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Description

The E-Mu E4XT Ultra is a powerhouse in the realm of audio samplers, revered by DJs and producers for its robust performance and versatility. At the heart of this sampling marvel is the 32-bit RISC processor, delivering swift and efficient audio processing that can handle the most demanding tasks with ease. Designed for those who demand precision, the E4XT Ultra offers an extensive range of sampling capabilities that make it a staple in both studio and live settings.

This sampler is equipped with a generous 128-voice polyphony, allowing complex layering and intricate sound design without compromise. With 128 MB of RAM, it provides ample space to store and manipulate samples, giving you the freedom to explore creative possibilities without technical limitations. The integrated 16-bit stereo effects unit enhances your sound with professional-grade effects, ensuring each note resonates with clarity and impact. Its intuitive interface and comprehensive editing tools make it accessible to both seasoned professionals and aspiring artists.

The E-Mu E4XT Ultra stands out with its SCSI interface, enabling fast data storage and transfer, which is essential for seamless workflow integration. Whether you're crafting beats, designing soundscapes, or performing live, this sampler is engineered to meet the highest standards of audio production.

Key Features:

  • 32-bit RISC processor for high-speed audio processing
  • 128-voice polyphony for intricate sound layering
  • 128 MB RAM for extensive sample storage
  • 16-bit stereo effects unit for professional-grade sound enhancement
  • SCSI interface for fast data transfer
  • Intuitive interface with comprehensive editing tools
Architecture

Architecture

Emu E4XT Ultra (With RFX32) Atmospheric Jungle

Video thumbnail for Emu E4XT Ultra (With RFX32) Atmospheric Jungle by Architecture

Emu E4XT Ultra (With RFX32) Atmospheric Jungle

Architecture

Architecture

Video thumbnail for EMU E4XT Ultra  /  Z-Plane Filter / going through by MossPrinten

EMU E4XT Ultra / Z-Plane Filter / going through

MossPrinten

MossPrinten

Video thumbnail for EMU EMULATOR E4XT ULTRA Sampler Performance by Futago Sounds

EMU EMULATOR E4XT ULTRA Sampler Performance

Futago Sounds

Futago Sounds

Video thumbnail for (Dreams) Emu E4XT Ultra Atmospheric Jungle 3 by Architecture

(Dreams) Emu E4XT Ultra Atmospheric Jungle 3

Architecture

Architecture

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about E-Mu E4XT Ultra.

Features and functionality

  • The E-Mu E4XT Ultra can handle large sample libraries, with one user utilizing an IDE HDD filled with 18GB of Emu sound libraries.

    Source
  • The E-Mu E4XT Ultra features the RFX32 effects card, which enhances functionality with EOS Reverb and EQ settings for complex sound design.

    Source
  • The RFX32 card includes 12 effect buses and a 16-channel internal mixer, enhancing the sampler's live processing capabilities, especially with Z-Plane filters.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners have replaced the original SCSI drives with larger IDE HDDs, like a 120GB one, to increase storage capacity for sample libraries.

    Source
  • Running the latest EOS beta version unlocks additional features like a compressor, improving the sampler's overall functionality.

    Source

User experience

  • The E4XT Ultra's workflow is described as cryptic by those accustomed to Akai samplers, but its filters are highly praised for their depth and quality.

    Source
  • Owners noted complex SCSI chain setups were necessary, requiring specific configurations like shared IDs and simultaneous power-up for reliable operation.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The sampler excels in creating percussion sounds, with users leveraging it for techno tracks by utilizing collections like the Dance 2000 sample library.

    Source
  • The sampler is praised for its depth in sample manipulation, making it ideal for creating complex atmospheric jungle tracks.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to Akai samplers, the E4XT Ultra offers a different user interface experience, appealing to users who desire unique sound shaping through its filters.

    Source
  • Some owners find it easier to navigate the E4XT Ultra compared to older models like the e6400, due to its ability to load WAV files.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Users manage the E4XT Ultra with EOSLink and ZoeOS software, optimizing sampler management and integration with older systems like Windows XP.

    Source
  • The EOS 4.70 update supports FAT drives, which provides greater compatibility and ease of use with modern storage solutions.

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Other

  • The sampler's Z-Plane filters, though not always used, are mentioned as providing extensive sound-shaping capabilities for genres like Drum and Bass.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Using an ASCII keyboard for patch naming is praised by users for its convenience, a feature missing in many modern synths.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Emu E4XT Ultra

soundonsound.com

The E-Mu E4XT Ultra is a powerhouse sampler that doubles as a synthesizer and sequencer, boasting impressive 128-voice polyphony, versatile filters, and expansive connectivity options. Its 32-bit processor tightens MIDI timing, making it a top contender against Akai's S6000. However, its complex effects routing in multi-mode may puzzle some users initially, and the absence of an integral CD-ROM drive feels like a missed opportunity. Despite these quirks, the E4XT Ultra's sound quality and sampling prowess make it a valuable tool for serious musicians willing to invest time in mastering its extensive features.

positive

Feature: EMU 4XT Ultra @ SonicState.com

sonicstate.com

The E-Mu E4XT Ultra is lauded for its robust build, mature OS, and extensive feature list, making it an exceptional choice for serious samplers. It offers 128-voice polyphony and impressive connectivity options, ensuring it suits a professional studio environment. While its front panel is user-friendly, the lack of real-time control knobs and a limited audition button are minor drawbacks compared to competitors like the Proteus 2000. Overall, it's a top-tier sampler that performs beyond expectations right out of the box.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 15 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
federicovaona

The Big EMU!

