Synthesizer&KeyboardSound Module/ Tone GeneratorModular SystemDrum Machine, Percussion SynthOtherDJSoftwareSampler
Electric GuitarProcessor, Effect, PedalAmplifierTuner&metronome

E-mu Systems XL-1 Turbo (Model 9114)

Rackmount Sound Module/ Tone Generator

DescriptionTech specsCompatibleFAQManualsComments

E-mu Systems XL-1 Turbo (Model 9114)
380.00 street price

Emu XL1 Xtreme Lead 1: A Versatile Dance Sound Module

The E-mu XL1 Xtreme Lead 1 is a powerful dance-oriented sound module housed in the same 1U rack design as Emu's flagship Proteus 2000. Sporting a distinctive satsuma-colored faceplate, this 64-voice, 16-part multitimbral module packs 32MB of onboard sampled ROM sounds and combines retro-inspired synthesis with modern production features.

The XL1 represents E-mu's venture into dedicated dance music territory, offering a wealth of authentic early '80s analog punch alongside futuristic soundscapes. It maintains the slim, compact dimensions of its Proteus predecessors but adds significant enhancements like an elongated display and four real-time control knobs for hands-on sound manipulation.

At its core, the XL1 delivers an impressive collection of 512 preset sounds spanning multiple categories. While basses, pads, keyboards, and drum sounds form the backbone of the library, the module surprisingly excels with brass stabs, grainy Rhodes phrases, and guitar riffs that rival dedicated sample collections. Some sounds are borrowed from Emu's older Orbit module, which might disappoint existing Orbit owners looking for completely fresh content.

The XL1's sound architecture is impressively deep, with each preset comprising up to four independent "layers," each with its own sampled instrument, Z-plane filter (with 50 different types available), and extensive modulation options. The module features over 64 modulation sources and destinations, connected via 24 virtual patch cords, allowing for incredible sound design flexibility.

Real-time control is a significant focus, with four multi-function knobs typically controlling filter cutoff, resonance, envelope attack, and effects parameters. These knobs operate in three banks (effectively giving 12 controls) and can be assigned to numerous parameters, encouraging experimentation and live tweaking.

One of the XL1's standout features is its Super Beats mode, an evolution of the Beats mode from the Orbit module. This 16-track play-only sequencer allows for on-the-fly song creation, with individual tracks assigned to specific keys on the keyboard. Users can trigger kick drums, snares, percussion, and instrument sections independently or in groups, making it particularly appealing for live performance and DJ applications.

The module also boasts 16 independent arpeggiators with extensive customization options. Beyond the standard up, down, and random patterns, the XL1 includes 200 factory patterns and 100 user-definable styles, all of which can be synchronized to MIDI clock or tapped in manually.

Effects processing is handled by two stereo processors, with 44 reverb types in processor A and 32 flange, distortion, delay, and chorus effects in processor B. In multitimbral mode, these processors function like external studio effects units, receiving varying amounts of signal from each of the 16 parts.

The XL1 does have some limitations, notably the single stereo output on the basic model. For additional connectivity, users need to purchase the Turbo Board upgrade, which adds four more outputs (as two stereo submixes), an extra set of MIDI In/Out sockets, and S/PDIF digital out. The module also features a single SIMM socket for sound expansion, with the Turbo Board increasing this to four slots.

Operation is relatively straightforward thanks to the larger display and intuitive category-based sound selection. The Audition key is particularly useful, playing appropriate musical phrases for each preset, which can even be transmitted via MIDI for integration into compositions.

Overall, the Emu XL1 Xtreme Lead 1 delivers high-quality, dance-oriented sounds with exceptional programmability and live performance features. While it may not satisfy traditional GM sound requirements, it excels at creating authentic analog-style sounds and contemporary dance music textures, making it an enticing option for both studio producers and performing DJs.

Emu XL1 Xtreme Lead 1 Technical Specifications

General

  • Type: Dance-oriented sound module
  • Form Factor: 1U rack mount
  • Faceplate Color: Satsuma orange
  • Display: Compact LCD screen

Sound Engine

  • Polyphony: 128 (expanded with 64-Voice Turbo Board)
  • Multitimbrality: 16-part
  • ROM: 32MB of sampled sounds
  • Presets: 512 factory presets, 384 user memory locations
  • Sound Categories: Bass, Pad, Key, Hit, Drum, Lead, Arpeggio, Super Beats, etc.

