128 Voice Polyphony • USB Port • Expandable Soundset (up to 128 MB)

16 Track Real-time/Step/Grid Sequencer • Over 40 assignable knobs and buttons

The new E-MU Proteus 2500 is a powerful 128 Voice your sequences on the road, as well as providing all of the tools
Expandable Command Module designed to meet the needs of needed to record complete songs from scratch. And with
the most demanding studio and stage musician with a unique real-time, step and grid recording modes, Proteus 2500’s
combination of processing power, sequencing flexibility, sequencer lets you record your tracks in whatever manner you
hands-on control and unsurpassed sound quality. Proteus 2500 prefer, all without having to stop the creative process. Proteus
is the culmination of over a decade of sound module 2500 also features over 40 knobs and buttons to give you total
development that started in 1989 with the Proteus 1. Since then, hands-on control of all synthesis/filter parameters (cutoff, Q,
E-MU engineers have been tireless in their efforts to develop attack, delay, etc.) as well as sequencer functions (track
new, more powerful technologies, and are proud to introduce a mute/enable, panning, volume, BPM, etc). Proteus 2500’s knobs
host of new innovations with Proteus 2500. Proteus 2500 and buttons can even be efforlessly be programmed to control all
features the most powerful processor of any sound module on of your external MIDI gear, making Proteus 2500 the perfect
the market today, offering you three times the processing power centerpiece of your studio and stage rigs. Finally, Proteus 2500
of its predecessor, Proteus 2000. This new processor assures can be expanded using any of the many Proteus expansion
you flawless MIDI timing of even your most massive sequences, ROMs available (including Flash ROMs authored using E-MU E4
and allows you to sync a host of arpeggiators and modulation Ultra samplers) up to 128 MB of sounds. Proteus 2500 offers
parameters that would be unthinkable using a slower sound you everything that you have come to expect from the leader in
engine. Another new feature of Proteus 2500 is its full-blown 16 state-of-the-art sound modules, and introduces a host of
track sequencer that works seamlessly with computer-based innovative new features that have never been offered before. The
sequencers via the Proteus 2500’s USB port — perfect for taking Proteus legacy continues with Proteus 2500.

®
Polyphony and Power Real-Time controllers and Quick Edit
Main Screen and
Proteus 2500 combines 128 voice polyphony with a lightning- Real-time Control Knobs let you quickly edit your
Preset parameters and act as assignable MIDI This is where you sel
fast new processor that delivers three times the processing power
controllers. While in Quick Edit, the default settings primary functionality
of its predecessor, Proteus 2000. This unique combination not are labeled on the front panel below each knob. In Mode. Pressing the P
only gives you the power to sequence gigantic scores and layer Programmable Mode, you can set each knob to its allows you to view th
complex sounds without the frustration of voice robbing, but it own MIDI channel and controller number. All assigned to the Multi
also insures that they will be played back with unparalleled programmable settings are saved in a Multi setup the Mix Button allows
timing and accuracy. In addition, the 32 MIDI channels (1 MIDI which allows for many specialized configurations. volume and pan level
There are two pre-configured knob set-ups which channel. Using the M
IN, 2 MIDI OUT/THRU) give you ultimate flexibility in connecting give you quick access to Volume and Pan control for control knobs gives y
to your other MIDI gear and make Proteus 2500 the perfect all 16 MIDI channels. mixing section.
centerpiece of your MIDI studio. Proteus 2500 also features a
S/PDIF digital output for instant integration into the digital studio
environment.

Sound
Proteus 2500 ships with a 32 MB soundset, 512 presets and
512 user presets that provide you with a comprehensive and
versatile sound palette that includes everything from lush
strings and pristine pianos to synth stabs and hip-hop
scratches. In addition to this 32 MB soundset, Proteus 2500 is
fully expandable using the many Proteus expansion ROMs
available, up to 128 MB total, and typically feature more genre-
specific soundsets. Proteus 2500’s SoundNavigator feature
allows you to quickly find and sort presets by category— you
can even create your own custom categories. SoundNavigator
works in concert with the Audition button on the front panel,
allowing you to easily find and verify the right sound in a matter
of moments. Need even more flexibility? You can author your
own custom soundROMs for Proteus 2500 using E-MU’s E4
Ultra samplers, giving you access to the world’s largest sampler
sound libraries. You can take your favorite samples, create
presets optimized for Proteus 2500’s powerful architecture, and
take them on the road. Only E-MU allows you to customize
your sound module with unlimited ROM support!

