AKAI DIGITAL DD1500x-II User manual

Operator’s Manual
WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not
expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
970319 Printed in Japan
DAW
DISK DRIVE UNIT

5B-En
WARNING!!
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
1-En
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.
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.

1
Warning
Power requirements for electrical equipment vary from area to area. Please ensure that your DD1500x-II meets
the power requirements in your area. If in doubt, contact a qualified electrician or AKAI Professional dealer.
120 VAC @ 60 Hz for United States and Canada
220~230/240 VAC @ 50 Hz for Europe
240 VAC @ 50 Hz for Australia
Protecting Yourself And The DD1500x-II
• Never touch the AC plug with wet hands.
• Always disconnect the DD1500x-II 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
DD1500x-II. 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 DD1500x-II.
• 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 DD1500x-II, disconnect the power, and call your dealer.
• Make sure that the unit is well-ventilated, and away from the direct sunlight.
• To avoid damage to internal circuitry, as well as the external finish, keep the DD1500x-II away from
sources of direct heat (stoves, radiators, etc.).
• Avoid using aerosol insecticides, etc. near the DD1500x-II. They may damage the surface and may ignite.
• Do not use denatured alcohol, thinner or similar chemicals to clean the DD1500x-II. They may damage the finish.
• Modification of this equipment is dangerous, and can result in the functions of the DD1500x-II being
impaired. Never attempt to modify the equipment in any way.
• In order to assure optimum performance of your DD1500x-II, select the setup location carefully, and
make sure the equipment is used properly. Avoid setting the DD1500x-II in the following locations:
1. In a humid or dusty environment
2. In a room with poor ventilation
3. On a surface that 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
Special notes on use of the DD1500x-II
The DD1500x-II incorporates an MO disk drive. To handle the device, pay special attentions in the following points:
1. The MO disk drive is a special precision device and is very sensitive to shock or vibration. If you plan to
move the DD1500x-II by air, land, we recommend to put the unit into a shell-type case (urethane-
cushioned inside) that meets the ATA specifications
2. Set the DD1500x-II horizontally (within 10 degrees to the front or rear panel). Do not set the unit vertically
or in a slanted location.
3. In case the DD1500x-II is moved into a relatively warm room, etc., the laser pickup of the MO disk drive
may have condensation. In this case, do not use the unit immediately after it is turned on. Always wait for
more than one hour with the DD1500x-II turned on, until the condensation is removed. Then insert an MO
disk and start the session.
4. Set the DD1500x-II so as not to prevent its ventilation (by the fan unit on the rear panel). Also, if you rack-
mount the DD1500x-II with other devices, be sure to keep at least 10 cm over and under the DD1500x-II
for good air circulation.
Copyright notice
The AKAI DD1500x-II 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
that 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 documantation or any part thereof without prior
written consent from AKAI Electric Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan.

2
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 letter 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
CERTIFICATION: PRODUCT COMPLIES WITH DHHS RULES 21 CFR, CHAPTER I, SUBCHAPTER J.
19-En
CAUTION
USE OF CONTROLS OR ADJUSTMENTS OR PERFORMANCE OF PROCEDURES OTHER THAN
THOSE SPECIFIED HEREIN MAY RESULT IN HAZARDOUS RADIATION EXPOSURE.
20-En

3
CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT DANGER-INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION
WHEN OPEN AND INTERLOCK
FAILED OR DEFEATED.
AVOID DIRECT EXPOSURE TO BEAM.
This product contains a low power laser device. To ensure continued safety, do not remove any covers
or attempt to gain access to the inside of the product. Refer any servicing to qualified personnel.
CAUTION : INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION WHEN OPEN AND
INTERLOCKS DEFEATED AVOID EXPOSURE TO BEAM.
ADVARSEL : USYNLIG LASERSTRALING VED ABNING NAR
SIKKERHEDSAFBRYDERE ER UDE AF FUNKTION UNDGA
UDSÆTTELSE FOR STRALING.
VAROITUS : LAITTEEN KÄYTTÄMINEN MUULLA KUIN TÄSSÄ
KÄYTTÖOHJEESSA MAINITULLA TAVALLA SAATTAA
ALTISTAA KÄYTTÄJÄN TURVALLISUUSLUOKAN 1
YLITTÄVÄLLE NÄKYMÄTTÖMÄLLE LASERSÄTEILYLLE.
VARNING : OM APPARATEN ANVÄNDS PÅ ANNAT SÄTT ÄN I
DENNA BRUKSANVISNING SPECIFICERATS, KAN
ANVÄNDAREN UTSÄTTAS FÖR OSYNLIG
LASERSTRÅLNING, SOM ÖVERSKRIDER GRÄNSEN FÖR
LASERKLASS 1.
CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT
KLASSE 1 LASER PRODUKT
LUOKAN 1 LASER LAITE
KLASS 1 LASER APPARAT
23-En
FCC warning
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the
equipment is operated in a copmmercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction
manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment
in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required
to correct the interference at his own expence.
21A-En

