Akai S2000 User Manual
Software version 1.30
WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not
expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
Operator’ s Manual
WARNING!!
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
THE SYMBOLS ARE RULED BY UL STANDARDS (U.S.A.)
The lightning flash with the arrowhead symbol superimposed across a graphical
representation of a person, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the
user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s
enclosure; that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intented to alert the user
to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions
in the literature accompanying the appliance.
1-En
5A-En
WARNING
WARNING
The S2000 is designed to be used in a standard household environment.
Power requirements for electrical equipment vary from area to area. Please ensure that your
S2000 meets the power requirements in your area. If in doubt, consult a qualified electrician or Akai
Professional dealer.
120 VAC @ 60 Hz for USA and Canada
220~230/240 VAC @ 50 Hz for Europe
240 VAC @ 50 Hz for Australia
PROTECTING YOURSELF AND THE S2000
• Never touch the AC plug with wet hands.
• Always disconnect the S2000 from the power supply by pulling on the plug, not the cord.
• Allow only an Akai Professional dealer or qualified professional engineer to repair or reassemble
the S2000. Apart from voiding the warranty, unauthorized engineers might touch live internal
parts and receive a serious electrical shock.
• Do not put, or allow anyone to put any object, especially metal objects, into the S2000.
• Use only a household AC power supply. Never use a DC power supply.
• If water or any other liquid is spilled into or onto the S2000, disconnect the power, and call your
dealer.
• Make sure that the unit is well-ventilated, and away from direct sunlight.
• To avoid damage to internal circuitry, as well as the external finish, keep the S2000 away from
sources of direct heat (stoves, radiators, etc.).
• Avoid using aerosol insecticides, etc. near the S2000. They may damage the surface, and may
ignite.
• Do not use denaturated alcohol, thinner or similar chemicals to clean the S2000. They will
damage the finish.
• Modification of this equipment is dangerous, and can result in the functions of the S2000 being
impaired. Never attempt to modify the equipment in any way.
• Make sure that the S2000 is always well-supported when in use (either in a specially-designed
equipment rack, or a firm level surface).
• When installing the S2000 in a 19" rack system, always allow 1U of ventilated free space above
it to allow for cooling. Make sure that the back of the rack is unobstructed to allow a clear airflow.
• In order to assure optimum performance of your S2000, select the setup location carefully, and
make sure the equipment is used properly. Avoid setting up the S2000 in the following locations:
1. In a humid or dusty environment
2. In a room with poor ventilation
3. On a surface which is not horizontal
4. Inside a vehicle such as a car, where it will be subject to vibration
5. In an extremely hot or cold environment
S2000 Operator’s Manual - Version 1.30 i
WARNING
CAUTION (Only for the product sold in Canada and U.S.A.)
To prevent electric shock, do not use this polarized AC power plug with an extension cord , receptacle, or other
outlet unless the blades can be fully inserted to prevent blade exposure.
ATTENTION
Afin d’éviter tout risque de décharge électrique, n’ utilisez pas cette prise polarisée avec une rallonge, une prise de
courant ou autre sortie á moins que les lames puissent être complétement insérées et qu’elles ne soient plus visibles.
IMPORTANT
This equipment is fitted with an approved converter plug.
To change the fuse in this type of plug proceed as follows:
1) Remove the fuse cover and old fuse.
2) Fit a new fuse which should be a BS1362 5 Amp A.S.T.A. or BSI approved type.
3) Refit the fuse cover.
If the AC mains plug fitted to the lead supplied with this equipment is not suitable for your type of AC outlet
sockets, it should be changed to an AC mains lead, complete with moulded plug of the appropriate type.
If this is not possible, the plug should be cut off and a correct one fitted to suit the AC outlet. This should be
fused at 5 Amps.
If a plug without a fuse is used, the fuse at the distribution board should not be greater than 5 Amp.
PLEASE NOTE: THE SEVERED PLUG MUST BE DESTROYED TO AVOID A POSSIBLE SHOCK
The wires in this mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following code:
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this apparatus may not correspond with the coloured markings
identifying the terminals in your plug, please proceed as follows:
The wire which is coloured BLUE must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter N or
coloured BLACK.
The wire which is coloured BROWN must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter L
or coloured RED.
DO NOT CONNECT ANY WIRE TO THE PIN MARKED E OR
& GREEN WHEN WIRING THE PLUG.
Ensure that all the terminals are securely tightened and no loose strands of wire exist.
Before replacing the plug cover, make certain the cord grip is clamped over the outer sheath of the lead and
not simply over the wires.
HAZARD SHOULD IT BE INSERTED INTO A 13 AMP SOCKET ELSEWHERE.
BLUE —NEUTRAL
BROWN —LIVE
OR COLOURED GREEN OR YELLOW
14-En
14-F
6F-En
VENTILATION
Do not prevent the unit's ventilation, especially by placing the unit on the soft carpet, in a narrow space, or by
placing objects on the unit's chassis—top, side, or rear panels. Always keep the unit's chassis at least 10
centimeters from any other objects.
31C-En
This equipment conforms to No.82/499/EEC, 87/308 EEC standard.
3A-En
CONFORME AL D.M. 13 APRILE 1989 DIRETTIVA CEE/87/308
3B-It
ii S2000 Operator’s Manual - Version 1.30
WARNING
CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS NOT EXPRESSLY APPROYED BY THE MANUFACTURER FOR
COMPLIANCE COULD VOID THE USER’S AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THE EQUIPMENT.
32-En
FCC WARNING
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part
15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in
a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
21B-En
AVIS POUR LES ACHETEURS CANADIENS DU S2000
Le présent appareil numérique n’ément pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites applicables aux
appareils numériques de la Class B prescrites dans le Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par
le ministère des Communications du Canada.
27-F
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set
out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.
27-En
FÜR KUNDEN IN DER BUNDESREPUBLIK DEUTSCHLAND
Bescheinigung von AKAI
Hiermit wird bescheinigt, daß das Gerät AKAI
S2000
in Übereinstimmung mit den Bestimmungen der
Amtsblattverfügung 1046/1984
funkentstört ist.
Der Deutschen Bundespostwurde das Inverkehrbringen dieses Gerätes angezeigt und die Berichtigung zur
Überprüfung der Serie auf Einhaltung der Bestimmungen eingeräumt.
AKAI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
17B-G
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
The AKAI S2000 is a computer-based device, and as such contains and uses software in ROMs.
This software, and all related documentation, including this Operator’s Manual, contain proprietary
information which is protected by copyright laws. All rights are reserved. No part of the software
or its documentation may be copied, transferred or modified. You may not modify, adapt, translate,
lease, distribute, resell for profit or create derivative works based on the software and its related
documentation or any part there of without prior written consent from AKAI Electric Co. Ltd, Tokyo,
Japan.
S2000 Operator’s Manual - Version 1.30 iii
WARANTY
WARRANTY
AKAI Electric Co. Ltd. warrants its products, when purchased from an authorized “AKAI
professional” dealer, to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 12
(twelve) months from the date of purchase. Warranty service is effective and available to the
original purchase only, and only on completion and return of the AKAI Warranty Registration Card
within 14 days of purchase.
