The Emu E6400 Ultra stands as a pinnacle in the realm of professional digital sampling. Designed and manufactured by Emu Systems, this iconic sampler represents a culmination of advanced technology, intuitive user interface, and unparalleled sound quality.

Released in the late 1990s, the Emu E6400 Ultra quickly gained recognition among musicians, producers, and sound designers for its extensive feature set and exceptional sonic capabilities. It offered a vast array of sampling options, including multi-layered velocity switching, time-stretching, and pitch-shifting, empowering users to manipulate audio with unprecedented flexibility.

One of the defining features of the E6400 Ultra is its sophisticated synthesis engine, which allows users to seamlessly integrate sampled sounds with synthesized elements, opening up endless possibilities for sound design and experimentation. Whether creating realistic instrument emulations, otherworldly textures, or complex layered compositions, the E6400 Ultra delivers with precision and depth.

The intuitive user interface of the E6400 Ultra facilitates seamless navigation and operation, making it accessible to both seasoned professionals and newcomers to the world of sampling and sound design. Its comprehensive set of controls and parameters provide users with the tools they need to sculpt their sounds with precision and creativity.

Furthermore, the Emu E6400 Ultra’s robust build quality and reliability ensure that it remains a trusted companion in studios and live setups alike, withstanding the rigors of professional use.

In summary, the Emu E6400 Ultra stands as a testament to Emu Systems’ commitment to innovation and quality in the realm of digital sampling. Its combination of advanced features, intuitive interface, and exceptional sound quality continues to make it a cherished tool for musicians, producers, and sound designers seeking to push the boundaries of sonic exploration.

The Emu E6400 Ultra boasts a sleek and robust design, engineered to meet the demands of professional users while offering intuitive operation and accessibility. Here’s a closer look at its design and standout features:

1. Industrial Design: The E6400 Ultra features a sturdy metal chassis, designed to withstand the rigors of studio and stage use. Its compact footprint makes it suitable for both desktop and rack-mounted configurations, offering versatility in setup options.

2. Large Display: A prominent LCD display provides clear and detailed feedback, allowing users to navigate through menus, edit parameters, and visualize waveform data with ease. The high-resolution screen ensures optimal visibility even in varying lighting conditions.

3. Sampling Capabilities: With its advanced sampling engine, the E6400 Ultra offers extensive sampling capabilities, including multi-layered velocity switching, crossfade looping, and advanced editing tools. Users can capture audio from various sources and manipulate it with precision to achieve desired results.

4. Synthesis Engine: The E6400 Ultra integrates a powerful synthesis engine, enabling users to combine sampled sounds with synthesized waveforms and modulation sources. This feature opens up a world of sonic possibilities, allowing for the creation of complex and evolving textures, as well as realistic instrument emulations.

5. Filters and Effects: Equipped with high-quality digital filters and effects processors, the E6400 Ultra offers comprehensive sound shaping and enhancement options. Users can apply a variety of filter types, modulation effects, and dynamic processors to sculpt their sounds with precision.

6. Connectivity: The E6400 Ultra features a range of connectivity options, including analog audio inputs and outputs, digital I/O, MIDI ports, and SCSI for external storage. This extensive connectivity ensures seamless integration with other studio gear and facilitates versatile workflow configurations.

7. User Interface: The E6400 Ultra’s user interface is designed for intuitive operation, featuring dedicated buttons and knobs for quick access to essential functions. Menu navigation is straightforward, thanks to logical hierarchy and intuitive labeling, allowing users to focus on creative expression rather than technical complexity.

8. Expansion Options: Emu offered expansion options for the E6400 Ultra, allowing users to expand its capabilities with additional memory, input/output options, and expansion boards for specialized synthesis and processing tasks.

In conclusion, the Emu E6400 Ultra combines a robust design, comprehensive feature set, and intuitive user interface to deliver a versatile and powerful tool for sampling, synthesis, and sound design. Its blend of advanced technology and user-friendly design makes it a favored choice among professionals seeking high-quality audio processing and creative freedom.

The Emu E6400 Ultra is renowned for its exceptional sound generation capabilities, offering a blend of sampling and synthesis that empowers users to craft a diverse range of sounds with precision and depth. Here’s a closer look at the sound generation features of the E6400 Ultra:

1. Sampling: At the core of the E6400 Ultra’s sound generation is its advanced sampling engine. Users can capture audio from external sources or load existing samples into the sampler. The E6400 Ultra supports a variety of sample formats, including WAV and AIFF, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of sound sources.