Real-time Control Deep Editing

Proteus 2500 gives you hands-on access to 16 programmable real-time Beyond Proteus 2500’s comprehensive real-time controls are its deep
control knobs from its front panel, allowing you to tweak and mix your editing features that allow you to edit envelopes, layers, keyboard
sounds without ever having to enter the edit screen. These 16 knobs tunings, the 24-bit dual stereo-effects processor and more. Proteus
perform four functions 1. real-time control over filter and synthesis 2500 allows you to use up to four layers and 24 patchcords per preset
parameters, 2. programmable real-time control over your external MIDI to create incredibly complex sounds, and you can use the front panel
gear (tweak parameters within other modules/samplers), 3. volume buttons and control knobs to access and edit your presets more quickly,
control for your 16 sequencer tracks, and 4. panning control for your 16 without having to scroll through endless menus. Choose from over 50
sequencer tracks. You can quickly toggle between these four modes of filter types to give your sounds the expressivity that only E-MU filters
operation, giving you unprecedented real-time control over a host of can deliver. Once you have modified your preset, you can save it to one
parameters, making Proteus 2500 an incredibly powerful addition to of your 512 user presets for instant recall. Proteus 2500 allows you to
your studio and stage setup. You can also set these controls to transmit add outboard effects, EQ and other processing by sending different
MIDI controller messages to the sequencer to record all your real-time channels out of any of its six analog outputs. Whether you play it
performances. Make your piano brighter, change your string section straight out of the box or customize every feature, Proteus 2500 will
from pizzicato to legato, or speed up the LFO of your favorite synth satisfy your hunger for easy-to-use power and professional features.
pad— Proteus 2500’s real-time controls encourage you to experiment
with your sounds and achieve new levels of expressivity.
 d Mode View

lect the unit’s 7 Segment Display

y, Song or Pattern
Preset Button This display allows you to view key Edit
he current presets elements of the Proteus 2500 while
i set-up. Pressing using the main screen to edit and This section allows you to edit your Songs,
ws you to see sequence. Pressing the Edit Button Patterns, Presets, Controllers and Arpeggiators, with
els for each MIDI next to the display allows you to dedicated buttons for important functions like MIDI
Mix Screen with the change things like Tempo very setup, Save/Copy and Global Settings. Pressing the
you a very powerful quickly. You can also view Bars and Audition button will play a small MIDI sequence
Beats, current Pattern and Track. that previews your currently selected Preset.

Transport

This section provides you with sequencer

control: Stop, Play and Record. The Record
Button also allows you to choose one of three
recording styles: Real-Time, Step and Grid.
You can use the Tap Tempo button to lock-in
your sequence.

Command Functions

These multi-functional buttons provide you

with quick jumps while editing a Preset, and
act as note inputs for Grid and Step recording.
They act as Track Select and Mute Buttons
during Pattern or Song playback, and can also
be programmed as MIDI trigger buttons. Each
MIDI trigger can have its own MIDI channel
(A1-16, B1-16), Note number, Latch or
Unlatch status, and velocity parameters. This
is very useful for firing off presets that have
Arpeggiators, patterns or externally locking in
Sound Effects, drum loops or vocal samples
from your E-MU sampler.

