E-MU Systems Proteus 2000 w/ Rack Ears & New Encoder

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• Synthesis Type: Sample-based synthesis with Z-plane morphing filters, supporting layered sounds, modulation, and effects for a versatile sonic palette.
• Polyphony: 128-voice polyphony for complex, layered compositions; 32-part multitimbrality via dual MIDI inputs for sequencing and live performance.
• Instruments (Composer ROM): 4 layers per voice, each accessing 1,173 16-bit sampled instruments from 32MB Composer ROM:
  • Waveforms: 1,173 instruments (e.g., pianos, strings, brass, synths, drums, percussion, pads, hits, basses, guitars, orchestral, and sound effects).
  • Categories: Includes brass (e.g., SforzadoSect, Soft Trumpet), pads (e.g., Synth Pad, Dream Pad), percussion (e.g., 71 kicks, 131 snares, toms, timbales), drum kits (e.g., Acoustic, Dance, GM Dance, Swing Hop), and more.
  • Unique Features: Comprehensive general-purpose soundset, covering pop, classical, and dance, with no General MIDI compliance; non-standard drum mapping allows flexible kit assignments across MIDI channels.
• Filters: 50 Z-plane 14-pole digital morphing filters per voice, derived from E-MU Morpheus:
  • Modes: Low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, band-reject, and exotic types (e.g., flanger, vocal, formant); 2nd, 4th, 6th, 12th pole configurations.
  • Features: Resonant, morphable filters with smooth transitions; filter envelope modulates cutoff, resonance, or other parameters.
  • Configurations: Each layer has independent filter settings, routable to DCA and stereo pan.
• Effects: Dual stereo 24-bit effects processors with 76 algorithms:
  • Reverb: 29 types, MIDI-syncable, with adjustable decay and pre-delay.
  • Delay: 15 types, MIDI-syncable with variable feedback and polyrhythmic patterns.
  • Chorus: 8 types for lush, swirling modulation.
  • Flanger: 7 types for classic and modern flanging effects.
  • Distortion: 5 types (e.g., light, hard) for gritty textures.
  • Limitations: Effects are not send/return type; only two effects processors available per multitimbral setup, limiting multi-part effects flexibility.
• Modulation:
  • PatchCord System: 12 routings per layer (48 total per voice), connecting sources (e.g., LFOs, envelopes, MIDI controllers) to destinations (e.g., pitch, filter cutoff, amplitude).
  • 3 LFOs per voice: Multiple waveforms (triangle, saw, square, random), MIDI-syncable, with monophonic/polyphonic modes.
  • 3 Envelope Generators per layer: Filter (ADSR, modulates filter or pitch), Amplifier (ADSR, controls volume), Auxiliary (assignable, e.g., to pan or effects).
  • Velocity Control: Modulates amplitude, filter cutoff, envelope parameters, and more.
  • Key Follow: Adjusts modulation based on key position.
  • OS 2.26 Additions: Expression CC11 support, sustain cord destinations for volume, filter, and aux envelopes; expanded preset transpose range (±127).
• Memory: 1,536 presets (1,024 ROM, 512 RAM) in 8 banks (Composer ROM); 128 multisetups for storing multi-part configurations; expandable up to 128MB with 3 additional 16/32MB ROM slots.
• Arpeggiator (OS 2.26): 32 independent arpeggiators (one per MIDI channel) with 100 user-programmable patterns; modes include Up, Down, Up&Down, Random, Assign, and SuperBEATS (triggers synced loops/grooves via 24 assignable keys); no factory patterns on Composer ROM, but user patterns can be saved.
• Control & Interface: 6 knobs (5 real-time, 1 data entry), 9 buttons, 128x64 LCD; straightforward editing with prodatum software support for deeper programming; Random preset function for inspiration.
• Connectivity:
  • Audio Outputs: 6 balanced 1/4-inch TRS (3 stereo pairs, +4 dB, soft limiting) for flexible multitimbral routing.
  • Digital Output: S/PDIF stereo, 44.1kHz, 24-bit.
  • MIDI: 2 In, 1 Out, 1 Thru (32 channels total), supporting full parameter control and SysEx.
  • Power: External 12V DC power supply (brick).
• Physical Design: 1U rack-mountable metal chassis, black with silver accents; dimensions: 19" (W) x 8.5" (D) x 1.75" (H); weight: ~3.2 kg.
• Additional Features:
  • SuperBEATS Mode (OS 2.26): Triggers and latches synced loops/grooves from 24 assignable keys, enhancing rhythmic performance.
  • ROM Expansion: Supports additional ROMs (e.g., Protozoa, Orchestral Sessions, X-Lead) for up to 128MB total; Composer ROM includes unique waveforms not fully replicated in other ROMs.
  • Firmware: OS 2.26 adds arpeggiators, SuperBEATS, preset modulation processors, and support for dual-ROM SIMMs (e.g., Virtuoso, Orbit 3).
  • Sound Character: Clean, focused sounds for pop, classical, and dance; used in productions like The X-Files (Whistl’n Joe patch) and Baby Einstein.
• Limitations: Small LCD and limited buttons require menu diving for deep editing; no USB-MIDI (standard MIDI only); no factory arpeggiator patterns on Composer ROM (user patterns only); effects limited to two processors; non-standard drum mapping may complicate GM workflows.