E-mu Proteus FX

Price Paid: N/A used

Ease of Use: 7
Easy to use - its a rackmout unit!

Editing patches can be a pain - tho I expect most people would use a software editor!

Some of the presets sound ok - I have used quite a few of them straight out of the box, with maybe just the odd tweak.

Without manual, hard to work out what certain things do, but no matter.

Features: 6
As said above, 32-note poly

Built in effects are fairly poor, but then if you need huge effects, buy an outboard effects unit. Some effects are easer (and better) re-created with the patches!! (eg layered tune-tweaked patches for chorus!)

Sounds are ok - some of the sounds are quite harsh, and the pianos sound fairly poor, but still just about useable.

No expansion

Expressiveness/Sounds: 7
General all round module. Starting to show its age now, but strings work well - mostly what I use it for. Possible to get some quite wierd and impressive sounds out of it with some patch editing.

Effects like I said before are poor, but then I didnt get it for the effects.

Responds to velocity, cant say about aftertouch (I'm on a budget rig at the moment!)

overall, most of the sounds are useable, with the possible exception of pianos and electric guitars, effects arnt great, but it all works, and I use it on gigs without problems

Reliability: 10
I always gig with it, never had problems up till now. Never lost any data or anything on it. Its a sturdy rackmount unit, ive dropped it before now, and its fine.

Customer Support: N/A

Overall Rating: 7
If it was lost or stolen, I would probably look for somthing newer, but I wont go out of my way to replace it.

These days, its easy to get a cheap one, and it is ideal for adding to your sound.

Not the greatest of modules, but a handful of steps up from the current basic modules of Yamaha and the like.

Although I put 7 overall, cant decide between a 6 or a 7...

Submitted by Liam Wiltshire at 06/06/2005 15:18

Price Paid: US $50.00

Ease of Use: 7
Somewhat easy to use if you've never seen one. Keep your expectation low.

Features: 2
It's got some stuff, but not motivated to look.

Expressiveness/Sounds: 2
Three word review:

They sound O-L-D.

Well, it is an old budget unit.

Reliability: N/A
I have no idea.

Customer Support: N/A
Right.

Overall Rating: N/A
What did I expect? It was $50 I'll never see again. Old technology and it sounds like every year. *yawn* Best be prudent with those impulse purchases.

Submitted by ouch at 03/06/2005 13:47

Price Paid: US $139.00 used

Ease of Use: 5
This module is EASIER to use than a roland D110 but not by much. Programming really needs an external software app that you can then upload your patches via MIDI. typical of older synths..

Features: 1
first off the built in sounds completely stink. This is advertisied as a Sampling/Sampled synth with realistic sounds. A cheap computer Sound Card sounds better than this thing for realistic sounds. now, if you are into techno/dance/new-wave and do NOT want your sounds to sound realistic then this synth is great. everything sounds computer generated or modulated. the effects are very limited in this module and if you start layering you run out of polyphony really fast. I can get it to stop playing notes really easy if you layer more than 2 sounds on one channel.. I'd not call this a 32 note poly, but really a 16 note poly that is only good for some background pad's.

Expressiveness/Sounds: 1
as I said the sounds are HORRIBLE for something that is advertised as a "sampled synth". this is not useful for anything but machine generated types of sounds.

Reliability: 5
It has locked up a couple of times, replacing the battery inside fixed that... Although it does not see much use anymore as the thing sounds like junk.

Customer Support: 1
Ha! Emu support? that is funny. do not expect any support on this other than what is available on the internet.

Overall Rating: 1
Do NOT buy this unles you already know you want it. if you are not a master at making synth sounds and patches and want to make the "wierd" or synthey sounds then look into it, do NOT get this if you want anything useable for rock or even classical...

Submitted by Anonymous at 03/16/2004 13:00

Price Paid: US $300.00

Ease of Use: 10
It's easy to use. It has a very simple interface that is fairly quick to get up to speed on. Learned it without a manual, but then got one. The manual is useful for some hidden functions, and having printed out maps for perc, drum, orch. key layouts.

Features: 8
Other reviews have already gone into the features. Good for 1995 when it was new, just fine for what you need out of this module in a rig.

