E-mu UltraProteus

Price Paid: US $130 used

Ease of Use: 8
Easy but be prepared for a lot of alpha knob scrolling. I like how the editing format is almost identical to the recent Proteus 2000-series synths, with a few additions and omissions. I don't need a software editor. Lots of parameters compared to most ROM-based synths, but easily editable from the front-panel.

Presets are mostly standard bread-and-butter, plain but useable.

Emu manuals are some of the best.

Features: 10
32 note polyphony, 16 part multitimbral, 2 effects processors, 4 assignable Midi controllers which can be used as mod sources in the mod matrix.

More filters than any synth I've used -288 filter types, and the most complex envelopes as well - "Function Generators" - 8 segments, each with level and time, and the slope of each segment is selectable from 64 different shapes, including Random, Linear, ZigZag, Cir, LnShf, Chaos, Curv, DCDelay, SlwCrv, Cr, Bloom, SlwRmp, MedLn, FastLn, Squeeze, and Exponential. Plus you can jump from segment to segment for multiple looping segments. Download the manual from emu.com for explanations.

There are 470 PCM Waveforms to choose from, and two of these make up one preset. You can "Double + Detune" each sample, reverse samples, delay the starttime, disable sample looping, change the loop offset (for wavetable sweeps - but you can't modulate the speed, too bad), Crossfade between both oscillators with selectable direction (very cool), etc. Each osc gets an amp envelope, filter, and filter envelope. The envelopes can modulate other destinations, use the mod matrix for this. Two Function Generators which are described above. Plus of course the Morph parameters for each filter (realtime control), as well as Filter Frequency Tracking (note-on only), and Filter Transform (note-on only).

You can reverse the filters (very cool), and there are 2 LFOs with 5 shapes. 2 Function Generators, the mod matrix - 10 Note-on controllers, and 10 Realtime Controllers, plus the usual pitch bend, key track, and velocity parameters for each preset.

2 FX processors, the delay time is very short, but the reverbs sound great, I like Emu reverbs more than any other synth module I've used. You can select which effects a patch uses in the preset editing mode, but there is a Midimap section where you set up multitimbral sequencing setups and FX routings. I usually save effects setting in the Midimap slots and switch presets.

HyperPresets is another mode where you can layer up to 16 preset (patches), and save the HyperPreset as a regular patch in a special bank. You get keyrange, pitch, velocity, panning, volume, and an additional Free-Run Function Generator in this HyperPreset section. 8-segments like the regular Function Generators, and it can modulate many destinations but you'll have to select them in each preset's mod matrix.

Lots of potential.

Expressiveness/Sounds: 8
Overall the samples have that characteristic Emu rompler sound, a bit flat, not much presence and punch. Kind of similar to the Wavestation EX samples, but with more bread-and-butter, though it does have Moog, Oberheim, Arp 2600, plus additive, formant, harmonic, and inharmonic samples, plus lots of world percussion samples. The filters range from simple low-pass to comb, multi-band parametric, flange, phase, distortion, formant, etc. You'll have to use certain filters to get dynamic, punchy sounds because the samples are flat. With the filters you can create some huge overpowering basses and ultra-shrill high frequencies, but it still doesn't have the punch, impact, or snappiness of a Minimoog or the presence of an early wavetable synth like the Waldorf Microwave or modern VAs. For slowly evolving, swirling, panoramic sounds it sounds great. It doesn't have the sparkle and shiny sound of modern romplers like the Motif ES or Fantom X, but it's got an architecture that puts pretty much anything modern to shame. It's a rompler, with potential unlike any other rompler I've used, so it's definately a special and very unique synth.

Reliability: N/A
I 've owned it for only a couple of weeks. Got mine used, but looks and functions like new. Only thing to watch out for on Emu modules is the Alpha Knob, it can jump values if it's subjected to a smoky or dirty environment. My UltraProteus doesn't luckily, I had a Proteus 2000 module that did. I like how Emu bolts the analog I/O to the chassis, rather than the usual 'free-floating' outputs on Korgs, Yamahas, and Rolands. I've had to resolder the outputs on a Wavestation A/D since their solder joints had broken from the motherboard.

