E-mu Systems MP-7 Command Station

Tabletop Synthesizer/ Multitrack Sequencer

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450.00

street price

The E-mu MP7 Command Station is a sophisticated tabletop groovebox that combines the acclaimed Mo'Phatt sound module's urban/hip-hop sample library with hands-on sequencing and real-time control capabilities. This late-entry to the groovebox market represents EMU's return to their drum machine heritage while embracing modern dance music production needs.

Featuring a controller-rich front panel with a light-mauve/rich-purple color scheme, the MP7 emphasizes physicality in an era of software-based instruments. The unit can function as either a tabletop module or be rack-mounted in 6U space, making it versatile for studio and live performance applications.

At its core, the MP7 utilizes EMU's flagship Proteus 2000 synthesis engine combined with the complete Mo'Phatt sample set, delivering warm, rounded sounds with rich bass response and punchy character. The instrument offers 128-voice polyphony as standard, along with four additional analog audio outputs that would require expensive expansion boards on other EMU modules.

The pattern-based sequencer provides 16 tracks with up to 32 bars per pattern, supported by 128 factory patterns that showcase authentic urban and hip-hop styles. These professionally programmed patterns serve as both inspiration and learning tools, demonstrating the high-quality sounds and sophisticated programming capabilities of the instrument.

Live Performance Features

The MP7 excels in live performance scenarios with its comprehensive real-time control system. Thirteen velocity and aftertouch-sensitive rubber drum pads are laid out in keyboard formation, transposable across seven octaves. While ideal for rhythm programming, these pads can trigger any of the MP7's preset instruments.

Sixteen assignable knobs provide real-time parameter control in multiple modes:

Quick Edit Mode: Controls predefined sound parameters including filter cutoff/resonance, amp envelope ADSR, LFO amount/rate, and arpeggiator settings
Program Mode: User-assignable parameters with MIDI channel routing to any of 32 output channels
Volume/Pan Mode: Direct control over all 16 sequencer tracks

Sixteen backlit buttons offer additional performance options:

Track Enable/Mute: Live track dropping with visual feedback
Triggers Mode: Configurable note triggers with velocity, channel, and latch settings
Grid Recording: Step-sequencer style programming with visual step indication

Sound Generation & Effects

The MP7 employs EMU's advanced subtractive synthesis architecture with Oscillator-Filter-Amplifier design. Each preset supports up to four layers, with additional linked presets enabling 12-layer sounds or three-way keyboard/velocity splits.

The unique Z-plane morphing filter system offers 50 predefined filter types from 2nd to 12th order, including standard filters plus swept-octave EQ, phaser, flanger, vocal formant, and resonant types. Six-stage envelope generators, dual LFOs with 17 waveforms each, and a 24-slot modulation matrix provide extensive sound shaping capabilities.

Dual 24-bit stereo effects processors deliver 44 reverb and delay types (FXA) plus 32 chorus, flange, delay, and distortion effects (FXB), accessed via four effects send buses with dedicated modulation matrix.

Sequencing & Arpeggiator

The 16-track pattern sequencer supports real-time, step-time, and grid recording modes with automatic loop overdub and seamless mode switching. Song mode enables pattern chaining with an additional multi-channel song track for continuous recording and real-time controller overdubs.

The sophisticated multi-arpeggiator system provides traditional arpeggio modes plus 200 preset and 100 user patterns of up to 32 steps each. These function more like phrase sequencers, with up to 32 arpeggios running simultaneously, each with independent note values while maintaining master clock sync.

Expansion & Connectivity

Three internal ROM expansion sockets accommodate additional 16MB or 32MB sample sets, expandable to 128MB total. Compatible with EMU's extensive sample library including Techno Synth, World Expedition, Orchestral Sessions, and custom Flash SIMMs from E4 Ultra samplers.

Comprehensive connectivity includes main and two sub analog outputs, S/PDIF digital output, dual MIDI outputs, dual footswitch inputs, direct computer connection, and internal power supply. Optional gooseneck lamp connection and rack mounting hardware extend versatility.