2. Sample Manipulation: Once samples are loaded, users have access to a plethora of tools for manipulating and editing them. This includes functions such as time-stretching, pitch-shifting, looping, and crossfading, allowing for precise control over the characteristics of the samples.

3. Multi-Layered Sound Design: One of the standout features of the E6400 Ultra is its ability to create complex, multi-layered sounds. Users can stack multiple samples on top of each other, each triggered by different velocity ranges or MIDI notes. This enables the creation of dynamic, expressive instruments with varying tonal characteristics.

4. Synthesis Integration: In addition to its sampling capabilities, the E6400 Ultra integrates a powerful synthesis engine. Users can combine sampled sounds with synthesized waveforms, modulation sources, and filters to create hybrid instruments and unique sonic textures. This synthesis integration opens up endless possibilities for sound design and experimentation.

5. High-Quality Filters and Effects: The E6400 Ultra features high-quality digital filters and effects processors, allowing users to further shape and enhance their sounds. From classic filter types like low-pass and high-pass to modulation effects such as chorus and flanger, the E6400 Ultra provides a comprehensive suite of processing tools to sculpt sounds to perfection.

6. Real-Time Control: With its intuitive user interface and extensive MIDI implementation, the E6400 Ultra enables real-time control over sound parameters. Users can map MIDI controllers to various parameters, facilitating expressive performance and dynamic sound manipulation.

7. Expansion Options: Emu offered expansion options for the E6400 Ultra, allowing users to expand its sound generation capabilities further. This includes additional sample memory, expansion boards for specialized synthesis methods, and digital I/O options for seamless integration with external gear.

In summary, the Emu E6400 Ultra’s sound generation capabilities encompass the best of both sampling and synthesis, offering users a powerful and flexible tool for creating a wide range of sounds and textures. Whether crafting realistic instrument emulations, otherworldly soundscapes, or intricate layered compositions, the E6400 Ultra delivers with precision and depth, making it a favored choice among musicians, producers, and sound designers alike.

1. Sampling:

Sample Rates: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz
Sample Resolution: 16-bit, 18-bit, 20-bit, 24-bit
Maximum Polyphony: 128 voices
Maximum Sampling Time: Dependent on installed memory (expandable via SIMMs)
2. Storage:

Internal Memory: Varies based on model and installed memory (up to 128 MB)
External Storage: SCSI interface for connecting external storage devices such as hard drives, CD-ROM drives, and ZIP drives
3. Audio Inputs:

Analog Inputs: Balanced 1/4″ TRS jacks
Digital Inputs: S/PDIF (coaxial and optical)
4. Audio Outputs:

Analog Outputs: Balanced 1/4″ TRS jacks
Digital Outputs: S/PDIF (coaxial and optical)
5. Expansion:

Memory Expansion: Accepts standard SIMMs (Single In-line Memory Modules) for expanding sample memory
Expansion Slots: Available for adding additional features and functionality via expansion boards
6. Filters and Effects:

Filter Types: Multiple filter types including low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and notch filters
Effects: Built-in effects processors offering a variety of effects such as reverb, delay, chorus, flanger, phaser, EQ, and more
7. MIDI:

MIDI Ports: MIDI In, MIDI Out, MIDI Thru
MIDI Channels: Supports up to 16 MIDI channels
MIDI Implementation: Comprehensive MIDI implementation for controlling parameters and triggering samples via MIDI
8. Display:

Display Type: High-resolution LCD display
Display Size: Varies based on model, typically large enough to provide clear and detailed parameter information
9. User Interface:

Control Interface: Front panel controls including knobs, buttons, and a data entry wheel for intuitive operation
Menu Navigation: Intuitive menu system for accessing and editing various parameters
10. Dimensions and Weight:

Dimensions (W x H x D): Varies based on model
Weight: Varies based on model and configuration
11. Power:

Power Supply: Internal power supply unit
Input Voltage: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz (universal voltage)
12. Compatibility:

Operating Systems: Compatible with a wide range of operating systems for both Mac and Windows platforms
File Formats: Supports common audio file formats such as WAV and AIFF for sample import/export
These technical specifications highlight the Emu E6400 Ultra’s capabilities as a professional-grade sampler and sound processing unit, offering flexibility, expandability, and high-quality audio processing suitable for studio and live performance applications.