Warranty coverage is valid for factory-authorized updates to AKAI instruments and their software,
when their installation is performed by an authorized AKAI Service Center, and a properly
completed Warranty Registration has been returned to your “AKAI professional” dealer.
To obtain service under this warranty, the product must, on discovery of the detect, be properly
packed and shipped to the nearest AKAI Service Center. The party requesting warranty service
must provide proof of original ownership and date of purchase of the product.
If the warranty is valid, AKAI will, without charge for parts or labor, either repair or replace the
defective part(s). Without a valid warranty, the entire cost of the repair (parts and labor) is the
responsibility of the product's owner.
AKAI warrants that it will make all necessary adjustments, repairs and replacements at no cost to
the original owner within 12 (twelve) months of the purchase date if:
1) The product fails to perform its specified functions due to failure of one or more of its
components.
2) The product fails to perform its specified functions due to defects in workmanship.
3) The product has been maintained and operated by the owner in strict accordance with the
written instructions for proper maintenance and use as specified in this Operator's Manual.
Before purchase and use, owners should determine the suitability of the product for their intended
use, and owner assumes all risk and liability whatsoever in connection therewith. AKAI shall not
be liable for any injury, loss or damage, direct or consequential, arising out of use, or inability to
use the product.
The warranty provides only those benefits specified, and does not cover defects or repairs needed
as a result of acts beyond the control of AKAI, including but not limited to:
1) Damage caused by abuse, accident, negligence. AKAI will not cover under warranty any
original factory disk damaged or destroyed as a result of the owner's mishandling.
2) Damage caused by any tampering, alteration or modification of the product: operating software,
mechanical or electronic components.
3) Damage caused by failure to maintain and operate the product in strict accordance with the
written instructions for proper maintenance and use as specified in this Operator's Manual.
4) Damage caused by repairs or attempted repairs by unauthorized persons.
5) Damage caused by fire, smoke, falling objects, water or other liquids, or natural events such
as rain, floods, earthquakes, lightning, tornadoes, storms, etc.
6) Damage caused by operation on improper voltages.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This warranty becomes void if the product or its software is electroni-
AKAI shall not be liable for costs involved in packing or preparing the product for shipping, with
regard to time, labor, or materials, shipping or freight costs, or time or expense involved in
transporting the product to and from AKAI Authorized Service Center or Authorized Dealer.
AKAI will not cover under warranty an apparent malfunction that is determined to be user error, or
owner's inability to use the product.
THE DURATION OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER IMPLIED OR EXPRESS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED CONDITION OF MERCHANTABILITY, IS
LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THE EXPRESS WARRANTY HEREIN.
AKAI hereby excludes incidental or consequential damages, including but not limited to:
1) Loss of time.
2) Inconvenience
3) Delay in performance of the Warranty.
4) The loss of use of the product.
5) Commercial loss.
6) Breach of any express or implied warranty, including the Implied Warranty of Merchantability,
applicable to this product.
cally modified, altered or tampered with in any way.
iv S2000 Operator’s Manual - Version 1.30
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................... 1
FEATURES ............................................................................................................... 2
ABOUT THIS MANUAL ............................................................................................. 5
FRONT PANEL ......................................................................................................... 6
THE DISK DRIVE ...................................................................................................... 7
TAKING CARE OF YOUR DISKS................................................................. 8
REAR PANEL............................................................................................................ 9
SETTING UP THE S2000 ......................................................................................... 11
GETTING STARTED - CONNECTIONS....................................................... 11
PLAYING THE DEMO SEQUENCE.............................................................. 12
MOUNTING THE S2000 ............................................................................... 14
GETTING AROUND THE S2000 .............................................................................. 15
OPERATING MODES ................................................................................... 15
THE PAGE AND GROUP KEYS................................................................... 16
F1 AND F2 .................................................................................................... 16
THE DATA/SELECT WHEEL........................................................................ 17
THE SELECT WHEEL IN EDIT PROGRAM ................................................. 18
THE SELECT WHEEL IN MULTI MODE ...................................................... 18
THE SELECT WHEEL IN EDIT SAMPLE ..................................................... 19
THE PLAY KEY............................................................................................. 20
HOW THE S2000 WORKS........................................................................................ 21
S2000 FLOWCHARTS .............................................................................................. 22
LOAD MODE ......................................................................................................................... 25
USING FLOPPY DISKS ............................................................................................ 25
USING HARD DISKS ................................................................................................ 25
SCSI, SCSI ID, VOLUMES, PARTITIONS, ETC....................................................... 26
SELECTING TO LOAD FROM FLOPPY DISK OR HARD DISK .............................. 28
LOADING THE ENTIRE VOLUME............................................................................ 30
LOADING OTHER ITEMS FROM DISK.................................................................... 30
LOADING A MULTI ................................................................................................... 30
LOADING ONLY THE PROGRAMS AND THEIR SAMPLES ................................... 31
LOADING INDIVIDUAL PROGRAMS AND THEIR SAMPLES................................. 31
LOADING ONLY PROGRAMS.................................................................................. 31
LOADING ONLY SAMPLES...................................................................................... 32
LOADING INDIVIDUAL ITEMS ................................................................................. 32
LOADING AN OPERATING SYSTEM ...................................................................... 33
LOADING FROM OTHER MANUFACTURER’S CD-ROMS..................................... 34
NOTES REGARDING LOADING OTHER MANUFACTURERS’ SOUND LIBRARY 35
LOAD MODE SCREENS........................................................................................... 36
SAVE MODE ......................................................................................................................... 37
SAVING THE ENTIRE MEMORY TO FLOPPY DISK OR HARD DISK.................... 37
NOTES ON SAVING DATA....................................................................................... 39
SAVING OTHER ITEMS TO DISK ............................................................................ 40
SAVING A MULTI...................................................................................................... 40
SAVING ALL PROGRAMS AND THEIR SAMPLES ................................................. 40
SAVING AN INDIVIDUAL PROGRAM AND ITS SAMPLES ..................................... 40
SAVING ALL PROGRAMS ONLY............................................................................. 41
SAVING ALL SAMPLES ONLY................................................................................. 41
SAVING INDIVIDUAL ITEMS.................................................................................... 41
SAVING OPERATING SYSTEMS............................................................................. 42
NOTES ON SAVING THE OPERATING SYSTEM TO DISK.................................... 42
NAMING DISK VOLUMES ........................................................................................ 42
DELETING ITEMS FROM DISK................................................................................ 43
SAVE MODE SCREENS........................................................................................... 44
S2000 Operator’s Manual - Version 1.30 v
CONTENTS
SINGLE MODE...................................................................................................................... 45
MULTI MODE ........................................................................................................................ 54
NOTES REGARDING ‘OLD AKAI’ METHOD............................................................ 46
RENUMBERING PROGRAMS.................................................................................. 47
DELETING PROGRAMS........................................................................................... 48
LAYERING PROGRAMS IN SINGLE MODE............................................................ 50
CREATING MULTI-TIMBRAL SETUPS IN SINGLE MODE ..................................... 51
SINGLE VS MULTI........................................................................................ 52
SETTING UP A MULTI.............................................................................................. 55
ASSIGNING PROGRAMS TO A MULTI PART......................................................... 55
MODIFYING THE MULTI .......................................................................................... 56
SETTING A PART’S MIDI CHANNEL ....................................................................... 57
