Emulator 4 Ultracizing Program Launched

EMU-ENSONIQ has announced their "Ultracize your Emulator" Upgrade Program for current owners of the company's e-6400, E-Synth, E4X and E4XT sampler models. The upgrade program involves returning the customer's old unit to the factory where a new motherboard and back panel are installed. Upgraded E4's will have similar performance specifications to those of the E4XT Ultra sampler with 128 voice polyphony, digital I/O, effects, word clock I/O, 32 MIDI channels and substantially improved performance due to a new microprocessor subsystem. Upgrade pricing ranges from $995 to $1395, depending on the unit being "Ultracized," and prices include parts, labor, 1 year warranty on the new parts and 3 day return shipping.

In a departure from the normal obsolescence that occurs in the electronic music market, EMU is offering owners of the previous generation of Emulator 4 Samplers the ability to upgrade their units to full E4 Ultra specs. There are many incentives for current users to upgrade to the E4 Ultra platform. The motherboard features an entirely new, 32-bit processor that substantially improves performance and facilitates new software features, including the innovative "Beat Munging" rhythm processing DSP technology. Other hardware enhancements include a ROM slot that is compatible with the new Proteus 2000 sound module, allowing customers to create their own custom sound ROMs in their E4 Ultra that can then be installed in the Proteus® 2000 for sample playback. Finally, the new Ultra Hardware includes word clock I/O for better integration into the digital studio, as well as a new processor expansion slot that will support an add-on effects processor for substantially improved effects (RFX Card). "We are really excited about the 'Ultracize Your Emulator' program, since it allows E4X, E4XT, E-Synth and e-6400 customers to stay current as we move towards the future" comments Bryan Lanser, Director of Marketing at EMU-ENSONIQ. "Our engineers have made it possible to perform a cost effective upgrade for our customers, and allow them to take advantage of present and future innovations in our sampler and sound module products lines," he concludes.

Pricing for the upgrade depends on the model that the customer owns. Owners of the e-6400 pay $1395, owners of the E4X and E-Synth pay $1195, and owners of the E4XT pay $995. The upgrade price includes all parts and labor, plus shipping back to the customer. Any drives, RAM, sound ROMs, and compatible options the user has installed will be moved over to the upgraded unit as part of the program.

"This is a unique opportunity for our customers" says Sean Wilhelmsen, Director of Product Development for the company. "Customers can upgrade inexpensively and keep their investment in hard drives and RAM from becoming obsolete. We think this sends an important message to our installed base that being an EMU customer has its advantages," adds Wilhelmsen.

Due to mechanical and electrical incompatibilities, EMU is not able to offer upgrade programs for the original e-64 and E-IV, as well as all E4 Keyboards, as they cannot be upgraded in a cost effective manner. E4K, E4K Turbo, and E-Synth Keyboard owners are being offered a special upgrade program to EOS 4.0 with enhanced polyphony - contact the factory for details.