E-mu1983 (popular into the early 90s)8-voiceSample-Based / Digital$$Mid-Range($250–800)
E-mu Drumulator
Producers wanting genuine E-mu drum-machine lineage and 8-bit sample crunch, well below SP-1200 prices.
Find on ReverbUsed-gear listings, graded conditionCheck prices on eBayBroader inventory, live auctions
Strengths
- The direct predecessor to the SP-12/SP-1200, carrying real E-mu drum-machine lineage at a fraction of the price those command
- 8 individual outputs were remarkably generous for an early-80s budget-tier drum machine
- Its crunchy 8-bit digital samples have their own genuine lo-fi character, distinct from later 12-bit E-mu units
Trade-offs
- User-replaceable EPROM chips are the only way to change sounds, a genuinely dated and fiddly process by any modern standard
- Considerably less famous and documented than the SP-12/SP-1200 it directly led to
Full Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | E-mu |
| Model | Drumulator |
| Era | 1983 (popular into the early 90s) |
| Typical Price Tier | Mid-Range ($250–800) |
| Sound Source | 8-bit digital samples (EPROM-based) |
| Voice Count | 8 |
| Voice Type | Digital/Sample-based |
| Steps Per Pattern | 48 |
| Pattern Memory | 100 |
| Individual Outputs | Yes (8) |
| Sync / MIDI | MIDI (added via later revision) + DIN Sync |
| Swing / Shuffle | No |
A relative used-market guide, not a live quote — real prices vary by condition, region, and timing. Check the Reverb/eBay links on any item for current listings.
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This deckE-mu Drumulator
Match49
Flexibility55
Portability55
Ease of Use58
Tonal Neutrality28
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Maintenance & Supplies
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