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General| Type | Sampler |
|---|---|
| Polyphony | 32 voices |
| Sampling Rate | 44.1 kHz |
| Memory | 2 MB standard, expandable to 32 MB |
| Filter | Digital resonant low-pass filter |
| MIDI | In, Out, Thru |
| Weight | 6.5 kg |
| Display | Backlit LCD |
| Storage | Floppy disk drive, SCSI for external storage |
| Outputs | 8 individual outputs |
| Inputs | Stereo input |
| Effects | Optional EB16 effects board |
| Dimensions | Standard 19" 2U rackmount |
Details the polyphony, conversion, internal processing, sampling rates, memory, inputs/outputs, display, digital I/O, effects, DSP functions, filters, envelopes, LFOs, legato, portamento, and sound library.
Explains the manual's purpose, content, and target audience, offering hints and tips for sampling and programming.
Details the function of each control on the S3000XL's front panel, including power, floppy drive, LCD, encoders, keys, and volume controls.
Describes the stereo jack socket for headphone monitoring and its level control via the MAIN VOLUME.
Explains the 3.5-inch floppy disk drive, insertion, activity LED, eject button, and write protect tab.
Provides essential advice on handling floppy disks to prevent data loss and damage, covering handling, storage, and quality.
Details the rear panel connections, including analogue audio inputs, individual audio outputs, digital I/O, and SCSI connection.
Explains MIDI connections for controllers, THRU, and OUT sockets.
Guides the user on initial setup and connections for getting started with the S3000XL.
Details how to connect MIDI controllers, audio outputs, digital I/O, SCSI devices, and power.
Explains how to load demo sounds and sequences from floppy disks to start using the sampler.
Provides advice on rack mounting and placing the S3000XL, ensuring proper ventilation and stability.
Explains the basic navigation of the S3000XL through its operating modes and controls.
Details the functions of the different operating modes: SINGLE, MULTI, SAMPLE, EFFECTS, EDIT, GLOBAL, SAVE, and LOAD.
Describes how to navigate screens using cursor keys and enter data via the data encoder and numeric keypad.
Explains the function of the MARK and JUMP keys for efficient navigation and data editing.
Details how to use the NAME key for naming samples, programs, and effects, including character limits and input modes.
Explains how to adjust the LCD contrast and use the backlight switch for LCD preservation.
Describes the function of the RECORD LEVEL and MAIN VOLUME controls and their impact on audio output.
Provides an overview of the S3000XL's core functionalities, including samples, programs, keygroups, and modulation.
Presents flowcharts illustrating the basic signal path and workflow of the S3000XL.
Discusses compatibility with older Akai sampler disks and the use of multiple programs simultaneously.
Offers advice for users familiar with older Akai samplers regarding MULTI mode.
Explains various methods for selecting programs for playback via data control, numeric keypad, or MIDI program change.
Describes how to view the loaded programs list on the LCD and scroll through it.
Details how to adjust program levels, panning, and FX sends using the MIX page for quick adjustments.
Explains how to set overall program loudness and velocity sensitivity.
Guides on loading specific programs or entire disks from floppy media.
Explains how to load programs and samples from connected hard disk drives.
Details the process of deleting programs from memory, including options for deleting associated samples.
Explains how to renumber programs for compatibility or to organize multi-timbral setups.
Discusses using SINGLE mode for compatibility with older Akai sampler methods.
Describes techniques for layering multiple programs together for a richer sound.
Explains how to create keyboard splits by assigning different programs to specific note ranges.
Details how renumbering programs facilitates multi-timbral setups and MIDI channel assignments.
Compares the advantages and disadvantages of using SINGLE mode versus MULTI mode for multi-timbral setups and layering.
Explains how to combine up to sixteen programs for multi-timbral sequencing, layering, and key splits.
Details how to assign programs to individual parts within a MULTI.
Explains how to set the MIDI channel for each part for multi-timbral or layering purposes.
Describes how to balance the levels and pan positions of individual parts within a MULTI.
Explains how to route parts to individual outputs for external processing.
Details how to tune and transpose individual parts within a MULTI.
Describes how to set key ranges for parts to create keyboard splits.
Explains how to set part priority to manage voice allocation when polyphony limits are exceeded.