Technical Specifications

Sound Generation

Polyphony: 128 voices
Sample ROM: 32MB factory (Mo'Phatt urban/hip-hop sounds)
Expansion: Up to 128MB total via three internal sockets (16/32MB SIMMs)
Instruments: 1,098 raw samples and multisamples
Presets: 512 User + 512 ROM memories
Synthesis: Sample-based subtractive with Z-plane morphing filter
Architecture: Oscillator-Filter-Amplifier with up to 4 layers per preset
Filter Types: 50 predefined types (2nd-12th order)
Envelope Generators: Six-stage Filter EG, Amplifier EG, Auxiliary EG
LFOs: Dual LFOs with 17 waveform types each
Modulation Matrix: 24 virtual PatchCords (37 sources, 41 destinations)

Sequencing

Pattern Tracks: 16 tracks, up to 32 bars per pattern
Pattern Memory: 8 x 128 pattern memories
Song Track: Multi-channel continuous recording
Recording Modes: Real-time, step-time, and grid modes
Resolution: 384 PPQ (pulses per quarter note)
Maximum Song Length: 999 bars
Record Capacity: 300,000 notes
File Format: SMF (Standard MIDI File) types 0 and 1 import/export

Arpeggiator

Arpeggio Modes: 8 traditional modes
Patterns: 200 factory + 100 user patterns
Pattern Length: Up to 32 note/rest steps
Simultaneous Arpeggios: Up to 32 (across MIDI Outs A & B)
Additional Content: 181 Riffs

Effects

Processors: Dual 24-bit stereo effects engines
FXA Types: 44 reverb and delay effects
FXB Types: 32 chorus, flange, delay, and distortion effects
Send Buses: 4 effects sends
Effects Modulation: 12 PatchCord matrix

Control Interface

Drum Pads: 13 velocity/aftertouch-sensitive rubber pads
Transpose Range: 7 octaves (±3 octaves from center)
Real-time Knobs: 16 assignable controllers
Control Buttons: 16 backlit multi-function buttons
Display: LCD with mode indicators
Touchstrip: Pitch control and modulation source

Connectivity

Audio Outputs: Main L/R, Sub1 L/R, Sub2 L/R (analog)
Digital Output: S/PDIF
MIDI: In, Out A, Out B
Footswitches: 2 inputs
Computer: Direct connection port
Accessories: BNC connector for 12V gooseneck lamp
Headphones: Stereo output

Physical Specifications

Dimensions: 5.25" H x 18.6" W x 10.5" D
Rack Mount: 6U space (with optional rack ears)
Color Scheme: Light-mauve/rich-purple
Power: Internal power supply
Configuration: Tabletop or rackmount

Software & Expansion

Bundled Software: E-Loader (PC/Mac) for pattern/song backup and OS updates
Data Format: MIDI SysEx for presets, SMF for sequences
Compatible Sample Sets: All EMU ROM libraries, E4 Ultra Flash SIMMs
OS Updates: Downloadable from EMU website
Documentation: 296-page ring-bound manual + PDF version

Country of origin / production: USA

Recommend product to a friend

Usage area
Synthesizer
Sound Module/ Tone Generator
Usage Design/ Form Factor
Without Keys, Desktop
Archetype
Digital (D)
Polyphony
Voices	128
Multi Timbral Capacity	32 part(s)
Tone Generator / Sound Synthesis
Synthesis Method	Digital Subtractive
Waveform/ Spectral form (main generator): Waveform ROM	64 Mb
Programs/ Voices/ Timbres
User-defined Single Voice	512
Filter
High-pass Filter (HPF)
Low-pass Filter (LPF)
Band-pass Filter (BPF)
2-pole
Effects
Reverb
Chorus
Flanger
Delay
Distortion
Sequencer
Tracks count	16
Pattern Sequencer
Sequencer Resolution	384 ppqn
Max number of songs	512
Preset patterns	1024
Arpegiator/ Portamento
Arpegiator
MIDI in/ out
IN
OUT
OUT count	2
	Pads Matrix
Pads Count	13
Velocity
Aftertouch
Audio out
Stereo
Analogue: 1/4" (6.35mm)	6
Digital: coaxial	1
Audio in
Analog 1/4"	4
DAC
DAC Frequency	44.1
Resolution	20 bit
Computer Interfaces
USB	USB PC Link
Power
Voltage	90-265V
Power Supply	Built-in, internal
Power consumption	20 W
Case/ body
Metal&plastic
Color
Violet
Production start	2001

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