Sound Architecture

  • Layers: Up to 4 per preset
  • Filters: 50 different resonant and modeling filter types
  • Modulation: 64+ modulation sources and destinations
  • Routing: 24 virtual patch cords per preset

Controls

  • Real-time Controls: 4 physical knobs with 3 banks (12 assignable parameters)
  • Default Knob Functions: Filter Frequency Cutoff, Filter Resonance, Shape (volume/filter envelope attack), Image (pitch/glide/chorus)
  • Data Entry: Large data-entry wheel
  • Navigation: Directional cursor buttons

Features

  • Super Beats Mode: 16-track play-only sequencer for on-the-fly song creation
  • Arpeggiators: 16 independent arpeggiators with 200 factory patterns and 100 user-definable styles
  • Audition Key: Plays appropriate musical phrases for each preset, transmittable via MIDI

Effects

  • Effects Processors: 2 stereo effects processors
  • Effects Types: 44 reverbs (Processor A), 32 flange/distortion/delay/chorus effects (Processor B)
  • Effects Routing: 4 effects busses (2 per processor)

Connectivity (Basic Model)

  • Audio Outputs: 1 stereo pair (¼" jacks)
  • Headphone Output: 1 (¼" jack)
  • MIDI: In, Out, Thru

Expansion Options

  • Internal Expansion: 1 socket for sound-set upgrades
  • Turbo Board Upgrade: Adds 4 more outputs (2 stereo submixes), extra MIDI In/Out, S/PDIF digital out, increases expansion slots to 4

The Emu XL1 Xtreme Lead 1 represents a significant evolution in Emu's sound module lineup, building on their legacy while adding features specifically tailored to dance music production. While it maintains the compact form factor of its predecessors, the bright orange faceplate signals its focus on contemporary electronic music styles.

What sets the XL1 apart is its blend of retro authenticity and modern flexibility. The sound library spans from faithful TB303, Moog, and ARP recreations to cutting-edge textures, all enhanced by the extensive modulation and filtering options. The impressive Z-plane filters, with exotic names like "Meaty Gizmo" and "Angel Hairz," offer creative sound-shaping possibilities far beyond typical analog emulations.

The module's four real-time control knobs transform it from a preset player into a genuine performance instrument. Whether tweaking filter cutoffs during a live set or programming complex modulation routings in the studio, the XL1 provides accessible hands-on control that encourages experimentation.

For electronic music producers, the Super Beats mode is particularly valuable, allowing for intuitive creation and manipulation of rhythm patterns directly from a MIDI keyboard. Combined with the sophisticated arpeggiator system, it enables producers to rapidly generate complex musical patterns that would traditionally require extensive sequencing.

Despite its strengths, the XL1 does have shortcomings. The basic model's single stereo output is a significant limitation for a 16-part multitimbral instrument, requiring the Turbo Board upgrade for more flexible audio routing. Additionally, the PDF-only manual format may frustrate users without consistent computer access, especially in live performance contexts.

Nevertheless, the Emu XL1 Xtreme Lead 1 delivers exceptional value for dance music producers and performers, offering a comprehensive toolkit for creating authentic retro sounds and contemporary electronic textures in a compact, performance-ready package.

  Recommend product to a friend

E-mail*
More info
 
Usage area
Sound Module/ Tone Generator 
Usage Design/ Form Factor
Rackmount, 1U 
Archetype
Digital (D) 
Polyphony
Voices128
Multi Timbral Capacity32 part(s)
Tone Generator / Sound Synthesis
Synthesis Method Digital Subtractive
Waveform/ Spectral form (main generator): Waveform ROM64 Mb
Programs/ Voices/ Timbres
Single Voice Preset512
User-defined Single Voice512
Filter
High-pass Filter (HPF) 
Low-pass Filter (LPF) 
Band-pass Filter (BPF) 
2-pole 
Effects
Reverb 
Chorus 
Flanger 
Delay 
Distortion 
Arpegiator/ Portamento
Arpegiator 
MIDI in/ out
IN 
OUT 
THRU 
Audio out
Stereo 
Analogue: 1/4" (6.35mm)6
Digital: coaxial1
DAC
DAC Frequency 44.1
Resolution20 bit
Expandability
Preset Memory Slot/ Wave Expansion Board2
Power
Voltage 90-265V
Power Supply Built-in, internal
Power consumption15 W
Dimensions
Height44 mm
Width483 mm
Depth216 mm
Height1.75 in
Width19 in
Depth8.5 in
Weight6.83 lb
Weight3.1 kg
Case/ body
Metal 
Color
Yellow 
Production start2001
Production ended

Please log in using the form below or register to be able to order goods and services.

Username
Password (4 to 16 characters)

Rent

1.0/5 1

  Performance Synthesizer   600.00 U.S.Dollars

The Ensoniq Halo is a digital synthesizer and effects processor released by Ensoniq in 1997. It is a powerful, yet affordable, synthesizer that combines a wide range of synthesis techniques, including subtractive synthesis, FM synthesis, and wavetable...

/5 0

  Rackmount Sound Module/ Tone Generator   350.00 U.S.Dollars

Sound Module/ Tone Generator, Digital (D), Voices: 64, Multi Timbral Capacity: 16 part(s), Production start: 1998, Production end: 2000, Production ended: Yes.

/5 0

  Rackmount Sound Module/ Tone Generator   300.00 U.S.Dollars

The E-mu Systems B-3 is a digital synthesizer and sound module designed to emulate the classic Hammond B-3 organ. It is capable of producing a wide range of sounds and can be used in a variety of musical genres. It features a 61-note keyboard, a built-in...

