Emu E5000 Ultra: Affordable Professional Sampling Power

The E5000 Ultra represented in 1999 E-mu's entry into the middleweight professional sampler market, offering an impressive combination of sampling, sequencing, and synthesis capabilities at a more accessible price point than its flagship sibling, the E4XT Ultra. Housed in the same 3U rackmounting enclosure as its more expensive counterpart, the E5000 Ultra maintains Emu's reputation for powerful sound processing while making strategic compromises to achieve its more affordable positioning.

At its core, the E5000 Ultra is powered by E-mu's sophisticated EOS 4.01 (Emulator Operating Software), featuring a computer-style graphical interface with an intuitive folder/file structure that makes navigation remarkably straightforward. This operating system strikes an excellent balance between creative potential and usability, making it accessible even to those with limited sampling experience while providing depth for professional applications.

The E5000 Ultra excels in sample manipulation, offering not only standard sample-trimming functions but also an extensive palette of DSP tools including compression, pitch-change, Doppler/pan effects, reverse, transform multiplication, and resampling. A standout feature is Emu's proprietary Beat Munger, an inspirational tool for manipulating rhythm loops through spectral analysis, allowing users to change tempo, swing, time signatures, and create unique effects ranging from smooth to deliberately glitchy textures.

What truly distinguishes the E5000 Ultra from conventional samplers is its powerful synthesis capabilities. The unit features Emu's famous Z-plane morphing filters (21 types in total), two LFOs, three fully independent six-segment envelope generators, and a virtual patch-cord system that allows extensive modulation routing. This synthesis architecture enables creative sound design far beyond traditional sampling applications.

Additional notable features include a two-bus 24-bit stereo effects processor with over 40 algorithms, an onboard 48-track sequencer with Jukebox functionality and Standard MIDI File playback capability, and compatibility with the extensive Emulator sound library. The system also offers compatibility with Akai S3000, S1000/S1100 and Roland S700-series sounds, plus the ability to load and export WAV and AIFF files.

The E5000 Ultra ships with 4MB of RAM standard (expandable to 128MB) and comes equipped with four balanced analog outputs (expandable to 12). While it lacks the internal hard drive of its more expensive sibling, it features a SCSI connection for external storage and can be upgraded with an optional IDE drive board. The unit's 64-voice polyphony, though not expandable, provides ample power for most professional applications.

With its automated sample management functions — including automatic trimming, looping, and intelligent keyboard mapping—the E5000 Ultra streamlines the traditionally tedious aspects of sample creation. This efficiency, combined with its extensive sound manipulation capabilities and expandability options, makes the E5000 Ultra an excellent foundation for a serious studio setup that can grow with the user's needs and budget.

Technical Specifications

• Polyphony: 64 notes (non-expandable)
• Multitimbrality: 16 MIDI channels (expandable to 32)
• Form Factor: 3U Rackmount
• Operating System: EOS 4.01 (Emulator Operating Software), last version 4.6/ 4.7

Memory

• Standard RAM: 4MB (expandable to 128MB via standard SIMMs)
• Preset Storage: 2000 presets (1000 in RAM, 1000 in Internal/Flash)
• Sample Capacity: Up to 1000 samples per bank

Sampling

• Sample Rates: 22.05kHz, 44.1kHz
• Bit Depth: Ability to resample at 16, 18, or 20 bits
• Trigger Options: MIDI key, threshold level, or manual ("forced")

Sample Editing Tools

• Basic Utilities: Cut, Copy, Paste, Insert, Truncate, Taper
• Tools 1: Loop, Loop Type, Digital Tune, Sample Rate Convert
• Tools 2: DC Filter, Left/Right Swap, Stereo/Mono Conversion, Reverse, Integrity
• Tools 3: Gain Change, Compression, Parametric EQ, Phase-linear Low-pass/High-pass/Band-pass Filters, Aural Exciter (based on Aphex process)
• Tools 4: Transform Multiplication, Stereo Doppler, Time Shift, Pitch Shift, Bit Conversion, Beat Munging
• Undo: All parameters have undo function

Synthesis

• Filters: 21 types including Z-plane morphing filters
• Modulation: Virtual patch-cord system
• Envelopes: 3 fully independent, six-segment envelope generators
• LFOs: 2 per voice

Effects

• Processor: 24-bit, programmable, two-bus design
• FX A: Reverb and delay effects (44 variations)
• FX B: Chorus, flange, and distortion effects (32 variations)
• Total Algorithms: Over 40

Sequencer

• Tracks: 48
• Features: Quantize and edit functions
• File Support: Standard MIDI Files (format 0 and 1)
• Special Features: Jukebox function for sequential playback
• Additional: Arpeggiator

Inputs/Outputs

• Analog Outputs: 4 balanced outputs on quarter-inch jacks (1 main stereo pair, 1 sub pair), expandable to 12
• Analog Inputs: 2 balanced inputs with 20-bit delta-sigma converters
• MIDI: In/Out/Thru (1 set)
• SCSI: 50-pin connector for external storage

Storage

• Internal: 3.5-inch floppy disk drive
• Optional Internal: IDE drive mounting kit (supports drives up to 18GB)
• External: SCSI connection for external drives (including DVD compatibility)

File Compatibility

• Native Formats: Emulator sound library
• Import Formats: Akai S3000/S1000/S1100, Roland S700-series, WAV, AIFF
• Export Formats: WAV, AIFF

Expansion Options

• 16 Out/8 In ADAT Board: Digital expansion
• D-WAM Daughterboard: Word clock, ASCII keyboard connector, additional 16 MIDI channels
• E-Synth Sound ROM: 16MB of standard instruments and digital waveforms (500 presets)
• Orbit/Phatt Sessions: 16MB sound ROM featuring Orbit and Planet Phatt sounds
• 16MB Flash ROM Kit: For creating custom sound ROMs
• Hard Drive Mounting Kit: For internal IDE drives
• Additional Outputs: 8 extra analog outputs
• R-chip: Multi-channel studio effects processor