Yo what’s good fam! Back with another product from UVI, one of my favorite developers
Today I’m checking out an instrument dedicated to capturing the analog and digital sound of the 80’s, specifically on capturing the sound of the Emulator samplers, which were very popular samplers workstations in the 80’s. (even still!!)
It runs in the free uvi workstation.
Enough talk, let’s check it out!
In the first part I go through the instrument section:
In part 2 I go over the Drumulation drum sequencer:
So what is Emulation II?
It is a very dedicated instrument that aims to capture the sound of the 80’s by sampling and recreating one of the most popular sampler workstation in that era.
The Emulator samplers were popular 8 bit (later the first 16 bit)samplers back in the day, they had analog filters so had a really unique sound.
This library is based off of that instrument line, which exact model? I’m not sure, but the whole idea was to capture the vibe and character of the 80’s by sampling one of it’s most well known samplers.
The dedicated controls and user interface give you the feel and look of the Emulator, and the sounds aim to capture it’s characteristic tone.
Quick Specs
- content: 4.7gb
- format: UVI Workstation
- price: $199.95
How does it sound?
Its no secret I’m a fan of UVI, I’ve always felt they capture a “warm” and “organic” sound in their libraries.
This one is no exception, they really captured the character of the samples and the instrument. Playing the sounds gives you an instant vibe and I love that I can hear the “grit” on top of my sounds, it’s like an extra layer of awesomeness that inspires creativity 🙂
As for the sounds themselves, they are really very good. From the deep and fat analog basses, to the smooth airy bells, the weird fx, cheesy strings and choirs, and the lush pads and keys, this is really a complete workstation.
No, it doesn’t sound outdated at all, and it’s not ONLY good for making 80’s style music.
Oh…and there are some SICK drums in here, I didn’t even touch on half of them, but just loading up some of these crusty drums sparks some instant grins.
Overall I really enjoy the sound here, it has character, it has a vibe, it has it’s own “feel” if that makes sense.
So what’s the bottom line?
If you want a workstation with a different tone and character, get this. If you want a workstation that allows you to live your glory days as the keyboardist for “The Neon Gym Socks”….get this library.
The fact is, it’s more than just an 80’s library, this is simply just a great sounding library period! I give Emulation II 4.5 out of 5 subs, I really dig the sound, the control, the quality, and the character of the library.
Not much to say beyond that. Has some really dope synths, pads, keys, and some of the drums are just plain fat!
Don’t think you have to want 80’s sounds to use this, these sounds are universal and fit into any type of music that you could be doing.
Go on over and checkout some of their demos: http://www.uvisoundsource.com/emulation-ii/product_info.php/products_id/66
Leave a comment below, let me know what you think!
Tube socks and sweat bands for the win!!! 🙂
You’re going to make me go broke. Stop finding this ill stuff!
@QueMusiQ, hahahaha lol just trying to a good reference spot. Like an encyclopedia perhaps! So when you looking for something, you know where to check first 🙂
Thanks for the comment lol
GET THE #*@*^ OUTTA HERE!!!! Man, I trained & learned Midi on an Emulator 2 back in 1986 in Philly!! As a matter of fact, the floppys AND the machine was used in Live Aid!! I had access to the top of the line at the time. One of my best friends (who goes by Professor Pooch: http://www.professorpooch.com )STILL has it! I would help him run his recording studio in Philly. We kept updating sounds of course & I used that machine until about ’94-95′ or so when I got my own rig. I tell ya, I just moved & found some CASSETTES in storage I did with it & I want to use it for some thangs. I may just get this set just because. Thanks For Posting my Brother!!!You brought back alot of GREAT memories!!
kool kyle-Philly!
@PhattSasso!, hahahaha no doubt fam that’s whasup!! Then you already know what the deal is here fam!
Brings back memories, some cool stuff. Thanks for the overview!
@AGC, word fam, yes indeed, thanks for commenting
im gettin this. thanks for the review. hella nice
@oooJASONooo, word man, thanks for checking it out, it’s pretty cool
Quick question…A few months back i found a pack of the original sounds from the Emulator2 discs in kontakt format.They sound perfect but when i load the patches in the free Kontakt player it sez demo mode and its the same for all third party sets.Does demo mode mean it will eventually stop working or that i just wont have access to all the editing capability’s in Kontakt?
