Updated date:

Jun 4, 2014

EMU Command Station Resources

Author:

Get the most from your E-MU XL-7 MP-7 or PX-7 Command Station!

The Emu Command Station line was released in 2003 and has since become somewhat of a modern classic. Not quite vintage compared to the analog synths built decades earlier but still a very versatile and hands on sequencer, synth and drum machine that has gathered a following of dedicated users from producers to live performers.

This page features the best resources for getting the most from your e-mu from tutorial videos to feature lists to user tipss and live ebay listings for command stations and expansion ROMs.

The Emu Command Station Line

What are the differences and how to expand your machine.

E-MU released 3 command stations, the XL-7, MP-7 and PX-7 each identified by their own custom color and sound set. Underneath the paint the three units are identical and differ only in the sound ROM that is included. Each command station is expandable and capable of holding 4 sound ROMs including the one it came with.

In total there are over a dozen expansion ROMs available for the CS line.

When purchasing a used Command Station be sure to verify which sound ROM if any is included. I was lucky to find my preferred color scheme (PX-7) with the MP-7 sound ROM I was looking for.

Command Station Tutorial Videos - Good Starting Place for New CS Users

These video tutorials are a great introduction to using your Command Station.

Examples use the XL-7 however all of the CS line work the same.

Online References - Popular XL7 MP7 and PX7 Links

Command Station FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions answered by producer and DJ Tarekith.
Emu XL-7 & MP-7 Yahoo User's Group
Great resource for emu users.
Customize Your Command Station
Create your own custom faceplate for your CS.
Live PA Forum
The Command Station is used by a number of live performers on this forum.

E-MU Legacy Hardware Support
Official downloads from the manufacturer. Includes e-loader, presets, keymaps, sounds and final 2.0 OS update..
Prodatum Patch Editor
Prodatum is a cross-platform patch editor for the E-mu Proteus 2000 sample based synthiesizer family (includine command stations). Binaries are provided for Linux, Mac OS X and Windows.
Proteum
Proteum is a full-featured Windows patch editor for the Proteus 2000 family of synth modules. The software allows you full control of master, patch and setup settings through a series of easy to use displays. Proteum also allows you to save and load
SysEx Librarian for Mac OSX
Use SysEx to backup and restore your Command Station. UNTESTED.
Midi OX
Windows 95/NT SysEx editor for backing up your patterns.

Command Station Reviews - Music Magazine and Web Site Gear Reviews

Sound on Sound Review
Emu's eye-catching new Command Stations repackage the sounds of their MP1 and XL1 sound modules, adding hands-on sequencing and real-time controls. Can the company win fans with these late entries to the groovebox market?
Electronic Musician Review
Dance-music genres have inspired musical-instrument manufacturers to develop one-stop solutions for making music. Two new products from E-mu, the MP-7 and XL-7 Command Stations, integrate sampled pitched and percussive sound sources, a subtractive-sy
Vintage Synth Explorer XL-7 Review
The hot new XL-7 is a desktop sequencer module version of E-mu's Xtreme Lead-1 Electronica and Dance oriented sound module. You may recall that the Xtreme Lead-1 module itself was a new and improved Techno synth based on the popular Audity 2000 modul
Vintage Synth Explorer MP-7 Review
The cool looking MP-7 is a desktop sequencer module version of E-mu's Mo'Phatt HipHop and R&B sound module.
Musicians Friend E-MU XL-7 & MP-7 Review
Now you don't have to be a keyboard man to work out with a high-powered synth module. The XL-7 and MP-7 Command Stations incorporate the cerebral power of E-MU's famous Proteus 2000 in units that offer complete control through intuitively-designed ta
Harmony Central XL-7 User Reviews
This is a versatile unit that can sequence and serve as a sound module for synths and drums. The sounds work great when used as a self contained unit but working with other gear YMMV.
Harmony Central MP-7 User Reviews
This little baby has taken my production skills to another level. For me its priceless. The one i have is at my studio. It keeps me up till late and i don't go home cos of it!