4
AVIS POUR LES ACHETEURS CANADIENS DU DD1500x-II
Le présent appareil numérique n’ément pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numériques de la Class A 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 A 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 EXPRESSLY APPROVED BY THE MANUFACTURER FOR
COMPLIANCE COULD VOID THE USER’S AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THE EQUIPMENT.
32-En

5
Warranty
AKAI Electric Co., Ltd., warrants its products, when purchased from an authorized AKAI 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 Registra-
tion has been returned to your AKAI Professional dealer.
To obtain service under this warranty, the product must, on discovery of the defect, 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 instruc-
tions 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, mechani-
cal or electronic components.
3. Damage caused by failure to maintain and operate the product in strict accordance with the written in-
structions 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 electronically modified,
altered or tampered with in any way.
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.

6

7
Introduction
Thank you for buying an AKAI DD1500x-II Disk Drive Unit. The unit is designed for exclusive use with
the DD1500 Digital Audio Workstation. With a Nikon DD53 magneto optical disk drive that conforms to
130 mm Optical Disk ISO Standard installed, you can use the MO disks of 2.6G, 1.3G and 650M Bytes for
recording or playback of digital audio signal. Additionally, the MO disk drive conforms to ISO/IEC10089
standard so that you can, on the DD1500x-II, use the DD1000 MO disks.
Note: Please use the operation system of v2.1 or higher version on your DD1500 system,
otherwise its full performance may not be expected.
About This Manual
This manual describes the basic information regarding the DD1500x-II, a component of the DD1500 Digital
Audio Workstation. Please refer to the DL1500 manual for detailed instructions regarding the whole sys-
tem. Additionally, we recommend to bind this manual to the DL1500 manual, for easy access to the infor-
mation of each component.
Panel Descriptions
Front Panel
DISK DRIVE UNIT
ON
OFF
POWER
Power switch
Busy indicator
MO disk insertion slot
Rear Panel
SCSI (DRIVE 1)
SCSI -ID
DRIVE 1 DRIVE 2
SIGNAL GND
SCSI (DRIVE 2)
ON
OFF
AKAI ELECTRIC CO.,LTD.
MODEL NUMBER DD1500x-II
MADE IN JAPAN
CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT
Fan unit of the standard
drive unit (DD53)
Signal ground terminal:
Use to earth the unit and
reduce the possibility of
ground loops.
SCSI ID:
Properly set the unit's SCSI ID using this DIP switch.
(Initial settings: SCSI ID = 0)
Expansion slot for the fan
unit of the optional drive unit SCSI ports for the connection of
DD1500m and external SCSI drive units
AC power cable connector:
Connect the AC power cable included.
Expansion slot for an optional drive unit
Manual ejection hole:
If the drive cannot eject the disk
by pressing the Eject button,
manually eject the disk by put-
ting a clip or wire into this hole.
Eject button:
Press to eject the MO
disk inside.

8
Handling the Magneto Optical Disk
The optical disk employed with the DD1500x-II is a rewritable magneto optical disk that measures 130 mm
(5.25 inches) and conforms to ISO standards. Use only the Nikon D5-CD11 or equivalent type disks. The
DD1500x-II package does not include any MO disks. Please purchase them separately.
The MO disk is double-sided, however the only one side can be used at a time. To use the other side, it is
necessary to eject the disk, turn it over, and re-insert it.
Write protection is possible by two tabs. When the disk is in the insertion position (horizontal), the write-
protect tab for the side you are using is at the left of the disk. Sliding the tab reveals a small hole. When the
hole is visible, the relevant side of the disk is protected, and you cannot perform record, erase or format
operations with that side of the disk.
Note: When inserting a disk, make sure that you insert it straight in the disk drive. Do not
hold it at an angle, or leaning to one side. Additionally, do not force a disk into the
drive. Failure to follow either of these warnings could result in serious, expensive
damage to both the disk and disk drive.
Adjustment and Servicing
The DD1500x-II's disk drive is carefully adjusted for optimum performance when it is shipped from the
factory. Special tools are necessary to make such adjustments to the DD1500x-II so please do not try to
adjust it yourself. If the unit does not operate properly, or shows significant change in performance, consult
the dealer where you purchased the unit or your nearest AKAI Professional dealer.
DATA PROTECTED
PROTECTIVE
COVER
WRITE
PROTECT
TAB
UNPROTECTED
PROTECTED
DATA PROTECTED
DISK ACTIVITY
LIGHT
MANUAL
EJECT
EJECT BUTTON

