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 SN 129202182

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via this auction

"E-MU SP1200 Sampler Drum Machine, desirable later version/reissue with back finish. The unit is 100% functional and in EXCELLENT cosmetic condition as well..."

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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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E-MU SP-1200 SN 029503 205

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via this auction
helpshah (RSS)

"This listing is for a E-MU SP1200 Sampler Drum Machine, desirable later version/reissue with back finish. The unit is 100% functional and in EXCELLENT, NEAR MINT cosmetic condition as well. Includes HARD CASE. This unit has less than 50 hours and has been stored in its case, never gigged and kept in a studio."

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E-mu SP-1200 Sampling Drum Machine

via this auction
"The unit has a mono Master Output, individual Outputs for each of the 8 parts, MIDI In/Out/Thru, and various Sync options...

A fair amount of restoration work has been recently done on this unit. Most notably, a new Noritake VFD display replaced the faded old LCD display.

The Record In and Master Out knobs were bypassed. (The idea behind this is to preserve the unique sonics of the unit as much as possible and to increase reliability over time. The unit now always inputs and outputs at maximum level. I/O Levels can still, of course, be controlled at your mixer.)

A few of the drum pad bottoms (the spring-loaded portion of the drum pad) were very worn, and were replaced with NOS parts.

A worn slider was replaced with a NOS original part. One of the original SSM2044 analog filter chips had gone bad, so it was replaced with a NOS one as well. Finally, the worn E-Mu knob that controlled Metronome Volume was replaced with a much higher-quality UREI knob, with set screws. (The original knobs were much cheaper and did not have set screws.)...

Some extras are included: (4x) boxes of unused blank Maxell 3.5" discs, (16x) Sample Library discs, an OS Boot Disk, a paper copy of the Manual, (2x) spare NOS pots for Master Volume and Input Volume, (2x) spare drum pad bottoms (this is the spring-loaded part that sits inside the machine), a spare NOS SSM2044 analog filter chip, and a spare NOS slide fader."

SP 1200 beats + DSI Evolver bass

YouTube via twelvebits
"All beat samples and the jazzy sample come from the E-mu SP 1200. Bass is from the Evolver. Sequenced and recorded with Logic 8."

Original Bruce Forat Modded Classic Grey E-mu Sp 1200

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via this auction

"With BRUCE FORAT MODIFICATIONS and UPGRADES:

-New Disk Drive installed and provided by FORAT

-FORAT Backlight

- FORAT Sample input modification to allow monitoring of the input signal during sample mode.

2. SP 1200 Sound Library: 70 or 80 Disks with sounds (Mid 90's hip-hop drum sample, bass, synth, breaks) that can be used for sounds or the disks can be erased and used for your own sounds)

The SP1200 has the sticker peeling off the front but it does not effect the performance of the machine and most all the fuctions can still be read. This is a common issue for the orginal grey model."

E-MU SP-1200 Sampler with Sample Library

via this auction

"EMU SP-1200 (Model # 7030)
Sample discs are:
Snare Set #1
Cymbals
Toms
Kick Set #1
Hi Hats Open/Closed/Pedal
Orchestral Percussion
Exotic Percussion #1 Indian Percussion
Classic Beat Boxes #1
Mix Bass Sounds #1
Mixed Standard Percussion"

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Akai MPC 3000 "SP Custom" by GhostInMPC

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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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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."

E-mu Emax 1 SE with HXC SD Drive

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via this auction

"The Emax is the 'next-generation' Emulator II. It uses 12bit sample handling and an SSM 2047 based, resonant analog filter. Sounds very similar (if not the same) to a SP-1200, and of course Emulators (even includes the original factory SP-1200 drum kit samples). Has the SE synthesis engine.
Only two owners (including myself), shipped from the US. Great working condition. The action of one key is slightly off, backlight needs replacing and a small patch of laminate has worn off on the upper right hand side of the unit (all pictured below). These problems can be fixed fairly easily.
Includes SD card loaded with many of the original floppy libraries (choirs, orchestra, rock sounds, african and indian percussion, Oberheim OBx, orchestra hits, various synths, sound effects, strings etc.). The HXC upgrade allows you to load patch banks and libraries from your computer, via SD. It's possible to load converted Emulator libraries (using the free EMXP software) or ones downloaded from the net. Also comes with SD card reader.
Can install original floppy disk in place of HXC if required (comes with original floppy disk either way). It is possible to run both drives in parallel with dual ribbon cables.
Operates on 240v or 120v. The version of motherboard is compatible with the SCSI upgrade, with no soldering, trace cutting etc."

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1st jam session. Elektron Analog Four, MFB Tanzbär, Korg Monotron Delay and E-mu SP 1200 ..

Published on Apr 18, 2014 maxitobandito·6 videos

"Today I was jamming around a bit around with my gear, it´s far from perfect ( missed breaks, issues with the levels of the sounds etc.. ) as you will hear , but I was a lot of fun using hardware. I just went trough once before recording it.