Recognized by it's vivid yellow color scheme, the XL-7 version is perhaps the most popular Command Station sporting an arsenal of energetic dance music sounds from house to techno.

E-Mu Official XL-7 Downloads

E-MU XL-7 Official Downloads Page

XL-7 E-Loader software backup software and manual.

XL-7 Instrument Keymaps

XL-7 Preset Banks

XL-7 Patterns / Songs

XL-7 Documentation

XL-7 Software

The MP-7 is my personal favorite of the Command Station sound ROMs based on the hip-hop beats and samples from the Emu Mo Phatt Urban Dance and Hip Hop synth module.

E-Mu Official MP-7 Downloads

E-MU MP-7 Official Downloads Page

MP-7 E-Loader software backup software and manual.

MP-7 Instrument Keymaps

MP-7 Preset Banks

MP-7 Patterns / Songs

MP-7 Documentation

MP-7 Software

The PX7 is the most rare of the Command Station line and features an understated silver and blue finish and a huge drum library based on the Proteus

E-Mu Official PX-7 Downloads

E-MU XL-7 Official Downloads Page

PX-7 E-Loader software backup software and manual.

PX-7 Instrument Keymaps

PX-7 Preset Banks

PX-7 Patterns / Songs

PX-7 Documentation

PX-7 Software

Do you have a Command Station and how do you like it?

zenfire on March 05, 2014:

I like my command station but I have acquired a scrambled screen. Just a lot of letters and numbers after power up. Hoping someone out there knows where i could find a new or used display for this well loved px7. I currently have about 8 new songs (and 3 monihs of programming) I can't get out of it because of the display problem. Any help is much apriciated.

anonymous on September 04, 2013:

@anonymous: Hi, I have the same unit but unfornadly I've lost the CD's that came with it.

Do you have still the CD's and could you help me with a copy ?

anonymous on January 08, 2013:

i have a px7. i really like it. it's taking me a looooooong time to get into it and learn it. it is a keeper for me.

sarahholmes334 on November 11, 2012:

I guess you really did some good research to build this list,.Nice job!

anonymous on August 03, 2012:

I have an MP-7 with additional sound cards and I am having a hard time learning the device. I have it hooked up to my keyboard and would like to learn how to just play the available sounds for now, then make music. Where can I find a user friendly manual or how can I get help. Thanks onzoose

anonymous on May 07, 2012:

@Edutopia: Trying to find out how to record the "audition phrases" or

"audition beats" from the command station into the internal sequencer. Do you know how ? Do I have to turn any particular midi switches on or off.. Thanks, Randy

Edutopia on January 30, 2012:

Very thorough list, good job on the lens!

Paul (author) from Montreal on December 17, 2011:

Resources have been updated. If you know any others I am missing feel free to post them here. Comments are moderated so they won't appear right away but I do read every one.

Paul (author) from Montreal on December 17, 2011:

@anonymous: Hey Konrad, I think there is a way to restore the OS from your computer, check the Yahoo users group for more specific info: http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/xl7/

anonymous on December 17, 2011:

@Timewarp: hello time warp

my px7 is frozen in the start up..the screen reads ..searching for OS...

from ther nothing else

any suggestions

Paul (author) from Montreal on October 15, 2011:

@anonymous: Yeah Ive noticed the prices are often high on ebay as well, seems word is getting out on this great old synth. They aren't too rare so keep looking, check your local Craigslist for bargains. Around $300 is a good deal for a unit with 1 ROM.

anonymous on October 13, 2011:

WHY R THESE SO HARD TO FIND NOW. I CAN'T SEEM TO GET MY HANDS ON ANY OF THE 3 COMMAND STATIONS. EVEN ON EBAY. WHERE THEY USED TO BE PRICED FAIR.

dannystaple on August 06, 2011:

I don't, but I'd love to own one of these. Perhaps one day I'll have the time & money... At the moment, I make do with software synth's like Reason - but nothing is quite like tinkering on real hardware.

anonymous on August 04, 2011:

i'm on my second CS, dopped with om of the CS serie more beatgarden.

Paul (author) from Montreal on June 04, 2011:

Hey there command station fans, how do you use your machines?