Emu Proteus X Desktop Sound Module (Windows)
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Two 1/4 in. analog inputs and outputs. Optical and coaxial digital outputs. MIDI in/out. Integrated effects processors. 2GB of sounds included. Extensive sound format support.
Overview
Proteus X is a 24-bit sound module for your PC that combines the pristine sound quality, powerful synthesis and Z-Plane filters of E-MU's legendary sound modules with the disk streaming, file management and interface advantages of software instruments. E-MU Systems introduced the world's first sound module in 1989, and has broken sonic ground with each new release, including the Morpheus, Orbit, MoPhatt and many more. Proteus X is the culmination of over 15 years of sound module development, including E-MU's patented pitch interpolation that delivers unmatched sound quality along with the most advanced synthesis and effects architecture -- all controlled by E-MU's easy-to use interface that lets you effortlessly dial in the right sound in seconds.
Massive sound library included -- Proteus X ships with over 2GB of sounds with thousands of presets, including a stunning stereo grand piano, the full Proteus 2000 sound set (includes all 1024 original presets), a Hip-Hop producer bank, Beat Shop 24-bit drums and grooves, and many more.
Expansive sound library and format support -- You can expand your Proteus X with sound sets from some of E-MU's most popular sound modules, like the MoPhatt, Virtuoso 2000 and Planet Earth, as well as any CD-ROM from the Emulator X library. Proteus X also supports a host of other sound formats, including EOS, EIII, GigaSampler, Akai, HALion, EXS24, and SoundFont 2.1.
Advanced synthesis architecture -- Proteus X offers one of the most powerful synthesis… read more engines in the world, with 36 patch cords per voice, over 50 patented Z-Plane morphing filters, multi-wave LFOs, conditional voice modulation, clock modulation and a host of other synthesis features and parameters. Proteus X also allows you to save your favorite synth setups as templates for quick editing.
Integrated effects processors -- Each Proteus X preset has two discrete effects processors with comprehensive MIDI modulation, as well as three effects processors per multi setup -- up to 67 simultaneous effects. Proteus X also features a hardware-accelerated effects processor (over 600 presets) that can be used stand-alone or as a VST plug-in within your favorite audio/sequencer program with no CPU load on your computer.
Total flexibility: standalone/VSTi operation, streaming/RAM playback -- You can use Proteus X as a stand-alone instrument or run it as a VST instrument within your sequencer; stream your samples from hard disk or playback from RAM -- Proteus X is a flexible, professional instrument that seamlessly integrates into your studio.
PatchMix DSP -- The included PatchMix DSP software delivers up to 32 channels of zero-latency hardware mixing and monitoring with flexible virtual patchbay -- no external mixer needed.
Intuitive sound module interface -- Proteus X offers you an intuitive sound module interface to quickly dial in your sounds, with easy-to-use librarian and search functions to find that perfect preset in seconds. Proteus X automatically tracks and catalogs all presets across your entire system.
I/O Configuration
Two 1/4 in. analog inputs and outputs
Optical 24-bit/96kHz S/PDIF in/out (switchable to AES/EBU)
Coaxial 24-bit/96kHz S/PDIF in/out (switchable to AES/EBU)
MIDI in/out read less
Massive sound library included -- Proteus X ships with over 2GB of sounds with thousands of presets, including a stunning stereo grand piano, the full Proteus 2000 sound set (includes all 1024 original presets), a Hip-Hop producer bank, Beat Shop 24-bit drums and grooves, and many more.
Expansive sound library and format support -- You can expand your Proteus X with sound sets from some of E-MU's most popular sound modules, like the MoPhatt, Virtuoso 2000 and Planet Earth, as well as any CD-ROM from the Emulator X library. Proteus X also supports a host of other sound formats, including EOS, EIII, GigaSampler, Akai, HALion, EXS24, and SoundFont 2.1.
Advanced synthesis architecture -- Proteus X offers one of the most powerful synthesis… read more engines in the world, with 36 patch cords per voice, over 50 patented Z-Plane morphing filters, multi-wave LFOs, conditional voice modulation, clock modulation and a host of other synthesis features and parameters. Proteus X also allows you to save your favorite synth setups as templates for quick editing.
