Skip to content
AudioNewsRoom – ANR AudioNewsRoom – ANR

AudioNewsRoom (ANR) is a music technology blog with news, reviews and exclusive interviews.

  • About
  • SW Reviews
  • HW Reviews
  • Interviews
  • Advertise
  • Contact us
AudioNewsRoom – ANR
AudioNewsRoom – ANR

AudioNewsRoom (ANR) is a music technology blog with news, reviews and exclusive interviews.

Rediscovering Iconic Bits Of Hardware – E-Mu, Casio, Ensoniq & More (VIDEO)

Fab, January 6, 2017January 6, 2017

iconic

Getting some new gear is fun, right? Often, though, we forget about those instruments that may have passed under the radar over the years.
A recent series of insightful videos by Point Blank pays tribute to some of these iconic gems (from the likes of Casio, Korg, E-Mu, Ensoniq).

Sam Willis (Primitive World), also a Point Blank instructor, sits down in these four episodes of the series with Glenn McGlynn to go through instruments like…

The Korg Electribe ES-1, a 2000 classic sampler/sequencer, very much loved back then (and still cherished, by those who know it) for its edgy sound and its fun workflow

If for you the ES-1 is not really an ‘under the radar’ item, how about the Casio FZ-1, featured in the second episode? Manufactured in 1987 the FZ-1 was quite revolutionary, being one of the first pieces of 16-bit hardware. This along with its 8 voices, 64 sample memory bank, digitally controlled analogue filters and incredible price tag make this an unbelievably good value for money synthesiser or sampler. Even Aphex Twin is a fan, having used the instrument on Selected Ambient Works Vol. 2.

The third episode features another Casio classic, the RZ-1. Released in 1996 it had modest specs by today’s standards, but thanks to its lo-fi charm and an inspiring workflow it generated a cult following over the years.

The fourth and last episodes highlights two heavyweights of yesteryear, the E-MU 4XT Ultra and the Ensoniq EPS 16+.

Both in a rack and both quite expensive back then, these legendary samplers have dropped drastically in price over the years and are immensely powerful tools to have at your disposal when producing your tracks.

I bet you’re on eBay right now! Once you’re done searching for your favorite under the radar item, make sure to subscribe to PB’s YouTube channel.

Point Blank host variety of music courses, from production and music business to radio and composition. Their world class instructors, including Sam, teach students in state of the art facilities. If you would like to book a tour or get some more information, contact a course advisor who can help you with any questions you may have, you can call them on 020 7729 4884. If you’re an international student, please call +44 20 7729 4884.


DISCLOSURE: Our posts may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.


YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

news video Casio FZ-1Casio RZ-1drum machineE-MUEnsoniqKorg ES-1music educationPoint Blanksamplersamplingstudio toolssynthvintage

Post navigation

Previous post
Next post

Our Picks

Vermona synths, fx and Eurorack modules

Follow Us On

Instagram YouTube Twitter Facebook

Recent Posts

  • Keystep Pro Chroma New from ArturiaNew Arturia Keystep Pro Chroma Plus Big Firmware Update
  • iRig Stream Mic Pro Review: A Versatile One-Stop Solution
  • PlugSearch 3: The Ultimate Tool To Search Plugins In Logic Pro?
  • Chase Bliss Lossy pedalNew Chase Bliss Lossy Pedal: Imperfect Digital Nostalgia
  • Teenage Engineering’s EP-133 K.O. II: A Compelling Coming-Of-Age Pocket Operator
©2023 AudioNewsRoom – ANR | WordPress Theme by SuperbThemes
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT