Akai S1000 Series User manual

AKAI S1000 Series Software Version 2.0 Manual
for S1000, S1000HD, S1000PB

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Introduction
1 Introduction
We at AKAI, and in particular the S1000 series development team, would like to thank you for
buying a model of the Akai S1000 series, and hope that you will remain an AKAI player and user
for a long time. As each unit is thoroughly tested and inspected before it leaves our factory, we are
confident that you will enjoy years of service from this instrument.
Though we have taken great care in the manufacture of your AKAI sampler, any product
which uses this level of technology may require servicing occasionally. The warranty below
outlines your rights and responsibilities, and also mentions certain limitations and exclusions.
Please read this warranty section carefully.
About this Manual
This manual covers operations under software Version 2.0 for the whole of the S1000 range
(S1000, S1000HD and S1000PB). In this manual usually all models in the S1000 series will
be referred to as "S1000". However, there are some functions and descriptions which apply
only to particular models in the series. These parts of the manual are marked as being for
these models, and you should take note accordingly.
This manual has been arranged in an order which we hope will be useful in your initial
experiments with the S1000, and then for future use afterwards, as you learn more functions.
Since the bottom row of buttons under the display (SELECT PROG, EDIT SAMPLE, etc)
correspond to logical operations within the S1000's software, the manual has been arranged
for the most part in sections matching these buttons.
There are two major exceptions to this rule: this first section, "Introduction", which is both
an introduction to the features and terminology of the S1000, and a guide to the operation of
SELECT PROG -- in other words, how to get your S1000 playing pre-recorded sample
programs. Please take the trouble to read this section, as it explains basic terminology,
operational concepts and shortcuts which you may not discover for yourself.
The second section, "Sampler Functions", covers the sampling and sample editing processes
(EDIT SAMPLE), as well as the program editing functions (EDIT PROG). This chapter has
been written from the "bottom up", ie from the process of recording a sample, through
editing a sample, to putting together a program.
At the end of this manual there is an index. If you can't find what you want in the Table of
Contents, try the index. Most major entries are cross-referenced in a number of ways, for
instance, "Velocity crossfading" may also be looked up under "Crossfading, Velocity".
Finally, this manual assumes that you have a basic knowledge of MIDI and synthesizer
terminology (eg you know what is meant by an "ADSR envelope" or a "Program Change
message"). If you don't, there are many excellent books on the market which will guide you
into the world of MIDI instruments and synthesizers. Get hold of one of these and read it
before going much further with your S1000 - things will make a lot more sense after you've
done this.
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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 purchaser only, and only on completion and return of the AKAI
Warranty Registration Card within 14 days of purchase.
War: nary coverage is valid for factory-authorized updates to AKAI instruments and their software, when
their installation is performed by an authorized AKAI Service Center, and a properly completed Warranty
Registration has been returned to the factory.
To obtain service under this warranty, the product must, on discovery of the defect, be properly packed and
skipped to the nearest AKAI Service Center. The party requesting warranty service moat provide proof of original
ownership sad 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(a). Without a valid warranty, the entire coat 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 coat 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 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 a result of acts
beyond the control of AICAI, including, but not limited to:
1 Damage 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.
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 sad operate the product is strict accordance with the written instructions
for proper maintenance sad use as specified in this Operator's Manual.
4 Damage caused by repairs or attempted repairs by unauthorized persona.
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 is any way.
AKAI shall not be liable for coats involved is packing or preparing the product for shipping, with regard to time,
labor or materials, shipping or freight coats, or time sad expenses involved in transporting the product to and from
an AKAI Authorized Service Center or Authorized Dealer.
AKAI will not cover under warranty an apparent malfunction that is determined to be user error, or the 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.
ARAI 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 lose of use of the product
5 Commercial lose
6 Breach of any express or implied warranty, including the Implied Warranty of Merchantability, applicable to
this product
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Copyright notice
The AKAI S1000 is a computer-based instrument, and as such contains and uses software in
ROMs and disks. 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 copy the operating software and any samples, programs, etc contained
on disks for your own personal use. All other copies of the software are in violation of
copyright laws. You may not distribute copies of the software to others, or transfer the
software to another computer by electronic means. 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 thereof without prior written consent from AKAI Electric
Co. Ltd
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WARNING
Power requirements for electrical equipment vary from area to area. Please ensure
that your S1000 meets the power requirements in your area. If in doubt, consult a
qualified electrician.
