

The base model has 8kbytes, whilst the TURBO has 32kbytes. Sequence Memory The SP-12 has RAM memory for storing sequences. The sample memory is actually 16-bits wide, and therefore has some de-muxing to fit the various 12-bit samples across all the chips. The sample RAM is powered by a Lithium battery when the power is off, so you don't lose your samples. The standard samples are stored in the 24kbytes of EPROM's and any user sampled sounds reside in the 48kbytes of RAM (SP-12) or 192kbytes of RAM (SP-12 TURBO). Sample Memory The SP-12 has a combination of EPROM and RAM memory for storing samples. The eight voice channels are internally mixed into one, along with the click channel. The micro-controller is the E-mu magic which enables the sample memory to be read for each drum sample. A CTC (counter timer circuit) is used for generating timing interrupts for scanning the controls every 1.2mS and keeping the sequencer accurate and sync'd to MIDI or SMPTE.
Linn drum emulator mac serial#
The 8-bit Z80A processor runs at 3.3MHz, it reads the controls, writes to the display, and communicates to the outside world via an Serial I/O chip. The technical architecture is very similar, being based on a custom design micro-controller, Z80 processor and multiplexed audio.


This new drum machine was based very closely on the Drumulator but added 12-bit samples, user sampling and sound storage to diskette. Many Thanks to David Bivins for this Tip Technical DescriptionĪrchitecture Two years after the original Drumulator E-mu Systems released the SP-12. The multi pitch function on the SP-12 is pretty remarkable too! And don't forget that Prairie Prince (The Tubes) did the samples! A lot of people don't seem to know about it. Now I can't remember - I think the snares are on output 2 by default. In the stock configuration, the toms get the dynamic filtering on output one (which makes them sound so smooth I guess), and. I think only the 1 and 2 outputs have dynamic filtering, 2 less than one. The effect the dynamic filter has is dramatic. Go into the output assign menu and tap the user key that holds the sample while you press "1," "2," etc. not just a kick or other single percussive sound). Sample a breakbeat, or something that has several jumps in amplitude (i.e. Tips & Technqiues #1 I use the dynamic filter feature on my SP -12. It also has a mono mix output and eight individual outputs, MIDI in/out/thru, SMPTE sync, cassette/floppy disk storage and a metronome output. The SP1200 uses a lower sampling rate of 26,040Hz.Īdditional Features The SP-12 can store up to 100 patterns, 100 songs and has a 5000 note memory (4 times this with the TURBO model). The documentation incorrectly refers to this being 5.0 seconds of sample time, although most factory sample diskettes only use up to around 4.2 seconds of sample time. The Turbo model has quadruple this memory providing 4.76 seconds of sample time across 2 separate banks (a sample cannot span a bank). Sample Time The base model maximum sampling time is 1.19 seconds (refered to as 1.2 seconds in the documentation). The machine is highly regarded in Dance and Hip Hop circles, for both its sound and beats.
Linn drum emulator mac full#
The samples are 12-bit linear at 27,500Hz, and there is a full set of sound editing controls on board for manipulating the samples. An additional 8 user sample positions are available in battery backed up RAM for sampling into, but all 32 positions can use sampled sounds provided they fit in RAM memory. They are bass, snare, electronic snare, rim, 4 toms, 4 electronic toms, hi hats, crash, ride, claps, cowbell. Why the name change ? Umm don't know, but SP-12 stands for Sampling Percussion at 12 bits.ġ2-bit Heaven The SP-12 comes supplied with 24 drum samples stored in ROM. It takes its looks straight from the Emulator II, as well as using the same buttons and sliders ! The original PCB's even have Drumulator II on them, as well as "Paul is the Walrus" in mirror reversed writing. It was designed with user sampling, MIDI and SMPTE, far better controls and a LCD. The Drumulator II was a complete revision of the original. The Drumulator II Roger Linn's company continued to set the pace for drum machine development in the early 1980's, and after the roaring sucess of the Drumulator, E-mu Systems moved into the upper end of the market in 1984.
