AKAI DIGITAL DR8 User manual

HARDDISKRECORDER
Operator's Manual
WARNING
To piwem fire or shodc hazard, do not
expose ttus af^riiance to rain or moisture.

WARNING!!
To proviiit^ni m*hi^MKtara, do not expose this appliance to
rain or moisture.
w\
5C/^y-FIQN A
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: TO RiDlKJETHE BISKQFlia21B
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR iSAGK).
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE
REFER SERVICING TO QUAUF3ED SERVICE PERSONNEL
The lightning flash with the arrowhead symbol superimposed
across agraphical representation of aperson, within an equilateral
triangle, is intendedtoalertthet^^thej^'WMHiceofundulated
^llangerous wttage'^ within thoprwluct'sanctoBurs;thatmaybe of
sufficient nwgnitude to constituta aiMc of iriec^ shock.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intented to
alert the user to the presence of important operating and mainte-
nance (servicing) instructions mthe literature accompanying the
appliance.
5A-En

WARNING
The DR8 is designed to be used in astandard household environment
Power requirements for electrical equipment vary from area to area. Please ensure that
your DR8 meets the power requirements in your area. If in doubt, consult aqualified
electrician or Akai Professional dealer.
120VAC @60H2 for USA and Canada
220-230/240VAC @50Hz for Europe
240VAC @50Hz for Australia
PROTECTING YOURSELF AND THE DR8
Never touch the AC plug with wet hands.
Always disconnect the DR8 from the ppwer supply pulling on the plug, not the
cord.
AHow only an Akai Professional dealer or qualified professional engineer to repair
or reassemble the DR8. Apart from voiding the wan-anty, unauthorized engineers
might touch live internal parts and receive aserious electric shock.
Donotput, or allowanyone to put any object, especially metal objects, irito the DR8.
Use only ahousehold AC power supply. Never use aDC power supply.
Kwateror any other liquid is spilled into or pnto the DR8, disconnect the power, and
call your dealer.
*Make surf Uiat the unit is well-ventilated, andaway from di
*To avoid damage to internal circuitry, as well as the external finish, keep the PR8
away from sources of direct heat (stoves, radiators, etc.K
I'Av<^u8ingaerosolinsecticides,ete.)rieartheDR8.Theymaydamagethesurface,
and may ignite. >-:
*Donotu^denaturatedalcohol,thinnerorsimilarchemicalstocleantheDR8.They
wiljctemlgethfi finish.
Modification of this equipment Is dangerous, and can result in the functions of the
DR8 being impil^idi Newr attempt to rrwdify We equipinent in any
In order to assure optimum performance of your DR8, select the setup location
carefully, and make sureme eqMiprnentis wsedprpper^i AvoW settt^ up the DR8
in the following locations:
1. In ahumid or dusty environment
2. Ir) aroom with poor ventilation
3i On asurfac»f whiclvis not horizontal
4^ inside avehicle such as acar, where it will be subject to vibration
5. In art extremely hot oreoid environing

FCC WARNING
This equipment has been tested and foun<S to coniply with tiie limits for aClass Bdigital
device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in aresidential 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 (»rreet ttie interference by one «r fhore of the following
measures:
-Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
-itusr^e the sepamfioh between the equipment and receiver.
-Connect the equipment into an outlet on acircuit dlfferent from that to which the
receiver is connected.
-CortsuK the dieaiir ora^^ radio/TV technician for help. 21B-En
AVIS POUR UES ACHETEURS CAN^pNS PM PR^
Le present appareil num^riqai ii*6ment pas des bruits radioilectriques d^passant les
limites applicables auxapparejis numeriques de la Class Bprescrites dans le Reglement
sur le brouillage radiodlef^quii §dicte par le ministere des Communications du Canada
v^'-rrfh 27-F
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class Blimits for radio noise emissions from
digital apparatus set put ,in tlia Radio InterfepenoB Regulations of the Canadian
FUR KUNDEN IN OER BUNDE$REPUBUK 0EUT9CHLAND
Bescheinigung von AKAI
HIermIt wird bescheinigt, daS das Gerat AKAI
.....,PR8
in Obereinstimhtuhg rriif den 8estinitrnungen der
^itt^latt^fffijjurigio^
j^nlcertt$t5rt ist
Der Deutschen Bundespostwurde daslnverkehrbringen dieses GerStes angezeigt und
die Berichtigungzur UberprufungderSerfe auf Einhaltung derBestimmungen eIngerSumt.
Ai<AllLeC?miCCO.:LTD *17B-G
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
The AKAI DR8 is attjmputer-based device, and as such contains and uses software in
ROfwIs. This software, and all related dcaaimentation, including this Owners Manual,
contain proprietary infomiation which is protected by copyright laws. All rights are reserved.
No part of ttie software or its documentation may be copied, fransfen-ed or modified. You
may not modify, adapt, translate, lease, distribute, resell for profit or create derivative works
based onthe software and its related documentation oranypartthere of withoutprior written
consent from AKAI Electric Co. Ltd, Tokyo. Japan.