Describes how to reset a part to its default values.
Guides on creating a simple MULTI by loading and assigning programs to parts.
Explains how to modify programs and parameters within a MULTI while the sequence is playing.
Details how to name a MULTI file for easier identification.
Explains how to save a MULTI file to disk, including associated programs.
Describes how to renumber programs within the MULTI mode for better organization and to resolve MIDI conflicts.
Explains how to layer programs within a MULTI for richer sounds, including detuning and octave layering.
Details how to create keyboard splits using MULTI mode by assigning different programs to key ranges.
Illustrates how to combine layering, splits, and effects routing simultaneously in MULTI mode.
Provides an overview of editing programs, transforming sounds, and the concept of multi-sampling.
Explains the concept of keygroups and how they are used to map samples across the keyboard.
Details how to assign up to four samples (zones) within each keygroup for velocity switching and layering.
Explains how to overlap and crossfade keygroups for smoother transitions between sample ranges.
Describes Assignable Program Modulation (APM) for routing controllers to various destinations for sound shaping.
Explains the EDIT SINGLE mode for creating and editing programs, using existing programs or the default TEST PROGRAM as a base.
Details the process of copying and renaming programs, including naming conventions and prompts.
Explains how to delete programs and optionally their associated samples, warning about destructive operations.
Provides a crucial note about the behavior of mono legato with samples across keygroups.
Lists and briefly describes the soft keys available on the main PROGRAM EDIT screen (MAIN, KGRP, MOD, MIDI, OUT, PAN, TUNE, DEL).
Details parameters for MIDI channel, polyphony, priority, reassignment, and play-range/transpose for programs.
Explains how to set the overall keyboard range for a program, overriding keygroup settings.
Describes the MIDI transpose function for adjusting program pitch without altering sample playback.
Covers controlling program audio output levels, stereo pan, individual output assignment, and FX sends.
Details parameters affecting overall program loudness and velocity sensitivity.
Explains how to set auto-panning characteristics, including LFO speed, key position, and modwheel control.
Describes setting program tuning temperaments, altering keyboard octave tuning, and using transpose for fine-tuning.
Introduces modulation pages covering LFOs, pitch bend, and sostenuto pedal parameters.
Details pitch bend parameters like range, pressure sensitivity, and the HELD mode for pitchbend.
Explains LFO1 parameters, including waveforms, speed, depth, delay, and modulation sources.
Details LFO2 parameters, including waveforms, speed, depth, delay, and its use for auxiliary modulation.
Explains the master depth control for LFO1 and its effect on destinations.
Covers creating and copying keygroups, setting note ranges, and assigning effects to keygroups.
Explains how to set key ranges for keygroups graphically using the keyboard display.
Details how to tune keygroups and apply fixed tuning offsets for chorus effects.
Explains how to assign samples to keygroups and zones, including velocity switching and stereo mapping.
Covers tuning, panning, and output assignments for samples within zones and keygroups.
Provides a quick tip for assigning samples efficiently using MARK and JUMP keys.
Explains the S3000XL's resonant lowpass filters and their use for tonal modification.
Details the ADSR envelope generator (ENV1) for shaping the amplitude of sounds.
Explains the 4-stage envelope generator (ENV2) used for shaping filter cutoff and other parameters.
Discusses using filters and envelope generators to restore dynamics and create new sounds.
Describes the optional IB304F filter bank, offering lowpass, bandpass, high pass, and EQ filter types.
Explains the simple tone control for spectral tilt, balancing bass and treble frequencies.
Introduces the third multi-stage envelope generator (ENV3), similar to ENV2, for flexible modulation.
Explains the creation of 4-pole filters using the second filter bank and its response slopes.
Details assigning modulation sources like LFOs and envelopes to pitch and amplitude for keygroups.
Explains editing programs within the MULTI mode, allowing context-sensitive adjustments.
Highlights differences in the OUTPUT and MIDI pages when editing in MULTI mode compared to SINGLE.
Introduces the SAMPLE mode for making and editing recordings, including basic functions like trim and loop.
Explains the process of digital sound sampling, from sound waves to digital data and back.
Details the RECORD SETUP page for setting recording parameters like mode, input, start type, and monitor settings.