I had some word samples on the SP and linked it into the Korg Monotron Delay for the effect. the Monotron Delay goes into a tiny 4 channel mixer ( Behringer MX400). the Mono signal of the MFB Tanzbär goes into the MX400 as well. The output of the MX400 goes into Elektron Analog 4 and the single output of the MFB Tanzbär Clap too. I recorded (using Apogee Duet firewire) finally from the stereo output of the Analog 4 using Ableton Live. If you have suggestions, feel free to comment"

Maschine 1.5 Part 2/4: Classic Drum Maschine Features

YouTube via NativeInstruments — April 19, 2010 — "This video shows the following new features: MPC* Program Import, Vintage Sampling Engines (MPC 60/SP 1200**), 16 Velocity Levels.

Check out http://www.native-instruments.com/mas...

*MPC is a trademark of Akai Professional, L.P. and used with permission.
**SP 1200 is a trademark of E-mu Systmes, Inc. The trademark holders are not affiliated with the
maker of this product and do not endorse this product."

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

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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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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

Ginko Synthese SAMPLESLICER Now on Kickstarter

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ginkosynthese/sampleslicer

"The ultimate realtime sampler for your modular. No it's not another sampleplayer! It's a realtime cv controlled sampleslice sequencer.

The Sampleslicer will be the ultimate realtime sampler for your modular system. No, it is not a sample player!

It is a real-time sampler/slicer for your modular Eurorack system, with features that move it far beyond the scope of a regular sample-player.

What does it do?

The Sampleslicer is a real-time monophonic sampler, including a 16 step voltage-controlled sequencer.The incoming sound is chopped up automatically into 16 parts by the incoming clock signal and spread out over the16 steps in the internal sequencer.

How long can it sample?

The length of the recorded sample is set by a clock-divider, so the recording time is always linked to the incoming clock signal. You can choose between time divisions of 2, 1½, 1, ¾, ½ and ¼.
If the divider is set to 1 the sample time is equal to 16 incoming clock-pulses.
If set to ½ the sample length is equal to 8 incoming clock-pulses, spread over 16 slices (so half the time). It will produce even more glitchy fun when set to ¾, as it will spread 12 steps over 16 slices. The maximum sample time is about 30 seconds and the minimum sample time is a fraction of a second for granular noises.


How does the sequencer work?

Inside the Sampleslicer there is a 16-step voltage controlled sequencer to play back the sound. Every step is dedicated to a 16th part of the recorded sound inside memory. When the 16 steps are full the sequencer starts playing from the chosen start point till the chosen amount of steps are played. This can be in one-shot mode or in loop mode for infinite looping.
The start point and play length is determined by potentiometers or CV input.
Last but not least the individual slices can be played back as notes via CV from a sequencer or keyboard, by setting the start point in V/oct mode and play length to 1.

How does the pitch work?

There is a control to pitch the slices up or down. The pitch control affects the overall pitch of the recorded material. It can be controlled via CV.

What only realtime sampling?

Our vision on the modular world is that you get most fun out of realtime created sounds. Out of principle we chose to make this module without a memory card reader. However, if we reach our Kickstarter goal we will most probably make an add-on for using memorycards. These add-ons will be compatible with the Sampleslicer via a header on the back.

What about the soundquality?

The sample rate is 12bit, just like the good old sampling madness days. A lovely sound with a slightly raw character without being gritty. For comparison: CD digital sound quality is 16bit, gameboys are 8bit, the E-mu Emulator is 8bit, E-mu Emax is 12bit, the MPC60 is 12bit, the AKAI S612 is 12bit, the AKAI S900 is 12bit, Oberheim DPX1 is 12bit and the EMU sp-1200 is 12bit too...

In order to maximize sound quality and creative usage possibilities, we choose not to place a low-pass filter in the audio output path. The digital-to-analog conversion process already gives a clean and rounded sound, and filtering would tend to take away some brightness.
It is designed to be part of a modular system so we leave it to you whether you like to patch the output through a filter or not.

So, no, it is not 24bit as we know in the mastering studio’s. Instead, it will remind you of the good old “hip hop" sounds from the 80's :) and it's lovely! In the end it’s an instrument by itself rather than a mastering tool.

What do we need the money for?

As there are some parts that are only available in SMD we need to contract a factory for assembling the core part of the Sampleslicer. It’s not possible to make a small batch. (That would simply make the module a lot more expensive than we will ever want to sell them for.) Therefore we can only make a bigger batch, and we’ll have to take a risk before we can sell them. We need to collect all parts to make the Sampleslicers, which costs money. Next to the SMD story we use high quality parts like Alps potentiometers - we really hate wobbly interfaces! The front panels will be made in the Netherlands and will be 2mm anodized aluminium panels. Instead of being screen printed, the graphics will be part of an anodized layer. This costs a little more money but the super high quality is worth the price. And of course we have spent many hours developing the Sampleslicer and making its production possible...

