Akai S5000 User Manual
s5000/ s6000
STEREO DIGITAL SAMPLER
Software version V1.21
WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not
expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
Operator’ s Manual
Important Notice
The material in this document is copyright to AKAI professional M.I. Corp., and may not be
quoted or reproduced in any form without written permission from the company.
LIMITED SOFTWARE WARRANTY POLICY
All the software provided with, or purchased especially for, AKAI professional products has
been tested for functionality. AKAI professional M.I. Corp. will make its best efforts to correct
reported software defects for future releases subject to technical practicabilities.
AKAI professional M.I. Corp. makes no warranty or representation either expressed or
implied with respect to the system's performance or fitness for a particular purpose.
In no event will AKAI professional M.I. Corp. be liable for direct or indirect damages arising
from any defect in the software or its documentation. Further, AKAI professional M.I. Corp.
will not accept any liability for any programs, sounds, audio recording or sequences stored in
or used with AKAI professional products, including the cost of recovery of such data.
The warranties, remedies and disclaimers above are exclusive and take precedence over all
others, oral or written, express or implied, to the extent permitted by law in the geographical
area of the product's use. No employee of AKAI professional M.I. Corp., agent, distributor or
employee of an agent or distributor is authorised to offer any variation from this policy.
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 arrowhead symbol , 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 to persons.
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
5B-En
Lithium battery
This product uses a lithium battery for memory backup.
The lithium battery should only be replaced by qualified service personnel.
Improper handling may cause risk of explosion.
09/22/2000 Rev.4
24A-En
s5000
/
s6000
WARNING
WARNING: WHEN USING ELECTRIC PRODUCTS, BASIC PRECAUTIONS SHOULD ALWAYS
BE FOLLOWED, INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING:
WARNING
The S5000/S6000 is designed to be used in a standard household environment.
Power requirements for electrical equipment vary from area to area. Please ensure that your S5000/
S6000 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
220~240 VAC @ 50 Hz for Europe
240 VAC @ 50 Hz for Australia
PROTECTING YOURSELF AND THE S5000/S6000
• Never touch the AC plug with wet hands.
• Always disconnect the S5000/S6000 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 S5000/S6000. Apart from voiding the warranty, unauthorized engineers might touch live
internal parts and receive a serious electrical shock. There are no serviceable parts inside.
• Do not put, or allow anyone to put any object, especially metal objects, into the S5000/S6000.
• 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 S5000/S6000, 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 S5000/S6000
away from sources of direct heat (stoves, radiators, etc.).
• Avoid using aerosol insecticides, etc. near the S5000/S6000. They may damage the surface,
and may ignite.
• Do not use denatured alcohol, thinner or similar chemicals to clean the S5000/S6000. They will
damage the finish.
• Modification of this equipment is dangerous, and can result in the functions of the S5000/
S6000 being impaired. Never attempt to modify the equipment in any way.
• Make sure that the S5000/S6000 is always well-supported when in use (either in a speciallydesigned equipment rack, or on a firm level surface).
• When installing the S5000/S6000 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 S5000/S6000, select the setup location carefully ,
and make sure the equipment is used properly . A void setting up the S5000/S6000 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
Version 1.21 i
WARNING
s5000
/
s6000
WARNING
THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED
IMPORTANT
This equipment is fitted with an approved non-rewireable UK mains 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, to 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 HAZARD SHOULD IT BE INSERTED INTO A 13 AMP SOCKET
ELSEWHERE.
The wires in this mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following code:
GREEN and YELLOW — Earth
BLUE — Neutral
BROWN — Live
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 GREEN and YELLOW must be connected to the terminal which is
marked with the letter E or with the safety earth symbol or coloured GREEN or coloured
GREEN and YELLOW.
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 etter L or coloured RED.
THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED
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.
6D-En
ii Version 1.21
s5000
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.
/
s6000
WARNING
21B-En
AVIS POUR LES ACHETEURS CANADIENS DU S5000/S6000
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
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
CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS NOT EXPRESSL Y APPROVED BY THE MANUF ACTURER
FOR COMPLIANCE COULD VOID THE USER’S AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THE
EQUIPMENT.
32-En
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
The AKAI S5000/S6000 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
professional M.I. Corp., Yokohama, Japan.
Version 1.21 iii
WARNING
s5000
/
s6000
WARRANTY
AKAI professional M.I. Corp. 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 professional
Warranty coverage is valid for factory-authorized updates to AKAI professional instruments and their software,
when their installation is performed by an authorized AKAI professional 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 professional 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 professional 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 professional 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 professional 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 professional, including but not limited to:
1) Damage caused by abuse, accident, negligence. AKAI professional 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
AKAI professional 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 professional Authorized Service Center or Authorized Dealer.