/5 0

  Performance Synthesizer   450.00 U.S.Dollars

ound Module? The E-mu Systems MK-6 Mo’Phatt Keys Sound Module is a professional-grade sound module designed for use in music production and live performance. It features an extensive collection of sounds, including a wide range of acoustic and...

E-mu Systems Mo'Phatt (Model 9111)
/5 0

  Rackmount Sound Module/ Tone Generator   300.00 U.S.Dollars

Sound Module/ Tone Generator, Digital (D), Voices: 64, Multi Timbral Capacity: 16 part(s), Production start: 2000, Production ended: Yes.

/5 0

    450.00 U.S.Dollars

The E-mu Systems PK-6 Proteus Keys is a professional-grade keyboard controller that is designed to provide a comprehensive set of controls for musicians and producers. It features a 61-key velocity-sensitive keyboard, 16 velocity-sensitive pads, 8...

E-mu Systems Planet Earth (Model 9113)
/5 0

  Rackmount Sound Module/ Tone Generator   300.00 U.S.Dollars

The E-mu Systems Planet Earth is a sound library for the E-mu Systems sampler and synthesizer. It contains over 1,000 sounds, including samples of acoustic instruments, electronic instruments, and sound effects. The library also includes a variety of sound-shaping tools, such as filters, envelopes, and effects.

/5 0

  Rackmount Tone Generator   270.00 U.S.Dollars

The E-mu Systems Proteus 1000 is a professional sound module designed by E-mu Systems. It is a rack-mountable device that contains a variety of sounds and instruments, including orchestral, ethnic, and electronic sounds. It is capable of playing up to 16...

E-mu Systems Proteus 2000 (Model 9094)
/5 0

  Rackmount Tone Generator   320.00 U.S.Dollars

The E-mu Systems Proteus 2000 is a professional sound module released in 1998 by E-mu Systems. It is a rack-mountable sound module that contains a variety of sounds, including orchestral, ethnic, and electronic instruments. It also has a built-in...

E-mu Systems Proteus 2500
/5 0

  Rackmount Workstation   600.00 U.S.Dollars

The E-mu Systems Proteus 2500 is a professional-grade sound module designed for use in music production, sound design, and live performance. It features a wide range of sounds, including orchestral, ethnic, and electronic instruments, as well as a...

/5 0

  Rackmount Sound Module/ Tone Generator   450.00 U.S.Dollars

The E-mu Systems Vintage Pro is a vintage-style synthesizer and sound module designed to emulate the classic sounds of vintage synthesizers. It features a wide range of sounds from classic analog synths, organs, pianos, strings, and more. It also...

E-mu Systems Virtuoso 2000 (Model 9096)
/5 0

  Rackmount Sound Module/ Tone Generator   320.00 U.S.Dollars

The E-mu Systems Virtuoso 2000 is a professional-level digital audio workstation (DAW) designed for music production, sound design, and audio post-production. It features a powerful audio engine, a comprehensive set of virtual instruments, and an...

/5 0

    450.00 U.S.Dollars

The E-mu Systems XK-6 Xtreme Keys is a professional keyboard controller designed for use in the studio or on stage. It features 61 semi-weighted keys, aftertouch, and a variety of control knobs, sliders, and buttons. It also includes a built-in arpeggiator, a sequencer, and a USB port for connecting to a computer.

E-mu Systems Xtreme Lead-1 (Model 9110)
/5 0

  Rackmount Sound Module/ Tone Generator   350.00 U.S.Dollars

The E-mu Systems Xtreme Lead-1 is a synthesizer module designed for use with electronic music production. It is a powerful and versatile instrument that combines the best of both analog and digital synthesis. It features two analog oscillators, two...

E-mu Systems Turbo Phatt (Model 9115)
5.0/5 1

  Rackmount Sound Module/ Tone Generator   400.00 U.S.Dollars

The E-mu Systems Turbo Phatt is a sound module and synthesizer released in the early 1990s. It was designed to be an affordable, entry-level synthesizer for musicians who wanted to explore the world of electronic music. The Turbo Phatt featured a wide...

/5 0

  Rackmount Tone Generator   450.00 U.S.Dollars

Sound Module/ Tone Generator, Digital (D), Voices: 128, Multi Timbral Capacity: 32 part(s), Production start: 2002, Production ended: Yes.

/5 0

  Rackmount Tone Generator   320.00 U.S.Dollars

Sound Module/ Tone Generator, Digital (D), Voices: 128, Multi Timbral Capacity: 32 part(s), Production start: 2000, Production ended: Yes.

  • enpdf1Mb E-mu Proteus 2000 Family Sysex 2.2 Specification
  • enpdf0.758Mb E-mu Virtuoso 2000 Datasheet
  • enpdf4.19Mb E-mu XL-1 Turbo Operation Manual