E-mu Systems E4XT Ultra

Rackmount Sampler

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1 000.00

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The E4XT Ultra is the last and the most powerful hardware sampler from E-mu

The E4XT Ultra stands as Emu's flagship sampler, representing the pinnacle of the E4 Ultra range and directly competing with Akai's top-tier S6000. This sophisticated 3U rackmounting unit transcends traditional sampling capabilities by seamlessly combining powerful sampling, sequencing, and synthesis functionalities into a single professional music production solution.

At its core, the E4XT Ultra is powered by a 32-bit RISC processor designed to enhance MIDI timing, SCSI operation, and SMIDI sample transfer. The machine comes standard with a 3.2GB internal hard drive, 64MB of sample RAM (expandable to 128MB), and impressive audio specifications including 128-voice polyphony and 32-part multitimbrality. The unit features eight balanced analog outputs by default, which can be expanded to 16 outputs, or alternatively configured with eight digital inputs and 16 digital outputs via an optional ADAT-format I/O card.

The E4XT Ultra leverages Emu's EOS (Emulator Operating Software) with a computer-style graphical interface organized around files within folders. Conceptually structured like a modular synthesizer, the system allows samples or optional ROM waveforms to act as oscillators, while the software provides virtual patch cords, envelopes, LFOs, and an impressive array of 21 filter types based on Z-plane technology. The synthesis capabilities are notably powerful, with 65 modulation sources that can be routed to 67 destinations using 24 virtual patch cables per voice.

Sample processing is comprehensive with automatic truncation, looping, and normalization features. The unit provides extensive sound manipulation tools, including time and pitch manipulation, creative effects, and the unique "Beat Munger" for restructuring drum loops in real time. The onboard dual effects processor offers 76 effect types, including reverbs, delays, modulation, and distortion effects.

The E4XT Ultra's interface features a large LCD window, six function buttons with context-sensitive labels, a data entry wheel, and a logical organization divided into six main functional groups. The system supports multiple memory types, including standard sample RAM, optional ROM sound expansion (up to 96MB), and Flash memory for non-volatile storage of frequently used sounds.

For sequencing, the E4XT Ultra includes a 48-track sequencer/MIDI data filer, supporting both internal and external sound sources, with quantization options, basic editing capabilities, and MIDI synchronization. This makes it particularly valuable for both studio production and live performance situations.

The E4XT Ultra comes bundled with nine sample CD-ROMs from Emu's sound library and customized versions of Emagic's SoundDiver editing/librarian package for both Mac and PC platforms, along with EOSLINK, an on-screen remote control panel application.

Technical Specifications

Model: Emu E4XT Ultra Sampler/Sequencer/Synthesizer
Form Factor: 3U Rackmount
Processor: 32-bit RISC processor
Polyphony: 128 voices
Multitimbrality: 32-part (2 sets of MIDI connections)

Memory

Sample RAM: 64MB standard, expandable to 128MB maximum
ROM Expansion: Up to 96MB via 3 ROM SIMMs (optional)
Flash Memory: Optional 16MB or 32MB modules (non-volatile)
Preset Storage: Up to 1000 samples and 1000 presets per bank

Storage

Internal Hard Drive: 3.2GB standard (upgradeable to 9GB)
External Storage: SCSI support for external drives up to 18GB, including DVD drives
Floppy Drive: HD floppy disk drive

Audio Specifications

Analog Inputs: 2 balanced mic/line inputs with adjustable gain
Analog Outputs: 8 balanced outputs standard (including main L/R), expandable to 16
Digital I/O: AES/EBU digital I/O, Word clock in/out on BNC connectors
Digital Expansion: Optional 8-in/16-out ADAT format expansion card
Converters: 20-bit delta-sigma converters
Sampling Rates: 22.05kHz, 44.1kHz analog; 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz digital