SETTING A PART’S LEVEL AND PAN..................................................................... 57
SETTING A PART’S OUTPUT ASSIGNMENT ......................................................... 57
SETTING A PART’S EFFECTS BUSS ROUTING .................................................... 57
FINE TUNING A PART’S PITCH............................................................................... 58
TRANSPOSING A PART’S PITCH ........................................................................... 58
SETTING A PART’S LOW AND HIGH KEY RANGES.............................................. 58
SETTING A PART’S PRIORITY................................................................................ 58
IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT MULTI PARAMETERS ............................................. 60
NAMING A MULTI ..................................................................................................... 61
MULTI MODE SCREENS.......................................................................................... 62
USING MULTI MODE FOR LAYERING PROGRAMS.............................................. 63
USING MULTI MODE TO SET KEYBOARD SPLITS ............................................... 64
COMBINING THESE TECHNIQUES ........................................................................ 65
PROGRAM EDIT ................................................................................................................... 66
WHAT IS A KEYGROUP?......................................................................................... 67
KEYGROUP ZONES................................................................................................. 68
OVERLAPPING AND CROSSFADING KEYGROUPS ............................................. 69
ASSIGNABLE PROGRAM MODULATION ............................................................... 70
IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT SINGLE EDIT AND MULTI EDIT.............................. 73
EDITING IN SINGLE MODE ..................................................................................... 74
DELETING PROGRAMS........................................................................................... 74
CREATING, RENAMING AND COPYING PROGRAMS .......................................... 74
CHANGING THE PROGRAM NUMBER/MIDI CHANNEL ........................................ 74
MONITORING OTHER PROGRAMS........................................................................ 75
PROGRAM POLYPHONY AND PRIORITY .............................................................. 75
KEYGROUP CROSSFADE....................................................................................... 77
MONO LEGATO PLAYBACK.................................................................................... 78
IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING MONO LEGATO ON/OFF ................................. 78
TUNING A PROGRAM.............................................................................................. 79
TRANSPOSING A PROGRAM’S PITCH .................................................................. 79
SETTING MASTER OUTPUT LEVEL PARAMETERS ............................................. 79
ASSIGNING A PROGRAM TO AN INDIVIDUAL OUTPUT....................................... 80
ROUTING PROGRAMS TO THE INTERNAL EFFECTS.......................................... 80
EDITING IN MULTI MODE........................................................................................ 81
LOUDNESS MODULATION...................................................................................... 82
PAN MODULATION .................................................................................................. 83
COPYING AND DELETING KEYGROUPS............................................................... 84
NOTES REGARDING KEYGROUP SELECTION..................................................... 85
SETTING A KEYGROUP’S KEY RANGE ................................................................. 86
NOTES ON SETTING KEYSPAN RANGES ............................................................. 86
ASSIGNING A KEYGROUP TO A MUTE GROUP ................................................... 88
VELOCITY CROSSFADE/SWITCH .......................................................................... 90
ASSIGNING SAMPLES TO KEYGROUPS............................................................... 91
TUNING THE SAMPLE IN ZONE 1 .......................................................................... 91
SETTING LEVEL AND PAN FOR THE SAMPLE IN ZONE 1................................... 91
vi S2000 Operator’s Manual - Version 1.30
CONTENTS
ASSIGNING A ZONE/KEYGROUP TO AN INDIVIDUAL OUTPUT.......................... 92
SETTING THE ZONE’S LOW AND HIGH VELOCITY RANGES.............................. 92
SWITCHING THE KEYBOARD OFF......................................................................... 93
SETTING THE LOOP CHARACTERISTICS OF A KEYGROUP .............................. 93
SETTING VELOCITY TO SAMPLE START TIME .................................................... 94
ASSIGNING SAMPLES TO ZONES 2, 3 AND 4....................................................... 94
ASSIGNING STEREO SAMPLES TO A PROGRAM................................................ 94
LAYERING SOUNDS IN A KEYGROUP................................................................... 94
LAYERING STEREO SAMPLES............................................................................... 95
CREATING STEREO SOUNDS FROM MONO SAMPLES ...................................... 95
ENV1 - SHAPING AMPLITUDE ................................................................................ 96
SETTING AMPLITUDE MODULATION FOR KEYGROUPS .................................... 98
THE FILTERS............................................................................................................ 99
ENV2 - SHAPING THE FILTER ................................................................................ 102
USING THE FILTER AND ENVELOPE GENERATORS .......................................... 104
THE SECOND FILTERS ........................................................................................... 105
THE TONE PAGE ..................................................................................................... 109
ENV3 ......................................................................................................................... 111
MODULATING PITCH............................................................................................... 112
THE LOW FREQUENCY OSCILLATORS ................................................................ 113
LFO1.......................................................................................................................... 113
NOTES REGARDING SETTING LFO1 MODULATION DEPTH............................... 115
MODULATING LFO1................................................................................................. 115
LFO2 - THE AUXILIARY LFO ................................................................................... 117
SETTING PITCH BEND PARAMETERS .................................................................. 120
ADDING PORTAMENTO .......................................................................................... 121
NOTES ON USING PORTAMENTO ......................................................................... 122
SINGLE EDIT SCREENS.......................................................................................... 123
NAME/DELETE/COPY SCREENS............................................................................ 128
MULTI EDIT SCREENS ............................................................................................ 129
SAMPLE MODE .................................................................................................................... 130
SAMPLING - RECORDING INTO THE S2000.......................................................... 130
WHAT IS SAMPLING? .............................................................................................. 130
MAKING A RECORDING .......................................................................................... 132
NAMING SAMPLES .................................................................................................. 132
SETTING RECORD PARAMETERS......................................................................... 132
NOTES ABOUT STEREO RECORDING .................................................................. 134
USEFUL TIP TO DRUM SAMPLISTS!...................................................................... 135
SETTING RECORD LEVELS.................................................................................... 135
MAKING THE RECORDING ..................................................................................... 136
INPUT SELECT......................................................................................................... 137
RECORDING DIGITALLY ......................................................................................... 137
SAMPLE SCREENS.................................................................................................. 139
SAMPLE EDIT....................................................................................................................... 140
DELETE AND RENAMING SAMPLES...................................................................... 140
TUNING A SAMPLE.................................................................................................. 141
NORMALISING A SAMPLE’S LEVEL ....................................................................... 141
TRIMMING A SAMPLE ............................................................................................. 142
LOOPING A SAMPLE ............................................................................................... 143
SETTING THE LOOP HOLD TIME ........................................................................... 144
CROSSFADE LOOPING........................................................................................... 144
TUNING THE LOOP.................................................................................................. 145
MAKING A GOOD LOOP .......................................................................................... 145
USING AT AND LENGTH ......................................................................................... 146
REVERSING SAMPLES ........................................................................................... 148
SETTING DIGITAL FADE UP AND FADE DOWN.................................................... 148