Customer Support: 4
Emu Support on the legacy hardware gear is pretty much nonexistant. You might get a rep that cares but usually not. I had a question about their recent 1616m PCMCIA laptop audio interface, it took a week before someone answered my email. I bought something else instead.

Overall Rating: 10
It's a keeper, I paid about $130 in mint condition. Cheaper than the Morpheus, though it is missing several of the samples from the Morpheus (maybe less than a dozen?). But with a lot more filters and twice as many waveforms than the Morpheus, it certainly isn't lacking in unique synthetic waveforms like some other reviewers will say. Though it doesn't have as many of those strange digital Prophet VS waveforms as the Wavestation EX, there are more than enough synthetic samples including many variations of the standard saw, square, and triangle analog waveforms. Not to mention a useable stereo piano and the famous flute sound from the X-files. :) Those bread-and-butter sounds do come in handy if you're the type to refuse to buy a modern rompler like the Yamahas and Rolands, and too lazy to fire up your sampler. Yup, a must have for ambient, soundscape, experimental, spacemusic, etc. Evolving sounds with incredible movement that rivals Korg Wavestations and Waldorf Microwaves, and a heck of a lot easier to program than the FS1R and K5000 (which are both very synthetic sounding and too much hassle for me).

Submitted by Mike at 12/30/2005 18:06

Price Paid: 900 (PLN (220 Euro)) used

Ease of Use: 8
OS version 1.24 - Presets are good, but nothing special - Editing patches... well, would be as easy as it can be with any other module with such LCD and one data wheel, so patch editor can be used rather for your comfort; anyway, see the next point - Manual is very good, you cannot get lost with E-mu.

Features: 9
Polyphony is 32 voices, but patch can consist of two waveforms, so use the math :) Keybord action - you can scale the response of module, so it can be fitted to your playing style. It can accept PCMCIA memory cards, however they are out-of-market and I've never been interested in finding any. If you use it with a computer, use SysEx for changing banks; if you use it live, 128 Presets and 128 Hyperpresets should be enough. No possibility to add new waveforms (rompler != sampler). MIDI is rather good, you can assign four CC (from the range 0-32) used to control the sound. No sequencer.

OK, this was a quick summary, let's go for a ride :) First of all, if you ever heard of E-mu Z-Plane filters, this little box has nearly 300 types of such filters. I mean "such filters" - don't expect meaty, squiky, acid-poisoned filters, if you look for this, try some virtual analog. Moreover, you won't be able to control resonance in the realtime - you hit the key, you got the resonance set, period. It is a bug for me, but since it is present in every E-mu module, they call it "a feature" :) Every patch can have two filters assigned and you can "morph" between them in realtime.

As always with E-mu - you get an "analog-type" modulation matrix with virtual patchcords, so you can take some controllers and information like velocity or key and dedicate it to control (Note-On or Realtime) some aspect of sound.

What more? You can "sweep" waveform memory, so it is able to give you sounds a'la Korg Wavestation, but don't think of it as of a replacement for WS. You can reverse the waveform. And last but not least you have two Function Generators per patch - probably it is the most flexible tool for shaping you sounds. I don't know why E-mu ripped it out of Proteus2000 (OK, I do know - FGs are really, really complicated).

I know it can be hilarious - but before you start your adventure with programming UltraProteus, better sit down with a pencil and a sheet of paper (or a couple of...). This synth is extremely powerful, but you have to learn a lot before you'll be able to unleash its potential. Yes, it is the "classical substractive synthesis", but on steroids. Except it isn't hand-controlled, like in Andromeda (e.g.), but mind-controlled.

Would be 10 for this, but static resonance and the range of assignable CC from 0 to 32 force me to take away one point.

Expressiveness/Sounds: 10
First of all - UltraProteus was perceived as "Morpheus fed up with acoustic sounds". Well, sometimes it sounds very realistic, but not always. Those waveforms can be used to shape it with filters, and then you can get REALLY interesting effects. This module is "genreless" - it can be used everywhere because of it flexibility, but not as primary (or even secondary) instrument. This box is rather old, so you will find a lot of better FX in modern DPSs or FX plugins. Sound can be very responsive, or not - use "Preset" button to shape the sound to your expectations.

