The Emu ESI4000 represented an entry into the budget sampler market and designed as a replacement for the older ESI32 model. This 2U-high, 19-inch rackmountable unit maintains the same front-panel layout and labeling as its predecessor, with the only visible difference being the name itself. Despite doubling the polyphony from 32 to 64 voices — a key advancement over the ESI32 — this feature is surprisingly not emblazoned above the LCD display as it was on the previous model.

Hardware Specifications

The ESI4000 supports both mono and stereo 16-bit sampling at 22.05kHz or 44.1kHz via the Left and Right analog audio inputs on the rear panel. These inputs accommodate signals ranging from microphone to line level, with gain adjustable through the sampling setup page in the instrument's software. With the optional Turbo card installed, users can also sample via an S/PDIF digital audio input at standard digital rates of 32kHz, 44.1kHz, or 48kHz.

The unit comes standard with 4MB of sample RAM — an improvement over the ESI32's 2MB — though this still seems somewhat limited considering many of the Banks on the included dual CD-ROM set require more than 4MB to load. The RAM is expandable to a maximum of 128MB via two internal SIMM slots, though the manual incorrectly states 32MB as the maximum (which was the limit for the ESI32). Users should verify with dealers regarding compatible SIMM sizes, mixing possibilities, and required access times.

For audio output, the ESI4000 features Left and Right main analog audio out jacks and a pair of Sub Out/Mix In jacks (Left and Right) that can be used for external effects processing. The Sub Out/Mix In jacks allow routing of externally processed signals back into the main onboard mix, with the tip of an inserted stereo jack plug functioning as the effect send and the ring as the return. Installing the Turbo option card adds two more Sub outs on stereo jack sockets, providing a total of four separate output routings (Main, Sub 1, Sub 2, Sub 3) available for each individual zone within a Preset.

Performance Capabilities

The ESI4000 is 16-part multitimbral with dynamically allocated polyphony, allowing one Preset per part in Multi mode. Users can create up to 256 Presets (combinations of samples, zones, and synthesis settings) drawing from a pool of up to 999 samples. Multiple zones can be freely split and layered across the keyboard within each Preset, with each zone having its own synthesis parameter settings.

The synthesis architecture includes a resonant, multimode filter with Z-plane morphing capability, plus filter, amplifier, and assignable AHDSR envelopes, as well as an LFO. Samples can be assigned to primary and secondary layers within a Preset, with crossfading and switching between them using velocity ranges and keyboard position. The ESI4000 also includes Emu's long-standing Preset Linking feature, allowing users to link additional Presets to the main one for additional layering and switching options.

User Interface and Operation

The ESI4000 maintains the user interface familiar to ESI32 users, with main operational modes of Master/Global, Sample, and Preset. The Sample mode contains two modules: Sample Management (for loading, renaming, erasing, copying, etc.) and Digital Processing (for looping, cutting and pasting, time-stretching, etc.). The Preset mode encompasses three modules: Preset Management (loading, renaming, erasing, copying, etc.), Preset Definition (zone and layer organization and effects editing), and Dynamic Processing (zone-based synthesis, controller, and output assignment settings).

Navigation through these modules involves pressing a mode button, then scrolling through various submodules using the value dial or Inc/Dec buttons. Users can also directly access submodules by pressing the corresponding numeric button. The Enter button displays parameters for the selected submodule, while the Escape button returns to the submodule selection page.

The ESI4000 defaults to Single performance mode (one Preset played via the global MIDI Basic Channel), but users can quickly switch to Multi reception mode (16 channels simultaneously) by pressing the front-panel Multi Mode button. In either mode, the Trigger mode can be engaged, allowing samples in the current Preset to be triggered using the front-panel numeric keypad. Note number, velocity level, and mode (off, on, or latch) can be set globally for each button, enabling performance techniques like playing chords and layers or running looping samples while adding additional sounds on top—a feature particularly useful for live DJ applications.

Sampling and Editing

Sampling on the ESI4000 is straightforward, with the Sample Management module's Sample Setup submodule providing graphical Left and Right bargraph meters, plus input gain and threshold parameters. Users can disable either Left or Right for mono sampling, and additional pages allow setting sample source (analog/digital and rate), sample time (up to the maximum available RAM), auto sample truncate and normalize options, sample placement on the keyboard, and monitor through settings.

