Retrosound presents
DANA
Rediscover the sound
of the 80s.
The grain. The range. The energy.
The spirit of the E-mu samplers.
We knew the Emax instruments. DANA grew from the wish to recover their way of working, explore what happens inside, and keep creating with your own sounds. Try the instrument directly in your browser.
The story · 1986–1989
Two generations of Emax samplers helped musicians turn recorded material into something new. DANA connects that history with a practical musical instrument. Its name honours Dana Massie, co-designer of the E-chip with Dave Rossum.
One sample. A world under your fingers.
Transposition, loops, envelopes, filters and panning shape how a sample responds. Explore another register, hold a note and hear how a small change transforms a phrase.
Inside the instrument
Native banks, parameter tables and selected original system code inform a targeted reverse-engineering approach. The technical pages distinguish the original hardware, the reconstructed behaviour and the software’s verified capabilities.
Native sound resources
Browse the six-machine catalogue by instrument and source. Downloadable files, documented collections and missing references are distinct. Native format, compatibility and distribution rights are checked separately.
The first wave
The planned regular price is EUR 99 including applicable EU VAT, with a EUR 79 launch offer for eligible verified early subscribers. US prices are USD 99 and USD 79 before applicable local taxes. Registration is open. Sales are not open yet; final offer terms will be available before sales begin.