Sounds can be tweaked and shaped in many ways, generally it is not a Roland LA-rompler, although you can use it this way - mix two waveforms and voila! Bare sounds can sound boring and this way UP can be beaten by U-220 (e.g.), but U-220 has nothing more than its sounds. So don't use it for playing presets. There is a lot of free UP soundbanks on the net, but you may found some of them useless (I mean not of you kind, not weak or sth.). Try to experiment with patch editing and don't forget about pencil ;)

Ah, in this rating I don't consider S/N level or sth. Probably there are quiter modules. But think about U-110 :P

Reliability: 10
It never hanged. Probably you can choke it with some SysEx bomb, but you probably don't bulk dump during the live performance?

Customer Support: N/A
Forget it. E-mu folks don't remember the times when they were building hardware sound modules. Especially modules predating Proteus 2000. OK, you can download the manual and factory bank from their site.

Overall Rating: 10
It is definitely worth the price I paid. For me it's a state-of-the-art sound module, so I consider it as having one of 200 postcards painted and signed by Munch (e.g.). I also own Morpheus and Proteus 2000 from E-mu, together with Yamaha CS1x and Fatar SL-880. I love the flexibility of UP and if I had to compare it with something else (beside Morpheus), I would point Korg Wavestation and Yamaha FS1R. These are also examples of driving the synthesis beyond the borders of itself :)

Realtime resonance is the only missing thing it this little box.

Submitted by Bruno at 08/15/2005 06:14

Price Paid: US $999

Ease of Use: 4
OS: Rev 1.24
Presets: who cares. some are useful as a starting point for programming your own sounds.
Editing is very deep, so be prepared to spend some time with the beast initially. Yes. You'll want a patch editor with anything that has such a small screen and such a huge arrange of parameters. I recommend SoundDiver.
The manual is pretty helpful, but I put it back on the shelf after about three patches.

Features: 7
32 notes, but watch out in the various modes as notes are stolen very quickly. e.g., in hyper patch mode it's very easy to use up polyphony.
The built-in effects are good enough and easy to use. I use them almost exclusively for special effects and chorusing. This allows the effects to not be used up with reverb and puts the UltraProteus sounds in the same virtual room as the rest of the mix.
You can push in a ROM or RAM card. They are not the easiest to find in my experience.
The filters are wonderful and fun!

Expressiveness/Sounds: 9
The UP -- while containing lots of "realistic" sampled sounds -- is best used for the morphing pads and for shaping sound A with the filters of sound B (e.g., use the filter-shapes that would normally go with a cello on a french horn or visa versa.)
Use the internal effects to thicken the sound as it's sometimes a little wimpy without these.

Reliability: 6
The unit seems very solid. Occasionally, I've had to reposition it in my rack to get rid of noise.

Customer Support: 8
I did have to repair my UP once. Great response and turnaround from E-mu.

Overall Rating: 7
With the Proteus 2000 in my rack, the UP is less critical than previously. However, I've found that the patches don't easily translate from the UP to to p2k, so I'd really miss the UP if it were not in my rack.

Submitted by Stan Stewart at 02/08/2002 08:40

Price Paid: US $649 used

Ease of Use: 5
Rev 1.24 O/S. This is the second synth/sound module I've ever purchased. Basic navigation and assignments of presets is very simple and straightforward. If you want to do *any* editing of presets, though, you will need an editor/librarian. I use SoundDiver which is more than sufficient, but no human should be forced to edit patches this complex through a 24x2 character LCD. Remote editing is a snap with E-Mu's pristine sysex implementation.

Features: 9
32-note polyphony, and a dual effects processor based on an ADSP-2105 signal processor. One wonderful feature that been synonymous with the Proteus line ever since its inception was the insert-style connections on the auxilliary outputs. When you run out of inputs on your mixer, you can patch an insert cable into all four auxilliary output jacks and submix audio back into the main outputs - very slick. Other features are the Morpheus style Z-Plane filters, which allow you to pick two spectral shapes and "morph" between them. These are the major points of the instrument.

Expressiveness/Sounds: 8
The UltraProteus is basically the Morpheus synthesizer with a selection of Proteus 1/2/3 sounds and an effects processor. The sound set is complete and of a quality I've never heard before in mid-end sample playback boxes. E-Mu got really creative in the use of the Z-Plane filters on some of the old Proteus pads, effects, and some of the drum kits as well. The orchestral samples, while limited in versatility, were of extremely high quality and quantity. Usually, I sketch out a score on the UltraProteus before finalizing the session for recording. All in all, a good overall module with a variety of sounds for general applications.

