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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

What type of synthesis does the E-mu Morpheus use?

The E-mu Morpheus utilizes Z-Plane synthesis, which allows for dynamic morphing between different filter shapes, providing unique and evolving sound textures.

How many voices of polyphony does the E-mu Morpheus support?

The E-mu Morpheus supports 32 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex and layered soundscapes.

Is the E-mu Morpheus suitable for live performances?

Yes, the E-mu Morpheus is suitable for live performances, offering a robust rackmount design and versatile MIDI connectivity for integration into various setups.

Can the E-mu Morpheus be integrated with modern DAWs?

The E-mu Morpheus can be integrated with modern DAWs via MIDI, providing flexible control and sequencing options for digital audio workstations.

What is the primary use of the E-mu Morpheus synthesizer?

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.

oscillator

oscillator

𝗘-𝗠𝗨 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗣𝗛𝗘𝗨𝗦 Z-Plane Synthesizer 【Demo】

Video thumbnail for 𝗘-𝗠𝗨 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗣𝗛𝗘𝗨𝗦 Z-Plane Synthesizer 【Demo】 by oscillator

𝗘-𝗠𝗨 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗣𝗛𝗘𝗨𝗦 Z-Plane Synthesizer 【Demo】

oscillator

oscillator

Video thumbnail for E-Mu Morpheus Z-Plane Synthesizer Demo by stuthomson

E-Mu Morpheus Z-Plane Synthesizer Demo

stuthomson

stuthomson

Video thumbnail for E-MU MORPHEUS "Morphing Worlds" Soundset【Demo】 by LFOstore

E-MU MORPHEUS "Morphing Worlds" Soundset【Demo】

LFOstore

LFOstore

Video thumbnail for E-Mu Morpheus Z-Plane Synth Quick Run Through of Sounds by Electric Denim Studios

E-Mu Morpheus Z-Plane Synth Quick Run Through of Sounds

Electric Denim Studios

Electric Denim Studios

Video thumbnail for Best Ambient Synth Shootout #30: E-MU Morpheus - Song 1 by Christian's Sonic Spaces

Best Ambient Synth Shootout #30: E-MU Morpheus - Song 1

Christian's Sonic Spaces

Christian's Sonic Spaces

Video thumbnail for E-mu Morpheus - Fixing the legendary synth. by Musician Paradise

E-mu Morpheus - Fixing the legendary synth.

Musician Paradise

Musician Paradise

Video thumbnail for E-MU MORPHEUS - BANK 0 PRESET DEMO by EMU Mania

E-MU MORPHEUS - BANK 0 PRESET DEMO

EMU Mania

EMU Mania

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique Z-plane filters for imaginative sound shaping

  • Capable of amazing evolving pads unmatched by others

  • Supports deep sound exploration with external editor

  • Stands out for unique capabilities amidst 1990s digital synths

  • Ideal for sound research, electronica, and soundtracks

  • Provides warm and creamy sounds thanks to its filters

CONS

  • Stock sounds considered mediocre

  • User interface is difficult and unfriendly

  • 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

  • The E-mu Morpheus's Z-plane synthesis allows filters to morph between settings like low-pass and bandpass, offering unique sound design capabilities.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Z-plane synthesis is particularly noted for its historical use in the Neurofunk Drum'n'Bass scene, highlighting its niche appeal.

    Source

Other

  • E-mu's sound fonts, once available through Creative Labs, might still be accessible through unofficial channels online.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The E-mu Morpheus may experience MIDI issues despite having a new battery and initialized settings, suggesting potential internal hardware faults.

    Source
  • It's essential to verify MIDI channel matching and MIDI volume settings, as mismatches can mimic hardware failure.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing the 6-pin op amp, such as an H11L1 or 6N139, might resolve MIDI input issues when the jack assembly replacement fails.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite MIDI issues, the Morpheus can still output sound through the headphone and mono output jacks in demo mode, indicating that other functions remain operational.