@Gerrod, kontakt player includes a demo of the full verison, when you try to load something that isn’t a “kontakt player” library, it goes into demo mode. You get 30 minutes before it stops working and you have to restart it.
Oh damn..that sucks! LOL i guess ill just go threw all the kits and take out all the middle C’s and load them into maschine for now.
@Gerrod, hahahahaha, nice!
Dang Joe –
I agree with fam up top…you killin’ me! Brotha gonna be broke! Your review is def on point though. I just swiped up the Cherry electric bass joint (lovin’ it) and now this! Just kiddin’ keep up the good work fam.
@Rob, hahahahahaha, no doubt fam LOL
Ha…I use to use one of these back when I was in College (circa 89). The music Lab had the joint. Price on that joint back then was mind-blowin’ (Atleast thats what I thought at the time). I used to like messing around with that thing. Takes me back when hardware was enormous & heavy. Good memories…technology has come a long way 🙂
Good stuff bro.
@Madbull Studios, Lol man that thing was 10k back in the day lol
I love that thing a lot but $200 is a bit much ya see. It’s probably worth bit I’m tapped lol. Damn it’s nice though huh?
@ThomasGreco, Yeah it’s a nice library bro
What Up SJ. Man I want this. Correct me if im wrong, but when you have software that requires iLok like this one, dont you have to have the iLok Plugged in in order to use the software? If so isnt that an inconvieneince to those who already have an iLok product and dont have anymore USB Ports to run more software? Ive got My Mouse/Keyboard in 1 port,External HD in another, My Fast Track USB for vocals in another, and MOTU BPM iLok in my last port. So am I just shit outta Luck? Thanks…
@Haze Anatomy, sup fam, yeah it requires an ilok, but if you already have one you just download it to your current ilok. I only have 1 ilock plugged in for all my ilok licenses. Once you connect your ilok to the ilok website you can manage your licenses on it.
@saintjoe, Thanks For Clearing that up bro. This Joint looks Dope. Im trynna get my Vanity 6 on,LOL…
@Haze Anatomy, LOL Vanity 6!!!! Ahahahahahah yesssssssssss lol
SJ: This instrument is doing things “Right”. I like this. Another great review from “S&G”.com
@Baddboy2000, word man, they make cool stuff that sounds great
Question. im deciding between machfive 3 and omnisphere as a starting point. I dont own any vsts yet as im fairly new into the game but im not the type to just buy things because ther are for beginners. im looking for quality and sonic greatness not worrying about steep learning curves and what not cause thats y we learn.. i was considering the spectrasonics package with all 3 or machfive 3 with say bpm and some uvi stuff..soooo what would you recommend.. i am also into the new school style of producing hip hop and r&b
@ArringtonMuzik, What type of sounds are you looking for? I don’t think it has to be either or, you can mix and match. Omnisphere is dope, period, as is Trilian. I don’t use RMX much at all. I also love MachFive 3 and it gives you a nice broad selection of sounds. If you need keys, painos, and a lot of traditional sounds then MachFive has more of those than Omnisphere. But sound wise Omnisphere is just amazing. You could get Omni, Trilian, and instead of RMX get some UVI libraries for piano, ep, etc. You can load them up in the free uvi workstation.
@saintjoe, Im looking for strong synthy lead sounds I like those hard gritty type beats that make ya head snap off lol…Money isn’t a main issue 4 me..but since im just starting out I would rather start with one solid product and build from there.. i think im leaning towards Mach-five 3 and then just build on that..would u recommend that as a decent move for my style…AND do you know if the bpm drum sounds are included in Mach-five 3? if not can i load up BPM in Mach-five 3?
@ArringtonMuzik, if your main focus is synths, Omnisphere is probably one of the dopest around fam. But yes, Machfive 3 will work for ya. No BPM sounds aren’t included but you can load them up in Machfive 3.