Expressiveness/Sounds: 9
Rock/Pop sounds from the Proteus 1. Orch sounds from the Proteus 2. Combined in one unit with 2 built in FX processors (the original Proteuses had no FX). All samples taken from the 16 bit Emulator 3, the first 16 bit samples available. You are probably already aware that this unit has it's strong and weak points. Ignore the reviews that completely diss it as worthless crap. These people are ignorant or don't know what they're doing (or both!). Excellent utility synth for filling in orch sounds (solo and ensemble), woodwinds (oboe is a standout), some electric basses are excellent (upright and fretless aren't), some lead and pad synths, although the unit has no filter control. As those who have seem to have worked with MIDI a lot have already stated, this is an excellent resource for extra and fill in voices for sequencing or live work. I owned a U-220 for 10 years. I had most of the expansion cards. I kick myself for using that as a utility synth all these years when the Proteus has been around. The U-220 is definately not better sounding, not close. Pro studios have used Proteuses (Proti?) for years. The new Pro2K is basically an update to this unit. Not staggeringly better, just an upgrade. I am giving this a rating of 9 for the useful, good samples. If I were to be rating it overall, the weak pianos and other sounds would probably dip that rating to about a 6.

Reliability: 10
I've never owned any gear, and I've owned a ton, that I had ongoing serious problems with. All this stuff is reliable (unless you get a lemon) if you take care of it properly - i.e. hard cases, good racks, no banging around, and no spilled drinks on them. It's not brain surgery.

Customer Support: N/A

Overall Rating: 10
Oh that lame lost or stolen question. Well, if it were lost or stolen, I would get a Pro2K, or better still, a used Ultra Proteus. But for my needs now, the FX will hunt. I've been playing professionally live and in studios for over 20 years. I only use instruments that will do the work I need, and sound good. I have no complaints about Proteus modules. There are obviously better all-in-one devices available at this time, but for a cheap way to add clean, useful strings, winds, basses, perc., of the used options available, I think this one works the best. Sounds the most in tune to me. 10 because it says "fantastic value" on the scroll down screen for rating, and I think for a few Benjamins, this is a great value.

Submitted by DG at 03/04/2002 14:24

Price Paid: US $450.00

Ease of Use: 7
Although you just dial up your patches, it seemed a bit time consuming to find the sound you want. Editing patches refrains to sub-menus and the fact that no filters are included does hinder the overall ability to create more interesting sounds.

Features: 7
Plenty of polyphony for a single module, but as usual...who doesn't want more? The built in effects are weak ( as is its output ),therefore; use outboard gear if you really want to effect its sounds. No expansion capabilities..ohwell...by a Roland or Korg or just something newer.

Expressiveness/Sounds: 8
Now heres were the module must really count and here is where some people get really confused and just don't get it. No..this is not your stand alone / all in one synth. And because the effects are so weak, one can confuse this issue in whats really at hand in this beast. Synthesist isn't really just "pick a patch and go". Its cooking timbres and sound design to create that good bowl of chili. Combining and layering sounds is not an option...its a necessity. All synth manufacturers create a slightly different pallet than one another. And samplers and large meg files are another animal. The sounds on the proteus FX range from outstanding ( such as the "Quartet" patch- it always turns heads and try layering this patch with a thicker Korg or Roland string sound and listen to what the reson on the Quartet patch does..) to piss poor ( the pianos for example). But, where it really shines is as a treasurechest of sounds. Its orchestral stuff is very useful. The chromatic percussive stuff is inpressive. Even some of the pads are lush ( to a certain extent). Turn off its effects and add your own from a decent stand alone effects product and this beast is superb. Its playback architecture is what it is and was meant to be. Every synth I've ever owned or played has had its strengths and weaknesses, this one is no different...but a definate plus to add on to any rig for more. Although not the most pristine of sounds,they're clean and ready to be combined in your stew.

Reliability: 6
Had some operating system problems...but still working and in the combat field after many years.

Customer Support: N/A
Don't know...never contacted them.

