards, highlighting its capabilities in sampling and sound manipulation.
Videos
MuStudio
E-mu - Emulator I
Reviews
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Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings
Artist usage
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The word "Emulator" can be seen on the back of one of Martin Gore's keyboards in this picture.
Robin Guthrie's use of the E-Mu Emulator I is confirmed in an article from One Two Testing (November 1984), titled "Coctale." Guthrie discusses the keyboard, noting, "The Emulator we were using was MIDI'd," which suggests that the original Emulator used was the midiless Emulator I, later upgraded to include MIDI functionality.
On the 1983 single Tour de France, a pre-production E-Mu Emulator sampler provided the Pentatonic Harp Glissando and Slap Bass sounds.
In this image, found on Vangelis' website, taken at Nemo Studios, one can see some the equipment used by Vangelis, including an E-Mu Emulator I.
Ryuichi Sakamoto used the E-Mu Emulator I during Yellow Magic Orchestra's winter 1981 tour, as shown in a user-uploaded photo on Geocities.
The lush pad on “P.Y.T.” (after Michael sings “I’ll take you there . . .”). It sounds multitracked, but really, it’s not. It’s a singletrack sample of Michael Jackson’s voice, done on an E-mu Emulator I — serial number 1, in fact! We then used this mode the Emulator had where you could sample the sound twice, then detune one of the voices while in “unison” mode. It was recorded with lots of top end added, and Bruce Swedien’s special reverb known as “spit.” Quincy Jones would say, “Sven, put some spit on it!”
"The [Yamaha] DX-7 as well. The DX-7 was more Invisible Touch where you get the much more percussive sort of sounds. Of course, the sampling instruments that started to come in. I started to use the [E-mu] Emulator III. I think that was Mama as well, as I think about it. We just sort of sampled everything around the place to see what sort of effects it had. I do think the instruments did affect the writing quite a bit. I do think when you go back and hear the sounds, I do love the sort of fat synths."
Source: http://www.worldofgenesis.com/TonyBanks-Interview2009-part2.htm
Stewart Copeland can be seen next to an Emulator I in this photo from Home Studio Recording magazine issue, published December 1983
Alan Wilder can be seen playing an E-Mu Emulator I sampler, as evidenced by an image showing him using the instrument. This sampler, introduced in 1981, was utilized by Depeche Mode starting with their album Construction Time Again and was also favored by band member Martin Gore.
"I will say that I'm constantly changing my rig, but the most common, long-lasting staples from the beginning that I have been using are the E-mu samplers, which I've been using since their very first E-I, the Macintosh, which I've used since the Jurassic version, and Mark of the Unicorn Performer, which I've used since its earliest incarnation. My extensive personal sample library of percussion is all laid out for the Emulators, but recently I began converting some of that library to use on the Gigastudio as well."
Album Usage
The E-Mu Emulator I has been featured on the following albums:
Tour de France 2003
Kraftwerk & Kraftwerk (2003)
Calling All Stations (2007 Remaster)
Genesis (1997)
Air Liquide
Air Liquide (1994)
We Can't Dance (2007 Remaster)
Genesis (1991)
Dark At The End Of The Tunnel
Oingo Boingo (1990)
Ey!
Fito Páez (1988)
Invisible Touch (2007 Remaster)
Genesis (1986)
Junk Culture
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (1984)
The Terminator (Original Soundtrack Album)
Brad Fiedel (1984)
Tunes Of Two Cities
The Residents (1982)
Mark Of The Mole
The Residents (1981)
Violent Love
Oingo Boingo (1980)
Philharmony
Haruomi Hosono (1978)
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 E-Mu Emulator I, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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