WARNING
THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED
IMPORTAHT
This equipment is fitted with an approved non-rewireable UK mains plug.
To change the fuse in this type of plug proceed as foitows:
1)Remove the fuse cover and old fuse.
2) Fitanewfuse which should Iwt aBSia^ 5Amp A.S.T.A or BSI approved type.
3) Refit the fuse cover.
If the AC mains plug fitted to the lead supplied, vwth this equipment is not suitable for your
type of ACoutlet 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 offHfjd acorrect
one fitted to suit the AG outlet. This should be fused at 5Amps.
If aplugvmmafuse is used, the fuse at the distribution board should NOT BE GF={EATER
than 5Amp.'
'
PLEASE NOTE: THE SEVERED PLUG MUST BE DESTROYEDTO AVO© APOS-
SIBLESHOCK HAZARD SHOULDIT BE INSERTED INTO AI^AMP
SOCKET^ELSiWHERE
The wires In this mains lead an^ coloured In accbrtance with the following code:
BROWN "' —LIVE '
"
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this apparatus nay notMrrespond with the
coloured markings identifying the tenminals in your plug, please proceed as follows:
The wire which is coloured GREEN and YELLOW must be connected to the temninai
which is marked vyith the letter Eor with the safety earth symbol ±r or coloured GREEN
,or opitoured GREEN and YELLOW. „, "... ^.
The wire which is coloured BLUE must be conriected ^4 terrtllndl WWOh mkrked
with the letter Nor coloured BLACK.
The wire which is coloured BROWN must be connected to the terminal which is marked
with the letter Lor coloured RED.
THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED I
Ensure that all the tenninals are §§m^i^^mm^S^ strands of wire exist
Before replacing the plug cover, make certain the conJ grip is clamped ov^rthidutdrsheath
of the lead and not simply over the wires.
6D-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-!t