AKAI professional 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 professional 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 Merchant-ability , applicable
to this product
Warranty Registration Card within 14 days of purchase.
electronically modified, altered or tampered with in any way.
iv Version 1.21
s5000
CONTENTS
/
s6000
WARNING
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................... 1
WELCOME ............................................................................................................................ 1
KEY FEATURES ....................................................................................................................1
USER INTERFACE................................................................................................................ 3
ABOUT THIS MANUAL.......................................................................................................... 3
S6000 FRONT PANEL ........................................................................................................... 5
MAIN PANEL .............................................................................................................. 5
REMOVABLE PANEL (S6000 ONLY)......................................................................... 5
REMOVING THE PANEL (S6000 ONLY) ................................................................... 7
REMOVABLE PANEL CABLE LENGTH..................................................................... 7
S6000 REAR PANEL ............................................................................................................. 8
S5000 FRONT PANEL ......................................................................................................... 10
S5000 REAR PANEL ............................................................................................................11
CONNECTING THE S6000 ..................................................................................................11
MOUNTING THE S6000 ...................................................................................................... 12
SWITCHING THE S6000 ON............................................................................................... 13
KEY CONVENTIONS........................................................................................................... 15
POP-UP WINDOWS ............................................................................................................ 18
TOOLS MENUS ................................................................................................................... 20
NUMERIC KEYPAD............................................................................................................. 21
CURSOR KEYS ................................................................................................................... 21
NAMING............................................................................................................................... 21
MARK/JUMP KEYS ............................................................................................................. 22
USER KEYS (S6000 ONLY)................................................................................................ 22
STRUCTURE/TERMINOLOGY....................................................................................... 23
S6000 STRUCTURE ........................................................................................................... 23
VOICE ARCHITECTURE ..................................................................................................... 26
ASSIGNABLE PROGRAM MODULATION (APM)............................................................... 27
LOAD............................................................................................................................... 29
LOAD FOLDER.................................................................................................................... 30
LOADING MULTIS ............................................................................................................... 31
LOADING PROGRAMS ....................................................................................................... 31
LOADING SAMPLES ........................................................................................................... 32
AUTOLOAD ......................................................................................................................... 33
GET INFO ............................................................................................................................ 33
OPEN/CLOSE FOLDER ...................................................................................................... 34
AUDITION SAMPLE ............................................................................................................ 34
SELECTING DISKS ............................................................................................................. 35
DISK TOOLS........................................................................................................................ 36
DISK INFO................................................................................................................ 36
CLEAR MEMORY..................................................................................................... 36
VIEW ITEMS............................................................................................................. 36
MULTI .............................................................................................................................. 37
SELECTING PARTS ............................................................................................................ 40
CREATING A MUL TI ............................................................................................................ 42
ASSIGNING PROGRAMS TO PARTS................................................................................. 43
EDITING PARTS.................................................................................................................. 44
WINDOW FUNCTIONS ....................................................................................................... 47
PART LEVEL WINDOW............................................................................................ 47
OUTPUT WINDOW .................................................................................................. 47
EFFECTS SEND WINDOW...................................................................................... 48
FINE TUNE WINDOW .............................................................................................. 49
EDIT PART........................................................................................................................... 50
MULTI TOOLS .....................................................................................................................51
GET INFO................................................................................................................. 51
QUICKLOAD............................................................................................................. 52
QUICKSAVE............................................................................................................. 53
MULTI LIST............................................................................................................... 55
Version 1.21 v
WARNING
s5000
SELECTING MULTIS REMOTELY VIA MIDI ....................................................................... 58
PAR T TOOLS MENU ........................................................................................................... 59
PROGRAM LIST....................................................................................................... 59
QUICKLOAD............................................................................................................. 69
QUICKSAVE............................................................................................................. 75
USING MULTIS ....................................................................................................................75
USING MULTI MODE TO PLAY SINGLE PROGRAMS ........................................... 76
USING MULTI MODE TO PLAY LAYERED PROGRAMS........................................ 76
USING MULTI MODE TO PLAY KEYSPLITS........................................................... 77
USING MUL TI MODE MULTI-TIMBRALLY............................................................... 77
PLAYING LIVE OVER A SEQUENCED BACKING TRACK ..................................... 78
USING THE S6000 AS TWO SAMPLERS ............................................................... 78
/
s6000
EDIT PROGRAM............................................................................................................. 80
EDIT PROGRAM ................................................................................................................. 80
EDIT PART........................................................................................................................... 80
OUTPUT .............................................................................................................................. 82
MIDI/TUNE........................................................................................................................... 86
EDIT USER............................................................................................................... 87
PITCHBEND ........................................................................................................................ 88
LFOS.................................................................................................................................... 89
