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Description

Explore the vast sonic landscapes of orchestral music with the E-Mu Proteus 2 Orchestral module. This sound module is designed for musicians who demand authentic orchestral sounds without the need for a full orchestra. The Proteus 2 is renowned for its extensive collection of orchestral samples, making it a popular choice among composers and performers alike. Featuring a wide range of instrumental sounds, from strings and brass to woodwinds and percussion, it provides an expressive palette that brings compositions to life.

The module operates using a 16-bit sound engine, ensuring that every note is captured with clarity and precision. With its intuitive interface, musicians can easily navigate through patches and make real-time adjustments, allowing for seamless integration into any setup. Whether for studio recording or live performance, the E-Mu Proteus 2 offers flexibility and high-quality sound that stands the test of time.

Key Features:

  • 16-bit sound engine for high-quality audio reproduction
  • Over 300 orchestral sound presets
  • Intuitive user interface for easy navigation and editing
  • MIDI compatibility for integration with existing setups
  • Multi-timbral capability supporting up to 32 voices
  • Comprehensive selection of authentic orchestral instruments

Product specs

Brand E-MU Systems
Model Proteus/2 Rackmount 32-Voice Sampler Module
Finish Black
Year 1990
Made In United States
Categories Digital Synthesizers, Rackmount Synths
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Polyphony 32 Voices

FAQs

What kind of sounds does the E-Mu Proteus 2 Orchestral module offer?

The E-Mu Proteus 2 Orchestral module is known for its comprehensive collection of orchestral sounds, including strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion, making it ideal for composers and producers seeking realistic orchestral textures.

How does the E-Mu Proteus 2 handle MIDI integration?

The E-Mu Proteus 2 features MIDI Input, Output, and Through, allowing seamless integration with other MIDI-compatible devices and DAWs for versatile sequencing and control options.

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

With its 32-voice polyphony and rackmount design, the E-Mu Proteus 2 is well-suited for live performances, providing robust orchestral sounds without the need for a computer.

Can the E-Mu Proteus 2 be used in a modern digital audio workstation setup?

Yes, the E-Mu Proteus 2 can be integrated into modern setups using MIDI connections, allowing you to trigger its sounds within your DAW environment.

What makes the E-Mu Proteus 2 different from other sound modules?

The E-Mu Proteus 2 is distinguished by its focus on high-quality orchestral samples, offering a rich palette of sounds specifically tailored for orchestral music production.

zibbybone

zibbybone

Emu Proteus 2 Orchestra Expander Module Demo Song

Video thumbnail for Emu Proteus 2 Orchestra Expander Module Demo Song by zibbybone

Emu Proteus 2 Orchestra Expander Module Demo Song

zibbybone

zibbybone

Video thumbnail for E-mu Proteus 2 Compilation (UPDATED) by Gabe Pickles’ Media Shack

E-mu Proteus 2 Compilation (UPDATED)

Gabe Pickles’ Media Shack

Gabe Pickles’ Media Shack

Video thumbnail for EMU Proteus 2 1990 - All presets HQ audio  no taking by Jimi Uno's Pound Store Synth Emporium

EMU Proteus 2 1990 - All presets HQ audio no taking

Jimi Uno's Pound Store Synth Emporium

Jimi Uno's Pound Store Synth Emporium

Video thumbnail for "Flute" (E-MU Proteus 2 Orchestral) Demo 2022 by Furkan Kılıç

"Flute" (E-MU Proteus 2 Orchestral) Demo 2022

Furkan Kılıç

Furkan Kılıç

Video thumbnail for "Harp" (E-MU Proteus 2 Orchestral) Demo by Furkan Kılıç

"Harp" (E-MU Proteus 2 Orchestral) Demo

Furkan Kılıç

Furkan Kılıç

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Proteus 2000 requires a ROM installed to produce sound, as samples and presets are stored on ROMs, with user presets stored separately on the main board.

    Source
  • The Composer ROM, typically included with the Proteus 2000, offers 8 banks of 128 presets and over 1000 samples, making it a comprehensive sound source.

    Source
  • The Proteus 2000 employs E-mu Z-plane filters, praised for their versatility and Oberheim-like character, with MIDI control via SYSEX and CC for deeper modulation.

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Comparisons

  • The Protozoa ROM includes sounds from Proteus 1, 2, and 3, but lacks the higher 64 presets from each original module's 192 presets.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Proteus 2000's built-in arpeggiator is highly praised for its versatility and ease of use, enhancing its appeal as a multi-functional rompler.

    Source
  • The Proteus 2 Orchestral is noted for its suitability in creating 90s video game soundtracks and is frequently used for nostalgic sound design.

