The Emu Emax was Emu's answer to requests for a more cost effective Emulator II. The Emax combines 12 bit sampling, synthesis, and sequencing all in one package. Now mind you, that package is as big as a seperate sampler, synthesizer, and sequencer, but that's another story. The Emax is touted as a 12 bit sampler, although in reality it stores its samples in 8 bit memory using a proprietary Emu compression and voice controller IC. Base memory is 512k and not expandable, but is more than adequate, no doubt due to compressed 8 bit sample storage. The Emax features eight notes of polyphony, however each voice is capable of playing two samples at once. This allows layers and detuning without eating up precious polyphony. Filtering is done in the analog domain courtesy of SSM single chip voice ICs. The filters are resonant four pole 24db/oct low pass filters. The ICs also feature VCAs on three seperate busses, allowing samples to be placed in the stereo field in addition to the mono outputs. The Emax SE software opens the door to many creative possibilities, including additive synthesis. Although the software has a fairly steep learning curve, it is definitely worth the extra effort for the variety of sounds it can provide. Note: For replacement power supplies, the place to call is Mendelson Electronics of Dayton, OH at (800) 422-3525. The part number is 500-0131F - Kepco/Memorex Power Supply 5V@5A 12V@2A -12V@.1A, and costs $14.95 plus shipping. The Emax User's Group