120V @ 60Hz for USA and Canada
220V @ 50Hz for Europe (excluding UK)
240V @ 50Hz for UK and Australia
Protecting yourself and the S1000
• Never touch the plug with wet hands.
• Always disconnect the S1000 from the power supply by pulling on the plug, not the cord.
• Allow only a qualified professional engineer to repair or reassemble the S1000. Apart
from voiding the warranty, unauthorized engineers might touch live internal parts and
receive a serious electric shock.
• Do not put, or allow anyone to put any object, especially metal objects, into the S1000.
• 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 S1000, 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 S1000 away
from sources of direct heat (stoves, radiators, etc).
• Avoid using aerosol insecticides, etc near the S1000. They may damage the surface, and
may ignite.
• Do not use denaturated alcohol, thinner or similar chemicals to clean the S1000. They will
damage the finish.
• Make sure that the S1000 is always well-supported when in use (either in a
specially-designed equipment rack, or a firm level surface).
• When installing the S1000 in a 19" rack system, always allow lU 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.
UK customers
Important safety notice - The flex supplied with this machine has three wires, as shown
in the illustration.
WARNING: THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE
EARTHED
IMPORTANT
The wires in this mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following code:
Green-and-yellow - earth
Blue - neutral
Brown - live
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As the colours of the wires in the flex may
not correspond to the colour markings in
your plug, make sure that wires are
connect in the following way. The
green-and yellow wire should be
connected to the terminal marked "E" or
marked with the safety earth symbol ( );
the blue wire is connected to the terminal
marked "N", or coloured black. The
brown wire should be connected to the
terminal marked "L", or coloured red.
Make sure all terminal screws are
tightened and there are no loose strands of
wire.
FCC warning
This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy, and if not installed and
used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, may
cause interference to radio and television reception. It has been type tested and found
to comply with the limits for a Class B computing device in accordance with the
specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 FCC Rules, which are designed to provide
reasonable protection against such interference in a residential installation. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause 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:
- reorientate the receiving antenna
- relocate the equipment with respect to the receiver
-- move the equipment away from the receiver
- plug the equipment into a different outlet, so that the equipment and
receiver are on different branch circuits
If necessary, the user should consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television
technician for additional suggestions.
The user may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal Communications
Commission helpful:
"How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems"
This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC
20402, Stock No. 004-000-0034504.
Avis pour les acheteurs canadiens du S1000/ HD / PB
Le pr6sent appareil num6rique n'emet pas des bruits radioelectriques depassant les
limites applicables aux appareils numeriques de la Class B prescrites dans le
Reglement sur le brouillage radioelectrique edicte par le ministere des
Communications du Canada
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FUR KUNDEN IN DER BUNDESREPUBLIK DEUTSCHLAND
Bescheinigung von AKAI
Hiermit wird bescheinigt, daB das Gerdt AKAI
S1000 / HD / PB in
tYbereinstimmung mit den Bestimmungen der
Amtsblattverftigung 1046/1984
funkentstbrt ist.
Der Deutschen Bundespost wurde das Inverkehrbringen theses GerAtes ange
zeigt and die Berichtignng zur Oberprdfung der Serie auf Einhaltung der
Bestimmungen eingerliumt.
AKAI ELECTRIC CO., LTD
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Features
The AKAI S1000 is a high-quality digital sampler. With a sampling rate of 44.1kHz, and
16-bit resolution, the S1000 is capable of recording and replaying samples literally of CD
quality, and the basic unexpended unit has a total sample time of over 23 seconds (mono).
Memory may be added in 2Mbyte boards to a total of 8Mbytes to give over 90 seconds of
total sample time.
There are three models in the AKAI S1000 series: the basic S1000, with a diskette drive, the
51000HD, with an integral 40Mb hard disk, and the S1000PB, which has a diskette drive,
but none of the sample recording or editing facilities of the other models. The S1000PB is
especially useful for setups where more than 16-note polyphony is required (using a S1000
and S1000PB), or as a playback-only sampler for live work. A 51000 may be used for
recording and editing of samples, and they may then be transferred to a S1000PB using
diskette or MIDI Sample Dump, and replayed. Diskette and MIDI data is, naturally,
completely compatible between all models in the range, as well as with the S1000KB
sampling keyboard.
