E-MU Audity 2000

software on mine is v.2.01 i believe there was bugs in the v2 ,timming issues ,sound conflicts or some thing ..editting can be a headache i supose ,well its a menu job ..although to be fair emu do work logically and i find it user friendly,theres a lot of power in there , the manual is well written ,again logical so can be refered to when you get a problem.needs reading or at least skimming through a couple of times to know what you have there then you can go pressing buttons and know where find help in the book...a machine you have to work at. well worth the effort..its a good machine to learn ,use that, you can use other boxes ,,i got a bit more kit after i know lol...

poly 64 on v2--v2.01 32 if you use 12 pole filters..the effects are imho are quite good the reverbs few to choose from flangers chorus pan etc adequate for my needs ..easy to use once youve found your way around..the 16 arps once you get into it the presets 200 of them.. can be tweaked delay speed up etc easy. then the box gets musical then you can make your own user presets..as i said earlier some reviews ive read, seem to make a big mistake with this module i think its designed purely and simply as a powerfull drum machine with deep synthesizer capabilities to work with rythmns,,not as others seem to think primarly a synth with 16 arps ,,it isnt its the other way . now its easy to crack the egg..now the manual makes sence..learn the other way it could take ages to master..may even sell like some do..
full midi spec as i understand.. sys to cakewalk, cubase whatever you use for sound bank transfer..midi in out and through...etc

synth responds to how good the keyboard your using is, i use a gems2 and velocity aftertouch ,,comuter never a prob.
the sounds i like. some are wiered, efects. arps types couple of organs and synth sounds all can be tweaked.ive built a couple of piano type sounds easily.. some body said it cant done he he easily and that was a week after id just got it..not bad for a hobbyist eh ..to some the sounds can come over, boring i dont think so but factory presets normally do get a bit bland, thing is its a synth so beef them up it isnt that difficult just needs patience like owt else.its basically a very underated tech box with open possibilities powerfull..

it seems solid enough but, like all things that cost over a grand(?1000) once i wouldnt through it downstairs and id have a case round it if i get good enough to gig,..i would gig with it.. but one thing that happened once was, it factory reset for no reason so back up your work,it only happenned once ..i may have touched some buttons by mistake ..

bought second had no need to deal with ..

i would buy again if it was lost or stolen or even brakes down(if it wasnt an easy fix)first module i bought a couple of years since .
seemed to be a piece of kit that would compliment my roland juno and yamaha hs4(organ with midi in, out)and computer..first impression.sounds good later on found the manual.second impression this is gonna be deep .it is deep but unlike a lot of reviewers i use what i need to use , then build from that instead of expecting it to sing to me.. you have to work at it.i use the arps to create rythmns, as i worked out 12 months later its a rythmn moduller with a deep syntheziser to create the sounds to adapt to the beats thats why the sounds are as they are..i love it now
hobbyist user

not updated version one. i would not need 64 note polyphony anyways.
the presets sound like what they should lets go to a rave and wear yellow sunglasses and call our selfs a dj.
that aside a unique synth with its own sound lies beaneath.
editing isnt that hard unless you have add and want to twist some knobs.
goes much beyond the tweak the filter mentality of programing.
the virtual patchcords are pretty versitale.
the manual is well a manual and if you read it two or three times the layout of this synth will start to become second nature,

this synth has some cool features like the ability to send your sounds to your stompboxes and fx processors. digital out is nice to. all synths should have a digital out now. allthough i am unsure if there will be anynew hardware synths soon.
extremely good apegiator.

well it has awesome sounds its a emu.
emulator.
they pretty much wrote the book on sampling.
you could use it for most styles of electronic music but if you want it to sound like a proteus forget it. the cold harsg digital sound of its filters can be like a bucket of icewater thrown on your sleeping head.
perfect.

this synth sold for 2 grand or so at one point so it is made to be reliable.

emu is a pretty good company to deal with.
surprisingly.

for 250m bucks used. it is a steal. i would replace it.
i have lots of synths.
i am not going to list them in upper case letters.
i do not think that having tons of synths means you can program them

I have an updated version (2.O or so) with the 64 note polyphony. The factory presets are probably the most unmusical sounds I've heard - largely due to lazy progamming. You can layer/double patches up the wazoo, but the stocks don't take advantage of this. My advice is to implement at least 2 layers per patch on the presets - at least make them stereo!!!!