WARRANTY
AKAI Electric Co. Ltd warrants Hs products, when purchased from an authorized AKAI dealer, to be
free from defects in materials and workmanship for aperfbd of 12 (twelve) Wbnths from the date of
purchase. Warranty service is eSeij^ye and awafllable to the original purchaser only, and only on
completion and return qf the AKAI Wajranty l^istraticm Card within 14 days of purchase.
Warranty coverage is valid for factory-authorized updates to AKAI instniments and their software,
whenth«rNrtillatipn ispeifoiinedbyan atithoria^ AKAI Service Centre, an?! apitiperfy completed
Warranty Ftegistration has been returned to your Alcai Professional dealer.
To obtain service under this warranty, the product must, on discovery of the defect, be properly
paclted andshipped to the nearest AKAI Service Centre. Theparty requesting warranty sewice must
provide proof of original ownersh^ and date of purchase bf the prodtid.
If the warranty is valid, AKAI will, without charge for parts or labour, either repair or replace the
defective part(s). Without avalid warranty, the entire cost of the repair (parts and labour) is the
risponsibility of the product's owner.
AKAI warrants that it will make all necessary adjustments, repairs and replacementsikt no cost to the
oHgirtal owner within 12 (tweJ^
1The product fails tol pmUm m^jsi&ffiMl functions dikj to fiaiiu^ of brti or mofe of its
components.
2The product fails to perform its specified functions due to defects in workmanship.
3The product has been maintained and operated by the o%wner in strict acooitjance with the
written instructions for proper maintenance and use as specified in this Operator's Manual.
Befori purchase and use, owners should determine the suitability of the product for their intended
use, and the 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 the use, or inability to
use the product.
The warranty provides only those benefits specified, and does not cover defects or repairs needed
as aresult of acts beyond the control of AKAI, including, but not limited to:
1Damage caused by abuse, accident or negligence. AKAI will not cover under warranty any
original factory disk damaged or destroyed as a result of the owner's mishandling.
2Damage caused by any tampering, alteration or modification of the product: operating
software, mecfianical or electronic components.
3Damage 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.
4Damage caused by repairs or attempted repairs by unauthorized persons.
5Damage caused by fire, smoke, falling objects, water or other liquids, or natural events such
as rain, floods, earthquakes, lightning, tornadoes, storms, etc.
6Damage caused by operation on improper voltages.
IMPOFITANT NOTE: This warranty becomes void if the product or its software is electronically
modified, altered or tampered with 81 any way.
AKAI shall not be liable forcosts involved in packing or preparing the product for shipping, with regard
to time, labour or materials, shipping or freight costs, or time and expenses involved in transporting
the product to and from an AKAI Authorized Service Centre or Authorized Dealer.
AKAI will not cover under warranty an apparent maHunction that is determined to be usererror or the
owner's inability to use the product.
THE DURATION OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER IMPUED OR EXPRESS INCLUD-
ING BUT NOT UMITED TO THE IMPUED CONDITION OF MERCHANTABILITY, IS UMITED TO
THE DURATION OF THE EXPRESS WARRANTY HEREIN.
AKAI hereby excludes incidental or consequential damages, fewluding but not limited to:
1Loss of time
2Inconvenience
3Delay in perfonmance of the Warranty
4The loss of use of the product
5Commerciat k3ss
6Breachof anyexpress or implied wan'anty. including the Implied Warranty of Merchantability
applicable to this product

Precautions When Using the installed Hard Disk Drive
1. The hard disk drive has extremely high precision and is vulnerable to shock and
vibration. If transporting the 0R8 by either land or air. we recommend packing it in a
shell-shaped case lined with urethane rubber which meets ATA sjjeciflcations.
2. Make sure the DR8 is used Irtth© horizontal position. Do not set It ort end oNit it when
using it. •
3. If the DR8 is moved from acold location to awarm one, or if the temperature has been
raised suddenly, condensatran may fomn inside the DR8. If it is impossible to avoid
conditions like these, let the DRSslttpr atliB^tan houtin the new location before using
When setting up the DR8, make sure the ventilation opening is not blocked. Also, if
using the DRB in aradc that (Xjntains other equipment, make sure sufficient ventilation
space is assured on all mss (a^jrox. 44 mm of space between the DR8 and any
equipmeht mounted aboworbetow ft i

Contents i
Contents
Introduction. i
What is the DR8? ......w............... 1
Signal Flow .;...„................... 3
Level Diagram.......... ......„..;. '. 5
Inside ttte DR8... ^.U... 6
1Front and Rear Panels 7
FrontPand... 7
Rear Panel...... 19
2Getting Around the DR8.....: i.. 24
C^rating Modes 24
Entering Time Vahies „,..,„.........!>..„.„.„.... 27
iSettln^jUp the DR8 29
ITypical DR8 Setup 30
|t Recording..„............ ....,.«.,.:..,„...... 31
Sampling Frequency. ;31
Input Soiirce................. 33
Selecting the fepta* jQuutme^ 35
Starting; Stopping iEfe^^ 38
Pundt-Bti Functions. ...^ 40
Recording Undo 44
C^ii^^3Xits«»»»»«««»»«»»»»«»M««»«,,,»«,«»»,i(,ir)(^ir^04*-*(i-<#,,i,»,,,*,^»4,»,,,, ,,,,,,,,, 45
Starting &Stopping Playbad^....J.:„.... 46
Special Play Ifeys 47
Repeat.... „_...„.....!.„„.„..„... 50
Varispeed 52
6Mixer ...1.;.. . . 53
.Individual Channel Setl^p^»;.u.
SysteittSeHmgs.„:.
ftiapshot Settings .....i!..^.,:!..,.^.;.... 61
Mapping Snapshots 62
Ottwr Functions ,,...„...,.„.,„.. j6i
7Talce Functions 65
Other Take Applications 68
8Locate Functions „......,....^,j^
Direct Locate Points (1-9 Keys) 7(1
Stack Locate Points 71
Last Memory 72
Preroll 73