    Source
  • The Emulator X-3 offers full sampler functionality but is criticized for its high price and user interface issues.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Kontakt is recommended over Emulator X-3 due to better functionality and cost, though it lacks the unique Z-plane filters.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Proteus VX is noted for its poor user experience despite containing many sounds from the Proteus 2000 and its expansions.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 12 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jimmarchi1

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.

wavesequence

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.

pureambientdrone

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!

jimmarchi1

I thought no one else had one of these but me!!!!!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Mark Morgan uses E-mu Morpheus

Mark Morgan

Music Producer

Jefferson Starship

...
Verified

"At the time I was using a NED Synclavier as my workstation controlling a few midi synths and modules like a Nord 2, Virus, PPG 2.3, Jupiter 6 and a rackmount synth called a Morpheus by EMU. The Morpheus, like a lot of the rackmount modules in the ‘90s, had this little screen with tons of pages to figure out which made programming painful, but once I figured out the programming architecture it yielded some interesting clangy metal sounds and some strange ambiences, which became a big part of the palette and sound of Fallout."

See how Seismal D uses E-mu Morpheus

Seismal D

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Photos taken by Hypnos Studio of Seismal D

See how Josh Mancell uses E-mu Morpheus

Josh Mancell

Drummer, Keyboardist

The Wipeouters

...
Verified via Photo

When asked in regards to the modules Josh used on Crash Bandicoot, he said he used a Proteus/1, 2, and 3, Pro-cussion, Vintage Keys, Morpheus, and the Carnaval. Recalls all of them being the standard version. Later replaced either a Proteus/1 or 2 with a Proteus 2000.

P

Pete Namlook

Music Producer

Pete Namlook & Richie Hawtin

...
Verified via Sound On Sound

According to an article in Sound on Sound, Pete Namlook has an E-Mu Morpheus.

See how Michael Münzing uses E-mu Morpheus

Michael Münzing

Composer, Music Producer

Snap!

...
Verified via Muzines

Source: Interview with Michael Münzing and Luca Anzilotti about SNAP! mu:zines.co.uk - 1994: https://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/snap-to-tomorrow/8245

See how Colin Towns uses E-mu Morpheus

Colin Towns

Composer

Gillan

...
Verified via Soundonsound

"The Morpheus is alright, but I don't really like electronic noises. I did something recently where I had to come up with stacks of radio tracks — pop stuff — so I used it for that. It probably sounds rude to some people but you can knock up that kind of material in 10 minutes, just using loops and stuff. The Morpheus is quite useful for washy noises for those sort of things."

See how Paul Robb uses E-mu Morpheus

Paul Robb

Keyboardist, Composer

Information Society

...
Verified via Mixonline

Included in his studio are synthesizers such as the Roland MKS-70, two MKS-50s, a MKS-80 and D-50; Yamaha TX-81Z; four Oberheim Matrix 1000s, E-mu Orbit and Morpheus, and a Casio VZ-10M. Sample players include Kurzweil 1000AX+, Roland U-110, Oberheim DPX-1, E-mu Proformance Piano and Proteus (as well as the Proteus 2 and 3), Alesis NanoBass and samplers, including a Casio FZ-10M, two Akai S-1000s and three Akai CD-3000s. He also turns to E-mu Procussion, Roland R-8M, Alesis DM-5, Roland BD-1 and a Roland SPD-11 for drum sounds.

See how Tony Bernetich uses E-mu Morpheus

Tony Bernetich

Composer

...
Verified via Photo

Composer Tony Bernetich has confirmed his use of the E-mu Morpheus sound module by stating, "I had a bunch of Proteus equipment including both I and II plus a Morpheus and a drum and dedicated piano module." This statement, as seen in the provided image, serves as proof of his use of this specific piece of equipment.

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 Morpheus, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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E-mu Orbit 9090 Synthesizers
4
Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter
Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter Synthesizers & Sound Modules
4
Akai CD 3000
Akai CD 3000 Audio Samplers
4
Akai S1000
Akai S1000 Audio Samplers
3

Community setups

Show yours
rettervondunkel

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Gear IQ 770

orcasynth

orcasynth

Gear IQ 571

orcasynth

orcasynth

Gear IQ 571

rettervondunkel

rettervondunkel

Gear IQ 770

andrewlagowski

andrewlagowski

Gear IQ 210

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