EasyManua.ls Logo

Akai DR 4 User Manual

Akai DR 4
79 pages
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
Page #1 background imageLoading...
Page #1 background image

Table of Contents

Question and Answer IconNeed help?

Do you have a question about the Akai DR 4 and is the answer not in the manual?

Akai DR 4 Specifications

General IconGeneral
Number of Tracks4
Sampling Rate44.1kHz
Bit Depth16-bit
TypeDigital Recorder
Headphone OutputYes

Summary

Introduction to the AKAI DR4

What is the DR4?

Provides a basic description of the Akai DR4 Hard Disk Recorder and its core concept.

DR4 Features and Capabilities

Lists the main features and specifications of the DR4, highlighting its functions.

Inside the DR4 Architecture

Illustrates the internal architecture, connectivity, and components of the DR4.

Front and Rear Panel Controls

Front Panel Overview

Details the various controls, buttons, and indicators located on the DR4's front panel.

Rear Panel Connections

Describes the input/output ports, connectors, and interface slots on the rear panel.

Navigating and Operating the DR4

Sub Menus and Navigation

Explains how to access and navigate through the DR4's sub-menu system.

Setting Operational Parameters

Describes the methods used for adjusting various device settings and parameters.

Entering Time Values

Provides a step-by-step guide for inputting time-related data for locating or editing.

Specifying In and Out Points

How to define precise start and end points for recording edits or playback.

Escape Function Usage

Procedure for cancelling operations or exiting menus safely.

Setting Up the DR4 for Use

Optimal Placement and Ventilation

Guidelines for siting the DR4 to ensure proper airflow and stable operation.

Power Connection and Operation

Instructions for connecting the power supply and turning the DR4 on and off.

Typical DR4 Setup Diagram

Illustrates a common system configuration involving the DR4 and external devices.

Recording Audio with the DR4

Analog Recording Setup

Configuring analog inputs and selecting the appropriate sampling frequency.

Digital Recording Setup

Configuring digital inputs, connection types, and sampling frequency.

Arming Channels for Recording

Preparing specific audio channels to be recorded.

Setting Recording Levels

Adjusting input gain to achieve optimal signal levels for recording.

Starting and Stopping Recording

The fundamental procedure for initiating and concluding a recording session.

Manual Punch In/Out

Performing manual edits by punching in or out during playback.

Footswitch Punch In/Out

Using an external footswitch for punch-in/out operations.

Auto Punch In/Out

Automated recording edits based on pre-set in and out points.

Auto Monitor Function

Automatic switching of monitor signals between source and playback.

Rehearsal Function

Practicing punch-in/out operations without actual recording.

Recording Undo Function

Reverting the last recording action to restore previous material.

Managing Recorded Material

Handling recording over existing material and checking available time.

Playback and Audio Manipulation

Starting and Stopping Playback

Basic controls for initiating and ending audio playback.

Play to Out Function

Playing back audio segments up to a specified out point.

Repeat Playback Function

Looping audio segments between defined in and out points.

Varipitch for Pitch Variation

Adjusting the playback pitch of recorded audio material.

Locate and Navigation Functions

Locating to a Specific Point

Navigating the DR4 to a precise timecode or position.

Direct Locate Points

Storing and recalling up to eight specific time-based locations.

Stack Locate Points

Storing and recalling up to 100 time-based locations.

Last Memory Function

Accessing the last two recorded stop points for quick return.

Preroll Setting

Setting a lead-in time before locating to a point for accurate starts.

Time Display Modes and Settings

Absolute and Relative Time Displays

Explains the different time display formats: Absolute (ABS) and Relative (REL).

Setting Relative Time to Zero

Procedure for resetting the relative time reference to zero.

Setting Relative Time Offset

Adjusting the relative time reference point by specifying an offset.

Time Display Relative to Any Point

Setting custom time reference points for relative time display.

Editing Audio Material

Undoing an Edit

Reverting the last editing action performed on the audio.

Copying Audio Sections

Duplicating a selected segment of audio to another location.

Copy+Insert Function

Copying audio while shifting subsequent material forward.

Moving Audio Sections

Relocating a selected segment of audio to a new position.

Move+Insert Function

Moving audio while shifting subsequent material forward.

Erasing Audio Sections

Removing a selected segment of audio without shifting material.

Deleting Audio Sections

Removing a selected segment of audio and shifting subsequent material.

Inserting Blank Sections

Adding a silence segment of specified length to audio tracks.

Hard Disk Management and Usage

Choosing a Compatible Hard Disk

Guidelines for selecting suitable hard drives for the DR4.

Hard Disk Size and Recording Time

How disk capacity and sampling frequency affect available recording time.

SCSI Interface Overview

Explanation of the SCSI connection standard for peripherals.

SCSI Cables and IDs

Proper use of SCSI cables and assignment of device IDs.

SCSI Termination

Ensuring correct termination for reliable SCSI daisy chain operation.

Checking Connected Disks

Verifying the status and recognition of attached hard disks.

External Hard Disk Precautions

Safety and operational guidelines for using external hard drives.

Formatting New Disks

Procedure for preparing new hard disks for use with the DR4.

Erasing Disk Contents

Clearing all existing data from a hard disk.

Data Alignment and Fragmentation

Optimizing disk performance by addressing data fragmentation.

Backup and Data Transfer Procedures

Backup to DAT Recorder

Steps for saving recorded audio material to a DAT recorder.

Backing Up Specific Material

Procedure for backing up only selected segments of audio.

Loading Data from DAT

Restoring recorded audio data from a DAT recorder back to the DR4.

MIDI Synchronization Setup

Using the IB-113M MIDI Interface

Details the requirement for the optional IB-113M MIDI interface card.

Connecting and Setting Up MIDI Sync

Steps for establishing MIDI synchronization between the DR4 and a sequencer.

MIDI Sync Operation and Notes

Explains how MIDI sync functions and key operational considerations.

Tempo and Beat Maps

Creating timing references for MIDI synchronization.

Changing Initial Tempo/Beat Settings

Adjusting the default tempo and beat settings for songs.

Creating Beat Maps

Defining time signatures and their bar numbers for songs.

Creating Tempo Maps

Defining tempo changes and their bar numbers for songs.

Synchronizing Multiple DR4 Units

Connecting DR4s with AL-X50 Cables

Procedure for linking multiple DR4 units using optional cables.

DR4 Synchronization Setup

Configuring master and slave units with specific ID numbers.

DR4 Synchronization Operation

Controlling synchronized DR4 units from a master unit.

Additional Functions and Features

Emphasis Function

Adjusting digital audio de-emphasis for playback.

SCMS Copyright Protection

Understanding the Serial Copy Management System's function.

Appendix: Reference Information

Initial Settings Overview

Lists the default status of DR4 functions and parameters upon power-on.

Troubleshooting Guide

Diagnosing and resolving common operational issues with the DR4.

Display Messages Explained

Interpreting and understanding various on-screen notifications from the DR4.

Error Messages and Remedies

Handling and resolving system error codes displayed by the DR4.

Technical Specifications

Detailed technical data and capabilities of the AKAI DR4.

MIDI Implementation Chart

Details MIDI message compatibility and protocol information.

Related product manuals