NOTES ON USING FADE UP/DOWN ...................................................................... 149
S2000 Operator’s Manual - Version 1.30 vii
CONTENTS
EFFECTS MODE................................................................................................................... 157
EFFECTS EDIT ..................................................................................................................... 168
RE-SAMPLING - OPTIMISING MEMORY ................................................................ 150
TIMESTRETCH ......................................................................................................... 152
SAMPLE EDIT SCREENS ........................................................................................ 155
ORGANISATION OF EFFECTS FILES..................................................................... 159
ASSIGNING EFFECTS TO SINGLE PROGRAMS ................................................... 160
ASSIGNING EFFECTS TO MULTI PARTS .............................................................. 161
NOTE ABOUT EFFECTS SELECTION IN MULTI .................................................... 162
ASSIGNING EFFECTS TO INDIVIDUAL KEYGROUPS .......................................... 163
PROCESSING EXTERNAL SOUND SOURCES THROUGH THE EFFECTS ......... 164
ROUTING EXTERNAL SOUNDS THROUGH THE EFFECTS................................. 165
SELECTING THE EFFECTS OUTPUT..................................................................... 165
CHAINING EFFECTS................................................................................................ 166
RING MODULATION/DISTORTION ......................................................................... 169
EQ ............................................................................................................................. 171
MODULATION EFFECTS ......................................................................................... 173
CHORUS, PHASE SHIFT AND FLANGING EFFECTS................................ 173
ROTARY SPEAKER EFFECTS .................................................................... 175
AUTOPAN AND FREQUENCY MODULATION EFFECTS .......................... 177
NOTES REGARDING THE AUTOPAN/FMOD EFFECT .............................. 177
STEREO PITCH SHIFT EFFECTS ............................................................... 178
BYPASSING THE MODULATION EFFECTS ............................................... 180
DELAY AND ECHO EFFECTS ................................................................................. 181
MONO DELAY/ECHO EFFECTS.................................................................. 183
PING PONG ECHO EFFECTS ..................................................................... 184
NOTE REGARDING MONO ECHO EFFECTS............................................. 184
CROSSOVER DELAY................................................................................... 185
STEREO DELAY/ECHO EFFECTS .............................................................. 186
BYPASSING THE ECHO/DELAY EFFECTS................................................ 187
REVERB EFFECTS .................................................................................................. 188
SOME TIPS ON USING REVERB ................................................................ 190
REVERSE REVERB ..................................................................................... 191
GATED REVERB .......................................................................................... 192
EFFECTS OUTPUT SECTION ................................................................................. 194
EFFECTS DIRECTION ............................................................................................. 195
SWITCHING OUT THE ‘DIRECT’ SIGNAL ............................................................... 197
COPYING EFFECTS................................................................................................. 198
COPYING EFFECTS BETWEEN DIFFERENT EFFECTS FILES ............................ 199
GLOBAL MODE .................................................................................................................... 200
TUNING THE S2000 ................................................................................................. 200
SETTING THE S2000’S OUTPUT LEVEL ................................................................ 200
SETTING THE SINGLE MODE’S PROGRAM CHANGE CHANNEL ....................... 200
SELECTING THE EXTERNAL MIDI CONTROLLER................................................ 201
MONITORING INCOMING MIDI CHANNELS........................................................... 201
SETTING THE PLAY KEY’S PARAMETERS ........................................................... 201
SETTING THE SCSI INTERFACE’S ID .................................................................... 202
FORMATTING DISKS ............................................................................................... 203
FORMATTING FLOPPY DISKS.................................................................... 203
FORMATTING HARD DISKS........................................................................ 204
DAT BACKUP/RESTORE ......................................................................................... 206
SMF PLAYBACK ....................................................................................................... 208
USING THE SMF FUNCTION....................................................................... 209
SETTING THE S2000’S SCSI ID .............................................................................. 211
MIDI VIA SCSI........................................................................................................... 211
viii S2000 Operator’s Manual - Version 1.30
CONTENTS
NOTES ABOUT SAMPLE DUMPS ........................................................................... 211
MIDI SYSTEM EXCLUSIVE CHANNEL.................................................................... 211
GLOBAL MODE SCREENS ...................................................................................... 212
APPENDIX 1.......................................................................................................................... 214
CONNECTING AN EXTERNAL HARD DISK DRIVE................................................ 214
NOTES ON USING HARD DISK DRIVES ................................................................ 214
SCSI CABLES............................................................................................... 214
TERMINATION.............................................................................................. 214
CABLE LENGTH ........................................................................................... 215
APPENDIX 2.......................................................................................................................... 216
DATA COMPATIBILITY ISSUES .............................................................................. 216
SOUND DATA............................................................................................... 216
EFFECTS FILES ........................................................................................... 217
MULTIS ......................................................................................................... 217
ME-35T DRUM SETTINGS........................................................................... 217
SONGS AND QLISTS ................................................................................... 217
APPENDIX 3.......................................................................................................................... 218
INSTALLING THE OPTIONS .................................................................................... 218
INSTALLING MEMORY EXPANSION .......................................................... 218
INSTALLING THE FMX008 FLASH ROM BOARDS .................................... 219
APPENDIX 4.......................................................................................................................... 220
THE S2000 OPERATING SYSTEM .......................................................................... 220
BOOTING UP FROM FLOPPY DISK............................................................ 220
BOOTING UP FROM HARD DISK................................................................ 220
SPECIFICATIONS................................................................................................................. 221
S2000 MIDI IMPLEMENTATION CHART ............................................................................. 222
INDEX .................................................................................................................................... 223
S2000 Operator’s Manual - Version 1.30 ix
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the Akai S2000 stereo digital sampler and thank you for buying it!
The S2000 is a high performance sampler offering nearly all the functionality of the original
S3000 and the new S3000XL but has a re-designed user interface that has a 2 x 16 LCD and a
condensed front panel. However, these changes do not compromise performance and
behind the front panel you have the same power for exciting sampling possibilities as you
would find on more expensive samplers such as 32-voice polyphony, expandable memory,
DSP functions, etc. Using the S2000’s resonant lowpass filters, multiple LFOs, envelope
generators and extensive modulation possibilities, your new sampler can double as a first class
synthesiser as well.
Certain new functions are introduced in Akai’s new range of samplers. In software, the new
MULTI mode of operation simplifies multi-timbral sequencing and layering whilst hardware
options include a multi-effects processor that offers no less than four channels that include two
multi-effects channels with distortion, EQ, ring modulation, modulation effects such as chorus,
flanging, pitch shifting, auto panning and rotary speaker effects plus delay and reverb. Two
‘spare’ channels of reverb are also available providing a total of four reverbs. Add to this the
optional eight individual outputs, digital i/o and a second bank of resonant multi-mode filters
and you can see that the S2000 is a sampler that can grow with your needs
Bundled with the S2000 is a software application for the Macintosh™ computer that allows you
to operate the sampler from your Macintosh allowing large screen operation of waveform and
program editing, sophisticated organisation of your sound library on the Macintosh as well as
the ability to integrate your sampler more conveniently with your computer sequencer.