Overall Rating: 7
If it were lost or stolen...I'd contact my insurance company and buy something newer. But as long as I have it...I'll use it ( amongst my other gear ). It was alot of sounds for the buck back when...and its made its way to many a television show ( unstbeknowingly to the public). Since this is not a new axe anymore, I would suggest that if your in the market for a sound module as an extention for your rig and can pick one of these up for dirt cheap...its a good buy. If price isn't an object ( how often is that?), the go to Guitar Center and have at it. Theres alot of great stuff out there now.

Submitted by Zuma at 10/05/2001 09:24

Price Paid: US $450.00

Ease of Use: 9
If your going to just plug and play...this unit shines!!! The essence of a great synthesizer is ease of use and high quality sounds. In this department, the Proteus FX blows!!!! The manual was consise and was cool that they included it with the module. I found that editing the patches thru its sub-menus was both thought provoking and a gas!!!

Features: 10
Polyphony up the wazoo!!! And 16 channel multi-timbral! ( sure beats my trusty DX7 ). The effects to me, rival the fancy Lexicon's I've used in top studios. So subtle, yet so effective! Man, I love this synth!!!!

Expressiveness/Sounds: 10
If you want real strings...look no further. Fat brass sounds...they're in there. Incredible piano sounds compared to my DX7!Marimbas that groove, timbales that excite, ethnic percussion that turns you into a World artist! I especially appreciate the meticulous sampling that EMU put in this module to get the"Proteus" sound. The Proteus FX works well for all the types of music I compose ( such as Mid Eastern Hip Hop, Country and Western Polkas, Louisville Bluegrass and radio commercials for local pool halls and bars ).

Reliability: 10
I've had this module for 2 months now and I can attest to its reliability as being great! I've taken it to 5 studio sessions and it always works.

Customer Support: 10
I haven't had a need to call them...however, if I did; I'm sure it would be good!!!

Overall Rating: 10
If it were lost or stolen...I'd totally freak! I love this module more then my girlfriend. A matter of fact, I'm looking to sell some of my other synths ( Kurzweil K2000, Korg O1W, Roland D50, Roland JP800 and Akai s3000 samplers )and purchase a few more used Proteus Fx units. For me, its my entire sound! Whenever I've taken it to the studio, the engineer can't stop raving about the recording quality and incredible sounds. The other session players jaws drop when I bring up the piano sounds ( although the engineer always insists I use the studios acoustic piano for piano ). Last week I was aquisitioned to do a commercial for Leddy's Bar and Grill, and they wanted areal orchestral sounding piece. Since I don't do that type of thing, I called my good friend Bruce Templeton to arrange it. We used nothing but the Proteus FX and it was hard to distinguish it from a complete full orchestra. The owner of Leddy's Bar and Grill couldn't believe that it was not a real orchestra. Bruce never arranged better!
If you want the ultimate all in one/ desert island synth.. this is the one!!! Buy it...buy it...buy it!!!

Submitted by Bert Farmington Esq. at 08/16/2000 18:50

Price Paid: US $430

Ease of Use: 9
Simple, only 2 menus which are self-explanitory as to what they do. Editing patches is extremely easy, just move the cursor to the factor you want to change and rotate the data knob until you like the way it sounds. The patches before you start editing sound great enough though. All of the Strings, VOX, Chromatic Percussion, and Woodwind sounds are SUPERB. It has the greatest synth Oboe EVER. The Brass and other sounds are still great though. The manual is very thick, but I never found a need to open it.

Features: 9
My only complaint is that the polyphony is only 32, but in the time this was made having something that was over 32 polyphony was unheard of. But one feature it does have is and overflow, where it sends all notes it can't play to the MIDI Out where you can then send it to another synth, or ideally another Proteus FX. There are two layers of effects you can add, FX A and FX B. FX A are your standard reverbs with rooms and such, and are excellent. FX B is your special effects, such as LFOs, Fuzz, and Flanger effects, and for the most part they're all great too.

Expressiveness/Sounds: 10
The sounds are fantastic. As I said before the Woodwinds, Strings, VOX, and Percussion sounds can't be beat. The Brass, Organ, Guitar, and other sounds are still great, but they don't stand out as much as the others do. But it's also worth getting the module just for the patch "Rockets." The module pre-dates aftertouch, so it is not compatable with it, but it reacts excellently to anything you send it. I use the module along with a Proteus 2000, and the FX has no trouble keeping up.