Integrated effects processors -- Each Proteus X preset has two discrete effects processors with comprehensive MIDI modulation, as well as three effects processors per multi setup -- up to 67 simultaneous effects. Proteus X also features a hardware-accelerated effects processor (over 600 presets) that can be used stand-alone or as a VST plug-in within your favorite audio/sequencer program with no CPU load on your computer.
Total flexibility: standalone/VSTi operation, streaming/RAM playback -- You can use Proteus X as a stand-alone instrument or run it as a VST instrument within your sequencer; stream your samples from hard disk or playback from RAM -- Proteus X is a flexible, professional instrument that seamlessly integrates into your studio.
PatchMix DSP -- The included PatchMix DSP software delivers up to 32 channels of zero-latency hardware mixing and monitoring with flexible virtual patchbay -- no external mixer needed.
Intuitive sound module interface -- Proteus X offers you an intuitive sound module interface to quickly dial in your sounds, with easy-to-use librarian and search functions to find that perfect preset in seconds. Proteus X automatically tracks and catalogs all presets across your entire system.
I/O Configuration
Two 1/4 in. analog inputs and outputs
Optical 24-bit/96kHz S/PDIF in/out (switchable to AES/EBU)
Coaxial 24-bit/96kHz S/PDIF in/out (switchable to AES/EBU)
MIDI in/out read less
Specs
General
Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 96kHz from internal crystal or externally supplied clock
Bit Depth: 24 or 16 bits
32-bit DSP with 67-bit accumulator
Hardware-accelerated mixing and effects processing
PCI bus-Mastering DMA subsystem reduces CPU usage
Zero-latency direct hardware monitoring w/effects
Compatible with ASIO 2.0, WDM, MME, DirectSound
Size: 6.14 in. L x 4.21 H (156mm L x 107mm H)
Weight: .25lb/.10kg (card), .85lb/.40kg (with cables)
Analog Line Inputs
Two 1/4 in. inputs (unbalanced)
Type: DC-coupled, low-noise input stage
Level: -10dBV nominal, 6.4dBV maximum
Frequency Response (20Hz -- 20kHz): +0.20/-0.10dB
THD+N (1kHz at -1dBFS): -100dB (.001%)
SNR (A-weighted, 22kHz BW): 111dB
Dynamic Range (1kHz, A-wt, 22kHz BW): 111dB
Stereo Crosstalk (1kHz at -1dBFS): < -120dB
Analog Line Outputs
Two 1/4 in. outputs (unbalanced)
Type: differential low-pass filter (3-pole)
Level: -10dBV nominal, 6.4dBV maximum
Frequency response (20Hz -- 20kHz): +0.05/-0.10dB
THD+N (1kHz at -1dBFS): -100dB (.001%)
SNR (A-weighted, 22kHz BW): 116dB
Dynamic range (1kHz, A-wt, 22kHz BW): 116dB
Stereo crosstalk (1kHz at -1dBFS): < -109dB
Synchronization
Two 1/4 in. outputs (unbalanced)
Type: differential low-pass filter (3-pole)
Retail Box Contents
E-MU 0404 PCI card
Analog I/O breakout cable
Digital I/O breakout cable
Quick Start guides for Proteus X and E-MU 0404
Proteus X Software/Operation Manual CD-ROM
Four Proteus X Sounds CD-ROMs
Creative Professional Software CD-ROM: Windows 2000 and XP drivers, E-MU PatchMix DSP, E-MU E-DSP FX library
Audio software package on CD-ROM
Minimum System Requirements
Genuine Intel Pentium III or AMD K6 class processor or higher operating at 1.5GHz or faster (Pentium 4 at 2.4GHz or faster recommended)
Intel, AMD or 100% compatible motherboard & chipset
512MB System RAM (1GB or greater recommended)
7200 RPM hard disk or faster
200MB of free hard disk space for minimum installation (3GB needed for full sound library installation)
Windows 2000 SP 4, Windows XP
PCI 2.1 compliant slot for E-MU 0404 PCI card
CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive required for software installation
XVGA Video (1024 X 768)
Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 96kHz from internal crystal or externally supplied clock
Bit Depth: 24 or 16 bits
