From nothing to musique concrète with Isla Instruments S2400

video upload by MrMakingsound

Description française ci-dessous.

"Look mum, no sequencer !

Isla Instruments S2400 is a modern sampler inspired by E-MU SP-1200.
Yes, you can create vintage, lofi and dirty Hiphop/House/Techno with it, but you can also compose modern stuff with neat sound quality. Before the review (i'm still working on it), i wanted to show how to perform a musique concrète-ish track without using the sequencer. Nothing is written before, all the sounds are performed live with pads, faders and filters.

S2400 only, with une pincée de OTO Machine BAM at the end, because there is no reverb in the actual firmware. But i hope it will change (This is a message for Brad and Vlad ^_^).

How it works :

Instead of using discrete and short sounds on each track, i like to use very long recording as a library of sounds, textures and ambiances. With the faders help, i can change playhead position, volume and pitch for each track. Pads are used to trigger and re-trigger sounds, filters to make room for frequencies.

As files bigger than 64MB can't be loaded in the S2400 editor, changing playhead position needs to be done blind, but that's part of the fun. You never know what you will trigger next, you need to improvise, and each performance is unique."

French:

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White E-MU Systems SP-1200 FORAT Drum Machine & Sampler

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"This listing is for an E-MU SP1200 sampling drum machine. Serviced by the legendary Forat Electronics, who did a beautiful custom white color scheme. Very rare and one of a kind SP1200. Classic unit, heard on countless hit records!

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New Rossum SP-1200 Officially Announced at $3,999.00

"Why did you take this approach with the SP-1200 reissue?" video upload by Rossum Electro-Music


"What are some challenges working with vintage digital technology vs vintage analog designs?" video upload by

via Rossum:

"This is a pre-order for the second lot of SP-1200 reissue units. We fully expect to be able ship the units from the second lot by the end of January 2022. Your payment method will be charged immediately. Limit 2 per customer.

The latest in the SP-12™ family, the Rossum SP-1200® is an authentic reissue of the iconic classic SP-1200 sampling percussion system. Building on the engineering of 2020’s 35th Anniversary SP-1200 Renovation, including study and analysis of many vintage units using modern technology not available during SP-1200’s original production run, the team determined that virtually all original components ought to be used in order to deliver the sound at the very highest standard of precision. E-mu Systems co-founder and original SP-12 and SP-1200 designer Dave Rossum has duplicated the original analog and digital electronics of the landmark 12-bit drum machine sampler as closely as is possible thirty-five years after its debut. Throughout the process of creating the SP-1200 reissue, Dave was delighted that with very few exceptions, authentic components exactly the same as those found in the vintage classic instrument could be used throughout and took great care to maintain the classic SP-12 and SP-1200 circuit board layouts. Inside and out, SP-1200 is faithful to the original operation and preserves the coveted, authentic sound and character of the classic vintage instrument. Through this labor of love, Dave was able to create an instrument that should sound exactly the same even to the most discerning ears.

Changes and enhancements were made where they were compatible with the original design, without compromising the classic vintage sound. Sampling memory has been expanded to the maximum capability of the original sound engine. An all-new memory card storage solution with new functions seamlessly integrated into the operating system allows musicians to conveniently save, rename, and delete files and folders, and supports importing vintage SP-1200 disk images packaged in the popular .HFE format. Also included in every box, a 3.5” “floppy” disk 💾 containing modified software for original vintage SP-1200 units adds a new Set-up Special function allowing users to transfer all sounds and sequences from an original SP-1200 to the Rossum SP-1200 reissue over a standard MIDI cable. Whether using 3.5” disks or the popular floppy drive emulator modification, users of classic SP-1200 units are able to recall and remix their work on the SP-1200 reissue.

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E-mu SP 1200: The Lo-fi Dream Machine

video upload by Alex Ball

"A look at the SP 1200 which is a legendary sampling drum machine first released by E-mu Systems in 1987.

Huge thanks to Si Spex (aka Barry Beats) for allowing use of some of his tracks throughout the video and for also making some of the breaks I was playing around with.

Check those out here: https://barrybeatsakasispex.bandcamp...."

