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Forums - Music techology
Subject: Akai S5000 / S6000 saMPLeRs !!!
Viewing all 3 messages - View by pages of 10: 1
Original Message 1/3 18-May-98 @ 05:34 AM - Akai S5000 / S6000 saMPLeRs !!!
I've never been a fan of Akai's 3000 series saplers, apert from the MPC of course, but these new ones sound as if they really kick some butt. It'll good to see what EMU come up with in response.
Check em out at: http://www.akai.com/akaipro/preview-samplers.html
S5000 / S6000 Sampler Preview
(April , 1998)
Akai Redefines the Future of Sampling
Introducing the New S5000 and S6000
Digital Samplers
Akai is proud to announce its next generation of
samplers with the introduction of the S6000 and the
S5000. Available later this year, the S5000 and
S6000 build on Akai's legendary strengths of sound
quality, ease of use and value to completely redefine
the future of sampling.
The hardware specs for the
two machines are impressive
and include 128-voice
polyphony (standard on some configurations of the
S6000 and upgradable from 64-voices on the
S5000) and the ability to install up to 256 Mbytes of
RAM. The operating system runs from easily
upgradable flash ROM and the two MIDI In/Out/Thru
ports allow 32-channel multi-timbral operation.
Stereo digital I/O is offered as standard and both
models are capable of handling up to 16 individual
analog outputs which can be configured as stereo
pairs. Two SCSI ports are also fitted as standard.
The Wordclock connector allows the new samplers
to be easily integrated into an all-digital studio and
an optional ADAT interface provides sixteen digital
outs, enabling the new samplers to be used in an
all-digital environment with suitably equipped digital
mixing consoles.
One of the most important new aspects of these
samplers is that they use the DOS (FAT32) disk
format and use .WAV files as the native sample
format. This allows standard PC .WAV files to be
loaded directly for instant playback from any PC
formatted hard drive attached to the sampler - even
samples downloaded from the Internet into your PC
may be used. Of course, the S6000 and S5000 will
also read the S3000 sound library.
Samples can be recorded into RAM or directly to
hard disk and playback from either is transparent
allowing you to play back long samples directly from
disk without having to load them into memory.
User interface design has always
been a major factor in Akai
samplers sustaining a consistent
dominant market share and the new
interface takes 'ease of use' a giant
leap forward. Immediately apparent is the large 320
x 240 graphic display with keys running down either
side, ensuring that the most commonly used
programming functions are just a button press away.
And for more intricate operations there is a
'Window' function allowing deeper access into the
samplers' processing powers. (Click on screen
thumbnails for full-size versions)
The disk management system operates in a similar
fashion to a PC or Mac with files and folders and
there is an ASCII port to attach a keyboard for
simplified naming. A unique feature of the S6000 is
that the entire front panel is removable to become a
full-function remote control.
Improved programming facilities allow for up to 128
multi programs to be loaded into RAM at any one
time, a 'QUICKLOAD' function to load programs
directly into parts, inclusion of Akai's own APM
(Assignable Program Modulation), a comprehensive
range of new filters, flexible envelope generators
and LFOs and more.
On the sample editing front, Timestretch, Pitch Shift,
BPM Match, 3-band digital EQ, Digital Fade
up/Down and Resample are all standard and the
Trim and Loop functions have been redesigned to
incorporate many useful new functions. A new
4-channel 20-bit multi-effects processor (the EB20)
is being developed which will be standard on some
configurations of the S6000 and an option for the
S5000. Applicable to both samplers is the ability to
swap the internal floppy drive for an internal Iomega
Zip drive. The S6000 can also house a 3.5" drive
(i.e. Iomega Jaz) on the front panel.
Key Functions
POLYPHONY - Some configurations of the S6000
come with 128-voice polyphony as standard (check
with your local Akai Professional dealer for details
on the availability of specific configurations). The
S5000's 64-voices can be expanded to 128 via an
optional voice card.
USER INTERFACE - This is perhaps the most
visible aspect of the new range with its large 320 x
240 LCD and its 'touch and tweak' approach to
parameter editing. Certain important refinements
and a greater use of graphics, icons and pop-up
windows are included in the user interface to greatly
enhance operation and ease of use.
WINDOW FUNCTION - As on the
MPC2000, the user interface hides
a lot of unnecessary functions from
the user for day-to-day operation
resulting in easy to use screens
and user interface with added functionality available
via the WINDOW key .