ii Contents
9Time Display
Setting Relative Time to Zero 75
Setting aRektive Time Offset.... Zl 75
10 Editing ..r:..:.....:,:.;:..,. 77
Undoing an Edit ..„. yg
^^py*'" ........ij«,M.,,,i„.,„.,„ 79
Copy+Insert 3J
^^^^ vivw •82
Move+Insert.,
Insert..
Erase...
Delete.
••"•••••••••^o.'fV************..*..*.....*, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 83'
84
85
•• U
Slip 87
11 HardDisics
SCSI ,89
90
Checking for Disks „.„ 5^
External Hard Disk Operating Precautions ZZ. 94
Formatting Diskii........... 95
Erasing Disks ii,„^^i^.^„^i,.,^i:^. %
Aligiting Disks .iL....... .....,^....„., 97
Copying Disks .^.«.!..l.^!.::.,„„i!;:^i 98
12 Backup and Re^reig :, :;„^^^^^^^ loo
^^clcujp •••••••••••••••••••^••,«,,,,,«,^^^^ ,100
l^st^t^ •••<...•• 1021
13 Synchronization ... km
SMPTE/EBU Synchronization 10#
MIDIS^chronii^^ 107
Creating aSong..—...........^,^.,„„„„ 112
Creating a Beat Map... .„.!.. 114
Creating aTempo Map 115
If Other Functidrl^.. .. .. .... .....„..,_
System Set up 116
SCMS ..119
Appendix m
Specifications 120
MIDI Impkmentation Ciiart 122
Block Diagram—125
Index 124
V«sionl.O 11/94 Akai DR8 Hard CHsk Recorder

mtroaucnon i
Infroduction
Fran all at Akai thank you for pvirchasinganAkai Hard Disk R^^ and
wdcome to tite exdting wtnW oflardii^^
Please take the time to read diis manual. It will allow you to get the best out of your
What Is the ORS?
Take aconventional eight-track recorder, replace all fl\e analog circuitry wititi the
latest digital audio processing technology, replace the tape transport with ahard
disk for near-instant digital audio data access, and add a16-chaimel programmable
digital mixer —the result is the DR8.
The DR8 is an 8-track digital hard disk recorder and editor, with abuilt-in digital
mixer. It contains many of the features and functions you would normally expect,
such as CD quality audio, non-destructive editing, etc., but imlike computer-based
^tems, the DR8 is as easy to use as an ordinary multi-track tape recorder.
Features
•8-trabk hard disk recorder \^dth familiar multi-track recorder 0^
•16-diannel programmable digital mixer witih recall (8 tracks ftom hard disk plus
8external audio inputs).
•18-bit 64-times oversampling A/Dconverters.
•20-bit 8-times oversampling D/Aconverters.
•16-bit linear PCM recording.
•17 ciianneliiunutes per 100MB ofhard disk (£s@ 48 kHz).
•Up to six SCSI hard disks can be connected.
•Instant playback start.
•Near-instant data access, no time consuining rewinds, etc.
•Autolocator with 100 locate j)oints.
•Absolute and relative time modes, with sync offeeL
•Beat/tempo map for MIDI aocksynchrcmize operation.
•Adjustable preroll.
•Varispeed playback.
•Pimch in/out includes: manual, auto (witti r^earsal), and footswitch.
•Jog/shuttie COTitrol for locating edits.
•Tske functions allow you to select from five different recordings.
•Edit functions include: copy, copy+insert, move, move+insert, erase, delete, slip,
insert, and edit undo.
•Balanced 1/4inchphonejack analog inputs and ou^uts for 8individual channels
plus two stereo diannels.
VersUxil.O 11/94