Synthesis

Filter Types: 21 Z-plane filter types (12dB, 24dB, 36dB/octave slopes in low-pass, band-pass, high-pass)
Modulation: 65 modulation sources, 67 destinations, 24 virtual patch cables per voice
Envelopes: 3 comprehensive envelope generators per voice
LFOs: 2 multi-waveform LFOs per MIDI channel

Effects

Effects Processors: Dual 24-bit processors (76 effect types total)
Processor A: 44 reverb and delay effects
Processor B: 32 modulation and distortion treatments
Effects Busses: 4 (Main, Sub 1, Sub 2, Sub 3)

Sequencer

Tracks: 48
Features: Quantization, cut/copy/paste editing, MIDI sync support
File Support: Standard MIDI Files (format 0 and 1)
Special Features: Jukebox function for sequential playback

File Compatibility

Native Formats: EIV, e64, EIII, EIIIX, ESi library formats
Import Formats: Emax II, Akai S1000/S1100 and S3000, Roland S760, WAV files
Export Formats: EOS format, Standard MIDI File (SMF)

Other Features

Arpeggiator: Yes
SoundSprint: Background sample browsing (up to 10 presets)
Connectivity: 50-pin Centronics SCSI interface, PC AT ASCII keyboard connection
Special Tools: Aphex Aural Exciter, Beat Munger, phase-linear filter
Bundled Software: Customized Emagic SoundDiver, EOSLINK remote control
Included Content: 9 CD-ROMs (over 2GB of sounds)

Expansion Options

6871: Orbit/Phatt Sessions 16MB Sound ROM (500 presets)
6864: R-Chip 32-Channel Studio Effects Processor
6876: 16MB Flash Memory
6877: 32MB Flash Memory
6313: Analog Output Expander (8 to 16 outputs)
6861: 8-in/16-out ADAT card

Country of origin / production: USA

Recommend product to a friend

Usage Design/ Form Factor
Rackmount, 3U
Archetype
Digital (D)
Polyphony
Voices	128
Multi Timbral Capacity	32 part(s)
Programs/ Voices/ Timbres
Single Voice Preset	1000
User-defined Single Voice	1000
Filter
High-pass Filter (HPF)
Low-pass Filter (LPF)
Band-pass Filter (BPF)
Band-reject Filter (BRF/ BEF)
2-pole
3-pole
4-pole
12dB
18dB
24dB
Resonance
Envelope Generator (EG)
Assignable	2
Delay+ADSR
Modulation
Source count	56
Destination count	53
LFO: LFO Count	2
LFO Waveforms
Sine
Square
Triangle
Up Saw
Down Saw
Sample&Hold
Effects
Reverb
Chorus
Sampler
Sample Memory	128 Mb
Resolution	16 bit/ 22.05 kHz
Resolution	16 bit/ 44.1 kHz
Resolution	16 bit/ 48 kHz
Sequencer
Tracks count	48
Arpegiator/ Portamento
Arpegiator Mode	Up
Arpegiator Mode	Down
Arpegiator Mode	Up+Down
Arpegiator Mode	Random
Arpegiator
MIDI in/ out
IN
OUT
THRU
IN count	2
OUT count	2
THRU count	2
Display
Display type	OLED
Color resolution	Monochrome
Resolution: Horizontal	240
Resolution: Vertical	64
Audio out
Stereo
Dedicated output per voice
Analogue: 1/4" (6.35mm)	8
Analogue: 1/4" (6.35mm) headphones preamplified	1
Audio in
Analog 1/4"	2
DAC
DAC Frequency	44.1
DAC Frequency	48
Resolution	18 bit
Expandability
Sampler Memory Slot	2
Preset Memory Slot/ Wave Expansion Board	4
Power
Voltage	100-230(250)V
Voltage	50-60Hz
Power Supply	Built-in, internal
Power consumption	45 W
Dimensions
Height	133 mm
Width	435 mm
Depth	336 mm
Weight	8 kg
Case/ body
Metal
Color
Black
Production start	1999
	Production ended

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