Reliability: 10
My UltraProteus has only crashed once, and that was due to me sending 64kBytes of garbage SysEx commands to it by accident. A quick re-init, and the unit was ready to go again. This is one of the most reliable pieces of gear I own, next to my Juno 106 and my guitar.

Customer Support: N/A
I only contacted E-Mu once to order two PCMCIA cards for my UltraProteus, and they were extremely helpful.

Overall Rating: 8
This is one key piece of gear in my studio. I own over a dozen other synthesizers currently, and have rotated many pieces of kit through my collection in the past decade. This is one of maybe 3 pieces of gear that have remained constant. The sound set is wonderful, and the remote editing capabilities of the UltraProteus have definately endeared its moniker as a permanent addition. When I was buying this synth module, I was looking at the K5000 from Kawai, and Akai samplers. It seemed that this fit the budget, the sound variety, and the functionality I was looking for. Since that day, I've been suprised by the expanse of capabilities UltraProteus has. I did dock the final judgement because a synth manufacturer should *never* *EVER* put such a powerful synthesizer engine in such a hard to edit and control package. Once I got SoundDiver, a PC-1600, and all the MIDI CC's routed to the box, it was a dream - but before then, editing was painful at best. Many powerful synthesizers have failed in the industry due to poor usability - and this was no exception, albeit a success.

Submitted by The Proteus at 08/27/2001 18:46

Price Paid: US $1000

Ease of Use: 7
Presets on the UltraProteus are all cool. There seems to be a good variety of patches as well. A software patch editor is a must, however -- patches are very complex. The front panel is very well designed, and patch parameters are intelligently grouped. Tweaking one or two parameters in an existing patch is straightforward. Starting from scratch or any serious programming undertaking absolutely requires a computer editor. A free editor is available from non-E-mu sources.
The manual rules. It's even typeset well. other serious undertaking in programming the synth

Features: 9
The UltraProteus has 32 noise-making paths ("polyphonic notes"). A patch may use one or two of these, or three or four if it makes use of the "double and detune" feature. Built in effects are organized into two banks, one containing a bunch of reverb/chorus/delay algorithms, the other containing fuzz/distortion type stuff. There are two stereo sub-outs, and effects sends are completely programmable down to routing each single voice.
There is a Data Card slot on the front of the unit -- this is only used for distribution of new patch banks from E-Mu (they run around US$100 each). The sizeable ROM full of samples defies expansion -- expand by selling it and buying a sampler if you run out of things to do with the ROM.
The MIDI implementation is the best I've seen in a synthesizer in this price range. Every possible MIDI input message that typically occurrs during performance is mappable to just about every useful patch parameter. You can even set how much a given input should effect the overall synth-state.
The real beauty of this monster is in the programmable envelopes and the Z-plane filtering. You are not tied to the delay-attack-hold- sustain-decay-release-chew-swallow model of envelopes. Z-plane filtering is poorly described at E-mu's web site, but the manual tells it all in crystal clear english.

Expressiveness/Sounds: 8
It's a sample-playback synth, and suffers and benefits from all that implies. It is very general purpose, although aims more at producing interesting simulations of acoustic instruments rather than laying down a bunch of basic wave shapes for additive synthesis.
Those with powerful controller/instruments should find this synth as satisfying, if not moreso, than any other synth in it's price range.

Reliability: 9
It's half as small and twice as heavy as I expected it to be. That's a good sign in terms of durability and dependability as far as I'm concerned.
It has yet to fail me, despite the megs of random sysex data I've sent at it in my fooling with the computer.

Customer Support: N/A
I have not dealt with E-mu tech support, although they have reasonable net presence.
The thing is bulletproof and inexpandably bloated. I'm not worried.

Overall Rating: 9
I'd buy it again. I'm looking to buy it's older brother, the Morpheus, as well as an e-64 sampler. Like Mackie mixers, as far as I'm concerned, you can't really go wrong with E-mu.

Submitted by Joe Miklojcik at 03/14/1996 13:24