E-mu Modular System
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The E-mu Modular System is an analog modular synthesizer built by E-mu Systems in the early 1970s. It competed with synthesizers such as the ARP 2500, ARP 2600, and Moog modular synthesizers, although E-mu designed the instruments for mostly universities and notable musicians. The Modular System's polyphonic keyboard and sequencer are controlled by a microprocessor. While around 250 were originally produced, only around 100 are thought to exist today.
History
E-mu Systems, based in California, began producing the Modular System in the 1970s as a competitor to the ARP 2500, ARP 2600, and Moog modular synthesizers of the day. About 250 were produced for universities and high-profile musicians, the target markets for the Modular System.[1]
Construction and Operation
E-mu claims the Modular System's polyphonic keyboard and sequencer were the first to be controlled by a microprocessor, and they patented the technology at the time.[2]
Users create sounds by manipulating patch cords to direct the signal through the modules above the keyboard. Users could also save favored patch sequences using a "firm-wire" patch that connected to the instrument and could be swapped out at any time.[1]
References
- ^ a b "E-mu Modular Systems". Vintage Synth Explorer. Retrieved January 7, 2010.
- ^ "E-mu Systems Product History". E-mu Systems. Retrieved January 7, 2010.