KEY PARAMETERS - Because of
the WINDOW key, screens are
clear and uncluttered and show only
the commonly used 'key
parameters' thus making operation
quick and intuitive.
OUTPUTS - The new samplers offer up to sixteen
outputs. Furthermore, these outputs can be
configured as eight stereo pairs. There is also an
option to install an ADAT board offering 16 x digital
outputs.
MEMORY - Both samplers come with 8Mb as
standard, expandable to 256Mb. ] FLASH ROM O/S
- Software upgrades can be downloaded from
Akai's website and saved to floppy disk. This can
then be used to program the samplers' FlashROM.
2 x SCSI PORTS - The new samplers can sit in a
SCSI chain more easily.
2 x MIDI PORTS - 2 x MIDI inputs, outputs and thrus
fitted as standard allow 32 MIDI channel operation.
MULTIPLE MULTIS - The new
samplers can have up to 128 multis
loaded in RAM at any one time.
QUICKLOAD - This allows you to
load programs directly into a multi part making it
quick and easy to assemble complex multi-timbral
setups.
KEYBOARD INPUT - Both samplers can use a
standard PS2 QWERTY keyboard, making naming
much easier. However, an auto-name function is
also introduced to allow easy and automatic
creation of names when recording and copying
programs, samples, etc.
SAMPLE FORMAT - All samples are saved in the
.WAV format. This has the advantage of being able
to use any .WAV files on our samplers not only from
PCs and CD-ROMs, etc., but also downloaded from
the Internet. This also has the benefit that interleaved
stereo .WAV files are treated as just one 'file' in the
new samplers.
DISK FORMAT - The
DOS disk format has
been adopted on the
new samplers thus
overcoming the
512Mb maximum disk
size restriction. This also has the added benefit that
disks (floppy disks, hard disks, Zip and/or Jaz
cartridges or other removable media) can be used
directly with a Windows 95 PC or an Apple
Macintosh computer. 1 Not only does this allow
standard off-the- shelf disk utilities to be used for
optimizing, repairing and de-fragmenting disks but
the adoption of the .WAV format means that
commercial and shareware .WAV sample editors
can be used directly on samples without any special
transfer or conversion routines required.
1 Requires the PC EXCHANGE control panel to be
installed on the Mac OS.
DISK O/S - The new 'folder' based
disk O/S on the new samplers
makes operation more like a Mac
or Windows PC. Folders can
contain other folders (which can
contain other folders, etc.) thereby making sound
library management much easier and more
sophisticated. The fact that the new samplers' disks
use the DOS format means that you can organize
your sound library more conveniently on a PC or
Mac.
UNDO - One level of undo is supported.2
2This may be restricted to Multi, Edit Program and
Effects in Version 1.00.
VIRTUAL SAMPLES - This allows you to assign
disk recordings to keygroups so that long
recordings may be triggered direct from disk within
the context of a program. Not only does this allow
disk recordings to be processed via the samplers'
filters, LFOs, envelopes, etc., but a program
containing 'virtual' samples appears in the Multi just
like any 'normal' program where it may be mixed,
tuned, sent to the effects, etc., thus integrating
'traditional' sampling and disk recording more
seamlessly.
FILTER MODES - The S5000 and
S6000 have a completely new filter
with 15 different filter types
available:
4-Pole Lowpass - A lowpass filter with a
24dB/Octave rolloff and variable resonance.
4-Pole Bandpass - A bandpass filter with
12dB/Octave rolloff either side of the passband and
variable resonance.
2-Pole Highpass - A highpass filter with
12dB/Octave rolloff and variable resonance.
2-Pole Lowpass - A lowpass filter with a
12dB/Octave rolloff and variable resonance.
2-Pole Bandpass - A bandpass filter with
6dB/Octave rolloff either side of the passband and
variable resonance.
1-Pole Highpass - A highpass filter with a
6dB/Octave rolloff and variable resonance.
Notch - A simple notch filter. Resonance affects the
width and depth of the notch.
Dual Notch 1 - A filter with two notches spaced an
octave apart. The effect is similar to phasing.
Resonance affects the width and depth of the
notches.
Dual Notch 2 - A filter with two notches spaced two
octaves apart. Resonance sets the width and depth
of the notches.
Peak Filter - An EQ type filter with variable boost.
Dual Peak 1 - A sweepable dual formant filter with
two peaks spaced an octave apart.
Dual Peak 2 - A sweepable dual formant filter with
two peaks spaced two octaves apart.
