Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $1,275

High-end/Boutique

$200

$801+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Experience the future of sound with the E-MU Orbit 3, a synthesizer crafted for creativity and innovation. This powerhouse sound module offers an impressive library of sounds that cater to a diverse range of musical genres. Whether you're producing electronic music, hip-hop, or ambient tracks, the Orbit 3 has something for everyone. Its intuitive interface ensures that both beginners and seasoned musicians can easily navigate its features, making it an excellent addition to any studio setup.

At the heart of the E-MU Orbit 3 is the legendary E-MU sound engine, renowned for its rich, dynamic tones and versatile capabilities. This sound module is equipped with over 1,000 presets, providing a comprehensive palette of sonic possibilities. The Orbit 3 also incorporates a robust selection of drum kits, making it a one-stop solution for both melodic and rhythmic needs.

In addition to its extensive sound library, the Orbit 3 offers advanced modulation options, allowing users to shape and sculpt sounds with precision. Its MIDI compatibility ensures seamless integration with other equipment, enhancing your production workflow. The 48-voice polyphony allows for complex compositions without compromise, enabling you to layer sounds and create intricate arrangements effortlessly.

Key Features:

  • Over 1,000 presets covering a wide range of genres
  • 48-voice polyphony for complex compositions
  • E-MU sound engine for high-quality, dynamic tones
  • Advanced modulation capabilities for sound customization
  • Extensive selection of drum kits included
  • MIDI compatibility for easy integration with other gear
  • User-friendly interface suitable for all experience levels

Product specs

Brand E-MU Systems
Model Orbit-3 Rackmount 128-Voice Super Synth
Finish Yellow
Year 2001
Categories Digital Synthesizers, Rackmount Synths
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Polyphony 128 Voices

FAQs

What kind of sounds can I expect from the E-MU Orbit 3 synthesizer?

The E-MU Orbit 3 synthesizer is known for its extensive collection of dance and electronic music sounds, featuring a wide array of synth leads, basses, pads, and drum kits perfect for genres like techno, house, and trance.

Is the E-MU Orbit 3 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the E-MU Orbit 3 is well-suited for live performances due to its robust sound engine, 128-voice polyphony, and comprehensive MIDI implementation that allows for seamless integration with other gear.

How does the E-MU Orbit 3 connect with other MIDI devices?

The E-MU Orbit 3 features MIDI Input, Output, and Through ports, enabling it to easily connect with other MIDI devices for synchronized performance and control.

Can the E-MU Orbit 3 be used as a standalone synthesizer?

The E-MU Orbit 3 is a rackmount synthesizer module, meaning it requires an external MIDI controller or sequencer to trigger its sounds, as it does not have a built-in keyboard.

What is the polyphony capability of the E-MU Orbit 3?

The E-MU Orbit 3 offers 128-voice polyphony, allowing for complex layering of sounds and rich, intricate musical arrangements without note dropouts.

heikkiwi

heikkiwi

EMU Orbit 3 Demo Songs

Video thumbnail for EMU Orbit 3 Demo Songs by heikkiwi

EMU Orbit 3 Demo Songs

heikkiwi

heikkiwi

Video thumbnail for E-MU ORBIT-3 / BEAT GARDEN ROM - BANK 0 PRESET DEMO by EMU Mania

E-MU ORBIT-3 / BEAT GARDEN ROM - BANK 0 PRESET DEMO

EMU Mania

EMU Mania

Video thumbnail for E-MU ORBIT-3 / TSCY ROM - BANK 0 PRESET DEMO by EMU Mania

E-MU ORBIT-3 / TSCY ROM - BANK 0 PRESET DEMO

EMU Mania

EMU Mania

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about E-MU Orbit 3.

Comparisons

  • The Orbit-3's presets can sound quite different on the Emulator X3 VST compared to the hardware, indicating significant tonal variation between software and hardware versions.

    Source
  • Differences in sound may arise from two circulating ROM versions, TSCY and Beat Garden, affecting how presets are perceived and used.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Orbit-3 features 4 SIMM slots, similar to the Proteus 2000, allowing for considerable expansion and customization of sound capabilities.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Orbit-3's soundbank has been utilized in popular video games like Metroid Prime, showcasing its relevance in the gaming industry for authentic sound design.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Display issues may stem from internal ribbon cable problems; replacing the display is possible if you have soldering skills.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Some users suggest reinstalling firmware to address display issues, though it is unclear if this is feasible with the Orbit 3.

    Source

Build quality

  • The display malfunction can resemble issues seen in cellphones, such as persistent vertical pixel lines due to ribbon cable faults.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Daft Punk uses E-MU Orbit 3

Daft Punk

Music Producer

...
Verified

While listing their main synths in a 2001 interview about Discovery, the 3 gets listed.

See how Neil Tennant uses E-MU Orbit 3

Neil Tennant

Singer

Pet Shop Boys

...
Verified via Geowayne

listed 13th down in this gear listing for PSB

Album Usage

The E-MU Orbit 3 has been featured on the following albums:

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 Orbit 3, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Korg M1
Korg M1 Synthesizers
1
E-Mu Emulator I
E-Mu Emulator I Synthesizers
1
ARP 2600
ARP 2600 Synthesizers
1
Korg KAOSS Pad 3
Korg KAOSS Pad 3 Audio Samplers
1
Korg MicroKORG
Korg MicroKORG Synthesizers
1
Alesis DM5
Alesis DM5 Triggers
1
E-Mu Planet Phatt
E-Mu Planet Phatt Synthesizers & Sound Modules
1

More E-Mu Sound Modules

Roland Integra 7

$1,250.00 - $1,999.99

# 3

Rank

Noisia Noah "40" Shebib Zaytoven
14 artists using

Community setups

Similar