Describes the main screen for making recordings, including sample naming and waveform display.
Explains how to name new samples, copy, and rename existing ones, including character limits.
Details setting record levels and threshold for input level triggering.
Guides on initiating and monitoring the recording process, including aborting and switching monitoring back on.
Explains digital audio recording, its advantages, and troubleshooting connection issues.
Introduces the EDIT SAMPLE mode for editing recordings, covering sample length, display modes, and monitoring.
Lists and briefly describes the soft keys for sample editing: SLCT, TRIM, LOOP, NORM, DSP, MORE, DEL.
Details the process of naming, copying, and renaming samples, including prompts and naming conventions.
Explains how to delete samples from memory, warning about the destructive nature of the operation.
Guides on editing the start and end points of a sample using the TRIM page and waveform display.
Details sectional editing functions like extract, cut, and chop for removing data within start/end points.
Explains the process of setting loops for samples, including multiple loops and the HOLD function.
Describes the FIND and CROSSFADE functions for automatically finding and smoothing loops.
Provides techniques and visual examples for creating effective loops by matching sample points.
Explains normalising and re-scaling samples to optimize level, signal-to-noise ratio, and dynamic range.
Introduces the digital signal processing functions: timestretch, re-sampling, and EQ.
Details the timestretch function for altering sample length without changing pitch, including modes and parameters.
Guides on performing a timestretch operation, including setting zones, parameters, and processing.
Explains the re-sampling process for changing sample rates and quality, including parameter descriptions.
Details how to perform a re-sample operation, including creating new samples and saving.
Introduces the EQ function for adjusting sample tone, covering different EQ types and parameters.
Guides on applying EQ to a sample, adjusting parameters, and auditioning the results.
Details parameters for original pitch, pitch offset, and playback types (loop, sustain, end).
Explains how to reverse a sample, noting that loop points remain unaffected.
Details sectional editing functions like extract, cut, and chop for removing data within start/end points.
Explains how to join, crossfade, and mix samples together to create new sounds.
Details how to crossfade samples to avoid breaks and create smoother transitions.
Explains stacking samples for layering, including level balancing and creating complex sounds.
Explains accessing the S3000XL's internal effects processor when the EB16 board is installed.
Details the 4-channel effects processor, including multi-effects channels (FX1, FX2) and reverb-only channels (RV3, RV4).
Explains the organization of effects presets and reverb presets, and how they are linked.
Details how to assign programs to effects channels using the MIX page and EDIT PROGRAM.
Explains how to route MULTI parts to effects channels using the MIX page and EFFECTS mode.
Details assigning individual keygroups to effects channels, overriding program routing for drums and percussion.
Explains using the S3000XL as a standalone effects processor for external audio sources.
Details routing external audio via the I/O page to process it through the S3000XL's effects.
Explains routing effects to individual outputs for external mixing and balancing.
Describes chaining multi-effects with reverb channels (RV3, RV4) for complex sound design.
Explains how to mute effects channels temporarily using soft keys.
Introduces the EFFECTS EDIT mode for modifying effect presets and reverb settings.
Details parameters for adding distortion and ring modulation effects, including frequency, depth, and output level.
Explains the 4-band EQ function for cutting and boosting gain at specific frequencies, including different EQ types.
Covers modulation effects like chorus, flanging, phasing, pitch shift, rotary speaker, and autopan.
Details parameters for chorus, phase shift, and flanging effects, including speed, depth, and feedback.
Explains the rotary speaker emulation effect, including speed settings, depth, and MIDI control.
Details autopan and frequency modulation effects, including speed, depth, and effect types like Doppler.
Explains stereo pitch shifting and feedback effects, including interval settings and delay parameters.
Describes how to bypass the modulation effects section completely.
Details delay and echo effects, including mono and stereo modes, ping pong, and crossover delay.
Explains stereo delay and echo effects with separate left/right channel control and memory limitations.
Covers mono delay and echo effects parameters like delay time, feedback, HF damping, and output routing.
Details the ping pong echo effect, its parameters, and how it creates stereo repeats.
Explains the crossover delay effect, a variation of ping-pong echo with alternating signal paths.