'HaLo' Filter - A combination of highpass and
lowpass filters which are lowpass at the lower end of
the frequency spectrum and highpass at the upper
end.
'PeakoLo' Filter - A 12dB/Octave lowpass filter but
with exaggerated resonance. 'Voweliser' Filter
Creates vocal effects.
SAMPLE EDITING - Several new
sample editing functions are also
introduced on the new samplers:
TIMESTRETCH - Uses the Akai
DD1500 algorithm which allows
phase coherent processing of
stereo samples.
PITCH SHIFT - A variation of TIMESTRETCH that
allows you stretch a sample relative to how many
semitones it is to be transposed by.
BPM MATCH - Another variation of TIMESTRETCH
that allows you to stretch samples according to
SOURCE and NEW BPM settings.
LOOPING -
BACKWARDS/FORWARDS
LOOP is introduced on the new
samplers. Also, setting loops is now done using
LOOP START and LOOP END parameters (as
opposed to Akai's 'traditional' method of AT and
LENGTH). A LOOP LOCK function allows you to
lock the loop length.
DIGITAL EQ - A 3-band parametric off-line EQ
function with control over each band's frequency,
gain and Q is introduced.
AUTO FIND - Finds the start and end points of a
sample automatically.
FADE CURVES - A choice of fade curves is now
available for Digital Fade Up/Fade Down, Loop
Crossfade and sample JOIN.
S6000 Only Features
REMOVABLE PANEL - This allows you to place the
S6000 user interface on your keyboard or mixer or
next to your computer/sequencer -wherever!
USER KEYS - These allow you to assign any page
to these keys for rapid access to commonly used
functions.
AUDIO INPUTS - Audio inputs are provided on the
front and the rear panels. This allows the sampler to
be wired up to a patch bay via the rear panel inputs
but with the ability to override this connection simply
by plugging something into the front panel inputs.
Test Drive the
New User
Interface
To get a taste of
the new
S5000/S6000
graphic user
interface,
download our
unique S6000
Interactive
Guided Tour
(2.2MB). All you
need is a
Macintosh with
a monitor
capable of
displaying 256
colors at a
resolution of
800 x 600.
(Sorry, no PC
version at the
moment.)
©1998 Akai Electric Co., Ltd.
Check em out at: http://www.akai.com/akaipro/preview-samplers.html
S5000 / S6000 Sampler Preview
(April , 1998)
Akai Redefines the Future of Sampling
Introducing the New S5000 and S6000
Digital Samplers
Akai is proud to announce its next generation of
samplers with the introduction of the S6000 and the
S5000. Available later this year, the S5000 and
S6000 build on Akai's legendary strengths of sound
quality, ease of use and value to completely redefine
the future of sampling.
The hardware specs for the
two machines are impressive
and include 128-voice
polyphony (standard on some configurations of the
S6000 and upgradable from 64-voices on the
S5000) and the ability to install up to 256 Mbytes of
RAM. The operating system runs from easily
upgradable flash ROM and the two MIDI In/Out/Thru
ports allow 32-channel multi-timbral operation.
Stereo digital I/O is offered as standard and both
models are capable of handling up to 16 individual
analog outputs which can be configured as stereo
pairs. Two SCSI ports are also fitted as standard.
The Wordclock connector allows the new samplers
to be easily integrated into an all-digital studio and
an optional ADAT interface provides sixteen digital
outs, enabling the new samplers to be used in an
all-digital environment with suitably equipped digital
mixing consoles.
One of the most important new aspects of these
samplers is that they use the DOS (FAT32) disk
format and use .WAV files as the native sample
format. This allows standard PC .WAV files to be
loaded directly for instant playback from any PC
formatted hard drive attached to the sampler - even
samples downloaded from the Internet into your PC
may be used. Of course, the S6000 and S5000 will
also read the S3000 sound library.
Samples can be recorded into RAM or directly to
hard disk and playback from either is transparent
allowing you to play back long samples directly from
disk without having to load them into memory.
User interface design has always
been a major factor in Akai
samplers sustaining a consistent
dominant market share and the new
interface takes 'ease of use' a giant
leap forward. Immediately apparent is the large 320
x 240 graphic display with keys running down either
side, ensuring that the most commonly used
programming functions are just a button press away.
And for more intricate operations there is a
'Window' function allowing deeper access into the
samplers' processing powers. (Click on screen
thumbnails for full-size versions)
The disk management system operates in a similar
fashion to a PC or Mac with files and folders and
there is an ASCII port to attach a keyboard for
simplified naming. A unique feature of the S6000 is
that the entire front panel is removable to become a
full-function remote control.