    Source
  • Proteus 2000 excels in vaporwave production due to its unique filter and pitch interpolation characteristics, offering a distinctive 90s vibe.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • ROM expansions for the Proteus series can be costly, often making it more economical to purchase units with desired ROMs already installed.

    Source

User experience

  • Users appreciate the Proteus 2000's ease of patch editing, emphasizing the ability to reprogram lead sounds by altering samples and adjusting ADSR settings.

    Source
  • The Proteus 2000 is noted to be 32-part multitimbral, making it highly effective in hardware sequencing setups where multiple sounds are layered in a mix.

    Source

Critic Reviews

EMU Proteus 2 (SOS Nov 90)

muzines.co.uk

The E-Mu Proteus 2 Orchestral Module impresses with its high-quality orchestral sounds and versatile multitimbral performance, making it a powerful tool for music producers. Its comprehensive array of orchestral instruments, including strings and woodwinds, delivers clarity and depth. However, it lacks some Proteus 1 sounds, requiring owners to keep both units for a complete setup. Despite some shortcomings in the brass section, the module's ability to combine presets and create new textures is a standout feature. Musicians in film and commercial music will find it indispensable, offering a refreshing alternative to other modules.

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4.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 5 Ratings

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john_tebbitt

Great, plenty of great sounds, easy to edit, 6 outputs

I have owned one of these for almost 23 years. It has great sounds, is easy to edit, even though the screen display is very limiting, and I like that I get 6 outputs to route sounds out, that can be setup in stereo pairs if I want, or not.

sergey_fridburg

proteus2

Not quite a new box, but at the same time a little retro will not hurt.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tony Banks uses E-Mu Proteus 2 Orchestral module

Tony Banks

Singer, Keyboardist

Genesis

...
Verified via Photo

Tony Banks used the E-Mu Proteus 2 Orchestral module during a tour, as shown in a photo from Twronline.

See how Klaus Schulze uses E-Mu Proteus 2 Orchestral module

Klaus Schulze

Guitarist, Bassist

Tangerine Dream

...
Verified via Muzines

List of equipment used by Klaus Schulze, from the February 1993 issue of Sound on Sound:

4x Akai S1000PB (32MB) 2x Akai S1000KB (32MB) Akai S900 Akai S612 Akai S7000 Moog Modular CIII 2x Moog MiniMoog Studio Electronics MIDIMini Mellotron Yamaha CS80 Yamaha CP70 Yamaha TX81Z Yamaha SY99 Korg M1 Korg M1 EX Korg T1 Korg T3 Korg DVP1 Roland U110 Roland U220 Roland D50 Roland S50 sampler & monitor Roland Planet S & editor Roland Super Jupiter & editor 2 Roland TR505 Roland Octopad Roland JD800 Roland Super JX10 4x Hohner HS2/E sampler 5x Hohner HS1/E sampler Hohner HS1KB sampler Waldorf Microwave GDS computer synth Misc. Crumar keyboards Fairlight CMI Series II SCI Prophet 2000 SCI Prophet 2002 Emu Proteus/2 Emu Proteus/3 World Emu Emulator II Kurzweil K1000 Kawai K4 EMS Synthi A PPG Wave 2.2 Linn 9000 4x Oberheim DPX1 Yamaha RY30 drum machine Sonor timpanies and octo toms Paiste gongs and cymbals Martin 12-string guitar

See how John Carpenter uses E-Mu Proteus 2 Orchestral module

John Carpenter

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Texas Toad Lickers

...
Verified via The Official John Carpenter

The Body Bags score was composed using Digital Performer software running on a Macintosh Iicx computer. Sampling was done with an Emulator IIIxp and a Forat F16. Other electronic instruments include Hammond B3, Wurlitzer electric piano, MicroMoog, Roland MKS80, D550, Prophet VS, Yamaha DX and TX series, EMU Proteus 1 and 2, Korg M1r and M1rex, and an AKAI 612.

The score was digitally recorded using Alesis ADATs and BRC and John Hardy microphone preamps. Microphones included AKG414, Shure VP88 and SM57. The music was mixed on a custom Speck Electronics model 62 console. Signal processors used include: Behringer MDX 2000, SNR 802, DBX165a, B&B and Troisi cq, Dyna-Mite, Aphex expander gates, Lexicon and Yamaha Reverbs, Zoom, TC and Korg delays. Additional DSP and editing done in Sound Designer/Sound Tools. -John Carpenter

See how Andy McCluskey uses E-Mu Proteus 2 Orchestral module

Andy McCluskey

Singer, Guitarist

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

...
Verified via Archive

List of equipment used on the album Universal:

SYNTHS • Emu Proteus 1 (x2) • Emu Proteus 2 (x2) • Emu Proteus World • Emu Classic Keys • Korg M1R • Korg O3R/W • Oberheim Matrix 6R • Oberheim Matrix 1000 • Quasimidi Quasar • Roland Alpha Juno 2 • Roland D550 • Roland JD800 • Roland JV1080 (with Orchestral, Vintage Synth, Piano, and World expansion boards) • Roland JX8P • Roland MKS30 • Yamaha DX7S • Yamaha TX81Z (x2)

SAMPLERS • Akai S1100 • Akai S1100EX

RECORDING • Alesis Quadraverb • Digitech Vocalist (hired) • Fairchild compressors • Focusrite EQ • Opcode Studio 4 MIDI interface • Pultec EQP1A EQ • Urei 1176 compressors

COMPUTERS & SOFTWARE • Apple Macintosh Quadra 650 • Digidesign Pro Tools II & 442 interface • Digidesign Sound Tools II • Emagic Logic Audio v2.5.3

See how Larry Heard uses E-Mu Proteus 2 Orchestral module

Larry Heard

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Muzines

As cited in the gear list of this May '92 feature in Music Tech magazine

See how Jakko Jakszyk uses E-Mu Proteus 2 Orchestral module

Jakko Jakszyk

Guitarist, Singer

King Crimson

...
Verified via Soundonsound

This article lists Jakko’s gear in his Silesia Sound Studios, including this one.

See how Paddy McAloon uses E-Mu Proteus 2 Orchestral module

Paddy McAloon

Singer, Guitarist

Prefab Sprout

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Among the outboard sound modules McAloon likes to use when choosing final sounds are an EMU Proteus orchestral unit, Korg TR–Rack and two Roland Sound Canvases. The results are recorded to his Tascam MX2424 hard-disk recorder. “I use a lot of sounds that I suppose were designed for dance music,” he points out. “But I use them way out of context. I’ll use one part of the sound and treat it, put it through a delay or put flange on it. I’m trying to disguise the lack of finesse that may exist in the original sound sources.”

See how Suzanne Ciani uses E-Mu Proteus 2 Orchestral module

Suzanne Ciani

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

"I'm very fond of these 'orchestras‑in‑a‑box' like the Proteus 2 — on which I wrote Dream Suite — and I'm trying out Roland's new MCC10 Orchestral module at the moment. I get a big kick out of opening up something and taking out an instrument that weighs only 10 ounces! I want something which I can carry over my shoulder, so I've just got a tiny little portable Korg, because one of my needs is to be able to write whilst on the road. I like Korg machines too. I like the company and what they do."

See how Jake "Virt" Kaufman uses E-Mu Proteus 2 Orchestral module

Jake "Virt" Kaufman

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via Twitter

"Had a P2K and P2/Orch, then used the free Proteus VX plugin until I went over to Mac, then just bought DSF. "

See how Mark Snow uses E-Mu Proteus 2 Orchestral module

Mark Snow

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Vice

"Flipping through the voices on his Emu Proteus/2 orchestral synthesizer, he tried various instruments... then he stumbled on one of the higher-numbered voices, a patch called "Whistling Joe." It seemed silly at first, but the more he played a simple six-note melody with it, the more he liked it." - from a Vice / Radio Motherboard interview with Mark Snow about how the X-Files theme was created.

See how Martin O’Donnell uses E-Mu Proteus 2 Orchestral module

Martin O’Donnell

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Marty O'Donnell began to show a video of his studio that he and Mike own in the 1992, this showcase synths and gear he own at the time. This is during a interview he had with Michael Salvatori, highlight from 1:14:37 to 1:16:58.

Following Synths shown are: Emu Proteus 1, 2, 3, Yamaha DX7.

See how Kenji Kawai uses E-Mu Proteus 2 Orchestral module

Kenji Kawai

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified

Kenji Kawai is confirmed to use two E-Mu Proteus 2 Orchestral modules, as listed on his official website under the profile section.

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 Proteus 2 Orchestral module, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

E-Mu Proteus 1
E-Mu Proteus 1 Sound Modules
11
E-MU PROTEUS 3 ETHNIC SOUND module
E-MU PROTEUS 3 ETHNIC SOUND module Synthesizers & Sound Modules
8
E-mu Pro/Cussion
E-mu Pro/Cussion Controllers
6
C-Lab Notator
C-Lab Notator Audio Sequencers
5
Roland D-550
Roland D-550 Synthesizers & Sound Modules
4
E-Mu Proformance piano module
E-Mu Proformance piano module Synthesizers & Sound Modules
4
Alesis ADAT XT
Alesis ADAT XT DAT Recorders
3
Alesis D4 Drum and Percussion Sound Module
3
E-mu Morpheus
E-mu Morpheus Synthesizers & Sound Modules
3

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