32-bit DSP with 67-bit accumulator
Hardware-accelerated mixing and effects processing
PCI bus-Mastering DMA subsystem reduces CPU usage
Zero-latency direct hardware monitoring w/effects
Compatible with ASIO 2.0, WDM, MME, DirectSound
Size: 6.14 in. L x 4.21 H (156mm L x 107mm H)
Weight: .25lb/.10kg (card), .85lb/.40kg (with cables)
Analog Line Inputs
Two 1/4 in. inputs (unbalanced)
Type: DC-coupled, low-noise input stage
Level: -10dBV nominal, 6.4dBV maximum
Frequency Response (20Hz -- 20kHz): +0.20/-0.10dB
THD+N (1kHz at -1dBFS): -100dB (.001%)
SNR (A-weighted, 22kHz BW): 111dB
Dynamic Range (1kHz, A-wt, 22kHz BW): 111dB
Stereo Crosstalk (1kHz at -1dBFS): < -120dB
Analog Line Outputs
Two 1/4 in. outputs (unbalanced)
Type: differential low-pass filter (3-pole)
Level: -10dBV nominal, 6.4dBV maximum
Frequency response (20Hz -- 20kHz): +0.05/-0.10dB
THD+N (1kHz at -1dBFS): -100dB (.001%)
SNR (A-weighted, 22kHz BW): 116dB
Dynamic range (1kHz, A-wt, 22kHz BW): 116dB
Stereo crosstalk (1kHz at -1dBFS): < -109dB
Synchronization
Two 1/4 in. outputs (unbalanced)
Type: differential low-pass filter (3-pole)
Retail Box Contents
E-MU 0404 PCI card
Analog I/O breakout cable
Digital I/O breakout cable
Quick Start guides for Proteus X and E-MU 0404
Proteus X Software/Operation Manual CD-ROM
Four Proteus X Sounds CD-ROMs
Creative Professional Software CD-ROM: Windows 2000 and XP drivers, E-MU PatchMix DSP, E-MU E-DSP FX library
Audio software package on CD-ROM
Minimum System Requirements
Genuine Intel Pentium III or AMD K6 class processor or higher operating at 1.5GHz or faster (Pentium 4 at 2.4GHz or faster recommended)
Intel, AMD or 100% compatible motherboard & chipset
512MB System RAM (1GB or greater recommended)
7200 RPM hard disk or faster
200MB of free hard disk space for minimum installation (3GB needed for full sound library installation)
Windows 2000 SP 4, Windows XP
PCI 2.1 compliant slot for E-MU 0404 PCI card
CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive required for software installation
XVGA Video (1024 X 768)
Reviews
Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
(37 ratings)
Submitted December 13, 2004 by a customer from yahoo.com
"Great value for the money."
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I'll use it til the wheels fall off.
Sound
Sound quality is awesome. It is on par with my MP7 Command Station. Emu has done it again. I've only used it standalone so far, sequenced using a Roland JW-50. I had some trouble getting it to respond in time to my midi sequencer, but decreasing the buffer size did the trick. My computer meets all the recommeded system requirements, not sure how well it would work with only minimum requirements.
Features
Comes with a nice 24/96 sound card, the emu 0404. Patchmix Dsp and ASIO routing is kind of complicated to use at first, for me, being that I just switched over to a computer system from a Roland V Studio. The hardware accelerated effects are a big plus, no cpu overload.
Quality
I really like the card, but the breakout cables could use thicker shielding.
Value
I think it's a great value for the money. A great sounding professional sound card, 2Gb of awesome sounds, expandable, also includes Cubasis VST 4, Wavelab lite, plenty of software to get you going. $150 isn't bad at all. Just last year I spent $700 for the command station and another $400 for 3 extra sound roms.
Manufacturer Support
I haven't dealt with the company concerning this product.
The Wow Factor
I really wanted the soundcard to add to the professional quality of my setup, but for an extra $50 you can't go wrong with this. Just make sure you have a decent computer sytem to run it on.
Musical Background:
Aspiring artist/ producer
Musical Style:
Hip-Hop
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