As an introduction to the ever growing posse of rack mounted sound modules from E-mu systems we were recently presented with the Carnaval, and what a machine it turned out to be!

After spending a couple of hours going through all the sounds that the module has to offer we started editing parameters and assigning MIDI channels. This really couldn't have been easier, just one touch of the Edit Menu Select button gets you in, and a twist of the Data Entry Control gets you to where you need to be. The LCD default display is also extremely informative, telling you at all times what preset you are currently listening to, the bank it's in, its MIDI channel assignment, volume and pan settings and even the name of the patch. As soon as you drop into the Edit Menu mode the display is again packed with just what you need to know. When you're ready to save a sound to memory you simply scroll through to the save screen and hit Enter.

The beauty of the new breed of E-mu systems hardware is that it's so easy to use. Even the child in me can work it.

The Carnaval, at the time of writing this review, is the latest in a line of versatile and extremely user friendly 16 part multi-timbral sound modules which includes the Planet Phatt (The Swing System), Orbit V2 (The Dance Planet), Ultra Proteus (Z-Plane Synthesis), Morpheus (Z-Plane Synthesizer) and the Procussion 16-Bit Percussion Module. We hope to bring you reviews of all of these modules in the near future.

The Carnaval features 32 notes of polyphony and 640 presets, as well as a huge pallette of authentic and traditional instruments AND Latin rhythmic loops, all controlled by E-mu's famous BEATS mode.

When using the Carnaval to make music, especially in conjunction with a sequencer, don't worry if you don't know much about MIDI or sound modules because E-mu Systems have had a lot of practice at making electronic musical instruments as easy to use as possible. The days of having to be a programming wizard to operate professional quality electronic musical instruments is long gone.

But there is more to an instrument than just its ease of use. The sounds it creates are by far the most important consideration to take into account when deciding what you need, and although the Carnaval is designed specifically for those who are looking to create a Latin sound, or to have Latin instruments and drum patterns instantly available, there are also many other types of sounds that can be used in any situation.

Overall we found the Carnaval to be extremely user friendly and more than able to perform all the tasks required of it. If you're looking for something that's going to give great results easily and efficiently this is it.

Features:

640 presets
32 6-pole digital resonant filters (17 types)
BEATS mode (100 rhythmic loops, 28 user-programmable songs, X-factor)
16 part multi-timbral
32 voice polyphony
6 audio outputs
Retrigger function for polyphonic retriggering of sounds

Featured Sounds:

Over 100 different percussion instruments
Brass (as well as solo hits, section hits, effects)
Violins
Organs
Accordions
Flamenco guitar
Acoustic and electric guitars
Acoustic basses
Vocal effects
Acoustic and electric drum kits
Synth waveforms

To contact Emu check out their entry in our Manufacturers department

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