LFO 2........................................................................................................................ 91
KEYGROUP......................................................................................................................... 95
SELECTING KEYGROUPS ................................................................................................. 97
KEYGROUP ZONES ........................................................................................................... 98
ZONE LEVEL WINDOW ......................................................................................... 101
PAN/BALANCE WINDOW ...................................................................................... 101
FINE TUNE WINDOW ............................................................................................ 102
PLAYBACK WINDOW ............................................................................................ 103
SELECTING AND EDITING ZONES...................................................................... 104
KEYSPAN .......................................................................................................................... 105
KEYGROUP CROSSFADE................................................................................................ 106
KG PITCH/AMP ................................................................................................................. 107
FILTER............................................................................................................................... 108
AMP ENVELOPE ............................................................................................................... 122
AMP ENVELOPE WINDOW FUNCTIONS............................................................. 123
FILTER ENVELOPE........................................................................................................... 124
AUX ENVELOPE ............................................................................................................... 125
AUX ENVELOPE WINDOWS................................................................................. 126
CREATING PROGRAMS................................................................................................... 127
CREATING (COPYING) KEYGROUPS............................................................................. 127
PROG TOOLS MENU ........................................................................................................ 128
GET INFO ............................................................................................................... 128
PROGRAM LIST..................................................................................................... 129
QUICKLOAD........................................................................................................... 140
QUICKSAVE........................................................................................................... 140
EDIT SAMPLE............................................................................................................... 141
EDIT SAMPLE ................................................................................................................... 141
MONITOR .......................................................................................................................... 141
MASTER ............................................................................................................................ 142
TRIM .................................................................................................................................. 145
CHOP................................................................................................................................. 148
LOOP ................................................................................................................................. 151
SETTING A GOOD LOOP ................................................................................................. 155
JOIN ................................................................................................................................... 157
MIX..................................................................................................................................... 160
FADE UP/DOWN ............................................................................................................... 162
TIMESTRETCH.................................................................................................................. 163
PITCH SHIFT ..................................................................................................................... 167
BPM MATCH ...................................................................................................................... 168
RE-SAMPLE ...................................................................................................................... 169
EQ ...................................................................................................................................... 170
vi Version 1.21
s5000
/
s6000
SAMPLE TOOLS ............................................................................................................... 171
GET INFO............................................................................................................... 171
QUICKLOAD........................................................................................................... 172
QUICKSAVE........................................................................................................... 172
W/FORM................................................................................................................. 173
SAMPLE LIST......................................................................................................... 175
STEREO AND MONO SAMPLES...................................................................................... 177
WARNING
RECORD ....................................................................................................................... 178
RECORD............................................................................................................................178
SETTING RECORD LEVELS ............................................................................................ 180
NAMING RECORDINGS ................................................................................................... 180
MAKING A RECORDING ................................................................................................... 181
OVERWRITING AN EXISTING SAMPLE .......................................................................... 183
RE-RECORDING THE SAMPLER’S OUTPUTS ............................................................... 184
RECORD ERROR MESSAGES ........................................................................................ 185
FX .................................................................................................................................................. 186
FX....................................................................................................................................... 186
RING MOD/DISTORTION.................................................................................................. 192
EQ ...................................................................................................................................... 193
EQ TEMPLA TES .................................................................................................... 194
EQ MODULATION.................................................................................................. 195
MODULATION EFFECTS .................................................................................................. 196
CHORUS ................................................................................................................ 196
FLANGE ................................................................................................................. 196
PHASE.................................................................................................................... 197
ROTARY SPEAKERS............................................................................................. 198
FREQ/AMP MOD.................................................................................................... 200
PITCH SHIFT.......................................................................................................... 201
PITCH+FEEDBACK ............................................................................................... 202
MODULATION EFFECTS TEMPLATES................................................................. 203
DELAY FX .......................................................................................................................... 204
MONO LEFT........................................................................................................... 204
MONO L/R .............................................................................................................. 205
XOVER L+R ........................................................................................................... 206
STEREO DELAY .................................................................................................... 206
DELAY EFFECTS TEMPLATES ............................................................................. 206
REVERB EFFECTS ........................................................................................................... 207
OUTPUT MIX (MULTIFX1 AND 2 ONLY) .......................................................................... 210
EFFECTS TOOLS.............................................................................................................. 212