Naturally, all sound library developed for the Akai S900, S950, S1000, S1100 and the S3000
range of samplers is compatible in the S2000 giving you access to thousands of sounds on
floppy disk, hard disk, removable cartridges, MO disks and CD-ROM. Furthermore, it is possible
to load data from CD-ROMs made for certain samplers made by other manufacturers thereby
giving access to an enormous palette of sounds.
All this adds up to a price breakthrough in sampling technology - the new Akai S2000.
S2000 Operator’s Manual - Version 1.30 Page 1
INTRODUCTION
FEATURES
• Polyphony 32 voices
• A-D Conversion 16-bit stereo with 64-times oversampling
• Internal processing 28-bit accumulation
• D-A Conversion 18-bit with 8-times oversampling
• Sampling rates 44.1kHz/22.050kHz
• Phase locked stereo sampling and playback
• Internal memory 2Mbytes standard, expandable to 32Mbytes using SIMMs
• Sampling times 2Mbytes 22.28 seconds mono @ 44.1kHz
• Inputs L/Mono and R jack inputs
• Outputs L/R stereo jack outputs
32Mbytes 5.94 minutes mono @ 44.1kHz
(Halve these times for stereo sampling)
8 assignable individual outputs (option)
Stereo headphone jack output
• Display 2 x 16 character LCD
• Digital I/O Optional SPDIF digital audio input/output on RCA phonos
• Effects Optional 4-channel EB16 multi-effects processor offering two
channels of simultaneous distortion, four-band EQ, ring
modulation, modulation (chorus, phase shift, flanging, pitch
shift, autopan or rotary speaker), stereo delay and reverb plus
two ‘spare’ channels of reverb (four reverb processors in
total).
• Filters 2-pole (12dB/Octave) resonant lowpass per voice
Optional 2nd bank of 2-pole resonant multi-mode (HP, BP,
LP, EQ) filters and tone control.
• Envelopes 1 x ADSR and 1 x multi-stage envelope generator (an extra
envelope is added with the installation of the 2nd filter bank).
• LFOs 2 x multi-wave low frequency oscillators (triangle, square,
sawtooth and random waves)
• Legato mode Single trigger playback to emulate old monophonic synths
and solo instruments’ playing styles.
• Portamento Polyphonic and monophonic portamento.
• Sound library Fully compatible with Akai S900, S950, S1000, S1100,
S2800, S3000, S3200, S3000XL and S3200XL1. It can a lso
read data from CD-ROMs made by other
manufacturers.
1 Some sounds may need adjustment and ‘tweaking’ depending on the sampler they were originally
created on.
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INTRODUCTION
• Data storage A variety of storage devices may be used to store data
including floppy disk, hard disk, Syquest™ removable
cartridges and Magneto Optical (MO) disks. Hard disk data may
be backed up to a normal DAT tape using the optional digital
i/o.
• Flash ROM You may install up to 16Mbytes of FLASH ROM over and
above the 32Mbytes of ordinary RAM giving you a total of
48Mbytes of memory. FLASH ROM allows you to keep your
favourite sounds in memory even when the sampler is
switched.
• OPERATING MODES
SINGLE For playing single programs.
MULTI For playing up to 16 programs together for multi-timbral
sequencing, layering and key splits.
SAMPLE For making recordings.
EFFECTS For selecting effects.
EDIT For editing programs, samples and effects.
GLOBAL For setting parameters that affect the module.
SAVE For saving programs, samples, multis, effects and operating
LOAD For loading programs, samples, multis, effects, operating
• EDITING FEATURES
EDIT SAMPLE Trim, Loop (with FIND and CROSSFADE functions), Reverse,
EDIT PROGRAM Resonant lowpass filters, ADSR envelope generator (with
MULTI Part select, program select, MIDI channel, level, pan,
systems, etc., to floppy or hard disk and CD-ROM.
systems, etc., from floppy or hard disk and CD-ROM.
Gain normalisation, Timestretch, Re-sample.
templates), multi-stage envelope generator (with templates),
2 x multi-wave LFOs, sample layering, 4-way velocity
crossfade and switching, keygroup crossfade, portamento
(rate and time modes), monophonic legato triggering, mute
group function, panning and autopanning, held pitchbend
mode, separate pitchbend up/down ranges, output selection.
(With 2nd filter bank installed, a further set of multi-mode filters
and a third multi-stage envelope generator are added).
transpose, fine tune, output routing, FX routing, FX send, low
key range, high key range, note priority.
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INTRODUCTION
• EFFECTS In the two multi-effects channels (with the EB16 effects
processor installed):
DISTORTION - distortion, level
EQ - low gain, mid1 gain, mid2 gain, high gain,
RING MODULATION - frequency, depth
MODULATION EFFECTS - chorus, flange, phase shift, rotary
speakers, autopan/frequency mod, pitch shift with parameters
as appropriate.
DELAY - effect select (mono, stereo, ping pong), delay times,
feedback.
REVERB - effect select (large hall, small hall, large room, small
room, gated, reverse, etc.), size, decay time, HF damping, LF
damping, pre-delay.
FX DIRECTION:
dist/EQ/ring mod > mod/delay + reverb (parallel)
dist/EQ/ring mod > mod/delay > reverb (series)
dist/EQ/ring mod > reverb > mod/delay (series)
In the two reverb channels:
Effect select (large hall, small hall, large room, small room,
reverse, gated, etc.), decay time, HF damping, LF damping,
pre-delay, diffusion.
A multi-effects channel may also be routed to its
‘neighbouring’ reverb channel for dual reverb multi-effects.
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INTRODUCTION
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
This manual has been written to allow you to get the most out of your new sampler. Please take
the time to read it as a fuller understanding of the instrument will enable you to use the
S2000’s remarkable facilities to the full. Not only are the controls and screens explained in
detail but you will find hints and tips to help you with your sampling and programming. If you are
new to sampling or synthesisers, some of the sections explain the basic principles behind the
techniques employed in the S2000 so if words like ”bandpass”, “modulation”, “multi-timbral”
and “sample rates”, etc., are unfamiliar to you, we hope that this manual is not just a boring
explanation of functions but something you can refer to for information beyond the scope of
the S2000. Even if you’re a seasoned programmer, we hope that there is information in this
manual that you find useful.
S2000 Operator’s Manual - Version 1.30 Page 5
INTRODUCTION
FRONT PANEL
DATA/SELECT WHEEL
MAIN OUTPUT LEVELPAGE/GROUP UP/DOWN KEYS
FLOPPY DISK DRIVE
AKAI
Professional
MIDI DIGITAL STEREO SAMPLER
POWER
POWER SWITCH
S2000
LCDSOFT KEYS
PAGE
CURSOR
F1
SINGLE MULTI SAMPLE
EDIT GLOBAL SAVE LOAD PLAY
F2
EFFECTS
MODE KEYS
PLAY KEY
GROUP
RECORD LEVEL
DATA SELECT
REC GAIN
MIN MAX
L/MONO
R
PHONES OUTPUT
ANALOGUE INPUTS
MAIN VOLUME
MIN MAX
PHONES
POWER SWITCH Applies power to the S2000.
