Akai Z4 User manual

/
SAMPLER
User Guide
To prevent fire or shock hazard,
do not expose this appliance to
rain or moisture.
WARNING
User Guide
To prevent fire or shock hazard,
do not expose this appliance to
rain or moisture.
WARNING
取扱説明書
ご使用になる前に、必ずこの
使用説明書をよくお読み下さい。

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.
02/15/2002

Z4/Z8 User Guide—Version 1.0
WARNING ii
WARNING: WHEN USING ELECTRIC PRODUCTS, BASIC PRECAUTIONS SHOULD ALWAYS
BE FOLLOWED, INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING:
WARNING
The Z4/Z8 is designed to be used in a standard household environment.
Power requirements for electrical equipment vary from area to area. Please ensure that your Z4/Z8
meets the power requirements in your area. If in doubt, consult a qualified electrician orAKAI profes-
sional dealer.
120 VAC @ 60 Hz for USA and Canada
220~240 VAC @ 50 Hz for Europe
240 VAC @ 50 Hz forAustralia
PROTECTING YOURSELF AND THE Z4/Z8
• Never touch the AC plug with wet hands.
• Always disconnect the Z4/Z8 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 reas-
semble the Z4/Z8. Apart from voiding the warranty, unauthorized engineers might touch live
internal parts and receive a serious electrical shock. There are no user serviceable parts in-
side.
• Do not put, or allow anyone to put any object, especially metal objects, into the Z4/Z8.
• 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 Z4/Z8, 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 Z4/Z8 away from
sources of direct heat (stoves, radiators, etc.).
• Avoid using aerosol insecticides, etc. near the Z4/Z8.They may damage the surface, and may
ignite.
• Do not use denatured alcohol, thinner or similar chemicals to clean the Z4/Z8. They will dam-
age the finish.
• Modification of this equipment is dangerous, and can result in the functions of the Z4/Z8 being
impaired. Never attempt to modify the equipment in any way.
• Make sure that the Z4/Z8 is always well-supported when in use (either in a specially-designed
equipment rack, or on a firm level surface).
• When installing the Z4/Z8 in a 19” rack system, always allow 1U of ventilated free space above
it to allow for cooling. Make sure that the back of the rack is unobstructed to allow a clear
airflow.
• In order to assure optimum performance of your Z4/Z8, select the setup location carefully, and
make sure the equipment is used properly.Avoid setting up the Z4/Z8 in the following locations:
1. In a humid or dusty environment
2. In a room with poor ventilation
3. On a surface which is not horizontal
4. Inside a vehicle such as a car, where it will be subject to vibration
5. In an extremely hot or cold environment

iii WARNING
Z4/Z8 User Guide—Version 1.0
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 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 TO AVOID A POSSIBLE
SHOCK HAZARD SHOULD IT BE INSERTED INTOA 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 colours ofthe wires in themains lead of thisapparatus may notcorrespondwith 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
For U.K. customers only

Z4/Z8 User Guide—Version 1.0
WARNING iv
FCC WARNING
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device
pursuantto Part15 of theFCC rules.Theselimits aredesigned to 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 radio or televisionreception,which can be determined by turning
the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
21B-En
AVIS POUR LES ACHETEURS CANADIENS DU Z4/Z8
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 édictépar 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 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 MODIFICATIONSNOTEXPRESSLYAPPROVEDBYTHEMANUFACTURER
FOR COMPLIANCE COULD VOID THE USER’S AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THE
EQUIPMENT. 32-En
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
TheAKAI professional Z4/Z8 is a computer-based device, and as such contains and uses soft-
ware in ROMs. This software, and all related documentation, including this Operator’s Manual,
contain proprietary information which is protected by copyright laws.All rights are reserved. No
part of the software or its documentation may be copied, transferred or modified. You may not
modify, adapt, translate, lease, distribute, resell for profit or create derivative works based on the
software and its related documentation or any part thereof without prior written consent from
AKAI professional M.I. Corp., Yokohama, Japan.