Integrated Sequencing knobs, Proteus 2500 gives you unparalleled control over your
Not only does Proteus 2500 deliver unmatched sound quality, sequences, making it an indispesable edting tool! In addition to its
expandability and real-time control, but it also provides you with a fully powerful sequencer, Proteus 2500 can play up to 32 programmable,
integrated 16 track sequencer that has been developed from the ground synced arpeggiators simultaneously. These arpeggiators are a powerful
up to work seamlessly with Proteus 2500’s sound engine. The 16 track performance tool that can be saved with your sequence for instant recall
interactive sequencer allows you to record in real-time, step and grid and can be modified in real-time using the control knobs.
record modes, and you can record up to 16 MIDI channels per
sequencer track, allowing you to record and group massive Proteus 2500 redefines the state-of-the-art for the professional sound
compositions. The sequencer can be programmed to address 32 module by offering you 128 voice polyphony, up to 128 MB of sounds,
internal and/or 32 external MIDI channels, making Proteus 2500 the a host of programmable real-time knobs and buttons, a full-blown 16
perfect sequencer to control your entire MIDI setup. Proteus 2500’s track sequencer and a USB port for sequnce loading. Most importantly,
sequencer imports and exports Standard MIDI Files, so even if you Proteus 2500 sounds incredible. Regardless of what genre of music
prefer recording and editing sequences on your computer, you can you play, whether you perform on stage or in the studio, Proteus 2500
effortlessly transfer them to and from Proteus 2500 via its USB port . gives you more tools to achieve total sonic satisfaction in one module
Proteus 2500 also features 16 dedicated track mute/enable buttons, than you ever thought possible.
allowing you to add, monitor and modify parts on the fly without the
usual cumbersome menu scrolling (they also can serve as trigger
buttons for up to 16 sounds). Combined with its 16 real-time control
Technical Specifications
Audio Channels: 128 MIDI: In, MIDI Out A/Thru, MIDI Out B/Thru Dimensions: Height 7" (4 rackspace), Width 19", Depth 8.75",
MIDI Channels: 32 Internal/ 32 External Data Encoding: 16-bit linear, 24-bit DAC’s, Modes: Song, Pattern
Controllers: 16 knobs – Quick edit, Mix, Programmable (MIDI Signal to Noise: >100 dB Views: Song, Pattern, Preset, Mix
channel, CC#) Frequency Response: 20-20,000Hz (+0.0/-0.1dB) Menus: Song Edit, Pattern Edit, Preset Edit, Global, Controllers,
Controllers: 2 Footswitches, 16 triggers (Latch, MIDI Channel, THD + Noise (DAC’s): <0.002% Arpeggiator and MIDI,
Note and Velocity) Power Consumption: 15 watts Additional functions: Audition, Compare, Save/Copy
Displays: 2x24 LED, Four Digit 7 Segment LED Voltage Input: 90VAC – 260VAC at 50Hz – 60 Hz Home/Enter, Tap Tempo
Navigation: Data Knob, two Cursor buttons, two Track/Channel Maximum Output Level: +6dBV
select buttons, 16 synth edit menu jump buttons Output Impedance: 1000 Ohms *All specifications subject to change
Presets: 512 RAM, 512 User
Layers Per Preset: 4
BPM/ MIDI synchronized parameters per Preset: >100
Sound Memory: 32 MB (expandable to 128 MB)
Internal Expansion slots: 3 additional
Expansion format: ROM (16/32MB) Flash (16/32MB)
Filters: 6/12th order (50 types)
Sequencer PPQN: 384
Songs: 512
Patterns: 1024
Tracks: 16 per pattern, 16 MIDI channels per Track, plus 1 Song
Track (16 MIDI channels)
Record Types: Real Time, Step, Grid
Sequencer Format: Proteus 2500, SMF import/export
Sequencer Storage Size: Internal, > 300,000 notes. External,
unlimited using E-MU’s E-Loader software file assistant (Mac/PC)
Arpeggiators: 32 simultaneous pattern based or traditional
Arp Patterns: 300 ROM, 100 User
Arp Editor: 32 steps – Key, Velocity, Duration, Repeat
Effects: Dual 24-bit
Audio Outputs: 6 analog (configured as 3 stereo), Stereo S/PDIF
Audio Inputs: Effects Return 1 In (Stereo), Effects Return 2 In
(Stereo) Sub Analog Main Analog MIDI In MIDI S/PDIF Footswitch USB
Outputs Outputs Out/Thru Output Inputs Connector
A&B 1&2

Proteus 2500 Expansion ROMs

X-LEAD PURE PHATT
The X-Lead soundset consists primarily of analog, noise and The 32 MB Pure Phatt is E-MU’s latest Hip-Hop soundset that produces the
modern synthesizer waveforms. These sounds are rich in harmonic freshest and newest sounds and grooves from top notch producers from the East,
texture and are a perfect match with the Z-plane filters in your Southeast and West coasts. Pumping leads and basses, silky pads and those
Proteus® family sound module. With the included software unique hits, scratches and drones that your mix needs to bring it to the next level
upgrade, you now have access to dynamic and rhythmic features not are ready to provide the love. Pure Phatt goes where no other ROM set has
found on any other instrument. grooved before.