The Emu E6400 Ultra excels in providing musicians, producers, and sound designers with a seamless performance and workflow experience, thanks to its intuitive design, powerful features, and versatile capabilities. Here’s a closer look at how the E6400 Ultra enhances performance and streamlines workflow:

1. Real-Time Sampling and Playback:

The E6400 Ultra allows for real-time sampling directly from external sources, enabling users to capture audio on-the-fly without interrupting their creative process.
With its generous polyphony and efficient processing, the E6400 Ultra delivers smooth and responsive playback, allowing users to layer multiple sounds and perform intricate arrangements with ease.
2. Comprehensive Editing Tools:

The sampler offers a wide range of editing tools, including time-stretching, pitch-shifting, looping, and crossfading, empowering users to manipulate samples with precision and flexibility.
Advanced editing features such as waveform zooming and graphical waveform display facilitate detailed editing tasks, enhancing workflow efficiency.
3. Flexible Sound Design:

Users can seamlessly integrate sampled sounds with synthesized waveforms and effects, expanding creative possibilities and enabling the creation of rich and complex sonic textures.
The E6400 Ultra’s multi-layered sound design capabilities allow for the creation of dynamic and expressive instruments with varying tonal characteristics, enhancing musical expression.
4. Intuitive User Interface:

The E6400 Ultra features a user-friendly interface with dedicated buttons, knobs, and a data entry wheel, providing quick and easy access to essential functions and parameters.
Logical menu navigation and clear visual feedback on the high-resolution LCD display streamline operation, allowing users to focus on their creative vision without getting bogged down by technical complexities.
5. Seamless Integration with External Gear:

The sampler’s comprehensive connectivity options, including analog and digital audio I/O, MIDI ports, and SCSI interface, facilitate seamless integration with external MIDI controllers, instruments, and studio equipment.
MIDI implementation allows for extensive control over parameters and triggering samples via MIDI, enhancing workflow flexibility and enabling expressive performance.
6. Expansion Options:

Emu offered expansion options for the E6400 Ultra, allowing users to expand its capabilities with additional memory, input/output options, and expansion boards for specialized synthesis and processing tasks.
These expansion options further enhance the sampler’s versatility and adaptability to different production environments and workflow requirements.
In summary, the Emu E6400 Ultra’s performance and workflow enhancements make it a powerful and versatile tool for musicians, producers, and sound designers seeking intuitive operation, seamless integration, and unparalleled creative control in their music production and sound design endeavors. Its combination of advanced features, flexible sound design capabilities, and user-friendly interface empowers users to unleash their creativity and bring their musical ideas to life with confidence and ease.

The Emu E6400 Ultra has left an indelible mark on the world of music production and sound design, attracting a diverse range of notable users across various genres and disciplines. Here are some influential users and their contributions:

1. Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails): Renowned for his innovative approach to sound manipulation and production, Trent Reznor has utilized the Emu E6400 Ultra extensively in Nine Inch Nails’ studio albums, incorporating its sampling and synthesis capabilities to create distinctive textures and atmospheres.

2. Aphex Twin: The iconic electronic musician Aphex Twin, known for his groundbreaking work in IDM and experimental electronica, has reportedly used the E6400 Ultra in his productions. Its versatile sound generation capabilities likely contributed to the intricate and immersive sonic landscapes present in his music.

3. Massive Attack: The pioneering trip-hop group Massive Attack has employed the E6400 Ultra in their production process, harnessing its sampling and synthesis features to craft the atmospheric and hypnotic soundscapes that characterize their seminal albums.

4. Hans Zimmer: Esteemed composer Hans Zimmer, known for his iconic film scores spanning various genres, has embraced the E6400 Ultra as a tool for sound design and sample manipulation in his film scoring projects. Its flexibility and precision likely contributed to the rich and immersive sonic textures found in his compositions.

5. The Chemical Brothers: The electronic music duo The Chemical Brothers have utilized the E6400 Ultra’s sampling capabilities to incorporate diverse and eclectic sound sources into their energetic and genre-defying tracks, adding depth and texture to their signature sound.

6. BT: Electronic music producer and composer BT has explored the creative possibilities of the E6400 Ultra, leveraging its sampling and synthesis features to push the boundaries of electronic music production and create intricate and emotive sonic landscapes.

