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Description

Dive into the sonic universe with the E-Mu Proteus 2000, a powerhouse sound module that redefines versatility in music production. This robust device is engineered for musicians seeking a comprehensive tool to explore an extensive soundscape across genres like hip-hop, jazz, pop, and classical. Equipped with 128-note polyphony, the Proteus 2000 ensures you never miss a beat, offering a seamless performance even when juggling complex arrangements.

The module's 32 MB ROM, expandable up to 128 MB, houses a vast library of high-quality sounds, ensuring a palette rich enough for any sonic explorer. With SoundFinder, navigating these sounds is intuitive and quick, while the sophisticated patch chord architecture allows for in-depth sound customization. For those who demand precision and flexibility, the Proteus 2000 offers 12 real-time controls on its front panel, ensuring you have immediate access to tweak your sound just the way you like it.

Connectivity is a breeze with the Proteus 2000, featuring six analog outputs and S/PDIF digital output, making it an excellent choice for studio setups aiming for pristine audio quality. Additionally, the module's new-generation processor promises lightning-fast response times, ensuring that your creativity is never interrupted by lag or delay.

Key Features:

  • 128-note polyphony for complex arrangements
  • 32 MB ROM, expandable to 128 MB for a vast sound library
  • SoundFinder feature for easy navigation of presets
  • 12 real-time controls on the front panel for immediate sound adjustments
  • 6 analog outputs and S/PDIF digital output for flexible connectivity
  • New-generation processor for quick response times
  • 32 MIDI channels for extensive control capabilities

Product specs

Brand E-MU Systems
Model Proteus 2000 Rackmount 128-Voice Sampler Module
Finish Black
Year 1999
Categories Digital Synthesizers, Rackmount Synths
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Polyphony 128 Voices

FAQs

What kind of sounds can I expect from the E-Mu Proteus 2000?

The E-Mu Proteus 2000 features a 32 MB sound library that includes a wide range of instruments, from orchestral to contemporary synth sounds, making it versatile for various music genres.

How does the E-Mu Proteus 2000 handle real-time control?

The Proteus 2000 is equipped with extensive real-time controls, allowing users to manipulate sounds dynamically during performance or production, thanks to its ultra-fast 32-bit processor.

Is the E-Mu Proteus 2000 expandable?

Yes, the Proteus 2000 is expandable up to 128 MB, allowing you to add more sound ROMs and expand its sonic palette significantly.

Can the E-Mu Proteus 2000 be used with modern MIDI setups?

The Proteus 2000 features standard MIDI Input, Output, and Through, making it compatible with modern MIDI setups and controllers.

What is the polyphony capability of the E-Mu Proteus 2000?

The Proteus 2000 offers 128-voice polyphony, providing ample capacity for complex arrangements and layered sounds without note dropouts.

Stripped Productions

Stripped Productions

E-mu Proteus 2000 'Composer' Rom Presets Part 1

Video thumbnail for E-mu Proteus 2000 'Composer' Rom Presets Part 1 by Stripped Productions

E-mu Proteus 2000 'Composer' Rom Presets Part 1

Stripped Productions

Stripped Productions

Video thumbnail for E-MU Proteus2000 Demo&Review [English Captions] by musictrackjp

E-MU Proteus2000 Demo&Review [English Captions]

musictrackjp

musictrackjp

Video thumbnail for E-mu | Proteus 2000 | Factory Presets Demo by Simon Le Grec

E-mu | Proteus 2000 | Factory Presets Demo

Simon Le Grec

Simon Le Grec

Video thumbnail for The E-MU Proteus 2000: A Workhorse of 90s/00s Media Composition by Stephen Tallamy Music

The E-MU Proteus 2000: A Workhorse of 90s/00s Media Composition

Stephen Tallamy Music

Stephen Tallamy Music

Video thumbnail for E-MU Proteus 2000 - "SynthScape" Soundset by LFOstore

E-MU Proteus 2000 - "SynthScape" Soundset

LFOstore

LFOstore

Video thumbnail for Emu Proteus 2000 quick function test with preset tweaking by Rob World

Emu Proteus 2000 quick function test with preset tweaking

Rob World

Rob World

Video thumbnail for E-MU PROTEUS 2000 RACK (MODULE SOUND) FACTORY SOUNDS by TIAGO MALLEN #tecladistas by Tiago Mallen

E-MU PROTEUS 2000 RACK (MODULE SOUND) FACTORY SOUNDS by TIAGO MALLEN #tecladistas

Tiago Mallen

Tiago Mallen

Reviews

PROS

  • 128 voice synth perfect for sound designers

  • Includes a diverse range of factory ROM sounds

  • Capable of creating unique, face-wrecking patches

  • Fully expandable for even more sound options

  • Features heavy bass sounds appreciated by users

  • Still relevant in modern hip-hop production

  • Can simulate an orchestral setup with specific ROMs

CONS

  • Encoder knob and potentiometer prone to damage

  • Some units have an unreadable LCD display

  • May stop producing sound shortly after powering on

  • Packaging for shipping often insufficient, leading to damage

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about E-Mu Proteus 2000.

Features and functionality

  • The Proteus 2000 allows for seamless sound changes in multi-timbral mode without glitches, ideal for live performances.

    Source
  • It offers a deep modulation matrix with about 60 sources and destinations, and up to four layers per patch.

    Source
  • The Proteus 2000 has two MIDI inputs and outputs, enhancing its connectivity options for complex setups.

