Vintage Digital

EMT

Classic Recording Studio Equipment

EMT (Elektromesstechnik) is a professional audio equipment company that was founded in Berlin, Germany in 1940. The company initially focused on producing electronic measurement and testing equipment, but later expanded into the production of professional audio equipment.

One of EMT’s most famous products is the EMT 140 plate reverb, which was introduced in 1957. The EMT 140 was widely regarded as one of the best reverb units ever made, and was used on countless hit records, including Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” and The Beatles’ “Abbey Road.”

The EMT 140 was a mechanical reverb that used a large metal plate to create its reverberant sound. Sound waves were sent through a transducer, which caused the plate to vibrate, creating a reverb effect. The EMT 140 quickly became a popular choice among recording engineers, due to its rich, lush sound and ability to create a sense of space and depth in recordings.

In addition to the EMT 140, EMT also produced other reverb units, including the EMT 240 and EMT 250 digital reverbs. The EMT 240 was a popular choice among recording engineers in the 1970s and 1980s, while the EMT 250 was introduced in 1976 as one of the first digital reverbs on the market.

Despite increased competition in the market for professional audio equipment, EMT’s reverbs remain highly respected among recording engineers and music producers. The company’s legacy of innovation and high-quality products continues to influence the development of new reverb technology today.

The EMT 140 was the worlds first artificial reverb unit and it changed the recording world by allowing any studio to have “reverb on tap”, even smaller studios who did not have physical echo/reverb chambers.
In 1971 after huge success with the EMT 140, EMT delivered the EMT 240 Reverb Foil. The surface of the vibrating 0.02 mm gold foil measured only 30 X 30 cm. The foil was contained in a double enclosure affording very high isolation from airborne and solid-borne disturbances, sufficient to allow placement of the EMT 240 even in mobile units or – at a sound pressure level of 105 dB – next to monitor loudspeakers
The EMT 250 Digital Reverb is completely electronic, with no moving parts; ruggedly built and insensitive to shock or vibrations…and a studio legend! Extremely versatile with many programming possibilities and adjustment of parameters. The EMT 250 Digital Reverb uses high-value digital words (12 bit, quasi 15 bit) to virtually eliminate intrinsic and quantizing noise.
The EMT 251 Digital Reverberation System, released in 1980 is a rather rare reverb unit, strangely less well known than the legendary EMT 250, which is replaces, regardless of its superior specification and functionality.
It’s no secret that the “EMT sound” is a key ingredient of many hit records. It’s been that way for over 25 years. The very first unit, the EMT 140, is still used by major studios. And the sound of their big digital units. the 250 and 251, is legendary. In 1985 EMT introduced the EMT 252, offering more features than the 250 and 251.
The EMT 248 Digital Audio Processor served as a versatile solution for handling audio signal processing, rendering individual sound effects and processing units obsolete. The front panel of the device features program modules that offer quick access to a range of functions.
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