Producer J.Force bangs out the beats, with a whoppin’ 256 KB memory, on the EMU SP-1200 Sampler.

The E-mu SP-1200 is a classic drum machine and sampler released in August 1987 by E-mu Systems as an update of the SP-12, which was originally created for dance music producers. It became famed for its gritty texture and ability to simulate the “warmth” of vinyl recordings.

The SP-1200 became an icon of hip hop’s golden age, due to its ability to make the bulk of a song within one piece of portable gear. This resulted in reduced studio costs and more creative control for artists.

Specifications

• 8 voice poyphony
• 22KHz 12 bit sampler
• Sample memory: 10 seconds, in four 2.5-second blocks
• SSM analog filter
• 100 pattern, 100 song sequencer
• Sequence capacity: 5000 notes minimum (depending on density of parts)
• 32 patch memory
• 8 Touch Pads
• Inputs: Sample, MIDI, SMPTE/Sync, Footswitches (3)
• Outputs: Mono mix Individual channels, (eight, programmable. tip = unfiltered. ring – filtered). MIDI out. MIDI thru, SMPTE, Metronome/Clock
• Storage: 3.5″ floppy diskette

Resources:

• Kid Nepro offers EMU SP-1200 samples
• SP-1200 forum
• Info at Emulator Archive
• EMU SP-1200 at Vintage Synth