Updated Info on Emagic's ES2

(Click for a close-up)

The ES2 has up to 16-note polyphony per unit, with 3 oscillators per voice. Oscillators 2 and 3 can sync to oscillator 1. Analog and digital waveforms - including FM, Ring Mod, Noise and others - can be used as sound sources.

Timbre is shaped via 2 self-resonating filters, which run serially or in parallel. One is a multimode filter with distortion circuit. The other, low pass with selectable slope and fatness parameter for enhanced bass, even at high resonance settings. The low pass filter can also be frequency modulated by oscillator 1.

Additional synthesis options and enveloping is via the Amplifier section. A sine wave from oscillator 1 can be mixed with the filter output for increased low end. An in-built Distortion circuit - switchable between hard and soft modes features its own tone control knob.

A further time-based effects processor, with independent Intensity and Speed controls, offers chorus, flanging and phasing.

Modulation sources include 3 envelopes: 2 ADSR with sustain time parameter, 1 switchable between AD and AR. Attack times can be controlled via velocity. 2 LFOs - 1 mono, the other poly with envelope - work in free mode or in beat-synchronous note values. Modulation sources and targets are defined via the Router display. Intensity can be controlled via further modulation sources. The Router display can be switched to graphically indicate LFO and envelope shapes or, when switched to "Vector", can be used for dynamic oscillator mix control and control of two freely selectable parameters over time.

The ES2 runs under any program in the Logic Audio series from Version 5 upwards and is copy-protected via the new XS Key.

New copy protection: the XSKey

The new XSKey -- Expandable System Key -- replaces all previous Emagic copy protections like dongles and CDs. This programmable hardware key for the USB port includes the license for Logic 5 and also temporary licenses for all Emagic software instruments: after the first start of Logic 5 users can try out all Emagic software instruments for one month without any restrictions in functionality. To get an unlimited license for the ES2 you just pay for a special XSKey code, which will then be sent to you via e-mail or mail.

Pricing and Availability

Please contact the local Emagic distributor for details of prices in each market.

US$ MSRP $249.00

The ES2 will be available in February 2002.