E-MU Proteus 2000 (1999)
A 1U rack-mount sound module with 128-voice polyphony and real-time control over vintage keyboard and orchestral sounds.
Overview
The E-MU Proteus 2000 is a 1U rack-mount or tabletop sound module released in 1999, designed for composers needing a versatile and expandable hardware sound source. Built on the Audity 2000 architecture, it delivers classic vintage keyboard and orchestral sounds through a 32 MB onboard sound library. With 128-voice polyphony and dual 24-bit effects, it was marketed as a powerful tool for demanding musical applications. The front panel includes real-time knobs for on-the-fly adjustment of 12 parameters, enhancing performance flexibility.
Specifications
| Product type | Sound module |
| Form factor | 1U rack or tabletop |
| Release year | 1999 |
| Polyphony | 128 voices |
| ROM size | 32 MB |
| Sample rate | 44.1kHz |
| Processor | 32-bit |
| MIDI I/O | 2 sets (32 total channels) |
| Analog outputs | 6 (including 4 sub) |
| Digital output | S/PDIF |
| Effects | Built-in dual 24-bit effects |
| Real-time control | 12 front-panel knobs |
| Expansion | Flash RAM (rewritable) |
| Model number | 9094 |
Design
The Proteus 2000 is based on the Audity 2000 platform and built as a 1U rack-mountable unit with a front panel featuring real-time control knobs for immediate sound shaping. It uses rewritable flash RAM for sound expansion, a rare and valuable feature at the time.
Context
Part of the broader Proteus series, the Proteus 2000 sits alongside models like Mo' Phatt, Virtuoso, and Xtreme.
Market
Rewritable flash RAM chips for the Proteus 2000 are considered rare and highly sought after, described as "like gold dust" by users. While original pricing varied between $204.70 and $299.00, recent resale listings show units available from around $68 to $156, depending on condition and included accessories.
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