The 1980s were a pivotal era for music, marked by an explosion of both technological and sonic innovation. It was a time when the line between sampling and synthesis began to blur, pushing sound design into new and exciting directions. During this period, artists like Paul McCartney, Genesis, Enya, Brian Wilson, and David Frank of The System embraced cutting-edge technology to enhance their compositions. One instrument that became a standout during this transformative time was a hybrid sampler and synthesizer, now reborn as the Arturia Emulator II V. This virtual instrument’s design meticulously captures the original’s essence, allowing musicians and producers to access its iconic sound with modern advancements.

Arturia’s sound designers have gone to great lengths to ensure that the Emulator II V is a faithful recreation of the original. This multitimbral virtual instrument features eight layered voices, each equipped with individual sound-shaping tools, much like the hardware version that dominated the ’80s. Users can now enjoy the textures and nuances that made the Emulator II so popular while taking advantage of modern conveniences like MPE and micro-tuning compatibility. The Emulator II V not only honors the past but also adapts to the present, providing a robust platform for contemporary sound design.

Vintage Character with Modern Precision

One of the standout features of the original Emulator II was its sample engine, which processed audio at 27.7 kHz. While the Emulator II V can deliver clean, high-quality sound at this resolution, Arturia understands that what set the original apart was its distinctive lo-fi character. The soft synth incorporates the same 8-bit companding technology that gave the hardware version its gritty, textured sound—something that has been celebrated by artists across multiple genres for decades. This virtual instrument’s ability to switch between high-quality and lo-fi processing allows users to create a wide range of sonic textures, making it a versatile tool for both vintage and modern applications.

The Emulator II V also comes with the factory sample bank from the original hardware, offering an authentic palette of sounds right out of the box. In addition to these legacy samples, the virtual instrument includes over 250 studio-ready presets, allowing users to dive into the instrument’s capabilities without needing to start from scratch. The adjustable analog filter enables further customization, adding that classic warmth or brightness, depending on the user’s preference. Arturia has also included advanced macro controls, giving users nuanced control over essential parameters like timbre, time, movement, and brightness.

Flexible Sound Design Capabilities

While the Emulator II V excels at recreating vintage sampling textures, its capabilities extend far beyond that. The instrument’s 8-voice architecture allows for precise control over each voice layer. This level of control includes options for VCF (with ADSR), LFO, and VCA (with ADSR), providing extensive sonic sculpting possibilities. Whether it’s manipulating the attack, decay, sustain, and release of each sound or applying a variety of modulation effects, users can fine-tune their creations to match their vision.

Each voice can also have its own set of effects, which adds even more depth to the sound design process. The Emulator II V includes 11 different master effect types, such as reverb, phaser, flanger, and overdrive, all of which can be applied independently to individual layers. This gives users the ability to craft complex, evolving soundscapes or simple, clean tones, depending on their needs. The built-in arpeggiator further expands the rhythmic potential, allowing users to create intricate patterns and sequences effortlessly.

Moreover, the virtual instrument is compatible with MTS-ESP ODDSOUND technology, which makes it possible to use micro-tuning, opening the door to more experimental and esoteric sound design approaches. For those who crave hardware integration, the Emulator II V offers MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) compatibility, bringing the tactile experience of playing a vintage synthesizer into the digital realm.

A Blend of Classic and Contemporary

The Emulator II V is not just a throwback to the 1980s; it’s a modern tool that brings a vintage aesthetic into the 21st century. With over 250 presets ranging from classic to contemporary sounds, this virtual instrument’s ability to capture the essence of the original Emulator II makes it a versatile addition to any sound designer or producer’s toolkit. Whether you’re looking to create authentic, retro-style tracks or push the boundaries of sound design with modern features like MPE and micro-tuning, the Emulator II V offers an unparalleled balance of old and new.

In conclusion, Arturia’s Emulator II V stands as a testament to the lasting impact of 1980s musical innovation. This virtual instrument’s faithful recreation of the original hardware’s sonic character, combined with modern enhancements, makes it an essential tool for musicians, producers, and sound designers alike. Whether you’re drawn to its vintage sampling textures or its advanced sound-shaping capabilities, the Emulator II V provides a wealth of creative possibilities for any project.