The Xtreme Lead-1 is E-mu's coolest lead synth and BPM synthesizer. Based off of the Audity 2000, the Xtreme Lead has the 32 MB "X-Lead" soundset ROM, 64-voice polyphony, 16 simultaneously available programmable arpeggiators, 12-pole digital filters, 24-bit dual effects, a memory expansion slot and a Turbo upgrade that can extend its features two-fold!

The XL-1 introduces E-mu's new SuperBEATS Mode, which allows you to effortlessly trigger, latch and unlatch synced loops and grooves from separate keys on your keyboard over 16 independent rhythm tracks. Great for live use by DJs and artists alike! Sounds of the Xtreme Lead-1 include techno basses, buzzed out synth leads, pads, dance drumkits, vocal stabs, hits, analog synths, DJ scratches, etc. The twelve assignable real-time front panel controls provide fast hands-on access.

Programming this beast can be tedious but it features the same new Modular PatchCord architecture as the Audity 2000 for extreme sound-sculpting capabilities. In addition, there are two outputs (expandable to six + S/PDIF with Turbo upgrade). For the all-in-one dance module, check out the new Xtreme Lead-1! It is used by BT and The Crystal Method.

The Xtreme Lead-1 Turbo (pictured above) has 128-voice polyphony, two additional internal ROM expansion slots, four additional outputs (six total), 16 additional MIDI channels (32 total), and a digital S/PDIF output. The Xtreme Lead-1 is also available in a keyboard version called the XK-6 Xtreme Keys. A desktop MPC-sequencer style module is also available, called the XL-7 Command Station.

Current E-mu sound modules ship with one 32 MB sound-set each, but are expandable up to 128 MB via three additional slots for 32 MB expansion cards. These cards include (ranging from $249 to $395):

• 9061: Siedlaczek Orchestra 32 MB ROM.
• 9062: Pure Phatt 32 MB ROM - standard in Mo’Phatt, MP-7 and MK-6.
• 9063: Beat Garden 32 MB ROM - standard in Orbit 3.
• 9082: Protozoa 16 MB ROM - standard in Proteus 1, 2, 3.
• 9083: Definitive B-3 32 MB ROM - standard in B-3.
• 9084: Techno Synth Construction Yard 32 MB ROM - standard in Orbit 3.
• 9085: Orchestral Session Vol. 1 32 MB ROM - standard in Virtuoso 2000.
• 9086: Orchestral Session Vol. 2 32 MB ROM - standard in Virtuoso 2000.
• 9087: World Expedition 32 MB ROM - standard in Planet Earth.
• 9088: Sounds of the ZR featuring the Perfect Piano 32 MB ROM - standard in Ensoniq Halo.
• 9089: X-Lead 32 MB ROM - standard in Xtreme Lead-1, XL-7 and XK-6.

With these expansion options, you could buy a PK-6, then add the sounds of the Orbit 3, XK-6, and the MP-7... or any other combinations you may want. If you like desktop synths, you can start with an MP-7 or XL-7, and then add these same expansion card options to add Proteus, Orchestral, or the new Halo sounds to them. E-mu/Ensoniq's interchangeable sound cards and a variety of keyboard/sound-module options means that there's a model out there for everybody now.

Digi Fan

June 24, 2010 @ 10:24 pm

These EMU units are beutifully rythmic, more of a tool for classic sounding dark and easily deep synced modulation. Beuty sounds on the XL-1 ROM.

Terrabyte303

May 30, 2010 @ 6:46 pm

@ Blu...I think kai is referring to the fatness of this rompler. The digital VA and romplers of this day (minus the snow) are thin as hell compared to this or a say a trinity. As far as pcm synths go this is pretty up there sound wise but the sound programing is torture.

bill

May 17, 2010 @ 6:55 pm

actually this emu module is pretty nice.
i mean it came out of the audity2000 and there is a lot power in both modules. while its not got anything on a virus or a nord it has its own cool factor.
i dont know but this series of last synths from emu are great for making loops and beats you can fire off into a sample for further tweaking.
the unit alone is more than enough to come up with fast and dirty tracks for production work.
there are some pretty great sounds in this that offer themselves well to the emu architecture of sound design.
i am not sure but i kind of think for 200 bucks they now bring they are a bargain. i mean theres not much wrong with getting one for that price.

BLU J

September 3, 2009 @ 5:53 am

Since when was there such a thing as digital warmth??? This unit is a beast to program and most the sounds are tinny and thin. The only cool thing about it is the "real-time"control knobs on the front of the unit that allows you to tweak the sounds. Other than that nothing special. More garbage than anything. I want a Virus instead.

Anvil Chorus

April 26, 2009 @ 11:12 am

An amazing synth! I bought one when E-mu was cutting out their hardsynth market and retail prices tanked. I am very happy it is in my rack. My version is not the turbo, so it doesn't have the extra outputs (bummer, so handy). I have the X-Lead and Beat Garden cards in the synth. The rhythmic layering that is capable by this little monster is amazing. It has the sound quality of the Proteus series, so if you are familiar with the fidelity, it's crisp and clean. I loved this rack mount synth so much I had to buy an E-MU PK-6 to fillout my sonic preset pallette. Worth every penny used.

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