WORLD EXPEDITION TECHNO SYNTH

An amazing collection of traditional instruments from the four Rob Papen and E-MU introduce the 32 MB Techno Synth Construction
corners of the globe including exotic stringed instruments, winds, Yard Expansion ROM, a compilation of synth, techno, and ambient
percussion, and chromatic percussion. World Expedition provides sounds from one of Europe’s finest programmers. From atmospheric
you with the most realistic ethnic soundset in the world. Discover a pads to punchy sub-basses and crunch drum loops, these sounds will
world of sounds to bring to your music. help you tear up the dance floor!

DEFINITIVE B-3 SOUNDS OF THE ZR

John Novello and E-MU present the 32 MB Definitive B-3 expansion The Sounds of the ZR Expansion ROM faithfully reproduces the diverse
ROM, a diverse collection of tone wheel organ drawbar settings sounds of ENSONIQ’s popular ZR-76 keyboard, including William
sampled direct and with rotary speakers (chorale and tremolo) to Coakley’s Perfect Piano. You’ll find everything from synths and
give you the most versatile and playable B-3 available! orchestral instruments to one of the finest pianos ever sampled in one
soundset. Put this collection of ENSONIQ®’s finest sounds to work in
your Proteus 2000 today!

ORCHESTRAL SESSIONS VOL 1 ORCHESTRAL SESSIONS VOL 2

The Orchestral Sessions Vol. 1 expansion 32MB ROM offers you the The Orchestral Sessions Vol. 2 expansion 32MB ROM offers you the
most realistic and comprehensive collection of section strings most realistic and comprehensive collection of woodwinds, brass,
available—the same sounds featured in E-MU’s Virtuoso™2000 percussion, and solo strings available– the same sounds featured in
sound module, complete with legato, spiccato, pizzicato and E-MU’s Virtuoso™ 2000 sound module, complete with velocity
tremolande samples, and includes special presets for 4 speaker switching between p/mf/ff samples, special presets for 4 speaker
applications. applications and a percussion battery with over 20 instruments.

SIEDLACZEK PROTOZOA
ADVANCED ORCHESTRA-SPECIAL EDITION E-MU presents the 16 MB Protozoa expansion ROM– the ultimate
The Peter Siedlaczek 32 MB expansion ROM offers you some of the sound compilation containing presets from the groundbreaking
finest orchestral samples ever recorded from one of Europe’s most Proteus sound modules, all optimized for your Proteus 2000’s
respected sound designers, and brings together the finest string, advanced synthesis and filter architecture.
brass, wind and percussion ensembles of Siedlaczek’s legendary
Advanced Orchestra library.

BEAT GARDEN
Dutch sound designer Rob Papen and E-MU introduce the 32 MB ®
Beat Garden expansion ROM, a diverse palette of all-new
Electronica/Dance beats, synths, basses, drumkits, acoustic and
electronic percussion. Experience the Beat Garden for yourself and
add a unique dimension to your tracks. P.O. Box 660015, Scotts Valley, CA, USA, 95067-0015
Tel. 831.438.1921 • www.emu.com
United Kingdom Office:
Suite 6, Adam Ferguson House, Eskmills Industrial Estate
Musselburgh, Scotland EH21 7PQ
Tel: +44 131 653 6556

©2001. E-mu Systems, Inc., d.b.a. E-MU / ENSONIQ. The following are trademarks owned by E-mu Systems, Inc., registered in the United States and in numerous countries worldwide as indicated by ®: E-MU®, E-mu Systems®, the E-MU logo, ENSONIQ®, Proteus®, Virtuoso, and Emulator®.