BeatPPL Podcast 70 - Rossum-Electro's Dave Rossum & Marco Alpert

Published on May 16, 2020 BBoy Tech Report

"Dave Rossum & Marco Alpert of Emu Systems & Rossum-Electro joins the podcast for a conversation about the EMU legacy, SP1200, and their current eurorack projects. Livestream scheduled for May 16th, 2020 at Noon pacific.

About Dave...
Starting with his co-founding of E-mu Systems, Dave provided the technological leadership that resulted in what many consider the premier professional modular synthesizer system. The E-mu Modular System combined superlative analog design, innovative use of digital technology, and unparalleled physical construction and reliability.

In the following years, Dave and E-mu turned their attention to affordable professional digital sampling with the Emulator keyboards and racks. The Emulator II in particular established sampling as the leading music technology of its time, becoming a standard fixture in professional studios worldwide and appearing on innumerable hit records and film soundtracks. SP-1200It was followed by the Emax samplers, the legendary SP-12 and SP-1200 sampling drum machines, the Proteus sound modules and the Morpheus Z-Plane Synthesizer.

In addition, Dave also developed and licensed technology that enabled the creation of many iconic synthesizers, including the Oberheim 4-Voice, the Sequential Circuits Prophet 5 and, via his design of many of the SSM music ICs, instruments from Korg, Kawai, and many more."

Akai MPC 3000 "SP Custom" by GhostInMPC

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

This one was spotted and sent in via M Me.

"This unit has been refurbished and upgraded to work properly and look good. It is not mint and that´s been acknowledged in the selling price.

One of the four SP Custom units GhostInMPC has made was sold in Japan recently for approximately 3162 US Dollars (about 2800 Euros).

You won´t see these for sale often! EUROPE ONLY! ASK FOR SHIPPING!

- Custom Vailixi 3.50 operating system chips for this specific serial number and "SP Custom" unit. (see pictures)
- Brand new ultra bright LED screen.
- Black wood sides and armrest by Audiocustom pl. The wood side panels are a few millimetres shorter than originals so I am including the plastic sides as well.
- Brand new 32mb maximum ram installed for maximum sampling time
- Installed Jazzcat custom internal SCSI cable for internal zip/SCSI device. Allows you to have the external back port SCSI interface function simultaneously with internal SCSI device.
- Installed 3.5 disk power cable extension cord for easy installation and powering of internal SCSI devices.
- Mpcstuff.com button decals (see pictures)
- Installed internal iomega Zip 100 drive. (Will include zip disk)
- Step down power transformer for European power specifications.
- Fixed a typical Akai MPC 3000 fault: Noise in headphone outputs fixed and removed by qualified technician.
- All tact switches replaced by a qualified technician. Works like new.
- Power supply updated by a qualified technician.
- New pad sensor installed
- New SCSI fuse installed.
- A/D converter board fixed and inspected by a qualified technician.

Happy bidding!

PS. This machine looks beautiful next to a E MU SP 1200 black reissue! ;)"

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Rossum Electro-Music Announces 35th Anniversary SP-1200

Rossum Electro-Music 35th Anniversary SP-1200 Renovation Published on Jan 16, 2020 Rossum Electro-Music

"This year marks the 35th anniversary of the introduction of E-mu System’s iconic 'SP' sampling percussion system, instruments that have become emblematic of the golden age of hip hop creativity. To mark this milestone, Dave Rossum (the co-founder of E-mu Systems) and the team at Rossum Electro-Music are creating an extremely limited number of 'renovated' SP-1200s.

Beginning with an original SP-1200, Dave and the team strip it down and rebuild it into a 'better-than-new' example of the classic sampling percussion system. It is then tested and calibrated to guarantee that it
provides the exact sonic character that has made the SP drum machines musical legends for 35 years (and counting).

The Rossum Electro-Music 35th Anniversary SP-1200 renovations include:

– A new 3.5″ disk drive and SD card floppy emulator integrated into the original SP-1200 software by Dave Rossum

– Manual filter cutoff frequency control sliders for the SSM 2044 analog filters for channels 1 and 2 added to the rear panel

– A new metal chassis

– A new panel overlay

– The top shell restored and painted 'SP Grey.'