16-note polyphony allows complex passages to be played with the full sample time. The
samples may be edited with full trimming facilities (down to 1 sampling period), looped at
up to 8 loop points per sample (with tuning of the loop), spliced to other samples, filtered
and sent through two independent ADSR envelope generators. Full velocity, positional and
looping crossfading is possible. Basic synthesizer waveforms (sine, triangle, etc) are
available on disk for synthesizer/sampler sounds.
The S1000 is also capable of editing samples digitally - "stretching" or "squeezing" samples
without changing the pitch in order to fit them into a specific time slot. Resampling can be
done at any frequency (higher or lower than the original).
The stereo facility is ideal for sampling portions of prerecorded program material (making it
an ideal tool for "house", "hip-hop" etc productions), as well as for sampling ambient
acoustic sounds.
Naturally, a full MIDI implementation is built in - multi-timbral capabilities making the
S1000 perfect for use with a sequencer such as the AKAI MPC-60 or ASQ-10.
Special functions for remote operation of the AKAI ME-35T Audio/MIDI trigger unit (1 or
2 can be controlled), together with a single-trigger monophonic mode make the S1000 into a
real-time percussion tone generator.
In the studio, eight separate outputs allow maximum flexibility in mixing and adding effects.
However, stereo operation is possible from just two outputs, and a built-in stereo effects
send/return loop can save channels and space in live work.
The S1000 is capable of processing up to 200 samples, 100 programs, or a combination of
up to 400 samples + programs + keygroups. The internal 3.5" floppy disk drive provides a
quick easy method of storing and retrieving data (samples, programs and other settings).
Hard disks may be used by the S1000 when using the optional IB-103 interface board
(AKAI provide a 40Mbyte capacity drive which may be mounted internally), but any
SCSI-compatible drive may be used up to a capacity of 512Mbytes. The hard disk may be
divided into partitions and volumes, and individual volumes may be auto-
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matically loaded in response to MIDI Program Change commands. The SCSI interface may
also be used for fast transmission of sample data to SCSI-equipped computers for editing, etc.
The optional IB-104 digital interface board provides coaxial and optical digital links, for
direct digital sampling at rates of up to 48kHz, and hard disk archive/restore to DAT for
quick and easy storage of data.
The industry-standard sampler prior to the introduction of the S1000 was the ALAI S900, and
hundreds of sample disks were produced for this machine. You'll be pleased to know that the
S1000 is capable of reading these samples and the associated programs from disk, converting
them, and replaying them.
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Glossary
Every new technology invents its own terms to describe new techniques. Digital music is no
exception, unfortunately. However, a glossary such as this can help introduce you to the
vocabulary and concepts involved. We assume you have a basic knowledge of MIDI, but if
the S1000 is your first excursion into MIDI and sampling, we suggest you get hold of an
introductory MIDI book, and read it before proceeding much further with your S1000.
NOTE: This manual covers all models of the S1000 series - including the S1000PB
(playback model). On the PB model, the CURSOR and DATA rotary knobs are replaced
by two pairs of buttons (<= and => ), which correspond to turning the knobs by
counterclockwise and clockwise respectively. One press of these buttons corresponds to
turning the knobs by one click.
For the sake of simplicity, this manual will always refer to turning the CURSOR or DATA
knobs. If you are using a S1000PB, you should interpret this as pressing the appropriate
button (CURSOR or DATA). Where other S1000PB-specific information is given, this
will be clearly indicated.
Button
In this manual, the word "button" will generally be used to refer to a push-button switch
on the front panel. This is to distinguish them from the keys on a musical piano-type
keyboard. There are two major exceptions to this convention: the use of the terms
"number keypad", and "soft key", which come from computing, and are so
well-engrained in technical language that using the terms "number button pad" and "soft
button" would be pointless.
Crossfading
On the S1000, crossfading is the term used to describe the setting of the relative volume of
two samples which are played at the same time. For instance velocity crossfading is used to
describe the relative balance between two samples played by the same key, when the key
is played at different velocities. Positional crossfading refers to relative balance between
samples in different keyspans (see Multisampling. Additionally, the S1000 allows loop
crossfading - the ability to fade samples inside themselves to allow for smooth looping.
Cursor
On the S1000, the cursor is the highlighted (reverse) part of the display which is moved by
the CURSOR knob (S1000PB - CURSOR buttons), and indicates the parameter which
may be changed by the DATA knob (S1000PB - DATA buttons) and/or the number
keypad.