Great sampler and very useful. I have a massive library, but today is a little bit obsolete.

harness

monster sampler

excellent for bottom end

blumarten

Best

The ultimate 90s workhorse.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Elizabeth Parker uses E-Mu E4XT Ultra

Elizabeth Parker

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Whitefiles

A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY!

"Ex-BBC Radiophonic Workshop (Blake’s Seven, The Living Planet) and current film and TV composer Elizabeth Parker is selling the famous circular studio she took with her from the BBC when the RW was disbanded.

The studio is virtually complete, including nearly all the equipment she has been using on a regular basis in her profession - up to and including a film project she is finishing in the first half of November before the studio is dismantled. Just add a mother keyboard, mastering, monitoring, and video, and you have virtually the complete set- up used for prestigious projects like the BBC’s World Cup coverage, The Human Body, Weird Nature, Animal Olympics, the Monty Python Holy Grail DVD, Michael Palin TV series, etc.

The custom woodwork and cabling alone is believed to have cost £4500 in the late 1980s, and is probably one of the most famous studio designs in the world. When it was removed from the BBC, the installation and re-design at Liz's private studio was masterminded by Rupert Brun, one of the BBC's most highly respected engineers.

Full documentation is included in the sale. Removal and/or packing and shipping is a serious task, so please bear that in mind before bidding. VEMIA will assist at cost if you need."

The studio consists of:

The studio desk, custom made for the Radiophonic Workshop, out of limed Ash. (Buyer dismantles and collects). Complete with a vast quantity of high-quality cabling, with every cable, jack, phono and XLR numbered and labelled by Rupert Brun, with full diagrams, spreadsheets, etc. Roland XV 5080 with 8-voice expansion unit for sample playback Emu Proteus 2000 (with Proteus 1, 2, and 3 (World) Expansion Cards) Proteus 2 and Proteus 3 World Modules. Emu 4XT Ultra with maximum memory. Roland 760 Samplers (x3) with maximum sample and playback memory + mouse unit for 2 of them Emu Xtreme Lead 1 with MoPhat Card. Yamaha 01 Digital Mixer. Yamaha 01V Digital Mixer. Yamaha KM802 Mixer. Spirit Folio F1 100mm Fader Mixer. Peavey PC 1600X Midi Command Stations (x3) Alesis ADAT XT 8 track digital recorder + remote control. Denon DRM-550 Cassette Deck. Akai Professional rackmount DP3200 Routers (x3) 48-Way Patch Bays (x3) Iomega 250 Zip Drives (x2 - one still in box) CD Rom Players (x3) - one still in box. Emu Proformance Piano Module. Emu Procussion Module. Opcode Studio 4 Midi Interfaces (x2) [Opcode] Studio 5 Midi Interface. Apple 7600 computer with unused new RAM + 21 monitor Apple 8600 computer + monitor. PPM Meter - West German, made by RTW, Köln, and bought from the BBC. Magneto Optical 230 drive. Apple Mac G4, Dual Processor with 512MB RAM, 40GB hard drive in four partitions, extra internal 230GB hard drive."

See how Primitive World uses E-Mu E4XT Ultra

Primitive World

Music Producer

...
Verified via Attack Magazine

In an article by Adam Gilbert for Attack Magazine, Primitive World discusses using the E-Mu E4XT Ultra, highlighting its advanced features compared to the SP-1200, particularly its renowned morphing Z-plane filters.

See how Drew Neumann uses E-Mu E4XT Ultra

Drew Neumann

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified

Drew Neumann includes the E-Mu E4XT Ultra in his studio setup, as detailed on his website.

Album Usage

The E-Mu E4XT Ultra 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 E4XT Ultra, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Roland XV-5080
Roland XV-5080 Sound Modules
4
Roland S-760
Roland S-760 Audio Samplers
4
E-Mu Proteus 2000
E-Mu Proteus 2000 Synthesizers & Sound Modules
3
Akai S3000XL
Akai S3000XL Audio Samplers
3
Akai S5000
Akai S5000 Audio Samplers
2
Yamaha FS1R
Yamaha FS1R Synthesizers & Sound Modules
2
Yamaha SPX900
Yamaha SPX900 Effects Processors
2
E-Mu Proteus 2 Orchestral module
E-Mu Proteus 2 Orchestral module Synthesizers & Sound Modules
2
E-MU PROTEUS 3 ETHNIC SOUND module
E-MU PROTEUS 3 ETHNIC SOUND module Synthesizers & Sound Modules
2
Roland Juno-106
Roland Juno-106 Synthesizers
2

Community setups

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M

mellisonant_mike

Gear IQ 497

rettervondunkel

rettervondunkel

Gear IQ 770

rettervondunkel

rettervondunkel

Gear IQ 770

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