COPYING EFFECTS ......................................................................................................... 213
SAVE............................................................................................................................................. 216
SAVE.................................................................................................................................. 216
NOTES REGARDING SAVE.............................................................................................. 218
UTILITIES...................................................................................................................... 219
UTILITIES .......................................................................................................................... 219
SYSTEM SETUP ............................................................................................................... 219
SET CLOCK....................................................................................................................... 221
PREFERENCES ................................................................................................................ 222
MIDI SETUP....................................................................................................................... 223
MIDI FILTER ........................................................................................................... 224
FX IN/OUTS ....................................................................................................................... 225
DISK UTILS........................................................................................................................ 226
RENAMING ITEMS ON DISK................................................................................. 226
DELETING ITEMS FROM DISK............................................................................. 227
FORMATTING DISKS ............................................................................................ 228
UNLOCK DISK ....................................................................................................... 232
MEMORY TEST................................................................................................................. 233
SHOW HARDWARE .......................................................................................................... 234
SET PLAY KEY .................................................................................................................. 235
Version 1.21 vii
WARNING
APPENDICES
s5000
TEST TONE ....................................................................................................................... 235
SAVE O/S TO FLASHROM................................................................................................ 236
SAVE O/S TO FLOPPY DISK ............................................................................................ 238
LOADING OPERATING SYSTEMS ................................................................................... 239
/
s6000
VIRTUAL SAMPLES ..................................................................................................... 242
VIRTUAL SAMPLES .......................................................................................................... 242
TO PLAY BACKING TRACKS ................................................................................ 242
FOR ‘SPINNING IN’................................................................................................ 242
FOR MASTERING.................................................................................................. 242
HOW DOES IT WORK?..................................................................................................... 243
RECORDING VIRTUAL SAMPLES ................................................................................... 245
LOADING VIRTUAL SAMPLES......................................................................................... 247
CONVERTING SAMPLE TYPES....................................................................................... 248
EDITING VIRTUAL SAMPLES .......................................................................................... 249
WORKING WITH VIRTUAL SAMPLES IN A PROGRAM .................................................. 249
SPECIFICATIONS ......................................................................................................... 250
SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................................. 250
APPENDIX A ................................................................................................................. 251
MIDI CONTROLLER LIST ................................................................................................. 251
S5000/S6000 MIDI IMPLEMENTATION CHART ............................................................... 252
APPENDIX B................................................................................................................. 253
NOTES ON USING HARD DISK DRIVES ......................................................................... 253
SCSI CABLES.................................................................................................................... 253
TERMINATION................................................................................................................... 253
SCSI IDs ............................................................................................................................ 254
SCSI CABLE LENGTH ...................................................................................................... 254
APPENDIX C................................................................................................................. 253
TRANSFERRING DATA BETWEEN THE S6000 AND A PC ............................................. 255
TRANSFERRING DATA BETWEEN THE S6000 AND A MAC .......................................... 257
USING WINDOWS 95 ON THE MAC ................................................................................ 260
SHARING DISKS BETWEEN AN S6000 AND A MAC/PC ................................................ 261
APPENDIX D................................................................................................................. 253
CONNECTING THE SAMPLER TO A MAC/PC VIA SCSI ................................................. 262
APPENDIX E ................................................................................................................. 265
SOUND LIBRARY COMPATIBILITY .................................................................................. 265
APPENDIX F ................................................................................................................. 265
INSTALLING EXTRA MEMORY (To Service Technicians)................................................. 268
NOTES ON BUYING MEMORY ........................................................................................ 269
APPENDIX G................................................................................................................. 271
WHAT IS SAMPLING? ....................................................................................................... 271
INDEX............................................................................................................................ 277
viii Version 1.21
s5000
INTRODUCTION
/
s6000
INTRODUCTION
WELCOME
Congratulations on purchasing your new Akai sampler. The S5000 and S6000 represent the next
generation of Akai’ s already industry standard samplers with brand new technology, a unique and
innovative new user interface and new functionality. Some of it’s key features are:
• Unique removable panel allows you to place the S6000 functionality away from the rack and
into your work area.
• 128-voice polyphony on the S6000 1 and 64-voice polyphony (expandable to 128) on the
S5000.
• Expandable to 256Mbytes using SIMMs.
• 16 outputs configurable as 8 x stereo pairs or 16 individual mono outs (S5000 has 8 outputs
expandable to 16).
• Optional ADAT™ digital audio interface giving 16 digital outputs
• 320 x 240 backlit LCD.
• 44.1kHz/48kHz sampling frequencies.
• 18-bit stereo ADCs with 64 x oversampling 5th order Delta Sigma
• 20-bit DACs with 128 x oversampling Delta Sigma with 8 x digital filter on all outputs.
• SPDIF or AES/EBU digital I/O on balanced jacks or optical.
• EB20 4-channel 20-bit multi-effects processor (optional on S5000).
• PS2 QWERTY keyboard input for easy naming.
• 2 x MIDI IN/OUT/THRU for 32-channel multitimbral operation.
• 2 x SCSI ports for easy connection to disk drives.
• Wordclock input allows you to easily integrate the S5000 and S6000 into an all-digital
environment.
• Flash ROM programmable operating system.
• .WAV sample format allows access to a huge range of sounds from PCs or the Internet.
• DOS disk format allows connection of the sampler’s disk drive to PCs.
• Icon based operating system and GUI (graphical user interface).
• Virtual Sample function allows you to play long samples direct from disk within a program for
easy integration of disk recordings in a multi timbral environment.
1 Some S6000 configurations in the USA may differ. Please consult your dealer for information.
Version 1.21 1
INTRODUCTION
s5000
/
s6000
• 26 powerful resonant filter types.
• 2 x Low Frequency Oscillators (LFOs) each offering 9 control waveforms.
• 2 x hardware ADSR envelope generators allow ultra fast and accurate shaping of sounds.
• A multi-stage auxiliary envelope can be used to create more complex envelope shapes.
• Assignable Program Modulation allows you to route the LFOs, envelope generators, MIDI
controllers, etc., to up to 17 different destinations - you can even route controllers to controllers!
• Stereo phase coherent timestretch sample processing.
• New off-line stereo pitch shift and BPM matching sample editing algorithms.
• 3-band off-line digital EQ.
• New QUICKLOAD functions allow you to get sounds into the sampler quickly and easily.
• Icon based DISK system makes navigation simple. Sounds are stored in folders and folders
can contain further sub-folders for efficient organisation of sound library.
• Responds to channel or polyphonic aftertouch.
• Compatible with S1000 and S3000 series samplers
And much, much more....
2
2 Due to the radical new developments in the S5000 and S6000, some old sound library
may need ‘tweaking’.
2 Version 1.21
s5000
/
s6000
INTRODUCTION
USER INTERFACE
Perhaps the most physically obvious feature of the S6000 is its large LCD and 16 soft keys giving
rise to a unique new user interface.
Using what we at AKAI professional affectionately call “Touch and Tweak”, parameter access is
usually just one button press away - simply touch the key alongside the parameter you wish to
change and tweak its value with the DATA wheel! Not only does this make operation fast, simple
and intuitive but in most circumstances, completely eliminates the need for awkward cursor
movement. It also has the directness of a touch screen but with the reliability and tactile feedback
of physical switches.
The user interface also makes much use of graphics and icons and pop-up windows and prompts
are used throughout making the user experience more like that of a Mac™ or Windows™ computer.
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
This operator’s manual has been written to allow you to get the best out of your new sampler.
Please take the time to read it to gain a full understanding of its features, functions and operations.
It is written in the order you are most likely to work when you first use your sampler - i.e. the first
thing you will probably do is load some sounds. The next thing you will probably do is create a multi
using those sounds. The next thing you may do is edit the programs in that multi and after that, you
may edit the samples in those programs. You may try to record something yourself. After all that,
you may try to save your work. So the running order (after the description of the basics and getting
to know your way around your new sampler) is:
LOAD > MULTI > EDIT PROGRAM/PART > EDIT SAMPLE > RECORD > SAVE.
After that, we delve into the FX and UTILITIES modes and other issues.
Of course, if this is not the order in which you will use your new purchase, feel free to skip to each
appropriate section as you like/
Whatever, please try to find the time to read this operator’s manual as it is designed to help you get
the most from your investment.
You will note that both the S5000 and the S6000 are described in this manual. In most respects,
the two samplers are functionally identical except that the S6000 comes with the full complement
of options3 already installed and has the extra USER KEYS. By producing just one manual, we
can make a small contribution to the environment by saving paper and also, of course, it saves on
printing costs allowing us to bring you the new samplers at the best possible price.
All references will be to the S6000 except where specified.
3 Except for the ADAT™ digital interface board
Version 1.21 3
INTRODUCTION
S6000 FRONT PANEL
s5000
/
s6000
MAIN PANEL
POWER Turns power on and off to the S6000.
FLOPPY DISK This accepts 3.5” floppy disks. It may be used to load sound library but
may also be used to boot operating systems.
DISK OPTION SLOT This allows you to install a 3.5” removable hard disk such as Zip, Jaz,
Syquest, etc.. Please consult your dealer or AKAI professional distributor
for details of compatible drives. If you plan to install a drive here, this
should be done by an Akai approved engineer.
MAIN VOLUME This sets the level of the main L/R outputs (outputs 1/2). Outputs 3/
4~15/16 are not affected by this control.
PHONES LEVEL This sets the level of the main L/R outputs (outputs 1/2) on the headphone
output.
The level of the headphone output is not affected by the MAIN VOLUME
setting.
PHONES This allows you to insert a pair of stereo headphones to monitor the
main L/R output (outputs 1/2).
NOTE: Sounds assigned to outputs 3/4 - 15/16 will not be heard at the headphone output.
L/MONO IN This accepts a 1/4-inch mono jack plug and is used when recording in
mono. This overrides the rear panel equivalent input.
RIGHT IN This accepts a 1/4 inch mono jack plug and, together with the L/MONO
IN jack, is used for recording stereo. This overrides the rear panel
equivalent input.
4 Version 1.21
s5000
/
s6000
REMOVABLE PANEL (S6000 ONLY)
INTRODUCTION
ASCII KEYBOARD This will accept a PS2 QWERTY keyboard which can be used for naming.
Underneath the LCD are the sampler’s operating modes.
MUL TI This is where you play programs either singly , layered or multi-timbrally.
FX This is where you select and edit the effects you want to use in the
currently selected MULTI.
EDIT SAMPLE This is where you edit samples, the raw sound data used in programs.
EDIT PROGRAM This is where you edit programs, mapping samples out across the
keyboard range as appropriate. Programs are the basic sounds used in
a MULTI.
RECORD This is where you record your own samples. These are subsequently
edited in EDIT SAMPLE and then mapped out across the keyboard in
EDIT PROGRAM.
UTILITIES This is where you can set certain parameters that affect the S6000 as a
whole.
SAVE Here, you may save the data in memory to a storage device such as
floppy or hard disk.
LOAD This is used to load data into the sampler’s memory.
These keys illuminate when selected to indicate which mode you are in. Furthermore, they flash
upon reception of MIDI data.