Introduces reverb effects, explaining their role in acoustic environments and parameters like pre-delay and decay.
Offers practical advice on using reverb effectively, avoiding common mistakes and enhancing specific sounds.
Details the reverse reverb effect, including parameters for pre-delay, time, and diffuse.
Explains the gated reverb effect (GATED 1 and GATED 2) for creating abrupt reverb cut-offs.
Covers outputting effects, controlling level, pan, and stereo width for modulation effects.
Explains how to set the flow or direction of effects, allowing parallel or series routing using the path control.
Describes how to solo a specific effects channel to isolate it for editing.
Details how to copy effects presets and reverb settings between different effect files or destinations.
Explains copying effects between different files using a clipboard, noting it can be tedious.
Introduces the SAVE mode for saving edited sounds, programs, multis, and effects.
Explains how to select the save media, choosing between floppy disk and hard disk.
Details selecting hard disk partitions for saving data, facilitating disk management.
Explains selecting volumes within hard disk partitions for saving data.
Lists various save types, including entire volume, programs+samples, and individual items.
Guides on saving data to a floppy disk, including options for wiping and overwriting.
Explains saving data to a hard disk, including partition, volume, and save type selection.
Details renaming files, volumes, and disks, including character limits and naming conventions.
Explains how to delete files, programs, samples, or entire volumes from disk.
Covers SCSI ID settings, MO disk formats, and connecting external drives.
Guides on formatting floppy disks, including DD and HD types, and warnings about data loss.
Details formatting hard disks, partitioning, and the importance of selecting the correct SCSI ID.
Introduces the LOAD mode for loading data into the S3000XL, including file types and memory display.
Explains selecting hard disk volumes for loading data, including volume naming.
Lists options for loading data, such as entire volume, programs+samples, or individual items.
Guides on loading files from floppy disks, including clearing memory and handling insufficient memory warnings.
Details loading data from hard disks, including partition and volume selection.
Explains loading S900/S950 data, including the unscrambling process.
Notes compatibility of S1000/S1100 data and saving details.
Describes automatic loading of operating system and sound data from disk upon power-on.
Explains the FIND function for quickly locating files on hard disks using partial names.
Details the tagging system for categorizing and accessing files, allowing efficient search and load operations.
Explains how to name tags for better organization and avoidance of confusion.
Provides tips on using the tagging system for efficient file management and organization.
Covers SCSI ID settings, MO disk formats, and connecting external drives.
Details importing sounds from CD-ROMs using SCSI, including SCSI ID matching and loading procedures.
Discusses restrictions and considerations when loading sounds from other manufacturers' CD-ROMs and libraries.
Introduces GLOBAL mode for system-wide parameters, disk recording, DAT backup, and MIDI song file playback.
Explains setting master tuning and output level, including transposition and fine-tuning capabilities.
Details setting the master output level to match mixer headroom and optimize signal-to-noise ratio.
Covers basic MIDI channel control and selecting external MIDI sources for modulation.
Explains how to filter specific MIDI information (notes, pitch bend, aftertouch, volume) to optimize response.
Describes the test page for transmitting MIDI notes, setting channel, key, and velocity for testing samples and programs.
Explains transferring samples via MIDI using SysEx protocol, including channel, protocol, and program/sample selection.
Guides on performing a MIDI sample dump, including handshake protocol and using editors.
Details enabling/disabling MIDI transmission via SCSI, setting SCSI IDs, and MO disk formats.
Covers setting up the ME35T trigger interface for MIDI drum input, including parameters like input, channel, note, and velocity.
Explains the PPM page for real-time display of received MIDI note-on information and velocity.
Details the MIDI receive page for monitoring various MIDI information, including channel filtering.
Explains DAT backup and restore functions for creating safety copies of data and restoring it.
Guides on performing a DAT backup of memory or hard disk data.
Explains how to restore data from DAT backup, warning about overwriting memory or disk data.
Details loading and playing Standard MIDI Files (SMFs) for sequencing and backing tracks.
Guides on loading SMFs from DOS formatted floppy disks, including memory checks and disk format warnings.
Explains how to use SMF data for demo sequences and playing songs within the S3000XL.
Covers recording audio directly to a hard disk, including its functions and applications.
