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Description
Step into the world of expressive sound design with the E-mu Morpheus, a groundbreaking addition to any electronic musician's setup. As a part of the esteemed E-mu line, this Z-Plane synthesis engine introduces a new dimension of sonic possibilities. The Morpheus is known for its capacity to twist and transform sounds in ways traditional synthesizers simply can't, offering a unique palette for sound sculptors and artists alike.
This sound module doesn't just replicate instruments; it opens doors to entirely new auditory landscapes. Whether you're crafting ambient soundscapes or driving electronic beats, the Morpheus provides an extensive library of over 300 waveforms, allowing for complex and evolving textures. Its intuitive interface and robust editing capabilities make it a favorite among both studio professionals and live performers.
Equipped with a comprehensive MIDI implementation, the Morpheus integrates seamlessly into your existing setup, ensuring that you can harness its full potential with ease. From seasoned pros to budding enthusiasts, this module captures the imagination with its versatility and depth.
Key Features:
- Z-Plane synthesis engine for advanced sound design capabilities
- Over 300 waveforms for diverse sound creation
- Intuitive interface for easy navigation and editing
- Comprehensive MIDI implementation for seamless integration
- Ideal for both studio and live performance settings
Product specs
| Brand | E-MU Systems |
| Model | Morpheus 32-Voice Z-Plane Synthesizer |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1993 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Digital Synthesizers, Rackmount Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Digital |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through |
| Polyphony | 32 Voices |
FAQs
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What type of synthesis does the E-mu Morpheus use?
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The E-mu Morpheus utilizes Z-Plane synthesis, which allows for dynamic morphing between different filter shapes, providing unique and evolving sound textures.
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How many voices of polyphony does the E-mu Morpheus support?
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The E-mu Morpheus supports 32 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex and layered soundscapes.
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Is the E-mu Morpheus suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the E-mu Morpheus is suitable for live performances, offering a robust rackmount design and versatile MIDI connectivity for integration into various setups.
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Can the E-mu Morpheus be integrated with modern DAWs?
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The E-mu Morpheus can be integrated with modern DAWs via MIDI, providing flexible control and sequencing options for digital audio workstations.
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What is the primary use of the E-mu Morpheus synthesizer?
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The E-mu Morpheus is primarily used for creating dynamic and evolving sounds, making it ideal for musicians and producers looking to add unique textures to their compositions.
Videos
oscillator
𝗘-𝗠𝗨 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗣𝗛𝗘𝗨𝗦 Z-Plane Synthesizer 【Demo】
Reviews
PROS
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Unique Z-plane filters for imaginative sound shaping
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Capable of amazing evolving pads unmatched by others
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Supports deep sound exploration with external editor
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Stands out for unique capabilities amidst 1990s digital synths
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Ideal for sound research, electronica, and soundtracks
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Provides warm and creamy sounds thanks to its filters
CONS
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Stock sounds considered mediocre
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User interface is difficult and unfriendly
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Internal WaveROM is quite small at 8MB
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about E-mu Morpheus.
Features and functionality
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The E-mu Morpheus's Z-plane synthesis allows filters to morph between settings like low-pass and bandpass, offering unique sound design capabilities.
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Use cases and applications
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Z-plane synthesis is particularly noted for its historical use in the Neurofunk Drum'n'Bass scene, highlighting its niche appeal.
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Other
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E-mu's sound fonts, once available through Creative Labs, might still be accessible through unofficial channels online.
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Setup and maintenance
Mods and upgrades
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Replacing the 6-pin op amp, such as an H11L1 or 6N139, might resolve MIDI input issues when the jack assembly replacement fails.
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User experience
Comparisons
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Kontakt is recommended over Emulator X-3 due to better functionality and cost, though it lacks the unique Z-plane filters.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 12 Ratings
41004
very unique
I first learned about this in a Juan Atkins interview. I had seen the name but didn't know how it differed from the other Emu 1RU ROMpler type guys like Planet Phat. Thanks to Juan I bought one to see what the Z-Plane filter was about. I am still not 100% sure what the story is with it exactly, but its way more interesting than other morphing, state variable filters. This thing is capable of some amazing evolving pads that nothing else can do. I dock it one point for the horrible interface.
Its just so un-usable and unfriendly that it was collecting dust and the value kept going up so I sold it.
411
Notes
Another under appreciated musical instruments from the nineties. The powerfulness of Z-Plane filters, although the internal WaveROM is quite small - 8MBs - allows to create lush and strange timbres, useful for sound resarch, electronica and soundtrack genres.
103
One of a Kind
The sounds this unit can do our fantastic and the filters make it sound so warm and creamy. Very hard to find but if you can get one do it!
41004
I thought no one else had one of these but me!!!!!
Artist usage
Add artist
In a 2007 feature by Computer Music, Venetian Snares is shown using the E-mu Morpheus sound module, as depicted in a user-uploaded photo on Bensecret.
In this picture of Kondo's sound studio from 2006, the Morpheus is sitting in the right space in the middle of the rack.
The digital hybrids that came along, like the EMU Morpheus, had some great sounds – really way-out and spacey. Sometimes new machines have sounds that are so unconventional that people are scared to use them.
In the video titled "Hey Good Looking Part 3 of 3" on Vimeo, at around 11:35, LTJ Bukem can be seen with many rack synthesizers in his studio, including the E-mu Morpheus.
"I already have a number of synth modules, many of which I use mainly for specific sounds. The Kurzweil K2500R has got great sounds and is a good all‑round workhorse, while the Korg 01R gets used for more ethereal parts. I've also got a Wavestation SR that has a few interesting textural sounds in it, and to be honest, I've actually named tracks after its patch names! My Emu Morpheus is usually left set to its Vibes patch."
Tim Simenon used the E-mu Morpheus synthesizer in the production of Depeche Mode's "Ultra" album, as discussed on the Gearslutz forum.
The tenth photo shows his studio and is captioned: "Marius de Vries now does most of his programming work in his own room at London's Strongroom studios. The large rack at left contains, from top, Alesis DM Pro drum module, Korg O1R/W sound module, Roland MKS80 Super Jupiter synth with MPG80 programmer, Studio Electronics MIDIMoog synth, two Akai S3200 samplers, Emu Vintage Keys and Morpheus sound modules, Kurzweil K2000R sound module, Roland MKS50 and JV1080 sound modules."
The Synclavier system may be at the heart of the studio, patched through a Soundcraft Sapphyre LC mixer, but that's not it for "MIDI boxes", as Mark refers to them: the studio also accommodates a Roland S760 sampler, Kurzweil MicroPiano module, an Emu Proteus 1, 2 (source of the famous X‑Files whistle, in combination, apparently, with a sample of Snow's wife whistling!) and 3, Emu Morpheus, Korg M1R and Wavestation SR. But these are adjuncts to the core sound produced by the Synclavier and its large library: "I have all these great samples on the Synclavier's magneto drives." Mark doesn't do much sampling of his own: "There are so many sample disks available that I have people transfer them onto Synclavier format." And is there anything else he'd like to add to the studio? "Well, the only thing that means anything to me is new sounds or new combinations of sounds. All I care about is if somebody has a great new sound library. That's what I'm looking for. Since my background is music, rather than electronics and technology, I just know as much as I have to. There are so many other composers who know about sampling rates and all that technical stuff, but none of that really interests me. So apart from new sounds, I could maybe upgrade the RAM and the number of voices on the Synclavier..."
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use E-mu Morpheus, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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