– A new power supply with locking connector (and cool operation)

– A new LCD display with adjustable brightness and a selectable red, blue, or green color LED backlight

– All new play buttons

– All new programming buttons

– All new 1/4” and MIDI jacks

– All electrolytic and tantalum capacitors replaced with high-reliability ceramic or aluminum-poly caps

– All rotary potentiometers replaced with million cycle lifetime pots and installed with new knurled black metal knobs

– All slide potentiometers replaced with 200,000 cycle lifetime sliders and installed with new slider knobs

– All original trimmers replaced with 20-turn versions and precisely calibrated

– New rubber feet

– An individualized Dave Rossum signature plaque

– A dust-proof, crush-proof, lockable Pelican™ brand case with press-and pull latches, wheels, and an extendable handle.

– Full testing and calibration by Rossum Electro-Music

Availability

35th Anniversary SP-1200s are available directly from Rossum Electro-Music for US$7500.00.

Because the number of 35th Anniversary SP-1200s built will be limited by the availability of original SP-1200s, that number is likely to be extremely small. If you are interested in purchasing one, please fill out the wait list application you’ll find at the tab at the top of this page.

The 35th Anniversary SP-1200 is solely a product of Rossum Electro-Music LLC. Neither E-mu Systems nor Creative Labs participated in its production, and cannot be held responsible for this product."

Update via the waitlist page:

If you are interested in purchasing a 35th Anniversary SP-1200 Renovation, please fill out and submit the form below.

A few key notes:

– The price is US$7500.00.

– It includes a 1 year warranty on parts and labor.

– A place on the waiting list does not guarantee that you will eventually be able to purchase a 35th Anniversary SP-1200, as we have no way of knowing in advance exactly how many we will be able to produce. However, we will let you know when you are approaching the top the list. (Add rossum-electro.com to your email contacts list to ensure you receive emails from us.)

– If the contact information you enter below changes, be sure to let us know so we can contact you when your name comes up. We’ll confirm receipt of your new information.

– We accept SP-1200s in reasonable condition in trade towards a 35th Anniversary SP-1200. (Note, this is an actual trade-in. You will not get your specific unit back.) Customers trading in an acceptable SP-1200 will receive wait list priority. If you have one and are interested, respond below and we’ll send you all the details.*"

A Brief History Series by Vintage Sampler

Published on Oct 14, 2019 Vintage Sampler

These appear to feature random clips from various YouTube channels with overview overdubs. I almost skipped them for that reason, but thought they might be interesting in a single playlist for some. Enjoy, or not...

Playlist:

Brief History Of The Roland Tr 606 Drum Machine
Brief History Of The LinnDrum Drum Machine
Brief History Of The Roland TR 707 Drum Machine
Brief History Of The Boss Dr Rhythm DR 55 Drum Machine
Brief History Of The Alesis HR 16 Drum Machine
Brief History Of The Roland TR-909 Drum Machine
Brief History Of The E-Mu SP 12 Drum Machine
Brief History Of The MPC Renaissance Drum Machine
Brief History Of The MPC 5000 Drum Machine
Brief History Of The MPC 500 Drum Machine
Brief History Of The MPC 1000 Drum Machine
Brief History Of The Roland Tr 808 Drum Machine
Brief History Of The MPC 4000 Drum Machine
Brief History Of The MPC 2500 Drum Machine
Brief History Of The MPC 2000 and MPC 2000xl Drum Machine
Brief History Of The MPC 3000 Drum Machine
Brief History Of The MPC 60 Drum Machine
Brief History Of The EMU SP 1200 Drum Machine

New Behringer SP-2400 Sampler - E-Mu SP-1200 x 2 Clone In the Works?

This one spotted and sent in by Soviet Space Child. Update: it's real and it's not from Behringer.

Click on the image for the full sized shot. It's not the highest resolution but you can see SP-2400 Prototype printed on the bottom right. You can also see the following starting on the top left (circuit board print & jacks):

Active EQ for channels 3-6 (or is it 3 - 5)
filter for channels 1-2
Sampler Input LP AMP
CH 1 Out on the right and CH 8 Out on the top left (8 outs)
Mix Out
Stereo IN followed by MIDI In/Out/Through jacks
Power & USB jacks
Post EQ
Post AMP
FREQ Cutoff 1
Resonance 1
GNDA
FREQ Cutoff 2
Resonance 2

Check out some pics and videos of the E-Mu SP-1200 in the archives here.

