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Description

The Virtuoso 2000 is a 128-voice orchestral sound module with over 64 MB of sounds - an entire orchestra in a single rack space! Featuring the "Orchestral Session" soundsets 1&2 from E-mu, the sounds are great and they include violins, violas, celli, double basses, trumpets, French horns, trombones, bass trombones, tubas, piccolos, flutes, oboes, English horn, clarinets, bass clarinets, bassoons, contra bassoons, harp, orchestral bells, tubular bells, bell trees, celeste, xylophone, marimba and a percussion battery with over 20 instruments! With 128 voices, 32 MIDI channels, lightning-fast MIDI response and over 1,000 sounds you can create the largest of orchestral ensembles!

Additional professional features worth mentioning include the twelve assignable real-time front panel controls, six analog outputs plus an S/PDIF digital output, two additional internal ROM expansion slots, ability to play back Flash ROMs authored on E4 Ultra Samplers and an advanced synthesis architecture based on the Proteus 2000. The Virtuoso 2000 is likely the best all-in-one orchestral sound module ever!

Every one of these ships with one 32 MB sound-set, but are expandable up to 128 MB via three additional slots for 32 MB expansion cards. These cards include (ranging from $249 to $395):

Product specs

Brand E-MU Systems
Model Virtuoso 2000 Rackmount 128-Voice Virtual Orchestra
Finish Silver
Year 2000
Categories Digital Synthesizers, Rackmount Synths
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Polyphony 128 Voices

FAQs

What type of sounds can I expect from the E-MU Virtuoso 2000?

The E-MU Virtuoso 2000 is designed to provide a wide range of orchestral sounds, including strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion, making it ideal for composers looking for realistic orchestral textures.

Is the E-MU Virtuoso 2000 compatible with modern MIDI setups?

Yes, the E-MU Virtuoso 2000 features MIDI Input, Output, and Through, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with modern MIDI setups for live performance or studio use.

How many voices of polyphony does the E-MU Virtuoso 2000 support?

The E-MU Virtuoso 2000 supports up to 128 voices of polyphony, enabling complex and layered compositions without note dropouts.

Can the E-MU Virtuoso 2000 be used for live performances?

Yes, with its rackmount design and extensive orchestral sound library, the E-MU Virtuoso 2000 is well-suited for live performances, particularly for musicians needing high-quality orchestral sounds.

What are the main connectivity options for the E-MU Virtuoso 2000?

The E-MU Virtuoso 2000 offers MIDI Input, Output, and Through connections, facilitating easy integration with other MIDI-compatible gear in both studio and live environments.

Pedro Castillo

Pedro Castillo

DEMO E mu Virtuoso 2000

Video thumbnail for DEMO E mu Virtuoso 2000 by Pedro Castillo

DEMO E mu Virtuoso 2000

Pedro Castillo

Pedro Castillo

Video thumbnail for E-mu Virtuoso 2000 by Mark Barlow

E-mu Virtuoso 2000

Mark Barlow

Mark Barlow

Video thumbnail for E-MU ORCHESTRAL SESSIONS VOL. 1 ROM / VIRTUOSO 2000 - BANK 0 PRESET DEMO by EMU Mania

E-MU ORCHESTRAL SESSIONS VOL. 1 ROM / VIRTUOSO 2000 - 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 Virtuoso 2000.

Features and functionality

  • The Proteus 2000 features a complex mod matrix and wild filters, but lacks structures for filter series, suggesting using external filters for smoother sound transitions.

    Source
  • Customizable crossfades between layers allow up to 12 layers per note, enabling complex and rich soundscapes.

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  • The Virtuoso 2000 is praised for its capability to edit every single layer simultaneously, simplifying sound customization significantly for complex patches.

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  • The Mo’Phatt module is noted for its exceptional sub-bass capabilities, capable of producing low-end sounds that can physically rattle a room.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Edisyn's free Proteus 2000 editor significantly enhances programming accessibility, offering an alternative to the challenging front-panel interface.

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  • The Proteus 2000 supports dual MIDI inputs and outputs, increasing flexibility in setups involving multiple controllers or sequencers.

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  • The Proteus family supports SysEx for preset recall, which can be crucial for managing complex patches and setups efficiently.

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Mods and upgrades

  • The "Protozoa" ROM expansion includes presets from earlier Proteus models, adding significant sound variety to the Proteus 2000.

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  • Owners are exploring ways to reverse engineer and create custom flash ROMs, potentially allowing for new sample additions via USB, enhancing sound versatility.

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User experience

  • Owners appreciate the Proteus 2000's Multi mode for song setup, highlighting a feature often missing in modern gear.

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  • The Proteus 2000 series is often described as having a 3D sound presence with a solid, three-dimensional sound image and impressive pitch-shifting technology.

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Value and pricing

  • Proteus 2000 is noted for its affordability compared to newer gear like the Microfreak, offering a cost-effective alternative with multitimbral capabilities.

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  • There's a noted volatility in pricing for E-Mu modules, making them sometimes difficult to acquire at reasonable prices, despite their increasing popularity in the used market.

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Use cases and applications

  • The Proteus 2000's sound character evokes nostalgia, reminiscent of PlayStation 1 soundtracks, appealing to those seeking vintage digital timbres.

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  • Hip-hop producers value E-Mu modules for their unique character and ability to blend well in mixes, adding a distinctive flair to modern beats.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Emu Systems Virtuoso 2000

soundonsound.com

The E-MU Virtuoso 2000 impresses with its high-quality samples and versatility, making it a compelling choice for composers seeking a dedicated orchestral module without the hassle of extensive sampling. The string ensembles, harps, and percussion are particularly praised for their realism and depth. However, the lack of true brass ensembles and some weak solo instrument attacks are notable shortcomings. While the module's mono samples may deter purists, its built-in effects and expandability offer ample creative potential. Despite some compromises, the Virtuoso 2000 stands out as a valuable tool for both studio and live performances.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Trent Reznor uses E-MU Virtuoso 2000

Trent Reznor

Singer, Guitarist

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via YouTube

At 4:19 in the video, the Virtuoso 2000 is discernible on top of the rack behind Trent.

See how Billy Corgan uses E-MU Virtuoso 2000

Billy Corgan

Singer, Guitarist

The Smashing Pumpkins

...
Verified via reverb.com

The E-MU Virtuoso 2000 is confirmed to be owned by Billy Corgan, as evidenced by its listing on Reverb.com.

See how Venetian Snares uses E-MU Virtuoso 2000

Venetian Snares

Music Producer

Speed Dealer Moms

...
Verified via Photo

This is one of many pieces of gear listed in a 2007 Computer Music feature on Venetian Snares.

See how ATB uses E-MU Virtuoso 2000

ATB

Music Producer

ATB with Heather Nova

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video at 0:43 we can see E-MU Virtuoso 2000

See how Skee Mask uses E-MU Virtuoso 2000

Skee Mask

Music Producer

...
Verified via Twitter

In response to a tweet that said "Show me a picture on your phone that has your energy. Not a selfie." Skee quoted tweeted with his rackmount setup.

See how Yuki Kajiura uses E-MU Virtuoso 2000

Yuki Kajiura

Composer

Kalafina

...
Verified via YouTube

Spotted in interview in the background.

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 Virtuoso 2000, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1
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1
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1
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Community setups

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