E-MU PX-7

Software 2.00

Presets are amazing, the drums suit many styles from metal to hip hop, to dance, to R&B, to D&B - additionally I can set up the sequencer to run my other emu modules, my planet earth, mophatt, and xl-1... Giving the ultimate in sequencing capabilities. Editing patches is easy, other users rate this as a hard product to use, I think it's laid out perfect - if you've owned an emu module or know your way around one then the PX7 is super easy to navigate.

Look up the features, no sense repeating what everyone else is writing. Top notch features, more than one could possibly want in a single unit!

As with any EMU module, the sounds speak for themselves - and need not be complimented, because they compliment you.

I use my modules in gigs. I hold high trust in anything bearing the EMU, Roland, Korg, Behringer, Yamaha, Yorkville name.

N/A

Well worth what I paid for it. I've been producing music for mainstream artists, as well as independent films, radio, documentaries, to name some of the client base I deal with. The realtime controls over any patch/preset or pattern are a huge plus.

Could be much easier. I really think it requires to much moving around of the curser and pressing the right buttons. I'm used to the roland machines, and it all seems to require far more steps to achieve simple tasks on this machine.
For example. Why is there no metronome button? You have to adjust the pattern settings to make it either go all the time, or every time you play it or everu time you record. Oh please, just let me turn it off when I want!
It's just little things like that that bug the hell out of me, call me petty, but there are lots of them on this particular machine and they just get in the way of my creative flow. They slow me down.
Other things like the individual track volume settings are always set to where the nobs were left, (from the last track you were on or whatever) rather than on most machines where they are set to a defolt level no matter where the knob is until you adjust them.
I just think of things like this to be annoying and really frusterating because they just plain don't make sense. I just don't undersand how somone can make a machine with such annoyances.
The only other thing is a big one for me and the reason I am getting rid of mine.
When you are trying to program a drum pattern, on the roland box's (and most other things I have seen. You have your 16 steps that light up, and you can very easily press play and stay on the bar you want while the pattern keeps going. Not on this thing. It moves along. Your working on bar one, but it moves from bar to bar AS IT PLAYS, rather than at your command. It makes pattern making a real pain in the ass. You have to go all fast, and if you mess up its like you have to wait for it to go back around to the bar you want and then hurry hurry hurry to correct it or change it before it goes to the next bar. It has got to be the most annoying thing I have ever seen in my life. Why why why would anyone make a machine do this? It makes pattern making a real intense race against time, and I find it being really frusterating, rather than creativly expressive and fun.

the features are great, but a real pain to get to. too many stupid things to set and change in order to get them.

One annoying thing I noticed is that the midi doesnt work so well. (at least on mine) Having a keyboard blugged in and recording with it sometimes gives strange results... like overlapping notes over ones already recorded seems to confuse it a bit. Sometimes it doesnt record the velocity the way I played it.

One other thing that annoys me is when recording, even things like erasing are a real process, and after you erase it seems to have an effect on that bar. The notes won't be as intense as you want them for example... or they may just not rocord at all. This is at least what my experience has been.

Oh and the screen is pre tilted, I dont know what idiot came up with this idea but it's not cool. If you are standing, you can't see it. You can't see it AT ALL. I tried putting books under it to tilt it to an angle that makes it visable from above, but it makes it unsturdy when your banging on the pads.

This is where thismachine is better than any other I have used. I feel so sad about selling it, because the sounds are soooo much better than any other groovebox that I have seen or heard. They are amazing. So many drunm kits, and the room for expansion is amazing. I got the X rom and I love it. You could litterally use this thing as your only source of sounds and never get in a rut (especially with all the expansion slots)
I love the acoustic and rock drums, but even the hip hop and electronic drums are fantastic too. Really, truely this thing has the best drum sounds of anytyhing I have ever used or found.

I got it used, and it works great.
It's hardcore. It reminds me of a mac. It seems like if you dropped it or it got banged up it would be alright.