The ESI4000 offers a generous assortment of sample-editing capabilities for a budget sampler, including time-stretching, pitch-shifting, doppler/pan effects, transform multiplication (which accentuates common frequencies of two samples), and parametric equalization. Standard functions like looping, truncating, reversing, cutting and pasting are also included. These features are effectively implemented, with origins in Emu's more expensive E-series samplers.

Synthesis Capabilities

The synthesis capabilities of the ESI4000 are specific to each zone rather than applying to the entire keyboard as is typical on synthesizers. While not the most sophisticated architecture available, its powerful multimode filter deserves special mention for its 19 different filter types. These include comb, parametric, and vocal formant (morphing) filters, as well as a more familiar collection of low-pass, high-pass, and band-pass types. The "Bottom Feeder" distortion filter provides an effective way to add more bass presence, and the original ESI32 low-pass filter is included for backward compatibility.

Notably, the ESI4000's filter derives not from Emu's more expensive samplers but from their Morpheus module, though the company's upper-range samplers also incorporate Morpheus-based filters with additional morphing options.

Included Software and Compatibility

The ESI4000 comes with a dual CD-ROM set — the ESI32 150MB Production Soundset—containing approximately 60 Banks (complete memory sets of Presets and their associated samples). This comprehensive starter set covers a wide variety of instruments and effect sounds, along with an assortment of "groove loops." Also included is a mixed-mode CD-ROM containing samples, audio demos, and demo versions of two leading sample editing programs: Sonic Foundry's Sound Forge (PC) and BIAS's Peak (Mac).

The ESI4000 supports SMDI (SCSI Musical Data Interchange) for fast MIDI Sample Dump transfer via SCSI, facilitating easy transfer of samples between the sampler and software for external graphical editing and processing.

Turbo Option Card

The Turbo option card enhances the ESI4000 with three key features:

1. S/PDIF digital audio I/O with options for 32kHz, 44.1kHz, or 48kHz sampling and AES consumer or professional output
2. Stereo dual effects processing with two stereo 24-bit digital effects processors (Processor A for reverb effects, Processor B for modulation effects)
3. Three additional analog stereo audio output jacks

Of the three extra analog outputs, one (labeled FX) carries a copy of the signal at the main L & R audio outputs but routed through the Turbo card's effects processing. The other two (labeled Sub 2 and Sub 3) carry additional dry stereo submixes. Each Sub output incorporates "plug sensing," allowing the ESI4000 to automatically re-route signals to the main/FX outputs if no plug is inserted. For routing these stereo signals to individual mono channels on a mixing desk, stereo Y-leads are required; Emu thoughtfully includes one with the card for immediate use with the effected stereo output.

Market Position and Competition

While Emu dominated the upper end of the sampler market in the end of 90s, competition at the lower end remained fierce. Yamaha's A3000, with its 64-voice polyphony and 128MB maximum sample RAM, set a new standard for budget samplers earlier in the year, and the ESI4000 appeared to be Emu's response to this challenge.

The ESI4000 effectively kept Emu competitive in this market segment, offering capable performance and straightforward operation with ample polyphony and memory capacity. Sample quality is excellent, and the filters are a particular strength. However, the effects section, while sonically competent, seems somewhat uninspiring by contemporary standards, and the lack of internal resample-with-effects capability is disappointing.

Alternatives to consider include Yamaha's similarly-priced A3000 or Akai's S2000 (though its 32-voice polyphony and maximum 32MB sample RAM may prove limiting for some applications). Akai offered several upgrade boards, allowing users to add digital multi-effects, S/PDIF digital I/O, and eight individual output. Additionally, the S2000 supports up to 32MB of Flash ROM, which isn't an option on the ESI4000 (though it is available on the more expensive E-Synth and E4X models).

Conclusion

The ESI4000 represented Emu's effort to maintain relevance in the competitive budget sampler market. While not particularly innovative, it offered solid capabilities, straightforward operation, and Emu's characteristic excellent sound quality. The ample polyphony and expandable memory should satisfy most users' needs, and the filter section provides impressive sonic flexibility. However, the effects implementation were somewhat basic even in 90s, and the lack of internal resample-with-effects capability is a notable omission.

