E-mu SP-12 also known as the “sampling drum computer” was designed in 1985 and widely released in 1986 by E-mu Systems. Although the SP-12 was quickly superseded by the more powerful SP-1200, the SP-12 is often regarded as the first commercially successful drum machine and sampler combo.
History
The E-mu SP-12 was the spiritual successor to E-mu's Drumulator and was originally going to be produced under the name Drumulator II, however shortly before the sampler went into production its name was changed to SP-12. The name SP-12 stands for 'Sampling Percussion - 12-bits'.[1]
Earlier samplers usually relied on piano-style keyboard attachments or a computer interface to trigger and manipulate samples,[citation needed] but the SP-12 provided sample-triggering through a series of drum pads on its top surface. This, and the very short duration sample time, meant this was to be a drum sampler first and foremost. However, DJs soon found they could easily replicate their vinyl record mixing and collage techniques with this drum sampler.[citation needed] This gave DJs, musicians and producers an almost endless sonic palette in which to work. Once E-mu realized the potential of the SP-12, they made a “Turbo” upgrade available which quadrupled the sample memory to 5 seconds. The SP-12 was soon superseded by the SP-1200, which, amongst other improvements, offered 10 seconds of sample time. [2]
Features
The E-Mu SP-12 was a 12 bit sampler with a sampling rate of 27.5 kHz (27500 samples per 1 second of audio sound, as explained in its user manual, page 59). It came preloaded with 24 drum samples in ROM that consisted of a rim shot, four toms, electronic snare, snare, bass, four electronic toms, hi hats, crash, ride, claps, and cowbell along with eight user sample positions.[3] Internal EPROM chips that holds stock sound files can be replaced with EPROM programmer. Audio files in chips are RAW UNSIGNED MONO 8-BIT PCM 27500 kHz.
The original SP-12 had a maximum sampling time of 1.2 seconds while with the Turbo upgrade it has a maximum sampling time of 5 seconds. The SP-12 has a 5000-note memory allowing it to store 100 songs and 100 patterns; with the turbo upgrade, this is increased to 400 songs and 400 patterns.[4]
Trivia
- The SP-12 is almost identical in design to the E-mu Emulator II and many of the knobs and buttons are interchangeable.
- Some of the original SP-12s have "Emulator SP12" written on them.
- Original SP-12's were known to have "Paul is the Walrus" and "Paul is dead" written on the motherboard.
- Later SP-12's Had "Loonie Tunes World Tour" written on the motherboards.
- The Beastie Boys reference the SP-12 in their song "Putting Shame In Your Game" from their 1998 album Hello Nasty with the line, "Well I'm the Benihana chef on the SP12." Rappin 4 Tay in Players Club (1994) says "I got a ho named reel-to-reel, she got a buddy named SP-12, now you know the deal." Young MC raps in the song Album Filler (1991) "It's just me, a mic, and an SP-12."
- Big Grams, the collaboration between Big Boi and Phantogram references the SP-12 alongside other famous drum machines and sequencers such as the Roland TR-808 and Roland TR-909 in their song "Drum Machine" featuring Skrillex.
Notable Users
- Bizarre Inc[5]
- Def IV[6]
- Paul C[7]
- Prince Paul[8]
- Rick Rubin in Rhymin & Stealin on the Beastie Boys album Licensed to Ill[9]
See also
References
External links
- E-mu Systems SP-12 twelve bit sampling percussion system (PDF) (Brochure). E-mu Systems, Inc.