Update via M Me:

"Hi Matrix, The SP2400 render picture is a fake render,if you zoom in on the picture you can see black lanes that goes in all ways. proportions of some trace planes are not possible,like from very large to one point delta. Also traces that goes to the 'big' processor/DSP comes from all sides and not the way like circuits are drawn.

100% fake"

Synth Pings on Etsy

I spotted the Teenage Engineering OP-1 pin in the previous post. Figured I'd put up a post featuring the rest for the archives. You can find them on Etsy here.

Pictured:
Roland TR-909
Roland TR-808
Blue SH-101
Red SH-101
Moog Sub Phatty
E-Mu SP-1200
Ableton Push
Teenage Engineering OP-1
Korg MicroKorg
Critter & Guitarri Pocket Piano
Moog Source
Pocket Operator
Akai MPC-2500 x 2
Moogerfooger x 2
Roland Juno-6
Roland Jupiter-6
KORG MS20

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Overview Manual of the E-MU SP1200 Boom Bap Drum Machine Sampler

Published on Jun 7, 2018 The Daydream Sound

"The E-MU SP-1200 is an highly sought after Boom Bap vintage drum machine sampler. If you’re buying one, it would be good to know enough about its functions before you buy. This video is an overview and manual of the SP1200 that will help you decide if the Sp1200 is the right drum machine for you. Below is the video index.

Overview Timestamp Index

OPENING REMARKS 00:03

SP1200 SET-UP SECTION 01:05
Multi Pitch 01:19
Multi Level 01:38

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Cameron Paul Tells All

Published on Nov 13, 2013 ToadSMB4321

"Legendary Bay Area DJ / Remixer / Producer Cameron Paul's instructional video."

Another blast from the past. Synth gear comes in at 49:50. This one in via electraumatisme.

Gear spotting: E-Mu SP-1200, Roland SVC-350 Vocoder, Ensoniq Mirage rack, Yamaha DX100, Sequential Circuits Multi-Trak, E-Mu EMAX, Roland JX-8P, and, I believe, a Sequential Circuits TOM.

E-mu SP-1200

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

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E-MU SP-1200

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

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SSM Chip Production to Return as SSI Chips under Sound Semiconductor

We have some huge news in. Most of you might be experiencing a slight state of adrenalin induced shock right about now; I admit, much like myself when I read the press release that follows further below. If you have been following synths over the years, and are familiar with CEM vs. SSM chips like me, you know how big this is. For those of you not familiar with SSM, to say they made chips responsible for the sonic character of some of the most revered classic vintage synths out there, would be an understatement. SSM and CEM were the two top manufacturers for chips used in many of the classic vintage synthesizers you have come to love. CEM stood for Curtis Electromusic Specialties and is now Curtis Electromusic, run by the family of the late Doug Curtis. SSM stood for Solid State Music under Solid State Micro Technology for Music founded by Dan Parks. Dan Parks is back, under the helm of Sound Semiconductor, and they will be reproducing new chips. For a full list of what chips were used in various vintage synths, see this Wikipedia article, but I'll just mention a few that used SSM: the Sequential Circuits Prophet-5 Rev 1 & 2 (which some say sound warmer than the CEM based Rev 3s), the Fairlight CMI II and IIx, the PPG Wave 2.2 and 2.3, the Octave Voyetra 8 and Cat SRM, the KORG Mono/Poly and Polysix, E-Mu's Drumulator, SP-12, SP-1200, Emulator 1 & II, and Emax, the Buchla 296 Programmable Spectral Processor, the Aeries System 300 modular, and more.

The following is the official press release from Sound Semiconductor:
[note the Dave Rossum mentioned below is, of course, Dave Rossum formally of e-Mu, and now of Rossum Electro-Music]

"NEW SEMICONDUCTOR VENTURE FOCUSES ON ELECTRONIC MUSIC AND AUDIO

First Product is Voltage Controlled Filter for Analog Synthesizers

April 20, 2017 - Sound Semiconductor today announced its formation and first product for analog synthesizers.

Headed by Dan Parks, CEO of 80's chipmaker SSM and former Audio Products Director at Analog Devices and National Semiconductor, Sound Semiconductor will focus on high performance IC's for electronic musical instruments and professional audio equipment. The development team includes previous SSM IC designers; all passionate about music and audio.