FLOPPY DISK DRIVE Allows you to save and load data to or from a floppy disk. You
may also load new operating systems from the floppy disk
drive.
MODE KEYS Selects the operating mode for the sampler.
PLAY KEY Allows you to play a sound without the need for a MIDI
controller (i.e. keyboard) to be connected.
DATA ENTRY The inner wheel allows you to set data values and the outer
wheel allows you to select items for editing depending on the
selected mode.
ANALOGUE INPUTS These jack inputs allow stereo recording. When only the
L/MONO input is connected, mono recording is possible.
PHONES This stereo jack socket allows you to monitor the L/R (stereo)
output of the S2000 through stereo headphones. The level
is regulated using the MAIN OUTPUT LEVEL control (see
below).
MAIN OUTPUT LEVEL The MAIN OUTPUT LEVEL control sets the main output level
of the L/R stereo outputs (this control does not affect the
level of the signal appearing at the optional individual outputs
or digital output).
RECORD LEVEL Sets the record level for analogue inputs.
PAGE UP/DOWN KEYS Allows you to step through the various pages or screens
available in the S2000.
GROUP UP/DOWN KEYS Certain parameters are grouped together and these keys
allow you to skip intermediary pages allowing quick access to
logical groups of parameters. These are explained in detail
later in this manual.
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INTRODUCTION
LCD The 2 x 16 character display shows parameters and values.
FUNCTION/CURSOR KEYS These two keys will initiate a function in certain pages (i.e.
LOAD, SAVE, GO, EXECUTE and other ‘do it’ functions.) or
allow you to move the cursor around certain pages. The
context will make their function clear.
THE DISK DRIVE
The 3.5 inch floppy disk drive will accept high density and low density disks .
Disks are inserted into the drive thus:
DISK EJECT BUTTONDISK ACTIVITY LED
WRITE PROTECT TAB
HIGH DENSITY
DETECTION TAB
The label should be facing upwards when it is inserted (actually, it is physically impossible to
insert disks the wrong way round without using an extreme amount of brute force!).
To eject the disk, simply press the DISK EJECT button. When a disk is loading, saving or
formatting, the DISK ACTIVITY LED will be lit.
It is important to remember that, unlike a synthesiser, the S2000 has no means of storing
sounds in an internal memory. As a result, it is vital that you save your work to disk before
turning the power off otherwise you will lose your work and, unless previously saved or backed
up, it will be gone for ever. In fact, it is a good idea to regularly save your work as you are
working. All good computer users do this and it prevents the accidental loss of data should
power be accidentally removed from the instrument. This also serves as a form of ‘undo’ - if you
make some kind of mistake in your programming and editing and can’t fix it, you can load the
last level of editing back into the sampler. It may be a bit tedious to keep stopping every now
and then to save your work but it is better than losing some valuable sounds.
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INTRODUCTION
TAKING CARE OF YOUR DISKS
These floppy disks contain valuable sound data and, as such, should be treated with extreme
care. Please observe the following points, therefore:
1 Never slide the metal cover back and touch the disk. Finger marks may render
the disk unreadable.
2 Don’t leave the disk in the drive wherever possible. When the disk is in the
drive, the metal protective cover slides back exposing the actual disk inside
and this makes the disk susceptible to picking up dust which may cause read
errors.
3 Do not leave your disks in a hot car.
4 Do not place your disks next to any magnetic sources such as speakers,
amplifiers, televisions, etc.. Also, try to avoid X-ray machines. At airports, it is
sometimes possible to ask for your disks to be inspected by hand at security
desks but, with the added security at airports these days, this may not be
possible. Always check with the security officer though, just in case. Security
X-ray machines are generally safe with disks, though. If in doubt, make backup
copies which should be left at home.
NOTE: Some checked-in luggage is X-rayed by quite powerful machines that are not as safe
as those that check hand luggage. It is probably best to take your disks as hand luggage.
5 Do not leave your disks around when drinking liquids - one accidental spillage
could ruin a lot of work!
6 Always use high quality disks. Whilst cheap ones may be appealing, they are
prone to errors more than good ones.
7 Try to ensure that the write protect tab is switched on (i.e. the tab does not
block the hole). This will prevent accidental erasure, formatting and loss of
data. It may be a nuisance to try to write to the disk and find it write protected
but it is less of a nuisance than accidentally over-writing a set of your favourite
samples and programs!
8 Try to get into the habit of labelling your disks - it will pay dividends in the end
when you are searching for something.
9 Invest in a sturdy carrying case for your floppies especially if you are a gigging
musician. Heavy duty metal camera cases are ideal and some flight case
manufacturers now make special heavy duty disk flightcases.
1 0 Even if you are using a hard disk of any sort, please make sure you have
backed up your work to floppy disks. It can be time consuming but it will be
worth it if you ever have a problem with your hard disk!
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REAR PANEL
Analogue individual outputs and Digital I/O (Option)
12345678IN OUT
OUTPUT
DIGITAL
INTRODUCTION
AKAI ELECTRIC CO., LTD
S2000
STEREO OUT
L/MONO R
MIDI
IN OUT THRU
SCSI
MIDI IN/OUT/THRU SCSI connectorLEFT/RIGHT Outputs Power cord
INDIVIDUAL OUTPUTS You may fit the optional output expansion board to give you
eight assignable individual outputs. Programs (or groups of
programs) may be assigned to these outputs for mixing on a
mixing console. Furthermore, individual keygroups may be
assigned to these outputs so that, for example, individual
drums could have a separate channel on the mixer for EQ’ing,
adding effects, etc..
DIGITAL I/O As part of the same option as the individual outputs is the
digital input and output (i/o). This can be used to record
digitally from CD or DAT or any other digital audio source. The
digital output also carries a digital clone of the main stereo
outputs so you may also mixdown digitally from the S2000 to
any digital audio recorder such as DAT or a hard disk
recorder/editor such as the Akai DR4 or DR8 thereby
ensuring the highest quality audio during mixdown. The
digital i/o is also used to back data up to a normal DAT tape.
MAIN STEREO OUTPUT These two jack sockets produce the analogue stereo output.
If you only use the L/MONO output, the output will be in mono
(useful when stereo is not important and you are short of
mixer/amp channels).
NOTE: If you only connect to the “L/MONO” output, the
S2000 will only output the left channel signal whereas earlier
Akai samplers provided a mix of the L/R output at this socket.
SCSI This 25-way connector is used to attach hard disks, CD-ROMs, Magneto Optical (MO)
disks and removable cartridges to the S2000 for data storage
and retrieval. You may also connect the S2000 to a
Macintosh™ computer for use with the editing software that is
bundled with the S2000.
MIDI Your MIDI controller (keyboard, drum pads, EWI, etc.) should be connected to the MIDI
IN. The THRU socket carries a duplicate of the MIDI signal
‘thru’ to other modules or MIDI devices that may be
connected. The OUT is normally only used to transmit MIDI
System Exclusive data to another Akai sampler or to a
computer.
POWER CONNECTION This should be connected to an AC power source.