It IS modular - meaning there is no LFO amount knob, or Filter Env depth. Everything must be routed to EVERYTHING via the "patchcords". This is a REAL pain on a tiny LED display. The front panel control knobs don't exactly help - they can all be reassigned PER PRESET, making the silk-screened parameter names useless.

There are 4 layers per patch which you can mute as you desire to facilitate programming - but, ho-ho you can still edit a muted layer (unlike the Wavestation which only lets you edit the layer YOU ARE LISTENING TO)!! Meaning, you can tweak away on the layer you're not even hearing....duh!

If you like those 1000 piece all-white jigsaw puzzles, then this is the synth for you.

OK. The features are very good. Lots of filter options, polyphony, panning, MIDI sync, modulations etc. But just imagine someone taking your favorite synth and smashing it to a thousand pieces and have you patch every f*ckin' parameter from scratch, and you get an idea of how to program this one.

The built-in FX are kind of Digital 80's sounding.....if that's for you.

Although there's 2 "oscillators" per layer, they never actually meet - meaning all sync and ring mod sounds are fake.

It does have over-extensive arpeggiator functions which I never use. I practice Czerny, Hanon, Dohnanyi and play all my notes live.

Forget Pianos and Strings - this baby can produce wild, crazy sounds. You can probably create stuff unlike any other axe, so E-MU deserve credit here. However, I DO have problems making it stand out in a mix. It just seem to lack punch (perhaps cheap DAC converters?). I have the same problem with the E-MU ESI 4000 - sounds great solo, but disappears in a mix!

Still, it DOES get used in my studio, just not as a primary source for anything.

Well, I did spend about 2 years modifying all the presets to a point whereby they could be considered useful, only to have the unit mysteriously re-set them all!!! (Yes.....I know, back-up your work!)

I have never used it on a gig - soundtracks, yes.

To be fair, E-MU have always answered my emails with a day or two.

Depends on your music - if you're looking for an extremely versatile synth, and have lots of spare time, then you'll probably enjoy this synth. It's NOT for everyone - I think it was discontinued after a year - but it is capable of creating unusual sounds. It is NOT analogue-sounding. I have a Polivoks, various JX's and MKS's, Moogs, a Chroma Polaris, SCI Prophet 600, and would turn to them for analogue mayhem. The Audity is useful because of its' extensive layering and MIDI capabilities.

Seems straight forward and logical if you liek multi menu's

Packed with synthesis stuff , some nice modular synth blocks like quantiser and stuff and pacthcords allow a fully modular approach and if you know what your doing some mad mad fx and stuff can be had...like all emu modules its really a modular synth in a rack...

well as i said , its firstly capable of all manner of multi lfo / weirdness...but waht i really loved about this synth was its waveforms and character....sems what you get with these emu racks is really a whole host of excellent classic waveforms...i do electronica and olf lfo kind of stuff plus plaid / black dog flavour stuff and this machines great for ideas and flavour.All in all what you get with all the emu modules is really a great sample set in a complex synthesiser.Ive used many many synths over the years , many analogues but never found anything which pooled so many classic waveofrms together.......

?