Improved programming facilities allow for up to 128
multi programs to be loaded into RAM at any one
time, a 'QUICKLOAD' function to load programs
directly into parts, inclusion of Akai's own APM
(Assignable Program Modulation), a comprehensive
range of new filters, flexible envelope generators
and LFOs and more.
On the sample editing front, Timestretch, Pitch Shift,
BPM Match, 3-band digital EQ, Digital Fade
up/Down and Resample are all standard and the
Trim and Loop functions have been redesigned to
incorporate many useful new functions. A new
4-channel 20-bit multi-effects processor (the EB20)
is being developed which will be standard on some
configurations of the S6000 and an option for the
S5000. Applicable to both samplers is the ability to
swap the internal floppy drive for an internal Iomega
Zip drive. The S6000 can also house a 3.5" drive
(i.e. Iomega Jaz) on the front panel.
Key Functions
POLYPHONY - Some configurations of the S6000
come with 128-voice polyphony as standard (check
with your local Akai Professional dealer for details
on the availability of specific configurations). The
S5000's 64-voices can be expanded to 128 via an
optional voice card.
USER INTERFACE - This is perhaps the most
visible aspect of the new range with its large 320 x
240 LCD and its 'touch and tweak' approach to
parameter editing. Certain important refinements
and a greater use of graphics, icons and pop-up
windows are included in the user interface to greatly
enhance operation and ease of use.
WINDOW FUNCTION - As on the
MPC2000, the user interface hides
a lot of unnecessary functions from
the user for day-to-day operation
resulting in easy to use screens
and user interface with added functionality available
via the WINDOW key .
KEY PARAMETERS - Because of
the WINDOW key, screens are
clear and uncluttered and show only
the commonly used 'key
parameters' thus making operation
quick and intuitive.
OUTPUTS - The new samplers offer up to sixteen
outputs. Furthermore, these outputs can be
configured as eight stereo pairs. There is also an
option to install an ADAT board offering 16 x digital
outputs.
MEMORY - Both samplers come with 8Mb as
standard, expandable to 256Mb. ] FLASH ROM O/S
- Software upgrades can be downloaded from
Akai's website and saved to floppy disk. This can
then be used to program the samplers' FlashROM.
2 x SCSI PORTS - The new samplers can sit in a
SCSI chain more easily.
2 x MIDI PORTS - 2 x MIDI inputs, outputs and thrus
fitted as standard allow 32 MIDI channel operation.
MULTIPLE MULTIS - The new
samplers can have up to 128 multis
loaded in RAM at any one time.
QUICKLOAD - This allows you to
load programs directly into a multi part making it
quick and easy to assemble complex multi-timbral
setups.
KEYBOARD INPUT - Both samplers can use a
standard PS2 QWERTY keyboard, making naming
much easier. However, an auto-name function is
also introduced to allow easy and automatic
creation of names when recording and copying
programs, samples, etc.
SAMPLE FORMAT - All samples are saved in the
.WAV format. This has the advantage of being able
to use any .WAV files on our samplers not only from
PCs and CD-ROMs, etc., but also downloaded from
the Internet. This also has the benefit that interleaved
stereo .WAV files are treated as just one 'file' in the
new samplers.
DISK FORMAT - The
DOS disk format has
been adopted on the
new samplers thus
overcoming the
512Mb maximum disk
size restriction. This also has the added benefit that
disks (floppy disks, hard disks, Zip and/or Jaz
cartridges or other removable media) can be used
directly with a Windows 95 PC or an Apple
Macintosh computer. 1 Not only does this allow
standard off-the- shelf disk utilities to be used for
optimizing, repairing and de-fragmenting disks but
the adoption of the .WAV format means that
commercial and shareware .WAV sample editors
can be used directly on samples without any special
transfer or conversion routines required.
1 Requires the PC EXCHANGE control panel to be
installed on the Mac OS.
DISK O/S - The new 'folder' based
disk O/S on the new samplers
makes operation more like a Mac
or Windows PC. Folders can
contain other folders (which can
contain other folders, etc.) thereby making sound
library management much easier and more
sophisticated. The fact that the new samplers' disks
use the DOS format means that you can organize
your sound library more conveniently on a PC or
Mac.
UNDO - One level of undo is supported.2
2This may be restricted to Multi, Edit Program and
Effects in Version 1.00.