S2000 Operator’s Manual - Version 1.30 Page 9
INTRODUCTION
BEFORE CONNECTING ANY AC POWER, PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR
UNIT IS DESIGNED FOR YOUR AREA’S POWER SUPPLY. A MISTAKE NOW
COULD RUIN YOUR WHOLE DAY NOT TO MENTION YOUR S2000!!!
** IMPORTANT NOTE **
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INTRODUCTION
SETTING UP THE S2000
This short section tells you how to get ‘up and running’ fast. For full details of operation, please
refer to the appropriate section in this manual.
GETTING STARTED - CONNECTIONS
Don’t switch the S2000 on for the moment.
L/R OUTPUTS
SCSI
HARD DISK,
CD-ROM,
MO DRIVE, etc..
AKAI
MIDI IN
MIDI OUT
Connect the MIDI output of your MIDI controller (in this example, an Akai MX1000 master
keyboard) to the MIDI input of the S2000. Connect the L/R audio output to a stereo amplifier
(or use the L/MONO output of the sampler if you only have a mono amp) or to two channels of a
mixer (remembering to pan each channel hard left and right accordingly to take full advantage
of the S2000’s stereo outputs).
Before turning on the sampler, it’s a good idea to turn its volume down or to turn the volume
down on the amplifier or the mixer channels as the power up ‘thump’ could damage sensitive
speakers, especially if the amp is turned up loud.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The S2000 does not have operating system software on EPROM and
the operating system is ‘booted’ from floppy disk when you switch the sampler on. The
OPERATING SYSTEM floppy disk must be in the S2000 when you power up for this.
See APPENDIX 4 for details on the operating system.
With the OPERATING SYSTEM floppy disk in the floppy disk drive, turn on the S2000. You will
see some activity - the disk drive will be whirring away and its LED will be flickering as it boots up
the operating system into the sampler. You will also see a message in the LCD informing you of
what is going on.
After 30 seconds or so, your S2000 is ready for use. Turn the volume up on the sampler,
amplifier or mixer.
Making sure that the MIDI controller is sending data on MIDI channel 1, play a few notes. You
will hear the oh so impressive test tone! Hardly inspiring is it? We want something a bit more
interesting than that.
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INTRODUCTION
NOTE: If no sound appears, check your MIDI connections and check that your MIDI controller
is sending MIDI channel 1. If, after this, you still hear no sound, try pressing the PLAY key on
the S2000’s front panel. If you hear a sound, then at least your audio connections are o.k. and
it’s the MIDI that needs attention. If you still don’t hear a sound, check your audio connections,
volume controls, etc..
To get you started, some sounds are provided on floppy disk with your S2000. To load these,
put the disk in the floppy disk drive, press LOAD followed by F2 (FLOPPY), then F2 (GO) and
finally F1 (CLEAR) to clear the memory and load the entire floppy disk into the S2000. You will
see some activity going on as the S2000 loads the sounds (the disk activity LED will light and a
quick look at the LCD will show a “LOADING....” message). After about 40-50 seconds, this will
stop - you may now play the S2000 by selecting the SINGLE mode.
The library disk supplied comes with several programs. These either use different
combinations of samples or a variations on a set of samples. These may be selected from the
S2000’s front panel using the inner DATA wheel or alternatively, you may use MIDI PROGRAM
CHANGE commands from your MIDI controller to select new programs.
PLAYING THE DEMO SEQUENCE
You will also note that they are laid out in a MULTI for multi-timbral sequencing. You may use
this to play the demo sequence that is also supplied on floppy disk with the S2000.
To play the demo sequence on the S2000, assuming the sound data disk has been loaded,
follow the procedure below.
1 Insert the DEMO SEQUENCE floppy disk into the disk drive.
2 Press the GLOBAL key and press GROUP DOWN four times to get to the SMF LOAD
page. Press F1, DISK, to get this page (it will take a second or two to access the drive):
3 Press F1 to load the song file.
4 Press GROUP DOWN once to go to the SMF SONG PLAY page:
5 Press F1 (GO) to play the demo sequence.
You may also have other sounds on CD-ROM or hard disk possibly supplied by your dealer (if
you already own an Akai sampler, you may have a library of sounds which can be used in the
S2000). To load sounds from hard disk, ensuring that the disk drive or CD-ROM player is
connected properly and its SCSI ID is set to 5, press LOAD followed by F2 (HDSK - hard disk).
You will see a page that shows you the disk partition label (A, B, C, etc.) and the name of the
currently selected volume. Press F1 and use the inner DATA wheel to select the partition.
Press F2 to select the volume name field and use the inner data wheel to scroll through the
volumes on the selected partition. Once you have selected the volume you wish to load, press
PAGE DOWN once to get to the HDSK LOAD page and press F2 (GO) and then F1 (CLEAR).
Any sounds currently in memory will be cleared out and all the sounds (programs and samples)
from the selected volume will be loaded into the S2000. Loading from hard disks or CD-ROMs
is much faster than from floppy (although the time it takes to load a volume still depends on the
number and size of the samples being loaded). After a brief time, the S2000 will be ready to
play. Select the SINGLE mode where you may select programs using the inner DATA wheel or
via MIDI program change commands from your MIDI controller.
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INTRODUCTION
If all this business with loading from hard disk and SCSI ID numbers, etc., sounds complicated,
don’t worry because it is all explained in much greater detail in the section that deals with
loading sounds - if you have already used an Akai sampler in the past, you shouldn’t find it too
difficult to get some sounds in from your hard disk or CD-ROM.
However you load sounds, whether it’s from floppy disk, hard disk, cartridge or CD-ROM, just
load them and enjoy playing with your new sampler. Although we suggest you read the
operator’s manual thoroughly, of course, at this stage, you don’t want be bothered with that so
just experiment and get a feel for the S2000. As long as you don’t press the SAVE key and
accidentally overwrite your floppy disk or hard disk volume, you can’t damage your sounds
permanently or come to any harm (you can’t damage a CD-ROM as it’s a read only device). If
you do start messing with the samples and programs and don’t like the results, simply re-load
the sounds in or load another bunch of sounds to play with.
S2000 Operator’s Manual - Version 1.30 Page 13
INTRODUCTION
MOUNTING THE S2000
If you plan to rack mount the S2000, try to leave some ‘breathing space’ around it to prevent
overheating. It is recommended you leave 1U of rack space above and below the sampler.
If you are placing the sampler on a table, make sure that the table is sturdy and that the sampler
is not positioned precariously.
If you are using the S2000 with a hard disk device of any kind, the disk drive MUST be
mounted horizontally. If the disk drive is at an angle, even a slight one, you may have
unreliability problems and even data corruption.
If you are planning to rack mount the hard disk with the sampler, it is recommended you use the
‘padded’ type of rack mount adapter available from most manufacturers of rack and flight cases
especially if you are likely to be travelling a lot with the set-up. The padding will help protect the
disk drive’s delicate head mechanism against shock and excessive vibration.
It goes without saying that the S2000 and the disk drive are delicate pieces of precision
electronics and they don’t take kindly to being thrown around however sturdy your flight case
might be!