Version 1.21 5
INTRODUCTION
F1-F16 Function keys down either side of the LCD give direct access to
parameters. Their actual function varies according to the selected
page.
DATA WHEEL This is used to enter data.
CURSOR </> KEYS These are used to move the cursor left or right in parameter fields.
This is particularly useful when editing parameters with long
numeric values such as samples.
These keys are also used in conjunction with the DA TA wheel for
naming.
NUMERIC KEYPAD These are used to enter numeric data.
WINDOW This is used to open the ‘window’ function.
UNDO This has no function in Version 1.20 of the operating system.
EXIT This takes you out of the currently selected function and back to
the screen you were in previously.
s5000
/
s6000
ENT/PLAY This allows you to audition the currently selected sound.
MARK/JUMP These allow you to mark a page, go to another page and then
jump back and forth between them.
USER KEYS These allow you to assign the pages and functions you use most
often for quick, convenient access. For example, if you find yourself
always going to the FILTER, AMPLITUDE ENVELOPE and
REVERB 1 pages, these may be assigned to each of the USER
KEYS.
DISPLA Y CONTRAST This ‘thumbwheel’ control, found on the top/rear of the panel sets
the viewing angle for the LCD.
A screen saver function in UTILITIES allows you to turn the
backlight off at timed intervals to help preserve the LCD.
6 Version 1.21
s5000
/
s6000
INTRODUCTION
REMOVING THE PANEL (S6000 ONLY)
T o remove the S6000 front panel, turn the two chrome ‘thumb screws’ found top left and right of the
panel counter clockwise until they feel very loose.
Using the recessed finger grips either side of the panel, with a gentle but firm action, pull the top of
the panel forward:
Try not to use too much force. Now lift the panel up and out of the recess.
If the panel does not come away, check the ‘thumbscrews’ in case one or both of them are still
attached to the main case.
To attach the panel, simply do the reverse.
REMOVABLE PANEL CABLE LENGTH
The S6000 is supplied with a short cable for packing and transportation purposes. This allows the
S6000 to be used immediately with the removable panel attached to the main chassis. If you wish
to use a longer cable, you need a simple 9-pin > 9-pin (female to female) extension lead. These
are readily available in most computer stores.
The maximum recommended length is 10 metres. If you use a cable longer than this, you may
experience unreliable operation.
If you have any difficulty obtaining such a cable, please contact your AKAI professional dealer.
Version 1.21 7
INTRODUCTION
S6000 REAR PANEL
s5000
/
s6000
INPUT L/R These are the duplicates of the L/MONO IN and RIGHT IN inputs of the
front panel - S6000 only. The inputs on the front panel override these
inputs.
MAIN OUTPUT L/R These are the duplicates of the main stereo L/R outputs (Outputs 1/2) -
S6000 only. They both output the same signal.
OUTPUTS 1-16 These are the S6000’ s outputs. They can be used as 8 x stereo pairs or
as 16 individual outputs or any combination of the two (e.g. you could
have stereo sounds appearing at outputs 1/2 and 3/4 with, say, bass
appearing at output 5 and kick drum, snare drum and hi-hat appearing
at outputs 6, 7 and 8 respectively).
Output 1/2 is regarded as the ‘main’ stereo output for the S6000.
All outputs are polyphonic.
NOTE: Outputs 13-16 are also used as the sampler’s internal effects sends. Therefore, any
sounds routed to the effects channels FX1, FX 2, RV3 and/or RV4 will appear at outputs 13,
14, 15 and/or 16 respectively. If you wish to utilise all 16 outputs, you should not use the
internal effects. Similarly, if you are using the internal effects, you should avoid using outputs
13-16 as individual outputs. This is a hardware restriction that cannot be overcome in software.
DIGIT AL I/O This offers two balanced jacks for AES/EBU digital audio in and out (this
can be switched to SPDIF in the UTILITIES mode if you prefer). An
optical I/O is also provided.
Either digital input can be used to record digitally and both outputs carry
a stereo mix of the main L/R outputs (outputs 1/2). Sounds assigned to
outputs 3-8 (or 3-16 if the optional output expander is installed for S5000)
do not appear at the digital outputs.
8 Version 1.21
s5000
/
s6000
INTRODUCTION
WORDCLOCK This BNC connector is used to synchronise the sampler to a studio’s
‘house sync’. This would be used in a predominantly digital studio to
ensure that all digital devices (mixer, hard disk recorder, effects, etc.)
are running at a common sampling frequency.
The terminator switch should be ON when the S6000 is the last digital
device in the wordclock chain. Otherwise, it should be OFF. Failure to
observe the correct switching of wordclock termination may result in
unpredictable results.
SCSI Two 50-pin high-pitch SCSI connectors are provided. One is simply a
‘thru’ of the other and is used when connecting the S6000 to a SCSI
chain.
SCSI TERMINATOR This should be switched ON when the S6000 is the last device in a SCSI
chain. If the S6000 sits somewhere in the middle of a SCSI chain, it
should be switched off. Failure to observe the correct switching of SCSI
termination may result in unpredictable results.