    Source
  • The Proteus 2000 supports up to 32 channels with four layers each, providing extensive multi-layered sequencing possibilities.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • ROM cards are available that let you upload your own samples, expanding its sample library capabilities.

    Source

Comparisons

  • While the Roland JV-2080 offers easier editing with its graphical display, the Proteus 2000 provides more modulation options.

    Source

User experience

  • The Proteus 2000's filters, dating back to 1989, may not meet modern standards compared to virtual analogs.

    Source
  • The Proteus 2000's small screen interface is more user-friendly than similar-era Roland and Korg devices, making navigation easier than expected.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for users willing to engage in deep programming and sound design, rather than relying on presets.

    Source
  • Over 12 layers can be stacked per note, allowing for rich, full-sounding chords with a 10-note polyphony.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Edisyn's free Proteus 2000 editor significantly simplifies programming, making the complex synth more accessible.

    Source

Other

  • The "Protozoa" ROM expansion adds presets from older Proteus units, including iconic sounds like the X-Files whistle.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 26 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
atonalmeasure

Best rompler ever made... simple as that

The quality of sounds of this unit is hard to put into words, mine is fully expanded and i still use it. And listening to modern hiphop its still being used to death in top end productions..

wavesequence

Notes

To save space I installed Orchestral ROM 1 & 2, thus It's like having a Virtuoso inside Proteus2000.

kangarousuzuki

Over 10 years

Long time I love it! So original sounds are. Alos the Bass sound is really heavy!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kanye West uses E-Mu Proteus 2000

Kanye West

Rapper, Music Producer

Kids See Ghosts

...
Verified via Photo

In a 2003 interview, Kanye West discussed using the E-Mu Proteus 2000 sound module in his music production.

See how ATB uses E-Mu Proteus 2000

ATB

Music Producer

ATB with Heather Nova

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video at 0:45 we can see E-MU Proteus 2000

See how Midge Ure uses E-Mu Proteus 2000

Midge Ure

Singer, Guitarist

Ultravox

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Most of his classic synths have been made redundant and today he works predominantly with soft synths and samplers augmented mainly by hardware such as his Roland JV2080, Kurzweil K2500R, and Proteus 2000. The system uses MOTU 828 audio interfaces and an AMT8 MIDI Interface.

See how John Linnell uses E-Mu Proteus 2000

John Linnell

Singer, Keyboardist

They Might Be Giants

...
Verified via EMusician

"I found out installing third-party chips in the [E-mu] Proteus 2000 does something completely weird to them that more or less makes them unreliable onstage after a couple of years. As soon as they started to warm up, the pitch would get crazy."

See how Stargate uses E-Mu Proteus 2000

Stargate

Music Producer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Stargate's work is almost entirely 'in the box', but they keep a few rackmounting synths and samplers around. From top: Furman power conditioner, Digidesign 96I/O interface, Roland JV1010 synth, Yamaha Motif Rack synth, Emu Proteus 2000 synth, Yamaha Motif Rack XS, Digidesign MIDI interface, Apple G5 Power Mac and Akai S3000XL sampler. Photo: Lucas Thorpe

See how Hirokazu Tanaka uses E-Mu Proteus 2000

Hirokazu Tanaka

Composer

...
Verified via Photo

Can be seen in this picture.

See how KayKay uses E-Mu Proteus 2000

KayKay

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 7:20, Kay shows her Proteus 2000.

See how Jake "Virt" Kaufman uses E-Mu Proteus 2000

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 Graeme Norgate uses E-Mu Proteus 2000

Graeme Norgate

Composer

...
Verified via archive.ph

"I'm pretty sure it was just a bog standard Proteus 2000, to be honest, I didn't use it very much, possibly one or two sounds per track if that."

See how Martin O’Donnell uses E-Mu Proteus 2000

Martin O’Donnell

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

A Emu Proteus 2000 can be seen in Marty home video recording in his own personal studio in Bungie.

See how Gaurav Dayal (TextX) uses E-Mu Proteus 2000

Gaurav Dayal (TextX)

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

Gaurav Dayal, also known as TextX, uses the E-Mu Proteus 2000, as seen in an Instagram post by beatskillzplugins. The unit is positioned below the Rooster 2 in the setup, highlighting its role in shaping his sound.

See how Kenji Kawai uses E-Mu Proteus 2000

Kenji Kawai

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified

According to his official website, Kenji Kawai owns two E-Mu Proteus 2000 sound modules.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use E-Mu Proteus 2000, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Roland XV-5080
Roland XV-5080 Sound Modules
6
Roland JV-2080 Synthesizer Module
Roland JV-2080 Synthesizer Module Synthesizers & Sound Modules
5
E-mu Xtreme Lead-1
E-mu Xtreme Lead-1 Synthesizers & Sound Modules
4
E-mu Mo'Phatt
E-mu Mo'Phatt Synthesizers & Sound Modules
3
Roland S-760
Roland S-760 Audio Samplers
3
E-Mu E4XT Ultra
E-Mu E4XT Ultra Audio Samplers
3
E-Mu Proteus 2 Orchestral module
E-Mu Proteus 2 Orchestral module Synthesizers & Sound Modules
3
Apple Power Mac G4 Desktop
Apple Power Mac G4 Desktop Computers & Peripherals
3
Avid Pro Tools
Avid Pro Tools DAW Software
3

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