Wonderfull character , instant appeal and a classic sound ...a real shortcut if your looking for certain flavours...this is what emu are good at....

i'm using software update 2.1 and i swear it makes it sound tighter"better" than before.I , can't stand the menus they can drive you NUTS!!!but overall it kicks ass when your looking for new material.

it's 64 poly,the versatility of this machine is great , you just have to know the anolog world,and its jargon.i expanded it w/ the extrme lead mod. and its cool just more to build on.

i was going to give it an 8 ....just because ,i have a few analog synths , and the analog just KILLS!!!it....sorry, but thats the reality of it.....BUT!!!!...you do have to love the combo of effects and cool arps in there....

now i can depend on it, thanks to "FRUSTRATED" above, he noticed the problem and i guess with a little motivation got this thing rocking .....so thanks to you....this buds for you man!!,......BUT...i did have the unit just seem to initialize itself .....only once ....

the computer downloaded it & the rest is history...

i guess i would because thre pretty cheap these days,....theres so much other stuff out there too....but this machine def. gave me a lot of great times.....sometimes its just the right thing you need in a song..it does i guess compare to the analog greats but....analog just has more???????......well.....its PHATTER you know what i mean....i also have .........,a SHERMAN FILTER BANK,STUDIO ELECT ATC1,QSR,JOMOX X BASE 09,KORG ES-1,MXR DELAY SYS 2,JUNO 106,AN1-X, ALESIS WEDGE FOR REALTIME ADJ. OF PARAMETERS W/ THE SLIDERS.

I'm using the original OS. The presets are initially quite decieving but it doesn't come as a shock at all. Most design teams focus on providing the user with as many sonic options as can be created, so they invariably neglect to create good presets. They're no musicians dude! And as far how one goes about editing and creating sounds, its modular. At first this architecture can be intimidating to the best of us, however as you grow more acquainted with the system, you come to realize that the design team struck gold. The manual also is quite extensive and has many graphical interpretations of what they're attempting to explain. Let the truth be known, if you're expecting some cliche conventional techno sounds, look elsewhere. I'd recommend some of Roland's toys like the SH-32. But if you seek to create some authentic estoric sounds, look no further than the Audity.

64-voice poly or 32-voice, not really sure since I bounce all my tracks to wave during post-production. The built in effects unusually are quite good. The more spectral effects are generally above average. The ambient effects, which you quickly come to be noticed in the 7 banks or presets, play a vital role in the character of the sound. No on board sequence, aside from the arpeggiator. All in all very flexible MIDI-wise.

This isn't a realistic instrument, as many of the other reviews clearly point out. Aside from classical or country music, this instrument can create a progressive twist to nearly all forms of music. Admittedly though, it performs quite well in music of the electronic variety. Very good touch sensitivity with some after-touch features. All gravy baby!

My instrument seems a bit faulty when I sequence multiple instruments at once via MIDI. I also occasionally get sounds playing non-stop when cycling through the various patches it has. I think a panic button on the instrument would have been wise to implement. I'd definitely gig with this instrument, its sure to get some booty movin.

Haven't called them yet.

All in all, I'd definitely buy this instrument if some guy stole it from me. First of cours, I'd rearrange the culprit's face. The only thing that would stop from completely rendering him physically invalid would be in his good taste in choosing the Audity over all my other gear.

My shear joy in playing this instrument far outweighs the grievances that I have with it. It helps me sweeten all my songs, regardless of the genre. Finally, if you're considering to buy this instrument, I'd ask that you first play it. This synth has its own unique qualities that shouldn't be compared to any other synth. Ain't nuttin but a chicken wing brotha!!

This is a monster synth.Its also a beauty ,so this really a knock out synth!!!.
My unit was originally fitted with OS version 1.03. E-mu send me the update to OS 2.0 version,so know I use the version 2.01.This job took some time,so check the unit's OS before buying !

The presets are of excellent quality ,as long you don't really care about natural-sounding patches.The preset patches are EXCELLENT,but -some of them- weird !!!
I want to make something clear : Audity can CREAM some VA synths I know,in every imaginable way.
The sound id agressive ,FAT,rich,and the SPDIF out [switchable to AES/EBU] helps you have perfect sound in studio.
Audity has 12-pole filters and very good digital effect unit.There are 2 effect units available.