v
Contents
Z4/Z8 User Guide—Version 1.0
Contents
1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Architecture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2 Front & Rear Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Front Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3 Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Hookup Example. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Connecting USB Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Connecting SCSI Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Detaching the Removable Panel (Z8 only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Connecting the Power Cord. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Switching On & Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Navigating the User Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Using the PLAY Button. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Using the Clipboard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Entering Names. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4 Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Sound Library CD-ROM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
5 Recording Samples. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Sampling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Adding New Samples to Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Auto Sampling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Sampling with Q-FX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
6 Editing Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
About Sample Editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Selecting Samples for Editing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Tagging Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Selecting a Monitoring Item . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Trimming Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Viewing the Waveform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Zooming Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Special Sample Playback for Auditioning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Setting the Start Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Setting the End Point. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Sample Edit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Resampling with Q-FX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Setting Loops. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Setting and Fine-tuning the Loop Start & End Points. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Auto Loop Find Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Contents
vi
Z4/Z8 User Guide—Version 1.0
Crossfading Loops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Setting Regions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Adjusting Region Start & End Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Slicing Regions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
BPM Tempo Matching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Renaming Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Copying Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Deleting Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Adding Samples to Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
7 Using Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
About Program Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Selecting Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Configuring Programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Creating Keygroup Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Configuring Keygroup Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Creating Drum Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Configuring Drum Programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Configuring Program Modulation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Renaming, Deleting, Copying, Merging, Purging & Converting Programs . 60
Configuring Program MIDI Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Configuring Pitch Bend. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Configuring the LFOs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Configuring the Filters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Configuring the Amp, Filter & Aux Envelopes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
8 Using Multis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
About Multi Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Selecting Multis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Creating Multis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Assigning Programs to Parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Filtering MIDI Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Applying FX to Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Copying Multis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Deleting Multis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Playing Songs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
9 Using Q-Link . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
About Q-Link . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Configuring Q-Link. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
10 Using FX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
About the FX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Configuring FX Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Configuring FX Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Selecting FX Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Linking FX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Setting the FX Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Editing FX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
FX Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

vii
Contents
Z4/Z8 User Guide—Version 1.0
11 Saving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Saving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
12 Disk & File Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Deleting Files & Folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Formatting Disks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
13 General Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Setting the Master Level, Tuning, SCSI ID & MIDI OUT/THRU . . . . . . . . 89
Setting the Display Contrast, Note Display, Date & Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Setting the System Clock & Digital Out Sync . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Monitoring MIDI Activity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Initializing the Z8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Erasing Entire Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Testing Memory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Defragmenting the Memory Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Introduction
1
Z4/Z8 User Guide—Version 1.0
1 Introduction
Thank you for choosing an AKAI Professional sampler.
This User Guide uses the model name “Z8” to cover both theAKAI Professional Z8 and
Z4. Unless otherwise stated, information applies to both models.
Features
• Removable front panel allows remote operation (Z8 only)
• WAV support provides compatibility with numerous sound libraries
• Assignable Q-Link controls for real-time Program and FX control
• Versatile sample editing includes Loop, Time Stretch, Pitch Shift, Normalize, Join, Fade,
Delete Section, Reverse, and Tempo Match, etc.
• 64-voice polyphonic, 128-part multitimbral (32-voice polyphonic with the system clock
set to 96kHz)
• Drum-type Programs specifically for use with drum and phrase Samples
• Playback SMF (Standard MIDI File) songs in Multi mode
• 192 two-pole resonant filters, up to three simultaneous filters per voice, 35 filter types by
combination of three filters
• Two independent LFOs
• 4 multi-effects processors (Z4 requires EB4JS option)
• Sample and resample with FX (QuickFX)
• Supports 16/24-bit, 44.1/48/96 kHz sampling (32-voice polyphonic with the system
clock set to 96kHz)
• 24-bit/96 kHz ADC/DAC, with Enhanced Dual Bit 64-times oversampling ADC and
Advanced Multi-bit 128-times oversampling DAC
• Balanced analog I/O
• S/PDIF format digital I/O (Z4 requires IB-4D option)
• Built-in sample rate converters enable you to input and output digital signals easily with-
out considering the difference in sampling rates between the devices. (Q-Link Digital
Connection)
• Wordclock input for synchronizing the digital output signals to external devices
• Memory expandable up to 512 MB
• 32-channel multi-port MIDI interface (MIDI IN x2, OUT/THRU x2)
• SCSI port for connecting hard disks and removable media drives
• USB slave port for connecting a Mac/PC running theAKAI Professional ak.Sys software
• USB master port for connecting USB floppy disk drives, hard disks, removable media
drives, or a USB keyboard for quick name entry
• Internal 3.5-inch drive bay forATA hard disk or removable media drive
• Supports DOS FAT16/FAT32 disk formats for PC compatibility
• Hierarchical filing system uses folders to organize files
• Flash ROM programmable operating system
• Optional 2-in/8-out ADAT board (IB-4ADT)
• Optional 8 individual analog output board (IB-48P)
Note: AnoptionalADATcard(IB-4ADT)andanIndividualAnalogOutputcard(IB-4P)
cannot be installed at the same time.

