From Mellotron to TB303, this sample collection has plenty of inimitable sounds.
The E-Mu Vintage X Pro Volume 2: Synthesizers Sample Library offers you an assortment of classic instruments that includes the tape-based Mellotron, analog synths like the E-Mu Modular and Elka Rhapsody, as well as a bank of modern digital synthesizers. E-Mu's sound designers sampled a comprehensive array of Mellotron sounds, including choir, strings, woodwinds and brass, as well as combinations of these sounds for this E-Mu Vintage X Pro sound library. For the analog and digital synths, every individual pitch, oscillator and signature sound was sampled to capture the unique sound of each instrument and optimized for Emulator X's powerful streaming engine.
Using MIDI controllers with this sound library is easy, as the front panel knob functions are standardized for most of the factory presets. Match the MIDI controller numbers corresponding to the knobs on your MIDI keyboard to the real-time controller assignments in the Preferences menu to control these important functions.
Featured in the E-Mu Vintage X Pro Volume 2: Synthesizers sample collection:
Elka Rhapsody
(1975) String Ensemble
The Elka was one of the first string synthesizers and was used extensively by the likes of Vangelis, Jean-Michel Jarre, Tangerine Dream, and other European synth masters. Technically, string synthesizers are electric organs coupled with a nice chorus unit to fatten the sound. An optical expression pedal was used on the Rhapsody to swell the sound in and out. There are two sliders for volume and sustain (release), and two buttons for cello and strings.
E-mu Modular System
(1973) Modular analog synthesizer
The E-mu modular system was popular with universities and high profile studios that could afford these high-quality, state-of-the-art synthesizers. Even by today's standards, E-mu modulars have incredible specifications—wide dynamic range, low distortion, and low noise. E-mu developed a digitally scanned keyboard and the first polyphonic synthesizer keyboard/sequencer using a microprocessor. E-mu modular synthesizers were built to order.
Roland Juno 60
(1983) Polyphonic, digital/analog hybrid synthesizer
The Juno 60 is a 6-voice, programmable analog synthesizer with chorus. It has a simple voice and modulation architecture, but the great-sounding Roland VCF imparts a unique character. This synth produces nice basslines and the built-in chorus unit is perfect for producing string sounds.
Mellotron Mark II
(1963) Tape-based sampling instrument
The Mellotron was an innovative tape-based keyboard instrument which became a trademark sound of '70s progressive rock bands. Under each key is an 8 second length of magnetic tape which is moved past a playback head whenever the key is pressed. When the key is released, the tape is pulled back to its starting position by a spring. Since each sound is produced by a linear piece of tape rather than an endless loop, the Mellotron can reproduce the characteristic attack phase of an instrument such as a violin.
Early Mellotrons had long tapes divided into six separate sections, each with three tracks, which could select different sounds. Motor driven rollers shuttled the tapes back and forth to select one of these six stations. The Mellotron Mark II had two keyboards of 35 notes each for a total of 1260 separate recordings inside the box!
The Mellotron was based on an earlier instrument, the Chamberlin, invented by Harry Chamberlin in 1948.
Korg MS-20
(1975) Monophonic, analog synthesizer
The MS-20 was one of Korg's first portable synthesizers and was very popular because of its low cost and quality sound. The series high-pass and low-pass filters can produce complex high-pass, notch, and band-reject responses and sound great. External sound sources can be routed through the filter section and the unit even contains a frequency to voltage converter and envelope follower. The MS-20 can be used with or without patch cords (plugging in a cord overrides the hardwired connection). This is an easy to use, yet powerful synth.
Solina
(1972) String Ensemble
The Solina used electronic organ technology to generate sawtooth waveforms for each key. The amplitude was shaped using a simple, two-stage envelope labeled Crescendo (attack) and Sustain (release). A three-channel "bucket brigade" chorus unit transformed the sound into a rich ensemble effect.
The contrabass and cello selectors can be used to turn on a 16' or 8' monophonic bass, which is triggered by the lowest pressed key.
Oberheim OB-Xa
(1981) Polyphonic, digitally-controlled analog synthesizer
The OB-Xa was designed as an enhanced OB-X, aiming to provide more features than its main competitor, the Prophet 5. The OB-Xa had lots of bells and whistles such as chord hold, poly glide, two LFOs and a switchable 2 or 4 pole filter. Above all, the OB-Xa retained the famous Oberheim sound. The OB-Xa excels at beefy leads, lush pads, and shimmering strings.
Roland TB303 Bass Line
(1982) Monophonic, analog bass synthesizer/sequencer
The TB303 (Transistor Bass) was introduced in the early 1980s by Roland as a companion to the TR606 Drumatix. The TB303 sold well in its three years of production, but it didn't become a cult item until years later. Acid-House music producers discovered that its nasty, high resonance filter sound could cut through any mix like an electric knife. It is still a very popular piece of hardware today.
