E-MU Systems has announced that the long-awaited Emulator X3 Streaming Sampling Synthesizer is now in stock and shipping. The Emulator X3 features full Vista compatibility, native 64-bit applications, multi-processor and multi-threading support. Exciting new features have been added to the capabilities of this instrument. In addition, the E-MU hardware lock has been removed so that E-MU hardware is no longer required as a dongle.

Emulator X3 features E-MU's Xstream streaming sound engine with up to 192kHz sampling and playback, an arsenal of automated sampling/beat analysis/editing tools and almost unlimited sound manipulation that builds on E-MU's 35 years of synthesis experience. Emulator X3 is currently shipping at an estimated street price of £349.99/ €499.99 (including VAT). US estimated street price is $499.99.

Emulator X3 ships with:

• 32-bit Emulator X3 Application (Windows XP/Vista) and VSTi.
• 64-bit Emulator X3 Application (Windows x64/Vista) and VSTi.
• Over 3.3 GB of sounds (over 2500 presets) from E-MU's premier sound library.

Upgrades and Crossgrades from previous products for existing users will be available via the E-MU web-store in early February:

• Emulator X3 Retail Version = $499 + S/H.
• Proteus X LE or Proteus VX to Emulator X3 = $499 + S/H.
• Proteus X or Proteus X2 to Emulator X3 = $299 + S/H.
• Emulator X or Emulator X2 to Emulator X3 = $199 + S/H.

New Features in Emulator X3

Xstream
New improved and Vista compatible Xstream 24-bit/192kHz Streaming Engine—32-bit and native 64-bit applications optimized for Multi-core and Multi-threaded processors. Xstream intelligently balances the processing load across all available resources for exceptional performance.

Region Xplode Beat Slicer
This great new feature translates recorded drum parts into MIDI files. The Xplode function generates new voices from the selected Region, then creates a MIDI file that maps the new regions to MIDI notes. Just import the Standard MIDI File into your favorite MIDI sequencer and have authentic drum grooves under your control.

Tempo Map Export
TwistaLoop can now analyze and export the Tempo Map of a song. This indispensable tool allows you to synchronize a rhythm track to a performance that was recorded without a metronome. You sequencer will "groove" with you instead of marching to its own beat.

Xtractor
The Xtractor is a new audio manipulation tool that can cut or boost audio levels based on stereo position and frequency. If a song was mixed using stereo panning, this tool allows specific instruments or vocals to be removed, isolated, or pitch shifted. You can remove or isolate vocals, basses, or other instruments, process them and then return them to the mix if you like. The Xtractor is also a powerful analysis tool, since it visually displays the location of each instrument in a stereo mix.

Translator X2 Convertor
The Translator Emulator X2 Convertor, by Chicken Systems, enables you to convert many popular sampler formats into the Emulator X's .exb file format. The bundled Translator Emulator X2 Convertor application can convert the following types of files:

• Akai S-1000/3000.
• Akai MPC.
• Emu EIII/ESi/Emax.
• Tascam GigaStudio 1 + 2.
• SoundFont.
• Native Instruments Kontakt 1 + 2.
• Steinberg HALion I and I.

Over 3.3 GB of sounds (2500 presets) from E-MU's premier sound library are included:

• X Producer Four classic Emulator banks:
  • Proteus X Composer.
  • Hip Hop Producer.
  • E-MU General MIDI.
  • Saint Thomas Strings.
• Studio Grand A stunning 1.4 GB grand piano bank.
• Beat Shop 1 Contains nine great drum kits with beats and grooves.
• Xperience Examples of TwistaLoop, morphing filters and more.
• Xtreme Lead-1 An inspiring Techno/Industrial with clock-synchronization.
• LoopMasters Top quality, copyright-free samples from the masters of loop.