Pearl malletSTATION EM Pro Controller with Sound Card, 5.0 Octave

This is the full-size configuration of Pearl's malletSTATION EM Pro: the EMC control module extended to a complete 5.0 octave playing surface, matching the range of a concert marimba in an electronic instrument. Where the original malletSTATION EM1 was designed around portability, the EM Pro is Pearl's professional-grade platform, rebuilt for precision, dynamic range, and expandability.

How the Modular System Works

The 5.0 octave EM Pro is built from locking modules. The core is the 2.0 octave EMC control unit; EMX 1.0 octave expansion modules slide onto internal aluminum beams and lock in place to extend the instrument. The 5.0 octave configuration includes 3 EMX octave expanders. Each EMX module runs its own dedicated onboard processor, so the added octaves track with the same speed and accuracy as the core unit no matter how far the instrument extends. The aluminum inner structure keeps the playing surface rigid and consistent from end to end.

Bar Response and Technique

The playing surface uses Smart Fabric Technology from Muse Kinetics (KMI), driven by the EMC's 32-bit multi-processor. The result is improved bar precision and a wider usable dynamic range than the EM1, and the bars respond to techniques acoustic mallet players actually use, including dead strokes, bar dampening, and muting. Four-mallet voicings, rolls, and fast single-line passages all register the way a mallet percussionist expects them to.

Onboard Sounds, No Computer Required

This version includes Pearl's ESMC sound card, built around a Quad-Core ARM 64-bit 2.0GHz processor, which gives the EM Pro an internal sound engine. That means the instrument works as a standalone performance instrument: power it up, connect to an amp or PA, and play, no laptop or DAW required. For live work, that removes the most common failure point in any electronic rig. The instrument still functions as a full MIDI controller over USB and 5-pin MIDI, so you can drive virtual instruments and samplers from your computer whenever a project calls for it.

Specifications

• Complete 5.0 octave electronic mallet instrument configuration
• Pearl ESMC sound card installed: Quad-Core ARM 64-bit 2.0GHz processor with internal sound engine for standalone performance
• EMC 2.0 octave control module with 32-bit multi-processor
• Includes three EMX 1.0 octave expansion modules with dedicated onboard processors
• Smart Fabric Technology bars supporting dampening, muting, and dead strokes
• Full-color multi-line display, programmable backlit touch-sensitive buttons, control sliders
• USB and 5-pin MIDI connectivity for use as a MIDI controller
• AC power adapter included
• Pearl PKCS stands not included