OPTION SLOTS These are provided to allow future expansion.
One such board is the optional ADAT digital I/O which offers 16 digital
outputs, ideal for interfacing with suitably equipped digital mixing
consoles. The ADAT I/O also allows you to record from a digital source
equipped with an ADAT output.
MIDI IN/OUT/THRU Two completely separate MIDI busses A and B are provided of fering 32-
channel operation (1-16A and 1-16B).
Each MIDI THRU passes on the data received at their respective MIDI
inputs.
MAINS INPUT This should be connected to a suitable mains outlet using the supplied
cable.
SIGNAL GROUND This can be used to reduce ground loops by connecting it to a common
earthing point.
Version 1.21 9
INTRODUCTION
s5000
/
s6000
S5000 FRONT PANEL
Although laid out differently to accommodate the ergonomics of the S5000’s 3U panel, the keys
and controls on the S5000 are almost identical to the S6000’s except that the S5000 omits the
USER KEYS.
Another difference is that the S5000 does not have rear panel analogue audio inputs so the ones
found on the front of the S5000 are the main analogue record inputs.
It is also not possible to install an optional removable drive on the S5000’s front panel.
S5000 REAR PANEL
Again, the S5000’s rear panel is almost identical except that there are no balanced XLR inputs or
outputs and outputs 9-16 are optional.
10 Version 1.21
s5000
/
s6000
CONNECTING THE S6000
HARD DISK,
CD-ROM,
MO, Jaz, Zip, etc..
INTRODUCTION
Main L/R outputs
(Outputs 1/2)
SCSI
Outputs 3-16
MIDI IN
DIGI I/O
MIDI OUT
%
mx1000
Connect the MIDI output of your MIDI controller (in this example, an Akai MX1000 master keyboard)
to MIDI IN A of the S6000. Connect outputs 1/2 to a stereo amplifier, a stereo input channel on a
mixer (or to two mono channels of a mixer remembering to pan each channel hard left and right to
take full advantage of the S6000’s stereo outputs). Outputs 3-16 (or 3-8 on the S5000 without the
optional expander board) should be connected to channels of your mixer where they may be
mixed, EQ’d and processed separately..
The digital I/O can be connected to any similarly equipped digital audio device such as DAT,
recordable CD, MiniDisk or the channels of a digital mixer.
The above diagram shows a fairly simple setup. When used with a sequencer, assuming it has two
or more MIDI outputs, connect one to MIDI IN A and the other to MIDI IN B. In this way, you can
achieve 32-channel multi-timbral sequencing.
Another option may be to connect one output from your sequencer to MIDI IN A and the output of
your MIDI keyboard to MIDI IN B. This way, you can have some sounds being sequenced whilst
you play certain other sounds from the keyboard. This might be a good setup for live applications
where the sequencer provides the backing tracks and you play live over the top of that.
There are many permutations and no doubt you will find your own according to your set-up and/or
application.
Version 1.21 11
INTRODUCTION
s5000
/
s6000
MOUNTING THE S6000
If you plan to rack mount the S6000, 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 S6000 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 S6000 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!
12 Version 1.21
s5000
/
s6000
INTRODUCTION
SWITCHING THE S6000 ON
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’, although very slight, could damage
sensitive speakers, especially if the amp is turned up loud (this is good practice when turning the
S6000 off as well).
Now turn on the S6000. You will see the following LCD screen as it boots up:
The icons appearing at the bottom of the screen indicate what hardware is installed.
The icons are:
Shows the sampler’s polyphony4.
Shows the amount of memory installed.
Shows whether the EB20 multi-channel effects board is installed.
Shows whether the optional ADAT digital I/O is installed.
Indicates that an external ASCII keyboard is connected.
Those items
screen shot for the ADAT board).
NOT
installed will be shown with a ‘X’ through them (e.g. as shown in the above
4 On an unexpanded S5000, the same icon will be shown but with the number 64 instead.
Version 1.21 13
INTRODUCTION
s5000
/
s6000
The S6000 then scans its SCSI buss to see what storage devices are connected and after a short
period of time5, you will see something like this screen:
Connected drives will be shown. The disk icons are:
Floppy disk
Removable hard disk
Fixed hard disk
CD-ROM
Your S6000 is now ready to use. Press any of the mode keys to continue.
You can check that the S6000 is receiving MIDI data by looking at the front panel - the selected
mode’s key will flash on and off whenever a note-on/off is received.
5 The exact time depends on how many drives you have attached and also the speed of those
drives. Of course, the more you have, the longer the scan will take and if you have, say, a particularly
slow old 4x CD-ROM attached, this will slow the boot up process further.
14 Version 1.21
s5000
/
s6000
KEY CONVENTIONS
The following are the different types of keys and parameters:
This is a parameter down the left of the screen.
This is a parameter down the right of the screen.
To select them, simply touch the key to their left or right.
