Proteus 2500 : Command Module

Overview E-mu Systems quickly repackaged the excellent MP -7/XL-7 design into a 4U rack unit to boost sales volumes in the Fall of 2001. Sampler sales were reducing and E-mu need to get a flagship product out. They kept the basic design of the desktop Command Stations, added a USB port for a super fast connection to a PC/Mac, and changed the colour to a subdued silver with blue writing. Launched on October 8th 2001, they were quickly available in November.

The Proteus 2500 is based on the original Proteus 2000 sound module but with improved 24-bit DAC's from the XL-7/MP-7 Command Stations, and a new faster processor to cope with the sequencer addition and to improve MIDI timing with all 128 voices active.

Features The same 128 voices, up to 128 MB of sound ROM, a SP/DIF digital output, two MIDI outs, plus:-

• 16 control knobs (can control external MIDI)
• 16 command fucntion keys
• Sequencer Transport buttons
• 16 track Sequencer
• One LCD display and one 4-digit LED display
• Trigger key
• 4U Rack Mount

Expansion The Proteus 2500 has 3 ROM slots free for expansion. Each slot can take a 16 or 32 MB ROM, either a factory sound set or a Flash ROM with sounds created in an Emulator Ultra.

Sequencer The Command Station comes loaded with a 16 track sequencer, which can be controlled in grid, step or real time. There is a sophisticated song mode that allows you to chain patterns in a cue list, and dedicated Mute/ Select buttons that allow you to bring parts in "on the fly." This feature is perfect for remixing. The MP-7 features a large pallet of editing tools including cut, copy, paste, quantize, swing, and many more.

Filters The Command Station has 50 Z-plane 14-pole digital filters some of which are extracted from the 197 filter types that were created for the Morpheus. Some are rather newer (e.g. a TB303 emulation !) There are a wide range of filters from traditional analog, to formants and flange/phaser.

Configuration  There are four "oscillators" called Instruments, Layers 1 - 4. They each can replay any of the 16-bit sampled waveforms, which are connected to the Z-plane filter, and then a digitally controlled amplifier(DCA) and stereo pan.

There are 2 envelope generators (one for the filter, and one for the DCA), plus a third assignable envelope generator. There are also two independent LFO's per layer, each with 17 different waveforms and they can sync to MIDI clock. Then there is a full modular patch cord facility to enable control of any of the 64 destinations, with any of the 64 sources.

Effects  The usual dual 24-bit effects set up is included, with 76 types of basic effects. Rather long in the tooth, but useful neverthless - not a substitute for a dedicated unit.

Verdict The Proteus 2500 . Well worth buying !
 

Press and hold the Master and Edit buttons together to play the demo songs..

Song 1 Song 2

* 128 Voice Sample Replay
* 16-bit 44.1kHz samples
* 24-bit DAC's
* 4U Silver Rack
* 1173 samples
* G- and H-chip based
* 50 preset Z-plane Filters
* 32 MB sample ROM
* Exapndable to 128 MB
* Dual 24-bit FX processors
* S/PDIF -AES Digital Out
* Super Beats Mode
* 512 RAM User Presets
* 512 ROM Factory Presets
 

* Model Number 9150
* Launched Fall 2001
* Launch price was $1695
   quickly reduced to $999
* Secondhand now $600+
 

* Various Sound ROM's
* Latest OS
 

The new Proteus modules have space for additional sound ROM's and E-mu released a wide range of ROM's from 1999- 2001. Here is the definitive list.

* Protozoa - Proteus 1,2,3
* Holy Grail Piano
* Techno Synth
    Construction Yard
* Definitive B3
* Orchestral Sessions
* Sounds of the ZR (Piano)
* World Expedition
* X-Lead
* Pure Phatt
* Siedlaczek Orchestra
* Beat Garden
 

The Proteus 2500 runs the Command Station OS, which has been updated:

* OS 1.31
 

SysEx Manual more »
 

To enter diagnostics mode, power on with both cursor keys held down. There are 19 modes, which test out all the various components inside the Proteus 2500.

To re-initialilize and ERASE all user data, select Diagnostic 18 and press enter. Kapow !