7. Sound Designers and Engineers: Beyond musicians and composers, the E6400 Ultra has been embraced by sound designers and engineers across various industries, including film, television, and video games. Its versatile sound generation capabilities and intuitive workflow have made it a valuable tool for crafting immersive audio experiences in multimedia productions.

Overall, the Emu E6400 Ultra’s influence extends far and wide, shaping the sonic landscapes of countless recordings and productions across genres and disciplines. Its combination of advanced features, intuitive interface, and exceptional sound quality has cemented its status as a revered instrument in the world of music production and sound design.

The Emu E6400 Ultra has had a significant impact on the landscape of music production and sound design, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to resonate with musicians, producers, and sound engineers. Here’s an exploration of its impact and legacy:

1. Advancement of Sampling Technology: The E6400 Ultra represented a leap forward in sampling technology, offering musicians and producers unprecedented flexibility and control over sample manipulation. Its extensive editing capabilities, including time-stretching, pitch-shifting, and crossfading, expanded the creative possibilities for sound designers and composers.

2. Integration of Sampling and Synthesis: By seamlessly integrating sampling with powerful synthesis capabilities, the E6400 Ultra blurred the lines between sampled and synthesized sounds. This fusion of technologies empowered users to create hybrid instruments, intricate soundscapes, and dynamic textures, shaping the sonic palette of countless recordings across genres.

3. Influence on Music Production: The E6400 Ultra’s versatility and sound quality made it a favored tool among musicians and producers across diverse genres, from electronic music and hip-hop to rock and film scoring. Its impact can be heard in the rich and textured productions of artists and composers who embraced its capabilities.

4. Pioneering Sound Design: Sound designers and engineers in film, television, and video games embraced the E6400 Ultra for its ability to create immersive and expressive sound effects. Its flexible synthesis engine and comprehensive editing tools became indispensable for crafting cinematic soundscapes and interactive audio experiences.

5. Evolution of Studio Workflow: The E6400 Ultra’s intuitive user interface and seamless integration with external gear streamlined studio workflows, enhancing productivity and creativity for professionals in music production and audio post-production. Its influence extended beyond sound generation, shaping the way artists and engineers approached the entire production process.

6. Enduring Reputation: Despite advancements in technology, the Emu E6400 Ultra retains a dedicated following among musicians, producers, and sound designers. Its reputation for exceptional sound quality, robust build, and innovative features has solidified its status as a classic instrument in the world of music technology.

7. Inspiration for Future Innovations: The E6400 Ultra’s legacy continues to inspire future generations of music technology innovators. Its groundbreaking features and pioneering approach to sampling and synthesis serve as a testament to the potential for innovation and creativity in the realm of digital audio.

In summary, the Emu E6400 Ultra’s impact and legacy resonate throughout the music industry and beyond, shaping the way we approach sampling, synthesis, and sound design. Its influence can be heard in countless recordings and productions, and its innovative spirit continues to inspire artists and engineers as they push the boundaries of sonic exploration.

The Emu E6400 Ultra holds a significant collector’s value among enthusiasts of vintage music production gear and electronic instruments. Its combination of advanced features, renowned sound quality, and historical significance contributes to its desirability among collectors. Here’s an overview of its collector’s value and market trends:

Collector’s Value:

Historical Significance: The E6400 Ultra is considered a landmark instrument in the evolution of sampling technology, marking a pivotal moment in the transition from hardware-based samplers to more versatile and powerful digital workstations.

Limited Availability: As a discontinued product, the E6400 Ultra is no longer in production, making existing units increasingly rare and sought after by collectors.

Iconic Status: The E6400 Ultra has attained a cult status among musicians, producers, and sound designers, contributing to its collector’s appeal. Its association with influential artists and landmark recordings adds to its allure.

Build Quality and Reliability: Emu Systems was known for producing high-quality hardware, and the E6400 Ultra is no exception. Its robust construction and reliable performance contribute to its longevity and collector’s value.

Market Trends:

Rising Demand: There has been a growing interest in vintage music production gear and synthesizers in recent years, driven by nostalgia, appreciation for analog/digital hybrid instruments, and a desire for unique sonic character.

Price Appreciation: The value of the Emu E6400 Ultra in the secondary market has steadily appreciated over time, reflecting its status as a collector’s item. Mint condition units with all original accessories and documentation command higher prices.

Limited Supply: The availability of the E6400 Ultra in the used market is limited, particularly for units in good condition. This scarcity contributes to competitive bidding and higher selling prices for well-maintained units.

