Released commercially in 1984 to huge acclaim, the Emulator II (or EII) was E-mu's second sampler. Like the original Emulator, it was an 8-bit sampler, however it had superior fidelity to the Emulator due to the use of digital companding and a 27.7 kHz sample rate. It also allowed more flexibility in editing and shaping sounds, as resonant analog filters were added. The EII also had vastly better real time control. It was priced similarly to the original Emulator, at US$7,995 for a regular model, and $9,995 for a 'plus' model featuring extra sample memory. Several upgrades, including a second floppy drive, a 20 MB hard drive, and a 512K memory upgrade were also available. Despite its price tag it was still considered very good value compared to the Fairlight CMI Series II, which, when first released, was priced at $30,000.

Product specs

FAQs

Is the E-Mu Emulator II polyphonic, and how many voices does it support?

The E-Mu Emulator II is polyphonic and supports up to 8 voices, allowing you to play multiple notes simultaneously for richer, more complex sounds.

What type of sampling capabilities does the E-Mu Emulator II offer?

The E-Mu Emulator II is an 8-bit sampler workstation that allows you to sample and manipulate sounds, providing flexibility for creative sound design.

Does the E-Mu Emulator II have MIDI connectivity?

Yes, the E-Mu Emulator II features both MIDI input and output, enabling it to connect with other MIDI-compatible devices for expanded performance and recording options.

What is the keyboard action like on the E-Mu Emulator II?

The E-Mu Emulator II features a synth action keyboard, offering a responsive and smooth playing experience suitable for various styles and techniques.

Can the E-Mu Emulator II be used for live performances?

Yes, the E-Mu Emulator II is designed for both studio and live performance settings, with its robust sampling capabilities and MIDI connectivity making it versatile for different musical applications.