Reliability: 10
I've had mine for about 3 years, I got it because I heard someone else's, and he's had his for about 6 years, and neither of us have had any trouble with it.

Customer Support: N/A
Never had to use customer support

Overall Rating: 10
I own a Proteus FX, Proteus 2000, and Korg NX5R. Out of all of these modules, the FX is still my favorite. It's the oldest, and yet a lot of the sounds on it are better than in the other 2.

Submitted by Derek at 08/16/2000 09:25

Price Paid: US $600 used

Ease of Use: N/A
I tried to build sound just one time and many months ago.I found it very different than other models ( japan synth ).

Features: 7
32 poly, 2 FX processor ( with different set of effects for each processor ), wide selection of sounds ( 128 patches x 4 banks ). Useful MIDI controller matrix, to assign to many parameters of sound.

Expressiveness/Sounds: 7
With 32 notes of polyphony I can use P-FX as multitimbral module for 3 channels ( normally some orchestral sounds, drum sounds and synth bass ). The FX unit on board seems
to be quite noisy. I need to put the high frequency on eq. near to 0 db to not ear white noise. It's very nice the rich MIDI controller matrix. It's a nice module for
any kind of music. Best sound I found ( presets ... I have not much time to build my own ! SIGH! ) are human voices, strings and some piano ( not so cool as I wanted ).

Reliability: N/A

Customer Support: N/A

Overall Rating: 7
I haven't yet use this module for a real sound creation : I use just the presets sound, and I know, it's not the best way to understand the powerful of an instrument.
At moment I can just say this : it's a not so cheap module ( compared to japanese products ), and sound is not so warm as I believed ( I thought that american / west sounds
are warmest that japanese sounds .. but sometimes that's not true ! ). But I think, when I'll have enough time to work on, FX will give me more, waiting and working on the right time !

Submitted by Luca at 07/25/2000 05:10

Price Paid: N/A used

Ease of Use: 9
Proteus FX is very easy to use.

Features: 8
Proteus FX has 32 voices, 16 multi-timbre, 2 effects. It can set effects on/off for individual instrumentals. But, there's no way to specify different effect send level for each instrumental. Common effect level can be specified for all.

Expressiveness/Sounds: 9
Proteus FX has (former) EMU sounds. Most instrumentals are very realistic. Strings, brass and drum sets are nice. It is not an universal sound module, but application is all-purpose! On-board effects are not bad. Generally, Proteus FX works quickly. It recognizes velocity and channel aftertouch. And, doesn't recognize expression (CC#11). It seems stereo output level is smaller than other sound modules, even if volume knob set to MAX.

Reliability: 8
I think Proteus FX is reliable.

Customer Support: N/A

Overall Rating: 10
If it were lost or stolen, I do need it again. However, I would buy Proteus 2000 with Proteus Sound ROM. Proteus FX has been my primary sound module for several years. I think it is worth what I paid. I wish to replace it with Proteus 2000 (or E4 sampler maybe).

Submitted by Takahiro Kurogi at 03/17/2000 08:44

Price Paid: N/A

Ease of Use: 8
The unit is easy to operate. The nice thing is that all Emu rack synths have similar operating system.

Features: 3
It's all the whistles and bells, but very bad ones. The onboard effects are probably as bad as they come. It's good aspects are the multi-timbral functions, multi-outs, etc.

Expressiveness/Sounds: 1
Sounds really really suck! There are over 500 presets and there isn't one sound that I liked. Someone should shoot the synth programmers at Emu. They make great samplers, but synths have to go. The sounds are very harsh, no expressiveness, and just plain crappy. I can't emphasize how bad the sounds are.

Reliability: 2
Mine had problems 2 months after I bought it brand new. The rack would make rattling noises with no sound coming out of the outputs. I had to bang on it to make it work.

Customer Support: 3
Emu's got a good customer support, but they can't do much for the bad ROM sounds.

Overall Rating: 1
The operation system is cool. If it had some good sounds, that would make all the difference. If anyone is even thinking about buying this unit, or is tempted by the number of presets. Please think again! I finally sold mine recently. It took a while to sell. Overall, I think Emu makes bad synths, and this is a prime example of it.

Submitted by Anonymous at 02/24/2000 10:50