Condition and Accessories: Factors such as the cosmetic condition, functionality, and inclusion of accessories (e.g., original manuals, disks, expansion boards) can significantly impact the selling price of the E6400 Ultra in the secondary market.

Regional Variations: Market trends and pricing may vary depending on geographical location, with higher demand and prices typically observed in regions with a vibrant music production community and collector’s market.

In conclusion, the Emu E6400 Ultra holds considerable collector’s value due to its historical significance, iconic status, and scarcity in the secondary market. As vintage music production gear continues to garner interest among collectors and enthusiasts, the demand for iconic instruments like the E6400 Ultra is expected to remain strong, with prices reflecting its desirability and rarity.

The Emu E6400 Ultra made significant innovations and contributions to the field of music production and sound design, shaping the way musicians, producers, and sound designers approached sampling, synthesis, and digital audio processing. Here are some of its notable innovations and contributions:

1. Advanced Sampling Capabilities:

The E6400 Ultra introduced advanced sampling features such as multi-layered velocity switching, time-stretching, pitch-shifting, and crossfade looping, providing users with unprecedented control over sample manipulation and sound shaping.
2. Integration of Sampling and Synthesis:

By seamlessly combining sampling with a powerful synthesis engine, the E6400 Ultra blurred the lines between sampled and synthesized sounds, enabling users to create hybrid instruments and complex sonic textures with ease.
3. High-Quality Sound Processing:

The E6400 Ultra featured high-quality digital filters and effects processors, allowing users to sculpt sounds with precision and add depth and character to their productions. Its comprehensive suite of effects included reverb, delay, chorus, flanger, EQ, and more.
4. Flexible Sound Design Tools:

With its intuitive user interface and extensive editing capabilities, the E6400 Ultra provided users with a versatile toolkit for sound design. Its graphical waveform display, waveform zooming, and real-time parameter control facilitated efficient workflow and creative experimentation.
5. Expansion Options:

Emu offered expansion options for the E6400 Ultra, allowing users to expand its capabilities with additional memory, input/output options, and expansion boards for specialized synthesis and processing tasks. This modularity and expandability enhanced the longevity and versatility of the instrument.
6. Influence on Music Production:

The E6400 Ultra’s innovative features and exceptional sound quality had a profound impact on music production across various genres. Its influence can be heard in countless recordings, from electronic music and hip-hop to film scores and soundtracks.
7. Advancement of Digital Audio Technology:

As one of the pioneering digital samplers of its time, the E6400 Ultra played a crucial role in advancing digital audio technology. Its sophisticated architecture and capabilities set new standards for sampling and synthesis, paving the way for future innovations in music technology.
In summary, the Emu E6400 Ultra’s innovations and contributions revolutionized the landscape of music production and sound design, empowering users to explore new creative possibilities and achieve unprecedented levels of control and expression in their music. Its legacy as a groundbreaking instrument continues to inspire musicians, producers, and sound designers as they push the boundaries of sonic exploration and artistic innovation.

In conclusion, the Emu E6400 Ultra stands as a landmark instrument in the realm of music production and sound design, leaving an enduring legacy of innovation, creativity, and technological advancement. From its inception, the E6400 Ultra pushed the boundaries of sampling and synthesis, offering musicians, producers, and sound designers unprecedented control and flexibility over their sonic creations.

With its advanced sampling capabilities, seamless integration of sampling and synthesis, and high-quality sound processing, the E6400 Ultra empowered users to sculpt intricate soundscapes, create expressive instruments, and push the limits of sonic experimentation. Its intuitive user interface, comprehensive editing tools, and expandability further enhanced its appeal, making it a favored tool among professionals and enthusiasts alike.

The E6400 Ultra’s influence reverberates throughout the music industry and beyond, shaping the way we approach music production, sound design, and digital audio technology. Its impact can be heard in countless recordings across genres and disciplines, serving as a testament to its enduring relevance and significance.

As a collector’s item, the E6400 Ultra continues to hold considerable value, cherished for its historical importance, iconic status, and scarcity in the secondary market. Its innovative spirit and pioneering legacy continue to inspire musicians, producers, and technology enthusiasts as they continue to push the boundaries of sonic creativity and artistic expression.

In summary, the Emu E6400 Ultra remains a timeless icon in the world of music technology, embodying the spirit of innovation, creativity, and excellence that continues to shape the future of music production and sound design.