Behringer Teases Knockoff Of Classic E-mu SP-1200 Sampling Drum Machine
Behringer shared this sneak preview of the SP1200X Sampling Workstation – an inexpensive, unofficial copy of the classic E-mu SP-1200.
The original SP-1200 is a 12-bit sampling drum machine, designed by Dave Rossum and released by E-mu Systems in 1987. The SP-1200 has been a weapon of choice for hip-hop, house, and drum-and-bass production ever since.
Behringer’s “tribute” to the classic E-mu SP-1200 sampler has been in the works since 2019, but the company didn’t publicly acknowledge the product until early 2025, when it asked users for feedback on what kind of features they’d like to see in it.
Nearly two years later, and the company has shared an update in a Facebook post, telling its customers that it’s ‘pushing hard’ to get the SP1200X into their hands as soon as possible, and that it’s aiming for a price of only $200.
The company has yet to share any finer details on features or functionality, but the unit looks reasonably SP-1200, and seems to update the original with a larger, full-colour display, stereo sampling inputs and USB connectivity.
High-end alternatives to vintage SP-1200s are also available, including an official reissue from Rossum, and an updated version from Isla Instruments, the SP-2400.
We’re making it open source. Because creativity should have no limits, and iconic instruments shouldn’t cost a fortune,” says Behringer. “We’re not just bringing back a legend. We’re setting it free.”
