Inphonik RX1200 is a virtual instrument plugin that pays homage to the legendary E-mu SP-1200 sampler, a device that played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of hip-hop and house music in the early 1990s. This software emulation aims to capture the distinctive grit, crunch, and warmth that made the original hardware so sought after. The RX1200 features a 12-bit resolution, 26.041 kHz sample rate, and SSM2044 low-pass filter emulation, faithfully reproducing the characteristic lo-fi sound of its predecessor. It also includes an input amp emulation, allowing users to achieve punchy drums in a non-destructive manner. The plugin’s interface is a reimagined version of the original SP-1200, focusing on sample performance while simplifying the learning curve. It offers four banks of eight pads each, mirroring the 32 sample slots of the original hardware. Users can load and edit samples, adjust note tuning, mixing volume, and decay envelopes, providing a unique performance workflow reminiscent of the classic beatmaking experience.
Pros:
• Authentic emulation of the E-mu SP-1200’s distinctive 12-bit sound
• User-friendly interface with modern features like unrestricted sample length and stereo support
• Includes a comprehensive sound bank with over 900 samples and 50 presets
• Affordable price point, making it accessible to a wide range of producers
Cons:
• Lacks an internal sequencer, relying on the host DAW for sequencing capabilities
• Cannot sample directly, functioning only as a sample player
Unlike its hardware counterpart, the RX1200 lifts certain restrictions, offering unrestricted sample length, stereo sample handling, and a large visual waveform sample editor. These modern additions make the plugin more accessible to producers who may not be familiar with the limitations of the original SP-1200. The RX1200 comes with a sound bank of over 900 samples packed into 50 presets, giving users a solid foundation to start creating beats right out of the box.
The RX1200’s feature set is a blend of classic functionality and modern conveniences. At its core, the plugin replicates the 12-bit resolution and 26.041 kHz sample rate of the original SP-1200, which are crucial in reproducing the iconic lo-fi sound. The SSM2044 low-pass filter emulation further enhances the authenticity of the sound, adding the characteristic warmth and grit that producers seek.
The plugin’s interface is organized into four banks (A, B, C, D) of eight pads each, providing a total of 32 sample slots. This layout mirrors the original hardware, allowing users to quickly switch between different sounds and create complex beat patterns. Each pad can be assigned a unique sample, and users can adjust various parameters to shape the sound.
One of the standout features is the input amp emulation, which allows users to drive the sound and achieve punchy drums without destructive editing. This feature adds an extra layer of character to the samples, enhancing the plugin’s ability to produce that classic, gritty sound.
The RX1200 includes a set of faders for each pad, allowing users to adjust tune, decay, and mix parameters. The tune fader enables pitch shifting of samples, while the decay fader controls the length of the sample playback. The mix fader adjusts the volume of each individual pad, giving users precise control over their beat’s balance.
A significant improvement over the original hardware is the inclusion of a visual waveform sample editor. This feature makes it easier for users to edit and manipulate samples, offering a more intuitive workflow compared to the limited display of the SP-1200. The sample editor supports various audio formats and allows for precise editing of sample start and end points.
The plugin also offers stereo sample support, a feature not present in the original hardware. This addition expands the sonic possibilities, allowing for wider, more immersive beats. The RX1200 maintains the aliased pitch tuning of the original, which contributes to its distinctive sound character.
In terms of sound shaping, the RX1200 includes a filter section that emulates the behavior of the SSM2044 chip found in the original SP-1200. This filter can be used to further sculpt the sound, adding warmth or removing unwanted frequencies. The plugin also features a gain control, allowing users to boost or attenuate the overall level of each sample.
The RX1200 comes with a comprehensive sound bank featuring over 900 samples packed into 50 presets. These presets cover a wide range of sounds typically associated with hip-hop and house music production, providing users with a solid starting point for their beats. Inphonik has also committed to regularly publishing new preset collections for free, expanding the plugin’s sonic palette over time.
When comparing the RX1200 to similar plugins, it stands out for its focused approach to emulating the SP-1200. While there are other vintage sampler emulations on the market, such as the Akai S900 and E-mu Emulator II, the RX1200 specifically targets the unique sound and workflow of the SP-1200. This focus allows it to capture the essence of the original hardware more accurately than more generalized vintage sampler emulations. Unlike some competitors that aim to recreate the entire hardware experience, including sequencing capabilities, the RX1200 concentrates on the sound and performance aspects. This approach makes it more streamlined and easier to integrate into modern DAW workflows. However, it may not satisfy purists who are looking for a complete hardware replica in software form.
The RX1200’s price point also sets it apart from many competitors. At a fraction of the cost of some high-end sampler emulations, it offers excellent value for producers looking to add that classic 12-bit flavor to their productions without breaking the bank. The plugin’s streamlined interface and affordable price point make it accessible to a wide range of users, from nostalgic veterans to newcomers curious about classic beatmaking techniques. While it may not satisfy those seeking a complete hardware replica due to the absence of an internal sequencer, its focus on sound quality and performance makes it a valuable tool for adding authentic lo-fi textures to modern productions.
This plugin is best for:
• Hip-hop and house music producers seeking authentic 90s-style beats
• Beatmakers looking for a user-friendly introduction to classic sampler workflows
• Producers wanting to add lo-fi, gritty textures to their tracks
• Budget-conscious musicians seeking high-quality vintage sampler sounds
Inphonik RX1200 successfully bridges the gap between vintage hardware and modern software, offering producers a taste of the iconic SP-1200 sound within their DAW. Its faithful emulation of the 12-bit resolution, distinctive filter, and aliased pitch tuning captures the essence of the original hardware, while modern features like unrestricted sample length and a visual waveform editor enhance usability for contemporary producers. The included sound bank and regular free preset updates add significant value, providing users with a wealth of classic and contemporary sounds to explore. Despite its limitations in sampling capabilities, the RX1200 excels in its primary goal: delivering the gritty, warm, and characterful sound that made the SP-1200 a legend in hip-hop and house music production.