I have a love hate relationship with this thing. I freally would like to keep it jsut because the sounds are so amazing. It's so fantastic sounding that I know it would be all I even needed to make electronic stuff, or even for rock stuff.
But thats not enough. Using it is frusterating, annoying, and overall very un-enjoyable. It makes music making mechanical, and has controll over the user rather than the other way around.
I love the roland box's because it is the other way around... the only problem is that they sound like crap. But in this case I have to say that the ease of use wins, and I would rather go back to my mc-505 and be able to get my ideas out fast and try to make it sound ok than struggle another day with this monster just trying to get it to do what I want.
It's just not worth it, and it's really a shame because it sounds so good. I guess you can't have your cake and eat it too :-P

way easy to use the basic funtctions, some of the more intracate functions take a little time to figure out, but i had no trouble turning on and sequencing.
I like how you can go in and out of record mode without stopping the sequencer.
patch editing is too simple, you can even create random presets at the press of a button.
manual is thick, could be helpful

effects, i don't usually use them
128 polyphony i believe, never had a problem there
13 velocity sensitive pads, and of course a very intuitive sequencer
with quantize and swing settings as well as step, real-time, and grid record

no sampling, which would throw this baby over the top, but it's still a great machine

mainly drums, which i like, some very real sounding kits as well as other electronic ones, and all the kits are layed for velocity response, so you can get some really dynamic grooves

some other sounds are included like organs, synths, basses, a few keys and leads, but there are other roms for that

i have the vintage and ensoniq project roms installed
i also have an mk-6 with the composer and beat garden roms installed

i think it's reliable, i don't gig with it, because i don't gig

emu makes software now, so i don't know what the customer support would be like, haven't needed them,

that said, there are many people online in different forums that have extensive knowledge on emu equipment, i usually ask there

yes i would buy this again, i love it
helps me get my ideas out exactly how i want, so simple

Very simple, once you know your way around. The manual is intimidating in its size, but very very well written and informative. this is a very deep instrument.

Its missing only two features that i would want: Sampling facilities (i.e. inputs & RAM) and an LCD like the on on the E4 samplers. If they had done these two things, they would have had the MPC killer that roland is so desperatly trying to create.

I have never been a big fan of EMU roms + presets, and this synth is not that much different. some of the presets are excellent (the drum kits) while others would be at home on a casio you get at sears..

Fortunatly, the raw waves are uniformaly excellent, and the programming options more than plentiful. you CAN tweek this monster into giving you what you want, but it may take a little more time and patience than the average groover is willing to put into it (instant gratification has meant the death of synthesizers..IMHO). The FX could be more flexible, but this is an EMU after all...

I have had no issues with it, and based on prior experience with EMU gear, I would trust it live. Its very solidly built.

While I have not needed support with this item, other EMU gear I have that has required calls to tech support has always been taken care of. Their support is exceptional in this day of sell it and forget it products from the big 3 (korg, yamaha, roland). if you have an issue, they take care of it.

Overall, I am very pleased. I wish EMU were still making hardware synthesizers, as a follow up to this unit with a larger display and sample RAM would be a monster!. being able to run my own samples through those gorgeous filters would be awesome (this is why i got the Emulator X software). I have had it for about 4 months now, and the more I play it, the more I discover that I like. its got a LOT of tricks up its sleave, and can even be presseed into action as an editor for other synths (the 16 knobs on the front send CCs). If your in the market for a rompler/sequencer...this is the one!

I'm using the 2.0 version.

Some of the presets sound great. I say some because I only use the acoustic sounding kits. Those looking for electic kits may find them to be great as well.

Utilizing each feature is not difficult, however, there are so many options that it will take a while to grasp everything, if ever. I've had the unit for 6 months and I still learn something new every week.

Hopefully, you can see the features from the other entries. Way too many to list.

My only complaint is the number of ouputs. You only get 6, which is decent, but considering the number of instruments in some drum kits, 2 more would have been nice. And 4 more programmable layers would go along with that nicely. Linking kits helps, but once you create a kit with more than 6 pieces, things get complicated.

