Differences between original Emax and SE / SE Plus models

[ruthven]

I'm wondering what the differences are between the standard Emax and the "SE"/"SE Plus" models?  I know that the "SE" models were "synthesis enhanced", but I'm wondering what extra synth functionality these models provide (my understanding is that the standard Emax is in itself basically a synthesizer that uses samples)?

Do the SE models have analog filters like the original models?

Also, is the rackmount SE exactly the same as the keyboard version or are there subtle differences?  Thanks.

[ditabeardmemo]

Here is a breakdown:

The original Emax is only a sampler, not a synthesizer. It has analog filters. The Emax keyboard and the Emax rack are exactly the same.

The Emax SE was a software upgrade, not a hardware upgrade. It gave the unit additive synthesis capabilities so you could create sounds from scratch, although you cannot play sounds in real time as you tweak (they need to render). The process is pretty tedious, to be blunt. The filters are analog and both keyboard and rack versions are identical.

The Emax SE Plus was another software upgrade that allowed the user to select an external SCSI ID to connect an external hard drive for storage. Generally speaking, though, very few Emax units have an external 25-pin SCSI connection. And some early Emax units effectively cannot be upgraded to accept SCSI, rendering the "Plus" operating system moot. Again, all the filters are analog, and keyboard/rack versions are identical.

All versions of the Emax II have digital filters, however.

[ruthven]

Thanks--that pretty much answers all my questions.   

[jacodavis]

An easy table with the crucial differences.:

Model	Synth	Scsi
Emax	No	No
Emax SE	Yes	No
Emax HD	No	Internal
Emax SE HD	Yes	Internal
Emax Plus	Yes	Internal & External
Emax Plus HD	Yes	Internal & External

And remember.:

• All non-synth versions could unlock the synth/SE features with a special one time floppy disc.
• The models that is not born with some kind of Scsi, is only Scsi-upgradeable if it has a rev.2 or rev.3 motherboard.