If you are really serious about programming [take the time to read the very good manual and spend a few hours with the unit] ,you can make patches that are beyuond imagination.The 2 line display is really small,BUT this doesnt limit the easy of programming or using in any way.It just take some time to make yourself "home" .And then you it really shines ...

The Audity is also supported by Emagic's Sound Diver.

OS version 1.xx offers 32 voices poplyphony.
OS version 2.xx offers 64 voices when 12-pole filters are NOT in use.
There are 1 main out,and 2 aux outs [a total of six mono outs].The aux outs can be used as effects send-return ,for using say a distortion or overdriver effect.

The unit has 4 knobs controlling upto 12 parameters [you can define your own set].OS version 2.xx is great 'cause you can select patches by category :wanna a synth ??? set category to "syn" and all the synths are selected....

For crazy,electronicus,beat-o-matics,and weird souls out there only...
don't expect a Steinway piano patch...!!!
Weird,beautiufull and ...Unique

Oh yeah.its reliable.

Emu's support is good,but they needed some time to send me the OS upgrade from OS 1.03 to 2.00 [4 months].
You judge and decide for yourself.

if you find one ,GRAB IT !!!
Even if you aren't in beat-o-matic scene this is the tool that will make your song perfect in terms of ambience !!!
Perfect for soundtracks also !!
I love my Audity. [I also have 7 more synths,and had 2 more ...thats a total of 10 synths].Of these 10 synths [Yamaha Sy55,DX21,An1x , Emu's Proteus 1,Alesis Quadrasynth,Alesis D110,D50...] Audity is the synnth that made me creative,patches can be unique !!!!

If your familiar with a Proteus 2000, then you can operate this unit.
It is interesting that EMU obsoleted this unit less than a year after it came out!! I'm talking about the XL-1. I was upset that I purchased the Audity when it first came out, then had to wait for the upgrade, then had to shell out even more money for the Xtreme expansion, only to find I could have traded the thing in for an XL-1!!! I really thought the ROM sets were different. Nice blue color scheme though! Emu should stick with that. I have kept the unit and programmed scores of terrific sounds for it. I do wish it had more room for user patterns like the XL-1 has. Editing patches or creating entirely new ones from scratch couldn't be easier or more fun. You really don't need a computer editor. Now I realize many people reading that will scoff at me, BUT THEY JUST HAVE NEVER GOTTEN INTO PROGRAMMING EMU's WAY! Forget the other synth companies like Roland. You absolutely cannot program a JV-1080 or something without a computer. But EMU really knows how to design a user interface!! And people who bitch about the small LCD screen must need glasses or something! I have poor eyesight, but it never is a problem with these EMU screens everybody detests. I have a suggestion: Mount the unit at eye-level and sit in a comfortable seat, AND READ THE DAMN PROGRAMMING MANUAL!!! TWICE!! I'll bet most people spent a couple of hours trying to program without the manual and concluded that it's all EMU's fault for that little LCD. Don't cop out! This unit can sound so good you may not care that it's not a true analog synth. Just ask Larry Fast of Synergy! And no, I DON"T work for EMU, but I HAVE used their products going all the way back to the EMU Modular. ( THAT gives away my age!)

The unit had 32 voices of polyphony when it first came out (OUCH!) but now it's double that. sort of. If you use the 12 pole filters exclusively, then it's still only 32 voices. This is an area where the new XL-1 turbo etc., have a real advantage. That and the ability to install more ROMS. EMU has shifted the architecture slightly in the models coming out after the Audity was introduced, and these ROMs are NOT COMPATIBLE. I have heard, that you can use the ROM from the E4K "E-Synth" in place of the Xtreme ROM (The ONLY ROM that can work in the Audity). The arpeggiators are really incredible and being able to use patterns as well, just makes this unit able to single-handedly produce an entire composition by itself ( in some music genres). If you ask old-timers like Larry Fast, Vangelis, etc., (ALL Audity 2000 users to this day), if they think this unit replaces the piles of cranky analog dinosaurs they used to use, they will say MOSTLY. Your about 80% there with the Audity, then you might just need only a Nova module or maybe a JUNO or something to get you the rest of the way.

