E-mu Emulator 1

We are Brokering this instrument for and on behalf of our UK customer

Servicing Status: Full health check by KSR was carried out in January 2021.

Remarks: A really nice condition example of the sampler that started off the legendary series: The Emulators, from E-mu Systems from 1981 until the 1990s.

The Emulator 1 was a truly groundbreaking instrument that is commonly considered to have started a music revolution in the use of samplers in popular music. Early adopters were some of the biggest names in the industry, like Michael Jackson (Quincy Jones), Stevie Wonder, Genesis, etc. There’s plenty about the history that can be found online, but the Emulator 1 is something very special, for a number of good reasons.

The Model number of this Emulator 1 is 6008 (serial #242- out of 500 built), which makes this a later production version 8 Voice system, built around 1983. The unique architecture of the E1 delivers the 8 voices in a 5/3 keyboard split, so 5 voices in the lower half, 3 at the top above the mid-point keyboard split.

The E1 comes has been modified with a brand new HxC SD floppy emulator fitted, so it has a library loaded onto an SD card that boots up with the E1, so no floppy discs are needed.  The SD card modification/upgrade was carried out by Synthprof (Andy Jury) in the UK in 2019 (original printed receipt supplied upon sale).

This is a very useful modification and enables the loading of library sounds a quick and simple process, and the system boots up from the card. This E1 also has the RS232 port fitted, so with the right software/hardware, you can access normally the system remotely.

Our client has not owned this Emulator 1 very long, having purchased it as a fully serviced example from a UK synth dealer (not us) in August 2019, but he commissioned KSR to fully health-check the sampler in 2020.  Once this is sold, we will ask KSR to fully check the E1 for us to ensure everything is 100% before sending it out to the new owner.

It looks to have been well cared for and, cosmetically speaking, is in good condition with only the expected amount of wear to the painted metal cabinet, although it looks to have had some treatment at some point to the rear/back panel. All the controls work perfectly, and the load/play/sampling functions are 100% thanks to the SD card upgrade, so it’s good to go.

This E1 is also supplied with 24 original 5&1/4” floppy discs, although these library files are already loaded on the SD card. There is a switch on the back so you can toggle between using the SD or original floppy drive if you wish.

This Emulator 1 operates on EU220V or US110V (switchable). We will include an IEC power cable.

We can be shipped to most destinations worldwide.

Packing & Shipping: We can ship this worldwide, although the packing & shipping cost is not included in the sale price below, and is subject to quotation.  We are happy to discuss your requirements so please email us if you have any questions on the logistics.

Sales Price: £3,300 GBP

As this is a brokered sale, VAT is not applicable on the sale of this LAMM to UK buyers, however, the packing & shipping/insurance costs are subject to VAT @ 20%, should you need the goods shipped to you.  The E1 can be available for collection from us directly in the South of England (Reading, Berkshire).

Availability: This Emulator 1 is no longer available for sale – this page was updated on 4th August 2021.

Note on pictures, due to Covid: Click on the thumbnail for a higher resolution photo of the actual Emulator 1 for sale.  Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, Kent has offered to photograph the E1 at his premises in Surrey, so these photos come straight from him using the best photo equipment he has available. It’s our workaround for the Covid issues/restrictions and we’re very grateful to Kent for helping us all out.

If you require specific pictures not already featured of the instrument then please contact us so we can request that Kent at KSR can accommodate your request, but there may be a short delay in getting this done for us/you.

BUY THIS EMULATOR 1/button]