VIRTUAL SAMPLES - This allows you to assign
disk recordings to keygroups so that long
recordings may be triggered direct from disk within
the context of a program. Not only does this allow
disk recordings to be processed via the samplers'
filters, LFOs, envelopes, etc., but a program
containing 'virtual' samples appears in the Multi just
like any 'normal' program where it may be mixed,
tuned, sent to the effects, etc., thus integrating
'traditional' sampling and disk recording more
seamlessly.
FILTER MODES - The S5000 and
S6000 have a completely new filter
with 15 different filter types
available:
4-Pole Lowpass - A lowpass filter with a
24dB/Octave rolloff and variable resonance.
4-Pole Bandpass - A bandpass filter with
12dB/Octave rolloff either side of the passband and
variable resonance.
2-Pole Highpass - A highpass filter with
12dB/Octave rolloff and variable resonance.
2-Pole Lowpass - A lowpass filter with a
12dB/Octave rolloff and variable resonance.
2-Pole Bandpass - A bandpass filter with
6dB/Octave rolloff either side of the passband and
variable resonance.
1-Pole Highpass - A highpass filter with a
6dB/Octave rolloff and variable resonance.
Notch - A simple notch filter. Resonance affects the
width and depth of the notch.
Dual Notch 1 - A filter with two notches spaced an
octave apart. The effect is similar to phasing.
Resonance affects the width and depth of the
notches.
Dual Notch 2 - A filter with two notches spaced two
octaves apart. Resonance sets the width and depth
of the notches.
Peak Filter - An EQ type filter with variable boost.
Dual Peak 1 - A sweepable dual formant filter with
two peaks spaced an octave apart.
Dual Peak 2 - A sweepable dual formant filter with
two peaks spaced two octaves apart.
'HaLo' Filter - A combination of highpass and
lowpass filters which are lowpass at the lower end of
the frequency spectrum and highpass at the upper
end.
'PeakoLo' Filter - A 12dB/Octave lowpass filter but
with exaggerated resonance. 'Voweliser' Filter
Creates vocal effects.
SAMPLE EDITING - Several new
sample editing functions are also
introduced on the new samplers:
TIMESTRETCH - Uses the Akai
DD1500 algorithm which allows
phase coherent processing of
stereo samples.
PITCH SHIFT - A variation of TIMESTRETCH that
allows you stretch a sample relative to how many
semitones it is to be transposed by.
BPM MATCH - Another variation of TIMESTRETCH
that allows you to stretch samples according to
SOURCE and NEW BPM settings.
LOOPING -
BACKWARDS/FORWARDS
LOOP is introduced on the new
samplers. Also, setting loops is now done using
LOOP START and LOOP END parameters (as
opposed to Akai's 'traditional' method of AT and
LENGTH). A LOOP LOCK function allows you to
lock the loop length.
DIGITAL EQ - A 3-band parametric off-line EQ
function with control over each band's frequency,
gain and Q is introduced.
AUTO FIND - Finds the start and end points of a
sample automatically.
FADE CURVES - A choice of fade curves is now
available for Digital Fade Up/Fade Down, Loop
Crossfade and sample JOIN.
S6000 Only Features
REMOVABLE PANEL - This allows you to place the
S6000 user interface on your keyboard or mixer or
next to your computer/sequencer -wherever!
USER KEYS - These allow you to assign any page
to these keys for rapid access to commonly used
functions.
AUDIO INPUTS - Audio inputs are provided on the
front and the rear panels. This allows the sampler to
be wired up to a patch bay via the rear panel inputs
but with the ability to override this connection simply
by plugging something into the front panel inputs.
Test Drive the
New User
Interface
To get a taste of
the new
S5000/S6000
graphic user
interface,
download our
unique S6000
Interactive
Guided Tour
(2.2MB). All you
need is a
Macintosh with
a monitor
capable of
displaying 256
colors at a
resolution of
800 x 600.
(Sorry, no PC
version at the
moment.)
©1998 Akai Electric Co., Ltd.
Message 2/3 19-May-98 @ 03:10 PM - RE: Akai S5000 / S6000 saMPLeRs !!!
OH MY GOD! Wait, wait, oh.......ahhhhhhh!!! I think I just busted the largest nut of all time.....Oh the pleasure..........
Message 3/3 20-May-98 @ 05:26 AM - RE: Akai S5000 / S6000 saMPLeRs !!!
Did you think I typed all that??? As if I'd be that stupid!!! I cut and pasted it, and it only took a few seconds.
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