In the wake of the Emulator sampler-synths, E-mu unleashed the Drumulator. It is a sample-based drum-machine. This Drumulator is E-mu's attempt to create a rhythm machine like the Linn LM-1 but better and cheaper. The Drumulator ended up becoming successful for E-mu. It has eight drum sounds on a ROM chip, lo-fi 12-bit samples of basic drum sounds. the sounds are classic! The Drumulator II adds sampling so you can bring in sounds on your own. Samples can be truncated and looped, etc.

It is primarily a drum machine, however, and offers sequencing that can be accomplished in real-time for that great live feel. It can also be meticulously programmed via step entry and edit modes. Up to 36 sequenced patterns can be stored, chained and mixed to create up to 8 songs. Your sequences and sample data can be stored to floppy diskettes. The Drumulator can be connected to an old computer, for instance the Apple II, for better visual sequencing and editing.