The sound. The unmistakable character of SP-1200's authentic, original pitch shifting and its audible aliasing and imaging artifacts are preserved identically. The reissue maintains exactly the same 12-bit linear data format and 26.04 kHz sampling rate found in every vintage SP-12 and SP-1200.

The filter. One of the unobtainable parts in the original SP-1200 is the SSM2044 analog filter, a classic integrated circuit designed by Dave Rossum in the early 80s based on classic improved ladder filter topology. In partnership with Sound Semiconductor, Inc., Dave designed the SSI2144 IC, which reprises the same analog circuit using contemporary IC processing and packaging, preserving its unique character. Four sliders tune the initial cutoff frequency and resonance on channels 1 and 2. Where the original required trim pots, the sliders let musicians set and leave their settings or move them in real time to add dimension to a performance.

Double the memory. For the first time, all reissue units feature 20 seconds of sampling time. The original sound engine designed by Dave Rossum in 1984 could accommodate up to 20 seconds, but 20th-century RAM prices proved cost-prohibitive during the original production run. Even compositions that used the full 10 seconds available from a vintage unit can be revised and remixed with an additional 10 seconds.

Lower noise, same artifacts. The reissue's redesigned power supply and newly-constructed four-layer circuit boards lower the noise floor and avoid undesirable hums without compromising the unique artifacts and dynamics characteristic of the SP-12 series. The rear panel runs cool to the touch, requiring no vents.