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INTRODUCTION
GETTING AROUND THE S2000
In order to bring you the S2000 at the best possible price, the user interface has been redesigned. Instead of the larger (and more costly) LCD found on more expensive samplers, the
S2000 uses a 2 x 16 LCD with a ‘page driven’ operating system. On each ‘page’, parameters
are shown and you may edit these using the inner data wheel.
OPERATING MODES
The S2000 has various modes in which it works and these are selected using the eight large
mode keys found beneath the LCD. Each key has associated with it an LED that indicates the
sampler’s current status.
SINGLE MULTI SAMPLE
EDIT GLOBAL SAVE
EFFECTS
LOAD
These modes are:
SINGLE For playing single programs. This mode is best suited for ‘playing’ the sampler
(i.e. performing a piano solo or whatever) although it can also be used when
sequencing a single sound from the S2000.
MULTI For playing up to sixteen programs together. Typically, this mode would be
used for multi-timbral sequencing by setting each ‘part’ to a different MIDI
channel but can also used for layering and creating key splits by setting two or
more parts to the same MIDI channel.
SAMPLE For making recordings.
EFFECTS For selecting effects to assign to single programs or to parts in a multi. This has
no function if the optional EB16 multi-effects processor is not installed.
EDIT Puts the sampler into edit mode for any of the four modes described above.
For example, EDIT SINGLE allows you to edit single programs; EDIT MULTI
allows you to edit the program in the currently selected part; EDIT SAMPLE
allows you to edit the recording you have just made (or samples currently in
memory, of course); EDIT EFFECTS allows you to edit the parameters of the
optional effects processor (if fitted).
GLOBAL Allows you to set certain ‘global’ settings that affect the S2000 as a whole such
as MIDI channel, SCSI ID, output level, overall tuning, etc..
SAVE For saving data to floppy or hard disk.
LOAD For loading data into the sampler.
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INTRODUCTION
THE PAGE AND GROUP KEYS
Each of these modes have a number of ‘pages’ associated with and these pages are navigated
using the PAGE UP/DOWN keys found to the immediate right of the LCD.
In any of the modes, you use these keys to step through the pages. However, it has to be said
that a sampler has a lot of parameters which can be edited and therefore a lot of pages to wade
through so, to make things easier for you, the GROUP UP/DOWN keys move you through the
pages in logical sections. For example, in EDIT PROGRAM, using the PAGE DOWN key would
take 41 key presses to get to the ENV1 page! However, using the GROUP keys, you skip the
pages you are not interested in and go more directly through each ‘module’ or group of
parameters so that getting to the ENV1 page is reduced to a more managable 8 key presses.
Once you have arrived at the ‘group’ you are interested in, the PAGE UP/DOWN keys then
move you within that group’s pages.
These keys work in every mode and allow you to get around the sampler very quickly indeed.
For example, to make a recording, simply press SAMPLE and the GROUP DOWN key twice
followed by pressing F1 - ARM. Three key presses to get a new sample in - the same as on any
Akai sampler with a large LCD. Granted, not all operations are so slick but we hope that the
compromises made to bring the S2000 to you at such a fabulous price do not hamper you
enjoying it to the full (and remember, if you have a Macintosh™ computer, you can use the
editing software supplied with the S2000 to get large screen editing).
PAGE GROUP
F1 AND F2
Once you are in a page, you need some way to move around it to select parameters for editing
or for carrying out certain commands.
Beneath the screen are two keys, F1 and F2:
F1
CURSOR
F2
These either function as ‘do it’ keys for initiating a process (for example, GO, EXECUTE,
START sampling, DELETE, etc.), or act as cursor left/right keys in pages that have two or more
parameters for editing. The context of the screen should make the keys’ function pretty clear.
For example, look at the screen shown below:
This is one of the timestretch pages. F1 (EXECUTE) is used to initiate the timestretch process
whilst F2 (PLAY) allows you to audition the results of the timestretch. This is a good example of
F1 and F2 as ‘do it’ keys. Here is another:
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INTRODUCTION
This is a typical prompt you may get when performing a function such as delete. F2 will cancel
the procedure; F1 will confirm it.
The next screen shows an example of how F1 and F2 are used to move the cursor around a
screen that has several parameters for editing:
In this example (the tuning page of EDIT SAMPLE), F1 and F2 would be used to move the
cursor between PITCH and CENT with the inner DATA wheel setting each parameter’s value.
Here is another example of F1 and F2 being used as cursor keys:
In this example (ENVELOPE GENERATOR 1 from EDIT PROGRAM), F1 and F2 are used to
move the cursor between the Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release fields and the inner DATA
wheel is used to set the value of each field.
Sometimes, there is a mixture of both on a page. For example:
Here, pressing F2 takes you to the crossfade length field where you may set the amount of
loop crossfade whilst F1 - EXEC(ute) - will initiate the crossfade function.
THE DATA/SELECT WHEEL
On the front panel is a large wheel that is used for entering data and editing parameters. The
shape has been specially designed to make it comfortable to use.
There are, in fact, two controls - in all modes the inner DATA wheel is used to edit parameters
and also to select programs, etc., but what of the outer SELECT wheel? The outer SELECT
wheel is sprung (i.e. it always returns to its centre position) but you may also hold it down in
either direction to ‘scroll’ through its functions.
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INTRODUCTION
THE SELECT WHEEL IN EDIT PROGRAM
In EDIT PROGRAM, it is used to select keygroups making keygroup selection and data editing
very fast. For example, let’s say you wish to edit the amplitude decay time of each drum in a
complex drum program. Of course, each drum needs a different decay time (a kick drum will be
shorter than a big, ambient snare drum whilst the cymbals will need quite long decay times).
First, go to the ENV1 page and move the cursor to the DECAY parameter. Now use the outer
wheel to select the keygroup you wish to edit and use the inner wheel to set the decay time.
For example:
By flicking the outer wheel clockwise, the selected data parameter stays the same but you
select another keygroup. I.e.:
And flicking it clockwise again gives you the next keygroup:
In this way, you can edit parameters for different keygroups very quickly, selecting different
keygroups using the outer wheel and setting data with the inner wheel without hardly moving
your hand.
You will also note that you may use F1 to place the cursor on the KG field and use the inner
DATA wheel to select keygroups as though KG were just another parameter.
Bothe methods have their uses. The outer SELECT wheel is useful where you want to change
the same parameter in different keygroups (i.e. where you may want to change the ENV1
decay time for several different keygropus as shown above). However, because the SELECT
wheel takes a second or two to start ‘scrolling’ though keygroups as you hold it down in either
direction, in cases where you may wish to go from, say, keygroup 4 to keygroup 12 in a busy
program, you may find the DATA wheel selection method faster.
THE SELECT WHEEL IN MULTI MODE
In MULTI, the outer SELECT wheel is used to select parts and, again, it is designed to be very
quick to select parts and assign programs or change a part’s parameters. For example, to set up
a MULTI, go to MULTI mode and press PAGE DOWN once to get to the program assign page:
Use the inner DATA wheel to scroll through the available programs in memory. Now flick the
outer wheel clockwise to select the next part:
Now flick the outer wheel clockwise to select the next part:
This process can be repeated to assign programs to each of the parts in the MULTI.
Page 18 S2000 Operator’s Manual - Version 1.30
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