E-mu Systems19858-voiceSample-Based / Digital$$$Premium($800–3,000)
E-mu Systems SP-12
Sampling-based producers wanting the gritty 12-bit texture that preceded the SP-1200.
Find on ReverbUsed-gear listings, graded conditionCheck prices on eBayBroader inventory, live auctions
Strengths
- User sampling lets you load your own sounds, not just factory drum hits
- 12-bit sampling has a gritty, characterful low-fi quality prized by producers
- MIDI-equipped, easing integration with sequencers and other gear
Trade-offs
- Short sample time by modern standards limits how much you can load at once
- Floppy disk storage (on later revisions) and aging RAM chips can complicate long-term reliability
Full Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | E-mu Systems |
| Model | SP-12 |
| Era | 1985 |
| Typical Price Tier | Premium ($800–3,000) |
| Sound Source | 12-bit sampling (user-sampleable) |
| Voice Count | 8 |
| Voice Type | Digital/Sample-based |
| Steps Per Pattern | 48 |
| Pattern Memory | 100 |
| Individual Outputs | Yes (8) |
| Sync / MIDI | MIDI + Trigger/Clock |
| Swing / Shuffle | Yes |
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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Match Score Explorer
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This deckE-mu Systems SP-12
Match58
Flexibility80
Portability60
Ease of Use55
Tonal Neutrality38
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