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Average Price: $413
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Description
The E-mu Orbit 9090 is a celebrated gem among electronic musicians and sound designers, renowned for its unique sound palette inspired by classic dance and techno. This rackmount sound module brings to your studio an array of world-class sounds that defined the 90s music scene, making it an indispensable tool for producers seeking authentic retro vibes.
Equipped with over 1000 preset patches, the Orbit 9090 offers an impressive library of diverse sounds spanning from lush pads to punchy basses, and everything in between. Whether you're crafting a new track or adding layers to a live performance, the rich and dynamic soundscape of this module will elevate your work.
The module's intuitive interface allows for seamless navigation and customization, ensuring you have the control you need to manipulate and refine your sound. Its MIDI compatibility makes it easy to integrate into any modern setup, allowing for expanded creativity and experimentation. With the E-mu Orbit 9090, you're not just acquiring a synth module; you're unlocking a piece of electronic music history.
Key Features:
- Over 1000 preset patches inspired by 90s dance and techno
- Rich and diverse sound palette including pads, basses, and leads
- Intuitive interface for easy navigation and sound manipulation
- Full MIDI compatibility for seamless integration with modern setups
- Classic E-mu sound, renowned for its depth and clarity
Product specs
| Brand | E-MU Systems |
| Model | Orbit 9090 V1 'The Dance Planet' Rackmount 32-Voice Synthesizer |
| Finish | Yellow |
| Year | 1996 |
| 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 music is the E-mu Orbit 9090 best suited for?
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The E-mu Orbit 9090 is designed for electronic dance music, featuring a wide array of dance-oriented sounds and presets that cater to genres like techno, house, and trance.
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How many voices of polyphony does the E-mu Orbit 9090 offer?
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The E-mu Orbit 9090 provides 32 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex layering and sequencing in your compositions.
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What are the MIDI connectivity options for the E-mu Orbit 9090?
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The E-mu Orbit 9090 includes MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and MIDI Through, enabling seamless integration with other MIDI-compatible equipment.
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Is the E-mu Orbit 9090 a digital or analog synthesizer?
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The E-mu Orbit 9090 is a digital synthesizer, utilizing digital sound processing to generate its wide range of tones and textures.
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Does the E-mu Orbit 9090 require an external controller to play?
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Yes, the E-mu Orbit 9090 is a rackmount module that requires an external MIDI controller or sequencer to trigger its sounds.
Videos
AudioPilz
Bad Gear - E-MU Orbit 9090
Bad Gear - E-MU Orbit 9090
AudioPilz
E-MU ORBIT 9090 THE DANCE PLANET 20 PATTERNS 1996 HD
Microesfera
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about E-mu Orbit 9090.
Software and compatibility
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Sounddiver adaption issues occur specifically with the E-Mu Orbit 9090, despite functioning MIDI connections and other synths working fine with the software.
Source -
OrbEdit software works without issues for editing the E-Mu Orbit 9090, contrasting with Sounddiver's non-cooperation, indicating possible software compatibility nuances.
Source
User experience
4.5 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 24 Ratings
569
ITS SO SHINY
Photos don't quite capture its magnificence. I thought it was going to be bright yellow but upon unboxing mine I saw it for what it truly is: GOLD!
I bought for the pads and I didn't plan on editing any of the presets but I got curious because this is my first E-MU so I just had to cursor around the 2 line LCD and menu dive a bit and I found out really quickly that editing is simple to do! I wish my TR-Rack had that much thought put into its front panel.
407
90s Techno Magic
This thing has some very iconic 90s style bass/synth stabs. Its great as a module synced via MIDI Thru/IN for layering with other modules and equally cool as feeding MIDI out from a sequencer.
641
Versatile synth module for Detroit techno and deep house sounds
Nice Synth module for those Detroit Techno sounds also nice for deep house
Artist usage
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Additional geek note: That E-Mu Orbit [9090] was a present from my dear Daft robots. They used it to produce •Oh Yeah• on their first album
"I've only had this about three days... I must admit the drums are good -- with most sound modules you never get good drums, do you? I haven't really got into programming it yet though." (1996)
In this video at 0:43 we can see E-mu Orbit 9090
In a MusicTech interview, Berlin house producer Cinthie mentions her use of the E-mu Orbit 9090, describing it as a standout piece in her collection of vintage synthesizers.
This image from her personal Facebook page shows the Orbit along with other rackmount hardware in her studio.
"Thank you! I often layer my sounds with different complementary synths. If memory serves correctly, the chords were from mainly Yamaha SY99 with a touch of Roland JD800 and EMU Orbit. (I still have my SY99 and still love it) These days you could probably do it in Omnisphere!:
Emu module used on Echo Us recordings from 2005-2020
In this photo taken in Mike's studio a E-mu Orbit 9090 is seen on the left rack.
In this video at 0:48 we can see E-mu Orbit 9090
The Orbit was used by Franny during live performances with Space in 1998.
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At 8:26 in this 1996 documentary for Dutch TV, you can see an Emu Orbit sitting in the rack of the home studio these two used. You can make out the word "Orbit" in large print on the left hand side of the unit, and the knobs and switches also line up with the layout of the original (first run) Orbit 9090 units.
It might seem shocking that these experts of sampled sounds would own an item that is so tacky by today's standards, but sampler ROM space was really limited back then, and the Orbit contained a ton of the type of pad sounds popular in jungle/drum'n'bass production at the time. Emu was also a very respected brand at the time (still is, RIP).
Album Usage
The E-mu Orbit 9090 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 9090, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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