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Average Price: $2,755

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$500

$1501+

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Description

The E-Mu Emulator 2 is a legendary digital sampling synthesizer that revolutionized the music industry in the 1980s and remains a coveted piece of gear for musicians and producers alike. Known for its distinctive sound and groundbreaking technology, this synthesizer offers a unique blend of analog warmth and digital precision. The Emulator 2 stands out with its 12-bit sampling capability, providing rich textures and a vintage sound that has been a staple in countless iconic tracks.

Designed for creative exploration, the Emulator 2 features an intuitive interface that allows musicians to easily manipulate samples, create complex sequences, and bring their musical visions to life. Its compatibility with multiple formats and support for external storage solutions make it a versatile tool in both studio and live settings.

This synthesizer is more than just an instrument; it's a piece of music history that continues to inspire new generations. Whether you're looking to recreate classic sounds or forge new sonic paths, the Emulator 2 provides the perfect platform for innovation.

Key Features:

  • 12-bit sampling capability for authentic vintage sound
  • Intuitive interface for seamless sample manipulation
  • Built-in sequencer for creating complex musical arrangements
  • Compatibility with various external storage options
  • Wide range of modulation options for sound design flexibility
  • Classic design that appeals to both collectors and musicians seeking authenticity

Product specs

Brand E-MU Systems
Model Emulator II 61-Key 8-Voice Sampler Workstation
Finish Black
Year 1984 - 1988
Made In United States
Categories Samplers, Workstation Keyboards
Analog / Digital Digital
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output
Number of Keys 61 Keys
Polyphony 8 Voices

FAQs

Is the E-Mu Emulator 2 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the E-Mu Emulator 2 is suitable for live performances due to its 61-key full-size keyboard and 8-voice polyphony, allowing for versatile sound creation on stage.

What type of synthesis does the E-Mu Emulator 2 use?

The E-Mu Emulator 2 uses digital sampling synthesis, allowing musicians to use and manipulate recorded sounds for creative music production.

Does the E-Mu Emulator 2 have MIDI capabilities?

Yes, the E-Mu Emulator 2 features MIDI Input and Output, making it compatible with other MIDI-equipped instruments and devices for expanded control and integration.

How many voices can the E-Mu Emulator 2 play simultaneously?

The E-Mu Emulator 2 has 8-voice polyphony, enabling it to play up to eight notes at the same time, which is beneficial for complex musical arrangements.

What is the keyboard action type of the E-Mu Emulator 2?

The E-Mu Emulator 2 features a synth action keyboard, providing a smooth and responsive playing experience suitable for a wide range of musical styles.

Alex Ball

Alex Ball

FERRIS BUELLER'S SYNTHESIZER

Video thumbnail for FERRIS BUELLER'S SYNTHESIZER by Alex Ball

FERRIS BUELLER'S SYNTHESIZER

Alex Ball

Alex Ball

Video thumbnail for EMU Emulator II - Shining Moments 80's (Pt. 1) by Jason Mysteria

EMU Emulator II - Shining Moments 80's (Pt. 1)

Jason Mysteria

Jason Mysteria

Video thumbnail for E-mu Emulator II sound demos by SynthMania

E-mu Emulator II sound demos

SynthMania

SynthMania

Video thumbnail for More great E-mu Emulator II sounds by SynthMania

More great E-mu Emulator II sounds

SynthMania

SynthMania

Video thumbnail for Emu Emulator II - Shining Moments 80's (Pt. 2) by Jason Mysteria

Emu Emulator II - Shining Moments 80's (Pt. 2)

Jason Mysteria

Jason Mysteria

Video thumbnail for E-MU Emulator II Sounds by KneToNatoR

E-MU Emulator II Sounds

KneToNatoR

KneToNatoR

Video thumbnail for The Sound of Depeche Mode - E-MU Emulator II by RetroSound

The Sound of Depeche Mode - E-MU Emulator II

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for EMU Emulator II - Shining Moments 80's (Pt. 3) by Jason Mysteria

EMU Emulator II - Shining Moments 80's (Pt. 3)

Jason Mysteria

Jason Mysteria

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about E-Mu Emulator 2.

Setup and maintenance

  • The backlight of the screen tends to burn out frequently, requiring users to keep a flashlight handy.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners suggest modern samplers like the Waldorf Quantum MK2 or Iridium provide more value and functionality than the Emulator II.

    Source
  • The Emulator 6400 Ultra rack mount series offers many classic EII and EIII sounds with more memory, polyphony, and support for modern hard drives.

    Source
  • The Sequential Prophet X, Nord Wave 2, and Waldorf Blofeld are suggested as modern synths capable of chromatically loading and playing back samples.

    Source
  • The MicroGranny sampler is highlighted as a hardware option for 8-bit sampling, offering a potential alternative to the Emulator II for modern users.

    Source

User experience

  • Former users find the Emulator II cumbersome due to its 55 lbs/25 kg weight and reliance on floppy disks.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • It's mainly seen as a collector's item for its iconic 80s sounds rather than practical use.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The Arturia VST lacks some original disc sounds, but users suggest eiiwav files might be available to supplement this.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Emulator II used 8-bit companding sampling, compressing and decompressing audio for improved dynamic range, creating a distinctive sound character with SSM analog filters.

    Source
  • Amigo Sampler plugin automatically downsamples audio to 8-bit/22kHz, emulating the Emulator II's characteristic sound digitally.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Emu Systems Emulator II

soundonsound.com

The E-Mu Emulator II revolutionized sampling with its innovative features, such as the first velocity-sensitive keyboard in a sampler, giving musicians unprecedented control over sound dynamics. Its real-time performance controls, including analogue filters and envelopes, were groundbreaking for its era. While its sequencer was less practical, the Emulator II's introduction of CD-ROM libraries and on-screen computer editing via SCSI marked significant advancements. Despite its limited polyphony, the Emulator II's innovations in sampling technology paved the way for modern samplers, making it a beloved piece of gear for its expressive capabilities and transformative impact on music production.

positive

Emulator II (EMM Nov 84)

muzines.co.uk

The E-Mu Emulator II dazzles with its superior sampling quality and extensive manipulation capabilities, making it a game-changer for live performers and studio musicians alike. With its impressive 17-second sample storage, flexible assignment options, and dynamic control features, it outshines other eight-bit systems. The inclusion of an analog sound-shaping section offers an exciting blend of modern digital and classic analog techniques. However, the instrument isn't without flaws; its disk-based operating system leads to inconveniently long load times during performances, and the keyboard quality leaves much to be desired given its premium price. Yet, its sound quality and creative potential largely overshadow these drawbacks, securing its position as a formidable tool in the evolution of sampling technology.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Chris Lowe uses E-Mu Emulator 2

Chris Lowe

Keyboardist, Composer

Pet Shop Boys

...
Verified via YouTube

Chris Lowe can be seen using this instrument throughout the entirety of the attached video.

See how David Frank uses E-Mu Emulator 2

David Frank

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Per Keyboard Mag feature, May 1986

See how The BBC Radiophonic Workshop uses E-Mu Emulator 2

The BBC Radiophonic Workshop

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Whitefiles

The list of synthesizers and samplers that the Radiophonic Workshop had in 1985.

J

Joey Pesce

Keyboardist

'Til Tuesday

...
Verified via YouTube

Joey can be seen playing an Emulator 2 in this video at around 1:11

R

Rupert Greenall

Music Producer

The Fixx

...
Verified via Muzines

In this interview with The Fixx, it is mentioned that Rupert Greenall uses a EMU Emulator II.

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 Emulator 2, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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