Details formatting a hard disk for disk recording, including partition setup and crucial warnings.
Details the disk record functions, including selecting takes, record parameters, and creating new takes.
Explains how to create new takes for recording within the DD TAKES page.
Details copying takes within the DD page.
Explains how to rename takes within the DD page.
Describes deleting takes from disk via the DD page, with warnings about data loss.
Guides on preparing for recording by setting up takes, levels, and start methods.
Lists soft keys for the DD RECORD page: DD, SONG, PLAY, EDIT, DREC, TAKE, BUS.
Explains editing recorded takes by adjusting start/end times and waveform display.
Explains playing takes from any page, assigning them to songs, or playing raw takes from the PLAY page.
Lists soft keys for the DD RECORD page: DD, SONG, PLAY, EDIT, DREC, TAKE, BUS.
Introduces the SONG mode for compiling lists of takes for sequential playback or MIDI triggering.
Guides on creating songs by editing steps, assigning takes, and setting parameters.
Explains editing takes for synchronised playback with external audio, including delay and track shifting.
Details chaining takes sequentially in SONG mode to create extended remixes or different song versions.
Explains triggering takes from MIDI notes, including setup and parameter adjustments for sync.
Describes playing individual takes in isolation, setting playback parameters, and assigning them to songs.
Provides notes on MIDI triggering, including issues with stopping/restarting sequencers and crossfading limitations.
Explains using the numeric keypad as shortcuts for navigating song steps and parameters.
Details block editing in SONG mode for copying, shifting, and deleting blocks of steps to create complex song structures.
Explains how to name songs using the NAME key.
Guides on saving songs to disk, including options for saving only the song or the entire volume.
Explains how to load songs, including clearing memory and loading associated data.
Details backing up takes to DAT via the PLAY page, including single take and all takes backup options.
Explains restoring takes from DAT to disk, warning about overwriting existing takes.
Provides instructions on connecting external hard disk drives and other SCSI devices via SCSI cable.
Discusses SCSI cable types, grounding, and potential issues with moulded vs. flat ribbon cables.
Explains SCSI termination requirements for devices in a chain, including the S3000XL's built-in termination.
States the SCSI cable length specification and potential issues with exceeding it.
Discusses compatibility issues when loading data from older Akai samplers and MPC3000.
A critical warning about volume operations on hard disks, emphasizing data loss risks.
A note regarding saving S3000XL data to S1000/S1100 formatted disks.
Notes on compatibility of effects files between S3000XL and older models.
Mentions that older Akai samplers cannot read new MULTI files.
States S3000XL can read ME-35T drum settings from S1000/S1100/S3000.
Notes incompatibility of Qlists due to lack of SMPTE function, but Song files are compatible.
Guides on installing optional hardware like filters, envelope generator, multi-effects processor, and memory expansion.
A crucial note advising consultation with a dealer for option installation to avoid unit malfunction.
Details the process of installing SIMMs chips for memory expansion, including safety precautions.
Introduces the FXM008 FlashROM board, explaining its benefits for storing sounds and operating systems.
Lists various applications for FlashROM, including gigging, song work, and sound libraries.
Explains the signal flow and operation of the FlashROM, including saving and loading data.
Details saving data to FlashROM volumes, including boot system, autoload, and regular volumes.
Suggests next steps after installing FlashROM, focusing on operating system and sound data autoloading.
Explains using FlashROM as a fast hard disk or scratchpad, detailing advantages and limitations.
Discusses editing sounds on FlashROM, noting restrictions on Read Only samples and the creation of new samples in RAM.
Details copying FlashROM samples to RAM for editing, explaining the prompting process and restrictions.
Guides on formatting and arranging FlashROM memory, including warnings about data erasure and fragmentation.
Explains how to save FlashROM data back to disk, including saving different item types.
Details backing up and restoring FlashROM data to/from DAT, noting memory implications.
Provides step-by-step instructions and safety precautions for installing FlashROM boards.
A crucial note advising consultation with a dealer for option installation to avoid unit malfunction.
Lists important notes and potential problems when installing the FMX008 board yourself, advising caution.
Lists MIDI controllers and their corresponding numbers used for program modulation, referenced in GLOBAL mode.