I only use the drum kits, and the acoustic sounds are very realistic. With some tweaking, you can probably get any sound you desire.

I'm using it for R&B, funk, jazz, hip hop, rock, and blues. It works well for all... well the jazz sounds are not represented as well as the others, but they're there.

The PX-7 appears to be very sturdy. The unit is solid and the buttons are secure. But my unit is a bit unbalanced.

I wouldn't gig with it because I would hope to have a real drummer. Maybe the PX-7 could be used as a back-up when the drummer doesn't show.

Heven't used them yet. Everything is working fine.

I would buy another one if it were lost or stolen.

It is definitely worth what I paid.

I love the sounds and options. I hate... the options.

When I bought it, I compared it to the new MPC 1000 and other synthesizers. Since it had editable sounds built in, I chose it over the MPC. I already had a synth, so it was a better addition than that.

Again, I wish it had at least 2 more outs and 4 more layers. I have to do a bit of work getting each sound on it's own track in Pro Tools.

Well, considering that there is just this teeny tiny little LCD display, it's actually remarkably easy to use. The full complement of knobs and buttons really makes it very programmable, once you learn a few annoying EMU-isms. The manual is pretty good, and the sysex docs are excellent. I do wish there was a software editor though - I'd love to be able to tweak the sequences using a more intuitive interface. Still, for the price I can hardly complain.

Features wise, the PX7 is a steal. It's an expandable sound module, a 128-voice 16-part synth, a drum machine, a step sequencer, a full set of really nice velocity sensitive pads, an excellent MIDI controller. Wow! Anybody thinking about getting the MP7 or the XL7 - don't do it. Get the PX7 and add the ROMs later on. You can add up to three additional ROM sets - and I've maxed mine out with the ROM from my Planet Earth, the Protozoa ROM, and the Beat Garden ROM. I have a literally absurd number of base patterns and presets to start from. Seriously, in terms of bang for buck this thing is unparalleled - it is so useful in so many ways.

EMU sounds range from icky to jaw-dropping', and everything in between. In general, the presets don't do the ROMs justice, although the Rob Papen presets in the Beat Garden are mostly outstanding. To capitalize on this thing, like all synths, you have to roll up your sleeves and program. Fortunately, programming the PX7 is much easier than programming the 1U EMU sound modules like Proteus 2000 or Planet Earth - all the knobs make it much easier. With the proper programming and the proper EMU ROMs, you can create some very evocative and expressive patches indeed. So I'm subtracting 2 points for how much work you have to do, but bear in mind you can get to '10' if you are willing to get your hands dirty.

I had some trouble with my 1U Planet Earth module, but so far the PX7 has been flawless. Some of the buttons seem a bit flimsy - playing the pads with full velocity actually makes them bounce around alittle - but it doesn't seem to cause any harm. So I give it a 6-7 in this category.

I've never had to deal with support, other than for getting my Planet Earth repaired under warranty - which was a painless experience. So I'll just leave it with no opinion.

I would without a doubt pick up another one if it were lost or stolen. I'd also get all the same ROMs - so far I'm very happy with them. The only thing I wish this thing had was a software editor - that would really make it the be-all end-all.

Easiest sequencer that i have ever touched.

More features than i will ever use.

WOW! Absolutely killer drums and space for 3 more ROMS. WOW!! This is it!

Have had it for 2 months and used the heck out of it. Not a problem so far.

I dont know if emu will remember hardware gear anymore. Remember ensoniq? they dont.

This is the best $500 that i ever spent. I love this machine a lot and will probably never feel the need to sell it. There's nothing quite like this. And for those of you who want it to sample, just get a sampler. That's a better setup anyway rather than trying to do all in one box.

VERY EASY!! MADE FOR BEGINNERS AS WELL!!!!!!

