E-mu Virtuoso 2000

Launched in 2000 as E-mu's orchestral powerhouse on the Proteus 2000 platform, this rackmount module packed 64MB of meticulously recorded samples from the Seattle Symphony, capturing everything from solo strings to full sections in pristine detail.

At its core is a sample-based engine with 128-voice polyphony and 32 MIDI channels, fueled by 44.1kHz/16-bit waveforms including 321 instruments like violins, cellos, woodwinds, brass, harp, and percussion. It features 50 Z-plane multimode filters (2nd to 12th order), a deep mod matrix with 24 cords per layer from 64 sources like multi-stage envelopes and LFOs, plus 76 effects via 24-bit processing. The 1U chassis includes real-time control knobs, an LCD display, 2 MIDI ins/2 outs/1 thru, 6 balanced analog outs (+4dB, 20-bit Delta-Sigma), S/PDIF digital out, and 4 analog submix inputs. Four SIMM sockets let you expand to 128MB with orchestral volumes or other sets, and 1024 presets (512 ROM/512 user) offer instant access to tuned performances.

Composers and players praised its classy string ensembles, rich low woodwinds, and tuba, with lightning-fast response ideal for complex sequences—though some noted softer attacks on solo brass and a wish for fuller sections. It's a vintage gem that still delivers pro orchestral depth in any rig.