E-mu Systems19878-voiceSample-Based / Digital$$$$Collector-Grade($3,000+)
E-mu Systems SP-1200
Beatmakers wanting the exact sampled-drum texture behind golden-era hip-hop production.
Find on ReverbUsed-gear listings, graded conditionCheck prices on eBayBroader inventory, live auctions
Strengths
- Iconic 12-bit/26.04kHz sampling engine is one of the most sampled sounds in hip-hop production history
- 8 individual outputs plus a dedicated mix output give full mixing flexibility
- Simple, fast pad-based workflow for chopping and triggering samples
Trade-offs
- Only ~10 seconds of total sample time across all voices, a hard ceiling for modern workflows
- High collector demand has driven used prices well above its original cost
Full Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | E-mu Systems |
| Model | SP-1200 |
| Era | 1987 |
| Typical Price Tier | Collector-Grade ($3,000+) |
| Sound Source | 12-bit sampling (user-sampleable) |
| Voice Count | 8 |
| Voice Type | Digital/Sample-based |
| Steps Per Pattern | 99 |
| 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-1200
Match55
Flexibility78
Portability58
Ease of Use50
Tonal Neutrality32
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