Emax

Hi,
E-mu are still in business, I talk with their senior people frequently.
There have been further cut backs this year (some sales people recently I
believe), but the new product line is being created for NAMM 2003, including
the Emulator 5 software sampler. They have strong plans to build both new
software and hardware products. They have implemented a new online knowledge
database at www.emu.com, to reduce support calls (and therefore number of
support staff).

E-mu are focusing on low-mid range products, with some manufacturing in
China. They are having a tough time, but Creative have not pulled the plug
on them (yet...). If sales don't pick over the next year, I would guess
Creative will get increasingly concerned. But downsizing happens first. The
Dave Rossum technology (Audigy chip etc) is now separate and stands outside
of E-mu Systems (at the ATC next door), so Creative could back out of the
music technology business and close E-mu down (if they wanted to...).

This isn't the first time that E-mu have had tough times in their 30 year
history, and they are very good at surviving! You can read all about E-mu's
history and future in the Sound on Sound September 2002 issue - out now!

Regards
Rob
The Emulator Archive
www.emulatorarchive.com

  That suggests that they actually want to be helpful ... LOL There was a
rumour on
  Usenet that Creative Labs actually let go of all the employees at E-mu and
now
  everything is handled through Creative Labs directly. Anyone know if there
is any truth
  to that?





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