ESI-32 : Overview

The Emax III The ESI-32 was launched as a new budget level sampler, replacing the Emax II. This "Emax III", has twice the voices, 4 times the memory and an EIIIx type Operating System. It fits in a lighter and smaller 2U module, and it costs less than the Emax II (even when the latter was discounted at the end of its life). In fact the ESI-32 was based on the Emulator IIIx and not on the Emax range. The ESI-32 was a big step forward from the Emax range, and it quickly became popular as the cheapest means of acquiring the legendary Emulator sound.

32 x 16 The ESI-32 comes with 32 voices (16 in stereo) and 32 Digital Resonant 4-pole filters. The base 2 MB can be expandable to 32MB of RAM. The sampling is 16-bit with 18-bit Digital to Analog Converters. The analog sample rates are 22.05kHz and the CD quality of 44.1kHz. The Stereo outputs are on unbalanced 1/4" jacks. The floppy drive is a 3.5" high density, holding 1.44 Mbytes, on standard DS/HD diskettes.

Memory The ESI-32 accommodates up to 32 MB of sample memory via factory or user-installable RAM SIMM's. There are two
30-pin slots on the motherboard. The memory can be EDO, FPM, parity or non parity. They SIMM's cannot be ECC. They must be installed as matched pairs, with the same memory size on each SIMM.

Sample Compatibility This sampler is compatible with the sample libraries (over SCSI but not via floppy disk) from the EIII, EIIIx, and Emax II samplers, as well as the Akai S1000 format. The ESI stores samples in its own unique format (readable by other ESI samplers). The ESI-32 can also read samples stored by the ESI2000/4000, although you need to export the sample as OS2.10 compatible from the ESI2000/4000 if your ESI-32 does not have OS 3.01/3.02.

Reviews  The ESI-32 received good reviews, particularly as it delivered 75% of an EIIIx at 25% of its price ! "An absolute Bargain"

EIIIx in Disguise The ESI-32 is very similar to its older, distinguished brother, the EIIIx. In terms of raw power it is very close but not quite an EIIIx in the hardware or software department. The differences are :

ESI-32 EIIIx Outputs 4 unbalanced 10 balanced SCSI ports one two Digitial I/O Optional on SPDIF XLR AES/EBU Arpeggiator no yes Mac Front End no yes DSP a bit slower fastest Case 2U module 3U military casing

* 16-bit Digital Sampler
* 32 voices, multi-timbral
* Max 48kHz sample rate
* 2U Rack
* Z-plane Digital Filters
* Up to 32 MB sample RAM
 

ESI-32
* 2 MB sample memory
* Model 6200

ESI-32 (with SCSI)
* 2 MB sample memory
* SCSI fitted
* Model 6201 - 03

* Launched Fall 1994
* 8 MB standard in 1995
* All Models deleted 1998
* 5000+ manufactured
 

* SCSI board $1195
* Digital Interface
* TURBO card with FX
* Internal ZIP 100MB Drive
* Int. Syquest 270MB Drive
 

Bundled Library
Six sample sets (listed below) were bundled with the ESI32 on 3.5" DS/HD floppies. These are high quality samples which utilise the full power of this sampler.

* Vintage Combo (2 disks)
* Stereo Grand (2 disks)
* Orchestral (2 disks)
* Techno Shop (2 disks)
* Trigger Funk (1 disk)
* Rhythm Section (2 disks)
* Synth Mania (6 disks)

The Operating System of the ESI32 was improved during the lifetime of the sampler, and the very early releases are rather limited in function. The OS to get is 3.02 which adds 18 new digital filter types (some from the Orbit module). It is still available as an upgrade from E-mu Systems (p/n 6213 at $99).
 

US prices new
* ESI32 $1995 ?

Secondhand
* $150 - $250