Everybody always want's to know if it REALLY has the sounds of the Audity analog monster that never really saw the light of day, in it?
Well yes. And no. I never heard what the original Audity sounded like, nor did ANYBODY else who didn't work on the design team! In reading about the voice architecture of the original Audity, I can see that it exploited the SSM and Curtis synth chips of the day. It no doubt had a sound similar to a REV 3 Prophet 5. I experimented heavliy with Curtis chips and a few SSM chips back in the late seventies and early eighties, and built my own version of the Audity (with just four voice channels instead of sixteen), and I can tell you first hand (and nobody argue with me, I was THERE) that this new Audity DOES have samples of the actual VCOs as passed through the filters, probably left open so you could shape the sound with your Audity 2000's 6 and 12 pole filters. I don't understand the present fad for going analog, these things sound close enough! You can always warm up the sound even more with a stomp box or a plug-in on your computer. And if your thing is to re-create the sound of Tangerine Dream or Klaus Schulze, this unit has you covered completely! You can even program out the velocity and aftertouch to better simulate an old analog synth.

This unit is an EMU. I've said it before, EMUs DON'T BREAK
sometimes they are in need of a software update, which takes forever sometimes.

EMU is now the very best in this regard. They really run a great shop

I have to give this unit a double plus rating. You can get one used or even new someplaces for about $350.00. You can't beat that with a stick. If you can spend more, get the XL-1 turbo and just live with the puke yellow color. I own a Novation Supernova and though it sounds fatter right out of the box, it too, doesn't sound exactly like an old analog like a JP-8 or Prophet 5. And forget about sounding exactly like a Minimoog. But so what? I've done a couple of pieces whith just the Audity 2000, adding warmth and even record scratches & surface noise with plug-ins, and have fooled my old buddies into thinking they were hearing some old unknowen synth album from the seventies! Buy this unit and you won't be sorry.

My Audity only arrived this morning so I can make little comment as I have not turned it on.

Having had a great servcie from E-Mu customer support for several years I thought I should add something in their defence.

Firslt. The V2.01 OS now available from the E-mu web site claims to fix the specific fault described in some of the reviews below. It describes this fault exactly. The upgrade can be intsalled from either a Mac or PC via midi and at no cost.

I personaly would say that E-mu's commitemt to not obsoluting it's sampler products is outstanding and does not have an equivelent in other companies in this sector. I agree that dropping items like the Audity is a shame for those that commited to the platform but if compaies like E-mu don't go where the money is they will not be around for long and none of the products will be supported or serviced. (And at least it lets me get one new for very little, sorry!).

I don't work for E-mu, indeed I live in the Uk. However, I have a number of their products which really make a diffence in my studio

Relativly easy to use - provided you have above room temperature IQ. Pretty much the standard setup - should be up and going within 2 minutes.

OS 2.0 is definelty an improvment. The arps are nice, effect OK. I added the Xtreme board and that added 32mb of ROM material. Somewhat of a pain to edit patches partly due to the 1U size - but what would you expect. Sorry to see this unit go out of production so rapidly but that seems to be the MO at E-Mu

Some of the sounds are great many are just noisy electro crud. Of the ones I did like (there are only 640 to choose from so you find something) they didn't always sit to well in a mix with other gear. The unit sounds fuller than a Yamaha CS1x but not a rich as a VA machine. The filters sound good on paper but are a little thin in real life.

Don't dance on it, you'll be fine!

I sent the unit in to E-mu for the OS upgrade and add-on board. They were very responsive and quick to get the job done. I also have an E-4 (e-synth) and can't complain about e-mu tech support.

Not a replacement for VA or even other samplers. Definetly listen before you buy. Good for dance, house, techno but not much else. Wish it has a fatter sound.