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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
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What kind of sounds can I expect from the E-Mu Proteus 2000?
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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.
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How does the E-Mu Proteus 2000 handle real-time control?
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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.
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Is the E-Mu Proteus 2000 expandable?
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Yes, the Proteus 2000 is expandable up to 128 MB, allowing you to add more sound ROMs and expand its sonic palette significantly.
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Can the E-Mu Proteus 2000 be used with modern MIDI setups?
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The Proteus 2000 features standard MIDI Input, Output, and Through, making it compatible with modern MIDI setups and controllers.
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What is the polyphony capability of the E-Mu Proteus 2000?
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The Proteus 2000 offers 128-voice polyphony, providing ample capacity for complex arrangements and layered sounds without note dropouts.
Videos
Stripped Productions
E-mu Proteus 2000 'Composer' Rom Presets Part 1
Reviews
PROS
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128 voice synth perfect for sound designers
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Includes a diverse range of factory ROM sounds
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Capable of creating unique, face-wrecking patches
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Fully expandable for even more sound options
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Features heavy bass sounds appreciated by users
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Still relevant in modern hip-hop production
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Can simulate an orchestral setup with specific ROMs
CONS
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Encoder knob and potentiometer prone to damage
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Some units have an unreadable LCD display
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May stop producing sound shortly after powering on
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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
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The Proteus 2000 allows for seamless sound changes in multi-timbral mode without glitches, ideal for live performances.
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It offers a deep modulation matrix with about 60 sources and destinations, and up to four layers per patch.
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The Proteus 2000 has two MIDI inputs and outputs, enhancing its connectivity options for complex setups.
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The Proteus 2000 supports up to 32 channels with four layers each, providing extensive multi-layered sequencing possibilities.
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Mods and upgrades
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ROM cards are available that let you upload your own samples, expanding its sample library capabilities.
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Comparisons
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While the Roland JV-2080 offers easier editing with its graphical display, the Proteus 2000 provides more modulation options.
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User experience
Use cases and applications
Software and compatibility
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Edisyn's free Proteus 2000 editor significantly simplifies programming, making the complex synth more accessible.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 26 Ratings
257
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..
411
Notes
To save space I installed Orchestral ROM 1 & 2, thus It's like having a Virtuoso inside Proteus2000.
Artist usage
Add artist
In a 2003 interview, Kanye West discussed using the E-Mu Proteus 2000 sound module in his music production.
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.
"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."
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
"Had a P2K and P2/Orch, then used the free Proteus VX plugin until I went over to Mac, then just bought DSF. "
"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."
A Emu Proteus 2000 can be seen in Marty home video recording in his own personal studio in Bungie.
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 2000, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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