When a parameter is selected, it becomes highlighted:
INTRODUCTION
The parameter is immediately available for editing and the whole range of the parameter (0-100)
can be set in about three complete turns of the DATA wheel.
However, if you wish to make larger changes to the value more quickly, you can use the CURSOR
< key to move the cursor to the ‘tens’ or ‘hundreds’ field:
Whilst this not may save a lot of time with two or three digit numbers, moving the cursor around the
parameter is useful when the value is a long number such as when editing samples:
On ‘signed’ fields such as shown below:
The numeric keypad’s +/- keys can be used to quickly change the sign from + to - or
vice versa
.
Version 1.21 15
INTRODUCTION
Other parameter conventions are:
The downward pointing arrow indicates that the parameter has a WINDOW function.
When you land on the parameter for the first time, the parameter is selected and is immediately
available for editing as described above. However, pressing the WINDOW key (or pressing the
selected parameter’s key again - i.e. ‘double clicking’ on it) pops up a window revealing further
‘sub-functions’ associated with the selected parameter . In this way , screens are clear and uncluttered
with only the most commonly used functions immediately available but with further functionality
hidden away by way of the WINDOW function.
For example, the PART LEVEL window looks like this:
s5000
/
s6000
The parameters shown in the window may be edited in much the same way simply by touching the
key alongside them and tweaking the DA T A wheel. The window may be closed by pressing CLOSE
WINDOW .
Another type of parameter is this:
This is a modulation input. When you land on this type of parameter for the first time, the modulation
depth is selected and is immediately available for editing as described above.
However, pressing the key again selects the modulation source:
You may select another modulation source using the DATA wheel. This is common for all such
parameters displaying the indicator.
16 Version 1.21
s5000
/
s6000
The various function key types are shown below:
This is a typical ‘go to page’ key characterised by the border within the
key.
This is a typical ‘do it’ key and usually generates a YES/NO/CANCEL
type prompt.
This is a function ‘toggle’ ON/OFF key . The indicates ON. indicates
the function is switched OFF.
This highlighted key is a ‘selected function’ or ‘radio’ key. The key (i.e.
the function) will highlight when selected.
This is a typical ‘scroll up’ key. This is used to move up through a list.
INTRODUCTION
This is a typical ‘scroll down’ key. This is used to move down through a
list.
This is a typical ‘select up’ key. This is used to move up through a list
and
select the currently highlighted item.
This is a typical ‘select down’ key. This is used to move down through a
list
and
select the currently highlighted item.
SELECT and SCROLL UP/DOWN keys are ‘context sensitive’ in that
when you are at the top of a list, the ‘up’ arrow isn’t shown and at the
bottom of a list, the ‘down’ arrow isn’t shown.
They are also ‘repeater’ keys in that if you press and hold them, you will
scroll through the list automatically without having to press them each
time.
Version 1.21 17
INTRODUCTION
s5000
/
s6000
POP-UP WINDOWS
Throughout the user interface, you will encounter various ‘pop-up’ windows and prompts. These
override the current page’s functions (which become ‘greyed out’ in the background) and use
further function keys to decide the outcome. There are ‘alert’ and ‘warning’ prompts. For example...
And there are ‘dialogue’ prompts:
18 Version 1.21
s5000
/
s6000
INTRODUCTION
Progress bars are also used throughout the user interface to indicate status. For example, during
off-line sample editing functions or during record (in fact, any process that takes time), you would
see these progress displays....
Some progress displays (such as the sample processing window above) also show animated
icons as a further indicator of activity.
All off-line processing screens have an ABORT key so that you can cancel the process at any time
if you want. Also, all off-line processing displays end with this screen:
This allows you to audition the new processed version and the original so that you can compare
the two. You are also offered the opportunity to keep the new one and discard the original or keep
the original and discard the new one or you can choose to keep both. You may also choose to
overwrite the original version with the new, processed version.
The recording progress display ends with this screen:
Here you may audition the recording you have just made and, if you are happy with it, you can
keep it otherwise you can discard it and try again.
Version 1.21 19
INTRODUCTION
s5000
/
s6000
TOOLS MENUS
In most of the pages, you will find a ‘tools’ key on F9 that offers a drop down menu with further
functionality.
For example, in MUL TI mode with a part selected, you have a PART TOOLS menu. Pressing this
would cause this drop down menu to appear:
In all cases, you will see that there is a certain consistency.
• F9 is always CLOSE TOOLS.
• F10 is always GET INFO and will show details of the selected item.
• F12 will always take you to a list of the selected item type (multi, program, sample).
• F13 is always QUICKLOAD which allows you to quickly load items relevant to the selected
mode (i.e. load multis, programs, samples).
• F14 is always QUICKSA VE which allows you to quickly save items relevant to the selected
mode (i.e. save multis, programs samples).
• F15 and F16’s functions change according to context.
NOTE: The LOAD and SAVE modes differ slightly in this respect. Please refer to those sections
for more details.
We will see these tools menus in each modes’ respective sections.
20 Version 1.21
Loading...