Field
On the S1000, a field is the portion of a page containing a parameter. Only fields (ie those
portions of a page which may be altered) will be highlighted by the cursor as the
CURSOR knob is turned to go through a page.
Key
In this manual, the word "key" will be generally used to refer to a key on a piano-type
keyboard to distinguish these from buttons on the front panel.
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Keygroup
The term for a collection of a number of parameters of up to four samples - their name,
keyspan, filtering, envelopes, etc.
Keyspan
On the S1000, a keyspan is the range of the keyboard on which a sample can be played.
LFO
Low Frequency Oscillator - an oscillator which operates at too low a frequency to produce
an audible tone, but is used to modulate such parameters as pitch, pan position, etc. The
S1000 has a number of LFOs implemented in software.
Looping
In sampling, looping refers to the process of taking a portion of a sample and repeating it.
The 51000 allows eight such loops to be present in a sample, allowing incredibly subtle
variations on the basic sampled sound.
Multisampling
When sampling a sound, replaying it at a radically higher or lower pitch will produce
strange and unnatural effects. To overcome this problem, samples should be taken from
across the pitch range of an instrument and assigned to different keyspans across the
keyboard. This is known as multisampling.
Operating system or Operating software
Without a computer program to send signals through the maze of chips and circuitry
which make up the hardware of the S1000, the machine would be useless. The program
which contains the instructions to respond to MIDI messages, buttons and controllers, and
display messages, etc on screen (as well as to record and play back sounds) is known as
the operating system. This is automatically loaded when the S1000 is powered up, either
from chips inside the S 1000, or, if a disk containing a later version of the operating
system has been placed in the drive, from disk.
Page
On the S1000, a page is the set of information and parameters shown at any one time on
the display screen. Pages can be entered by pressing the named buttons (SELECT PROG ,
MIDI, etc), or the soft keys whose legends are displayed at the bottom of a page.
Parameter
A value which can be changed (for instance length, tuning, upper limit of a keyspan) as
displayed on the screen of the S1000.
Positional crossfading
See Crossfading.
Program
The term for a collection of keygroups which will all be selected together when the
program is selected. Different programs can be assigned to different MIDI channels, so
that when a sequencer is connected to the S1000, multi-timbral output is possible.
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Sample
Usually in the manual, the word sample will refer to a sound which has been recorded,
digitized and edited, and can then be added to a keygroup (you might like to think of it as a
"waveform" in analog synthesizer terms). However, when editing one of these sounds,
the length and position inside this sample is also measured in samples. This latter meaning
refers to the digitized "snapshot" image of the sound for one cycle of the sampling
process. A sample recorded at 44.1kHz and lasting for exactly one second therefore
contains 44,100 samples! It will usually be clear in this manual, however, what meaning
of the word sample is meant at any one time. To sample, by the way, means "to record a
sound on a sampler and make a sample of it".
Soft key
On the S1000, a button with no predefined function. The current state of the S1000
determines the function, which is displayed on the bottom line of the page.
Splicing
The process of joining samples to each other (analogous to tape splicing). However,
this is much easier electronically than when using razor blades and splicing tape,
and many more effects are possible. To take an extreme example, the sound of a
string section could be spliced to the sound of a bottle breaking, and the resulting
sample then spliced to the reversed sound of the string attack.
Velocity crossfading
See Crossfading and Velocity zones.
Velocity zones
On the S1000, a sample can be programmed to play only when a key is pressed between
certain velocities. The range of these is known as a velocity zone. Up to four samples
may be assigned in each keygroup, and if desired, each can be assigned to a different
velocity zone. In this way, a finger-style electric bass sample could be assigned to lower
velocity zones, and a slap or pull bass to higher ones, with a velocity crossfade added so
that there is an intermediate range. The result, when played, will provide a highly
expressive bass instrument.
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Volume
As well as being the output level from the S1000, volume has another meaning a
collection of programs, samples and drum settings which can be stored together on a
diskette, on a hard disk or in memory. One volume can be stored in memory or on each
diskette
,
and u
p
to 128 volumes can be stored on a hard disk.
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Front panel controls
This section describes the function of the controls on the front panel, and the general
principles of operating the S1000. Reading this section now, and understanding the
principles of the software user interface of the S1000 will probably save you a lot of time
later on when you come to use the machine in earnest.
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