Akai S6000 User manual

WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not
exposethisappliancetorainormoisture.
Operator’s Manual
s5000 / s6000
STEREO DIGITAL SAMPLER
Software version V1.21

09/22/2000 Rev.4
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol , within an equilateral triangle, is
intendedtoalerttheusertothepresenceofuninsulated“dangerousvoltage”
within the product’s enclosure; that may be of sufficient magnitude to
constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
Theexclamationpointwithinanequilateraltriangleisintentedtoalerttheuser
to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instruc-
tions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
THE SYMBOLS ARE RULED BY UL STANDARDS (U.S.A.)
5B-En
WARNING!!
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
1-En
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.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
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. 24A-En
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.

Version 1.21 i
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.
• Allowonly anAKAIprofessional dealeror qualifiedprofessional engineerto repairor 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 specially-
designed 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.
• Inorderto assureoptimum performanceofyour S5000/S6000,select thesetup locationcarefully,
andmake surethe equipmentisused properly.Avoidsettingupthe S5000/S6000in thefollowing
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

ii Version 1.21
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 anAC 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 5Amps.
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 TOAVOID 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
Asthe coloursof the wiresin themains lead ofthis apparatusmay not correspondwith thecoloured
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

Version 1.21 iii
s5000 / s6000 WARNING
FCC WARNING
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device
pursuantto Part15 ofthe FCCrules.These limitsare designedto providereasonable 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
causeharmful interference to radioor television reception, whichcan be determined byturning
the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
21B-En
AVIS POUR LES ACHETEURS CANADIENS DU 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
CHANGESOR MODIFICATIONS NOTEXPRESSLYAPPROVED BYTHE MANUFACTURER
FOR COMPLIANCE COULD VOID THE USER’S AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THE
EQUIPMENT. 32-En
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
TheAKAI 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 forprofit orcreate derivative worksbased on thesoftware
and its related documentation or any part there of without prior written consent from AKAI
professional M.I. Corp., Yokohama, Japan.

iv Version 1.21
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 Registration Card within 14 days of purchase.
Warranty coverage is valid for factory-authorized updates toAKAI professional instruments and theirsoftware,
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 nearestAKAI 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
electronically modified, altered or tampered with in any way.
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) Breachofanyexpress or implied warranty, including the Implied WarrantyofMerchant-ability, applicable
to this product

Version 1.21 v
s5000 / s6000 WARNING
CONTENTS
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 MULTI ............................................................................................................ 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

vi Version 1.21
WARNING s5000 / s6000
SELECTING MULTIS REMOTELY VIA MIDI ....................................................................... 58
PART 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 MULTI MODE MULTI-TIMBRALLY............................................................... 77
PLAYING LIVE OVER ASEQUENCED BACKING TRACK ..................................... 78
USING THE S6000 AS TWO SAMPLERS ............................................................... 78
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

Version 1.21 vii
s5000 / s6000 WARNING
SAMPLE TOOLS ............................................................................................................... 171
GET INFO............................................................................................................... 171
QUICKLOAD........................................................................................................... 172
QUICKSAVE ........................................................................................................... 172
W/FORM................................................................................................................. 173
SAMPLE LIST......................................................................................................... 175
STEREO AND MONO SAMPLES...................................................................................... 177
RECORD ....................................................................................................................... 178
RECORD............................................................................................................................178
SETTING RECORD LEVELS ............................................................................................ 180
NAMING RECORDINGS ................................................................................................... 180
MAKING A RECORDING ................................................................................................... 181
OVERWRITINGAN 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 TEMPLATES .................................................................................................... 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

viii Version 1.21
WARNING s5000 / s6000
TEST TONE ....................................................................................................................... 235
SAVE O/S TO FLASHROM................................................................................................ 236
SAVE O/S TO FLOPPY DISK ............................................................................................ 238
LOADING OPERATING SYSTEMS ................................................................................... 239
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
APPENDICES
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

Version 1.21 1
s5000 / s6000 INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
WELCOME
Congratulations on purchasing your new Akai sampler. The S5000 and S6000 represent the next
generation ofAkai’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 1and 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.

2Version 1.21
INTRODUCTION s5000 / s6000
• 26 powerful resonant filter types.
• 2 x Low Frequency Oscillators (LFOs) each offering 9 control waveforms.
• 2 x hardwareADSR 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 differentdestinations -you can even route controllers tocontrollers!
• 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 samplers2
And much, much more....
2 Due to the radical new developments in the S5000 and S6000, some old sound library
may need ‘tweaking’.

Version 1.21 3
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
areused throughoutmaking the user experience morelike thatof 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
thingyou will probably do is load some sounds.The next thing youwill probably do iscreate 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 options3already 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

4Version 1.21
INTRODUCTION s5000 / s6000
S6000 FRONT PANEL
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.. Pleaseconsult your dealerorAKAIprofessional 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 Thissetsthelevel ofthemain L/Routputs (outputs1/2) on theheadphone
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.

Version 1.21 5
s5000 / s6000 INTRODUCTION
REMOVABLE PANEL (S6000 ONLY)
ASCII KEYBOARD Thiswill accept aPS2 QWERTYkeyboard which canbe usedfor naming.
Underneath the LCD are the sampler’s operating modes.
MULTI 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.

6Version 1.21
INTRODUCTION s5000 / s6000
F1-F16 Function keys down either side of the LCD give direct access to
parameters.Their actualfunction varies accordingto the selected
page.
DATA WHEEL This is used to enter data.
CURSOR </> KEYS Theseare used tomove the cursor leftor right inparameter fields.
This is particularly useful when editing parameters with long
numeric values such as samples.
These keys are also used in conjunction with the DATA 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.
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
oftenforquick, convenientaccess. Forexample,if youfind yourself
always going to the FILTER, AMPLITUDE ENVELOPE and
REVERB 1 pages, these may be assigned to each of the USER
KEYS.
DISPLAY 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.

Version 1.21 7
s5000 / s6000 INTRODUCTION
REMOVING THE PANEL (S6000 ONLY)
To removethe S6000 front panel,turn the two chrome ‘thumb screws’found top left andright 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 yourAKAI professional dealer.

8Version 1.21
INTRODUCTION s5000 / s6000
S6000 REAR PANEL
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
13-16as individual outputs. This is ahardwarerestriction that cannot be overcome insoftware.
DIGITAL I/O This offers two balanced jacks forAES/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
outputs3-8 (or3-16 ifthe optional outputexpander isinstalled forS5000)
do not appear at the digital outputs.

Version 1.21 9
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 Thisshould beswitched ONwhen theS6000 is thelast devicein aSCSI
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. TheADAT I/O also allows you to record from a digital source
equipped with an ADAT output.
MIDI IN/OUT/THRU Two completely separate MIDI bussesAand B are provided offering 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.

10 Version 1.21
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.