9
Maintenance and Regular Checks
Regular maintenance or checks are important for proper operations of the DD1500x-II and keeping the unit
in optimum condition. Maintain the unit in the following points:
Cleaning the Magneto Optical Disk Drive
To maintain the disk drive, we suggest cleaning the drive once a month. Use the separately sold general lens
cleaning cartridge to remove dirt and dust on the lens inside the disk drive.
Cleaning the Magneto Optical Disk
If there are stains or marks on the surface of the optical disk inside the cartridge, it may result in write or read
errors. In such cases, remove any stains on the disk surface as following manners:
①Open the metal shutter by pushing the black tab of the cartridge. Fasten the shutter with tape so that it
cannot close.
②Hold the cartridge and rotate the optical disk inside by touching the edge of the disk with your finger tips,
to check for any stains or marks.
③Use the general cloth with the disk cartridge to remove stains. Wipe the disk surface carefully from the
hub to the outer edge as it goes along the radius of the disk. Do not force to remove stains.
Caution:Using any other cloth or liquid not mentioned above may scratch or change the
composition of the disk surface. It may cause data errors (worse than write or
read errors)! Also, wiping in a circular manner may scratch the disk surface and
lead to data errors.
Cleaning frequency of the disk surface depends on the situation. However, it is
recommended to clean it about every month.

10
DIP SWITCHES - SETTING SCSI ID
If you have just one DD1500x-II, you need not concern yourself with this too much as the correct SCSI ID
will have been set at the factory. The default settings for a single drive is SCSI ID#0 and the rear panel DIP
switches should look like this:
However, if you install another drive into the DD1500x-II, the DIP switches should be set as appropriate.
1
ON 2 4
OFF
DRIVE 1
124
DRIVE 2
1
ON 2 4
OFF
DRIVE 1
124
DRIVE 2
ID Numbers DIP Switches
124
0 OFF OFF OFF
1 ON OFF OFF
2 OFF ON OFF
3 ON ON OFF
4 OFF OFF ON
5 ON OFF ON
6 OFF ON ON
7ONONON
SCSI ID#0 is still selected for the first drive. SCSI ID#1 has been set for the second (you may, of course, set
any SCSI ID you like as long as it does not contend with any others on the buss).
Note: In the DD1500 system, the DD1500m is set to SCSI ID #7. Select the ID numbers
other than ID #7.
If you are using other drives in the system, then termination for the second disk in the DD1500x-II should be
switched off (remove the terminator of accessory from connector) and the other drives terminated or
otherwise as appropriate.
If you are in any doubt about SCSI IDs and termination, please consult your dealer. Similarly, if you are in
any doubt about setting up a system with more than one drive, please consult your dealer who will be able to
advise you.

11
DD1500x-II Specifications
Power requirements : 100 - 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz, 40 W
/consumption
Dimensions : 483 x 88.1 x 408.8 (W x H x D, mm), EIA 2U
Weight : 7.9 kg
483
88.1
DISK DRIVE UNIT
ON
OFF
POWER
408.8
5.5
Operating temperature : 5~40 °C (40~105 °F)
Operating humidity : 30~80 % (no condensation)
MO disk drive : Nikon DD53 x 1
Storage medium : 5.25 inch (130 mm) double-sided double-density magneto optical disk
SCSI ports : 50-pin Amphenol x 2 (for external SCSI drive units)
Accessories : AC power cable, 50-pin SCSI cable (1 m), Terminator, Disk Eject Pin,
Operator's Manual
* Above specifications are subject to change without notice.
DD53 Specifications
Performance
Media 130 mm (5.25 inches) rewritable magneto optical disk ISO / IEC10089
ISO / IEC13549
ISO / IEC14517
Number of revolutrions 3600 rpm
Record Rate Max 4MB/Sec. Use 4xLIMDOW media
Play Rate Max 4MB/Sec. Use 4xLIMDOW media
Seek time average 24mSec. except SCSI overhead of
5mSec.
Loading time average 7.5 Sec. Use 4xLIMDOW media
Eject time average 3.3 Sec.
Interface SCSI-2
※LIMDOW: Light Intensity Modulation - Direct OverWrite

12
DD53 Rear Panel
Jumper Block
SCSI Connector
DC PowerConnector
50-pin SCSI connector 50-pin terminal for SCSI connection
DC Power connector Connector for supplying power
Jumper block
220
119
Connector Pin Signal Name
1 *Library Interface Eject
2 LED pipe
3 *PWRDN REQ
4 Drive present (Grounded)
5 SCSI TERMPWR
6 SCSI TERMPWR SRC
7 *PWRDN ACK
8 *Error Line
9 Standalone/Autochanger
10 *Cartridge in drive
11 *Hard Reset
12 *Cartridge loaded
13 *SCSI parity enable
14 Ground
15 *SCSI Address ID2
16 Ground
17 *SCSI Address ID1
18 Ground
19 *SCSI Address ID0
20 Ground
* = Asserted low
ID Switch
15 17 19
0 OFF OFF OFF
1 OFF OFF ON
2 OFF ON OFF
3 OFF ON ON
4 ON OFF OFF
5 ON OFF ON
6 ON ON OFF
7 ONONON
SCSI ID