(mp-7, xl-7) and it is WELL worth it!!
VERY user friendly. Everythings lit up. The presets are even great. I produce dnb/jungle and this is perfect for those dark, long, arppegiated synth lines. I mainly bought this for the beats, but now it seems I'll be using the synth all the time. I just ordered the x-Lead and Pure Phatt roms as well!!! Hopefully Beat Garden next!!!!!


Peace

VERY "LIVE" SOUNDING

I'll be using the PX-7 forever....!
This machine has no much to offer. I just can't believe it.
GET ONE GUYS!!!!

THE BEST PEICE OF HARDWARE I HAVE USED!

I have not really had to use the manual at all since this puppy is so intuitive and made for playing. I am familiar with EMU product line tho and also have palyed for years. For me its very easy to use.

WOW! This thing is so packed with features, that it is unreal. It will take me a while to find them all. My old MC-505 was cool, but this is the modern replacement for me. 128 voices, great sequencer, room for 3 more ROMS! 16 control knobs! YES!!!

The sounds are simply awesome. There are drum kits that will inspire the heck out of you and the patterns are a great place to start making your groove. Its all very adjustable, so just dial in whatever you want.

Extremely well-built. This baby is built to handle a lot of abuse. Not delicate in any way. Its tough.

The tech dept used to be awesome. That's what used to make EMU special and part of the reason why many of us own thousand of dollars worth of it. Now the tech dept is basically missing the cool guys and left with impatient people who dont know shite and who are as rude as you could imagine. Oh well, who needs support anyway? Soon EMU will probably be like Ensoniq....a great part of synth history to be lost to BAD management and BAD decisions. Dont expect much help from EMU. Those days are unfortunately gone. The good news is that this unit is so well made and easy to use that you will never need to call EMU most likely.

This is one of the coolest and most powerful sequeners that i have ever played with. I used to own the MC-505, RM1x, QY700 and others. But this one will stay. Its FUN to use, sounds amazing and has features that make the other sequencers look old and crusty. This will carry me for a long long time. I have already bought a 2nd one and am using them in tandem loaded with a variety of ROMS. This has really brought my music to another tier of satisfaction and pleasure. I HIGHLY Recommend

For all its potential, the PX-7 is not an easy beast to tame. The manual is poorly organized; simple common functions at times aren't spelled out until some point late in the book. Navigation knobs and buttons are aplenty, but the way they are implemented is just too confusing. Several instances of function buttons with the same generic name exist under the LED display and then over on the upper right side (e.g. PRESET). Within the manual, these referenced knobs are easy to mistake for one another. Overall ease of use is disappointing ... but if you are expecting a review equally harsh on other areas of critique, think again ...

This unit is laden with control and function: 13 very durable pads; 16 controller knobs; 16 trigger controllers, 2 Footswitches, and 4 button switches. The 13 velocity/aftertouch sensitive pads (arranged in a single octave -- like a keyboard with all black keys) are better arranged than the 16 pads of the famed Akai workstations. Three expansion slots are available for up to 128 Mb of ROM modules. It houses a powerful sequencer and 32(!) arpeggiators. The PX-7 also offers lots of output options including S/PDIF, and input options including two foot pedal and two effects return sockets. You can always want for more, but you would probably be accused of overindulgence if you were caught with a machine offering more options than the PX-7 does!

The sounds of the PX-7 are the most reasonable/useful set of the three Command Stations E-Mu offers. Even acoustically minded musicians are likely to find several kits and sounds to accompany their projects. Only trance and model house and hop sounds are missing from this cleanly recorded ROM. To fill in more specific needs, E-Mu offers serveral ROMs to help fill up the three available slots. For the money, the percussion and synth sounds of these ROMs can't be beat.

The only comment I can make on reliability would regard the E-Mu web site; it is well designed and generally useful.

Cannot comment; no experience.

Buy the PX-7 if you've struggled with realistic percussion in your recordings. This machine will answer your needs ... just be prepared to have a bit of patience understanding the navigation :-).