Sound's first product is the SSI2144 Four Pole Voltage Controlled Filter, an improved re-issue of the SSM2044 that many believe to be the best sounding synthesizer filter chip ever produced. Developed by original SSM2044 designer Dave Rossum - known for his many electronic music contributions - the SSI2144 utilizes modern process technology for high reliability and low cost. Improvements include lower noise and control feedthrough, better performance of the resonance control circuit, and pin connections optimized for PCB layout. Preservation of the SSM2044's coveted sonic characteristics - a key project requirement - were achieved.

The SSI2144 is now available in sample quantities to interested OEM's, with production quantities in stock by late Spring. The device is offered in a 16-lead Shrink Small Outline Package (SSOP).

Pricing of the SSI2144 is $1.60 at 1000-pieces. Sound Semiconductor intends serve the hobby and enthusiast community through resellers for small volume sales and evaluation boards.

'It's exciting to see the renaissance of analog synthesis,' stated Dan Parks, President of Sound Semiconductor. 'When the idea hit to develop new ICs for this market, it was gratifying to have so much interest from my former colleagues to get involved in this effort.'

A second product is in layout design, with first samples expected by Summer. More information on that product will be forthcoming at a later time.

Sound Semiconductor is composed of musicians and technologists with the goal of developing affordable, high-performance integrated circuits for the electronic music and professional audio markets. For more information, please visit www.soundsemiconductor.com."

EB.TV TECH: Secret Weapons

Published on Jan 7, 2016 Telekom Electronic Beats

Playlist:
SECRET WEAPONS with IAN POOLEY (EB.TV) - Akai MFC42 Filter
SECRET WEAPONS with FRANK WIEDEMANN (EB.TV) - Pearl Syncussion SY-1
SECRET WEAPONS with SIERRA SAM (EB.TV) - Simmons SDS 8
SECRET WEAPONS with HENRIK SCHWARZ (EB.TV) - VIENNA MIR PRO Software
SECRET WEAPONS with ARIL BRIKHA (EB.TV) - Ensoniq ESQ-M, the synth that helped shape the classic “Groove La Chord” and much of the “Departure In Time” album on Derrick May’s Transmat label.
SECRET WEAPONS with REDSHAPE - E-mu SP-1200 - his Secret Weapon on Telekom Electronic Beats TV

E-mu SP-1200 Sampler / Drum Machine SN 099302252

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"An undisputed classic of beat production, the SP-1200 rivals the MPC60 as the defining instrument of Hip Hop production. So remarkably in demand, even after becoming technologically outclassed by other sampling instruments with more memory and features, they were in production and/or reissued until E-mu ran out of SSM2044 filter chips in 1998. This one is serial number 099302252, and was manufactured near the end of production, as indicated by the black chassis. This sampling powerhouse is in great shape, loads samples, and sounds fantastic. Ships in a hard shell case, and includes a copy of the manual."

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Eurorack Module von Dave Rossum (E-mu) @Superbooth 16

Published on May 2, 2016 musotalk

"Dave Rossum hat für E-mu geile Filter entwickelt, die jetzt auch in einem Eurorack Case wiederzufinden sind."

Also see:

Secrets of the E-mu SP 1200 with Creator Dave Rossum @superbooth 16

Secrets of the E-mu SP 1200 with Creator Dave Rossum @superbooth 16

Published on Apr 14, 2016 musotalk

Free Roland TR​-​808 E​-​mu SP​-​1200 Soquelle Sample Kit

You can hear this exact TR808 kit used on Soquelle's tracks such as Godfather.

"Soquelle has created a free sample kit from our Roland TR-808 drum machine and E-Mu SP-1200 sampler. Get the classic TR-808 bass, snare, clap and hi hats!

What makes this Roland TR-808 sample kit different from all the rest?
These samples were captured first through an E-mu SP-1200. They were then recorded through an Api Channel Strip into an Antelope Orion AD/DA. No effects, eq or processing was applied to the samples other than the natural sound of the TR-808, SP-1200 and Api preamps. So not only will you get the awesome TR-808 sound with the 12-bit crunch of the SP-1200, you're also getting the sweet warm analog flavor of an Api preamp.

Sample kit Includes the following 21 samples:
Clap
Clav
Closed Hat
Cow Bell
Cymbal Short
Cymbal
Hi Conga
Kick Endless
Kick Reverse
Kick1
Kick2
Kick3

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