Technical Specifications

Core Specifications

• Form Factor: 2U-high 19-inch rackmountable unit
• Polyphony: 64-note (mono), 32-note (stereo)
• Memory: 4MB standard, upgradable to 128MB via two internal SIMM slots
• Multitimbral Capacity: 16-part with dynamically allocated polyphony
• Maximum Samples: 999
• Maximum Presets: 256
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz at 44.1kHz sample rate
• Total Harmonic Distortion: Less than 0.03%
• Signal/Quiescent Noise: Better than 100dB
• Stereo Phase: Phase coherent +/- 1% at 1kHz
• Weight: 4.5kg/10lbs
• Dimensions: Width 43.5cm x depth 23.7cm x height 8.9cm

Sampling Features

• Sampling Resolution: 16-bit (mono or stereo)
• Sampling Rates:
  • Analog: 44.1kHz or 22.05kHz
  • Digital (with Turbo card): 32kHz, 44.1kHz, or 48kHz
• Sample Input: Left and Right analog audio inputs (mic to line level)
• Sample Processing: Auto truncate, normalize, keyboard placement options
• Sample Editing: Time-stretching, pitch-shifting, doppler/pan, transform multiplication, parametric EQ, looping, truncating, reversing, cutting, pasting

Synthesis Architecture

• Zone-based: Each keyboard zone can have its own synthesis parameter settings
• Filter Types: 19 different filter types including:
  • Low-pass, high-pass, band-pass
  • Comb filters
  • Parametric filters
  • Vocal formant (morphing) filters
  • "Bottom Feeder" distortion filter
  • Original ESI32 low-pass filter (for backward compatibility)
• Filter Features: Resonant, multimode with Z-plane morphing
• Envelope Generators: Filter, amplifier, and assignable AHDSR envelopes
• LFO: One LFO per zone
• Layering: Primary and secondary sample layers within a Preset
• Layer Control: Crossfade and switch between layers using velocity ranges and keyboard position
• Preset Linking: Link additional Presets to the main one for additional layering and switching

Connectivity

Standard Configuration

• Audio Outputs: Left & Right main analog audio outputs
• Submix: Left & Right analog sub outputs/mix inputs
• Sampling Inputs: Left & Right analog sample inputs
• Headphone Output: Stereo headphone output
• MIDI: In, Out, Thru
• SCSI: 50-pin Centronics type SCSI port
• Storage: Built-in floppy drive (base and mid-range models)

With Turbo Option Card

• Digital Audio: S/PDIF digital audio input and output
• Additional Outputs:
  • FX analog audio output (effected stereo)
  • Sub 1 & Sub 2 analog audio outputs
• Digital Effects Processing: Two stereo 24-bit digital effects processors
  • Processor A: Reverb effects
  • Processor B: Modulation effects (Chorus, Doubling, Slapback, Flange, Big Chorus, Symphonic Ensemble, Delay, Stereo Delay, Panning Delay, Delay Chorus, Pan Delay Chorus, Dual Tap, Vibrato, Distortion, Distorted Flange, Distorted Chorus, Distorted Double)

Premium Configuration

• Storage: Built-in Iomega Zip removable hard drive (replaces floppy drive)

User Interface

• Display: LCD monochrome
• Main Operational Modes: Master/Global, Sample, Preset
• Sample Mode Modules:
  • Sample Management: load, rename, erase, copy, etc.
  • Digital Processing: loop, cut and paste, time-stretch, etc.
• Preset Mode Modules:
  • Preset Management: load, rename, erase, copy, etc.
  • Preset Definition: zone and layer organization and effects editing
  • Dynamic Processing: zone-based synthesis, controller and output assignment settings
• Performance Modes:
  • Single: single Preset played via global MIDI Basic Channel
  • Multi: 16 channels at once, one Preset per part
  • Trigger: trigger samples using front-panel numeric keypad
• Trigger Mode Features:
  • Adjustable note number, velocity level, and mode (off, on, or latch) per button
  • Support for playing multiple buttons together (chords and layers)
  • Latching option for running looping samples while adding other sounds

Software and Compatibility

• Included Software:
  • ESI32 150MB Production Soundset (dual CD-ROM with approximately 60 Banks)
  • Mixed-mode CD-ROM with samples, audio demos, and demo versions of sample editing programs
• Sample Transfer: SMDI (SCSI Musical Data Interchange) support for fast MIDI Sample Dump transfer via SCSI
• Compatible Sample Editors:
  • Sonic Foundry's Sound Forge (PC)
  • BIAS's Peak (Mac)

Available Configurations

• Base-level (Model 6225): Built-in floppy drive, no Turbo option card
• Mid-range (Model 6226): Includes Turbo card as standard (Turbo card - Model 6215)
• Premium (Model 6227): Includes Turbo card and replaces the floppy drive with a built-in Iomega Zip drive (100MB cartridges)