E-mu SP-1200

Back in 1987, this machine dropped as the successor to the SP-12, ditching preset ROM sounds entirely for pure user-sampled grit, and it quickly became the secret weapon for hip-hop producers chopping breaks with that unmistakable 12-bit crunch.

At its heart is a 12-bit linear sampling engine running at 26.04kHz, delivering up to 10 seconds of total sample memory across 32 slots, with each sound maxing at 2.5 seconds. Eight polyphonic voices let you layer beats, shaped by per-voice sliders for pitch and volume, plus large velocity-sensitive buttons with piezo triggers for dynamic playing. Analog SSM2044 filters add warmth on most channels, while unfiltered outs give flexibility, all feeding into 8 individual TRS outputs or a stereo mix. A built-in sequencer holds 99 patterns up to 99 bars with 96 ppq resolution and swing, synced via MIDI In/Out/Thru, SMPTE, or tap tempo, and samples load fast from the 3.5-inch floppy drive.

Hip-hop legends from the late '80s and '90s swore by its punchy, lo-fi tone—like old vinyl with extra dirt—that no plugin fully nails, though some note the limited memory pushes creative editing. Collectors chase originals since production stopped around 1998 when filter chips dried up, but its workflow still feels intuitive and alive today.