Last but not least: If we reach the goal it opens a way for us to develop more innovative modules!

I'd like to thank all people who contibuted to the Sampleslicer so far. First of all:
- Lisa Dalhuijsen of Studio With: she made the lovely Ginkosynthese website and always comments me about graphic designs in a positive way.

- Mels Lenstra: he is a genius codewriter and without him the Sampleslicer would have never existed

- All the people who commended on facebook, Muffwiggler and the Dutch synthforum .

AND YOU! THANKS! A dream is coming true!"

Vintage Sampler's! E-MU Emax Rack VS. Akai MPC-60 VS. Akai S-1000 VS. Enosoniq Mirage

YouTube via peglegjoe857
"So upon request, I made a video that is a collection of vintage samplers, all producing pretty much the same beat but ALL sounding VERY different. I will be doing more of these videos pretty soon, I am sure I am one of the only people out there crazy enough to have this group of machines...

So I sampled a Meters break, "Hey ! Last Minute" Then I sampled myself playing a bass riff and two chords on my Musitronic Wurlitzer. Then I sampled just a fat bass synth resonant filter decay sound from my Akai AX-80. So you can go find that break if you want, but you wont find the rest of the stuff in the track because it is all played live.

So the MPC-60 caught a lot more vinyl scratch and pop than any of the rest of the machines. Don't quite know why that is. The MPC definitely rocks really hard and has groove and whatnot, I love that machine!

The Emax obviously came out darker sounding. It somehow cleaned all that scratch and pop vinyl noise out, and it bumps pretty hard because of it. This machine is my favorite of all my samplers, it definitely does warm things to samples! I sampled at 28K, which is the compromise setting between 10K and 40K.

The Mirage KILLED these sounds. KILLED them, for real. Everybody talks about that SP-1200 stardust... well how bout the Mirage! Who has the balls to be doing Hexadecimal these days! I guess I wanted the grittiest of the gritty, and believe this machine offers just that! 8-bits of dirty filth. Nothing I sample into this thing ever sounds quite right?!? I love it. I had to sample with a setting of 40... I don't quite know how that translates in sample rate, but know that it is VERY low. I think the least it can be is 30, and the most is 99... so 40 is pretty close to the bottom! And even setting it that low still didn't provide all the time I needed to cram all those samples in there, so some got cut short. But it sure did make some crazy noise, I actually ended up enjoying what the Mirage sound a whole lot. It definitely does certain sounds really well and would slip into a mix nicely with one of my other samplers taking on other duties. I would say it is perfect for short samples that can be pretty dirty, like one shots, or short bass lines and stabs. It definitely took the longest to program!

The Akai S-1000 was definitely the cleanest... and that's why I got it! It was a breeze to program, but frankly not as quick as the MPC or the Emax (Probably because these two have less things to program!) Not much else to say about the machine, it accurately does it's job!

I have also owned the S-2000, S-900, and Emax Keyboard, and have also spent a lot of time with my friends S-3000. I wound up with my collection of these 4 machines because I feel they cover all bases. Somebody one a forum said "get one sampler that is 12-bit and dirty, and one that is 16-bit and clean... and you will have covered all bases". Well, for me to be satisfied I had to have at least all 4 or these. The MPC-60 and the Emax are VERY different 12-bit samplers with VERY different characteristics. Listen to the god damn video! The MPC sounds more like the S-1000! I had gone dirty with the Emax, but wanted even dirtier, something nobody else would be willing to do. In walks Mirage, an 8-bit sampler that actually has a ton of analog features, can store several (16) samples at a time, and has adequate time do function. From the specs I have read, it has a similar amount of time to the SP-1200. When you sample at a higher sample rate, know this machine DOES actually clean up a bit. The S-1000, though, does NOT get dirty.

So with all these machines, they each have a very specific characteristic that they impose on whatever is sampled into them. As I mentioned, I will be doing some more videos soon so you can hear that characteristic more fully, as well as show off their filter sounds and other features. The Emax and Mirage make GREAT melotron type instruments because of their filters!"

DFACE DXA E-MU Emax VS SP-1200 // EMU SP1200

YouTube Uploaded by DXARECORDS on Jun 20, 2009

"Sampler Shootout.
EMU Sp vs Emax
Emax is at 28khz which is the closest to the SP's rate of 27,500Hz
DXA Progression LP available on DXARMY.COM, itunes, UGHH, and Fatbeats NY/LA
Intro/Outro - DXA - Back2Back (prod. by S.Raw)"


via this auction for a EMU EMAX SAMPLER.

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E-Mu SP 1200 sampler drum machine

via this auction

Black Reissue model.

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E-mu SP-1200

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via this auction

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