2
Chapter 1—Introduction
Z4/Z8 User Guide—Version 1.0
Architecture
This chapter explains how sounds are constructed in the Z8 and the hierarchic relation-
ship between Samples, Programs, and Multis, in which Samples, the sound building
blocks, are assigned to Programs, and Programs are assigned to Multis. It also introduces
many of the terms used throughout this
User Guide.
Samples
Samples are the sound building blocks used to create Programs and Multis. Samples can
be recorded in Record mode, or loaded from disk. See “Recording Samples” on page 22
for more information on recording samples. Also, see “Loading” on page 18 for more
information on loading samples from disk.
Samples can be edited in Sample mode. See “Editing Samples” on page 29 for more
information.
Programs
A Program is, by analogy, a musical instrument, and consists of one or multiple samples
that have been processed via filter, envelope, LFO, and other parameters. It could be a
piano sound made of few samples that cover different ranges from high to low. Or, it
could be a drum kit containing a snare, bass drum, and cymbal samples. There are two
types of Programs: Keygroup and Drum.You can use these types to create different
sounds.
Keygroup Programs consist of one or multiple Keygroups, which is somewhat like con-
tainers of Samples. In Keygroups, a Sample can be assigned to a group of adjacent notes,
called a Keyspan.You can also specify the range of a Keyspan. Keygroup Programs are
often used for sounds that are played in scales on a keyboard, such as a piano.You can
assign up to four Samples to a Keygroup, and play multiple Samples simultaneously, or
play different Samples by changing the velocity (how hard you play the keys) (Zone
function).
Each Keygroup features various editing parameters, such as a filter and an envelope,
which enable you to make detailed adjustments to the sounds.
The following example illustrates the most basic Program configuration, with one Sam-
ple assigned to one Keygroup and a Keyspan that covers the entire keyboard.
The following Program consists of four Keygroups, each with its own Keyspan, and one
Sample assigned to each Keygroup.
Note: The Z8 Samplers contain no user serviceable parts. Please consult your AKAI
Professional dealer regarding the installation of options and upgrades.
Keygroup 1/Zone 1:Samp 1
KG1/ZN1: Samp1 KG2/ZN1: Samp2 KG3/ZN1: Samp3 KG4/ZN1: Samp4

Architecture
3
Z4/Z8 User Guide—Version 1.0
The following Program consists of two Keygroups with overlapping Keyspans. Cross-
fade can be applied to the overlapping parts.
The following Program consists of three Keygroups: one that spans the entire keyboard,
and two with overlapping Keyspans and a crossfade.
The following Program consists of two Keygroups. One Sample is assigned to each of
four Zones within each Keygroup. via the Zone function.
The following Program consists of three Keygroups: one that spans the entire keyboard
with three Samples assigned, and two overlapping Keygroups with four Samples
assigned.
Drum Programs are intended for use with drum and phrase Samples.The main difference
from Keygroup Programs is that each drum Sample is assigned to a single note number
instead of a Keygroup. Drum Programs are not used to play different tunes (in scales) on
the keyboard, unlike Keygroup Programs. Rather, they are useful when you want the dif-
ferent notes to play different sounds, such as drum and phrase Samples. Otherwise, Drum
Programs are almost identical to Keygroup Programs.
KG1/ZN1: Samp 1 KG2/ZN1: Samp 2
KG3/ZN1: Samp 3
KG1/ZN1: Samp 1 KG2/ZN1: Samp 2
KG1/ZN4: Samp 7 KG2/ZN4: Samp 8
KG1/ZN3: Samp 5 KG2/ZN3: Samp 6
KG1/ZN2: Samp 3 KG2/ZN2: Samp 4
KG1/ZN1: Samp 1 KG2/ZN1: Samp 2
KG1/ZN4: Samp 7 KG2/ZN4: Samp 8
KG1/ZN3: Samp 5 KG2/ZN3: Samp 6
KG1/ZN2: Samp 3 KG2/ZN2: Samp 4
KG1/ZN1: Samp 1 KG2/ZN1: Samp 2
KG3/ZN1: Samp 9
KG3/ZN2: Samp 10
KG3/ZN3: Samp 11

4
Chapter 1—Introduction
Z4/Z8 User Guide—Version 1.0
The following example illustrates a basic Drum Program, with one Sample assigned to
each note.
The following Drum Program uses Zones #1 and #2 to layer drum Samples, with velocity
crossfades on certain notes.
Each Keygroup of the Keygroup Programs and each note of the Drum Programs have
independent parameters that include basic parameters, such as level, pan, tuning, etc.
Combining these parameters with the Z8’s filters, envelope shapers, and LFOs enables
you to perform advanced sound editing.
See “Using Programs” on page 48 for detailed information on creating and editing Pro-
grams.
Zone 1: Kick1 Zone 1: Kick2 Zone 1: Snar Zone 1: O.Hat Zone 1: C.Hat Zone 1:Tom1 Zone 1:Tom2 Zone 1:Tom3 Zone 1:
Zone 1: Kick1 Zone 1: Kick2 Zone 1: Snar Zone 1: O.Hat Zone 1: C.Hat Zone 1:Tom1 Zone 1:Tom2 Zone 1:Tom3 Zone 1:
Zone 2:Thud Zone 2: Boom Zone 2: Clap Zone 2:Tish Zone 2: Click Zone 2:Tom4 Zone 2:Tom5 Zone 2:Tom6 Zone 2:

Architecture
5
Z4/Z8 User Guide—Version 1.0
Multis
To play Programs, you need to make various settings in Multis.A Multi is constructed
from one or multiple Parts. Each Part provides independent level, pan, MIDI Channel,
and other settings required for playing the Z8 via MIDI keyboards or external MIDI
devices.You can play Programs when they are assigned to Parts.You can use MIDI Pro-
gram Change messages to select Programs for Parts inside a Multi, and to select a Multi
as a voice or sound from several Multis.
When you use Multis, you can use the Q-Link controls to adjust tonal color in real time.
See “Using Q-Link” on page 75 for more information.
FX
The Z8 features four 24-bit/96 kHz multi-effects processors (Z4 requires EB4JS option),
offering a whole host of FX types, including reverbs, delays, modulation-based FX,
dynamics, wah-wah, and pitch shifting. FX can be applied while sampling (seepage 27),
re-sampling (see page 38), or in Multi mode. In addition to the various FX types,
Quick-FX presets such as Power, Swell, and Crisp provide an intuitive way to apply FX.
See “Using FX” on page 78 for information on selecting and editing FX types.
When you use Multis, you can adjust FX parameters via the Q-Link control in real time.
See “Using Q-Link” on page 75 for more information.
Loading
Samples, Programs, Multis, Songs, and files can be loaded from hard disks and
CD-ROMs. Files can be loaded individually or in groups. See “Loading” on page 18 for
more information.
Saving
Individual Samples, Programs, Multis, Songs, and files can be saved to hard disks and
removable media drives. Loaded data, recorded Samples, created or edited Programs and
Multis are temporarily kept in the memory of the Z8.When the power to the Z8 is turned
off, the data in memory will be lost. Be sure to save important data to hard disks or exter-
nal storage devices.You can load the data saved on an external storage device in Load
mode. See “Saving” on page 84 for more information.

6
Chapter 2—Front & Rear Panels
Z4/Z8 User Guide—Version 1.0
2 Front & Rear Panels
Front Panel
Z8 Front Panel
Z4 Front Panel
1 POWER switch
This switch is used to turn on and off the power to the Z8. See “Switching On & Off” on
page 13 for more information.
2 Q-LINK controls
Up to eight parameters (four on the Z4) can be assigned to these controls for real-time
control. See “Using Q-Link” on page 75 for more information.
3 SAMPLE button & indicator
Pressing this button selects Sample Edit mode, which is used to edit Samples. The SAM-
PLE button indicator lights up when this mode is selected. See “Editing Samples” on
page 29 for more information.
1
DEF K L M N
23456
GH IJ
7890A B
COP
1
CDEF K L M89OP
23456
GQHIJ
70AB

Front Panel
7
Z4/Z8 User Guide—Version 1.0
4 MULTI button & indicator
Pressing this button selects Multi mode, in which Multis can be selected, edited, and
played. The MULTI button indicator lights up when this mode is selected. This mode is
typically used when the Z8 is connected to a MIDI keyboard or MIDI sequencer. Stan-
dard MIDI Files (SMF) can also be played in this mode. See “Using Multis” on page 67
for more information.
5 FX button & indicator
Pressing this button selects FX mode, which is used to select and edit the four indepen-
dent FX processors (optional on the Z4). The FX button indicator lights up when this
mode is selected. See “Using FX” on page 78 for more information.
6 PROGRAM button & indicator
Pressing this button selects Program mode, in which Programs can be selected, edited,
and played. See “Using Programs” on page 48 for more information.
7 Display
This back-lit 248 by 60 dot LCD (liquid crystal display), together with the illuminated
panel buttons, displays the current operating state of the Z8. See “Navigating the User
Interface” on page 14 for more information.
8 MIDI A activity indicator
This indicator lights up when MIDI data is received at the MIDI INA port.
9 MIDI B activity indicator
This indicator lights up when MIDI data is received at the MIDI IN B port.
10 CURSOR buttons
These buttons are used to select items(parameter) on the display pages. See “Navigating
the User Interface” on page 14 for more information.
11 JOG dial
This dial is used to increment or decrement parameter values. Rotating it clockwise
increases values; rotating it counterclockwise decreases them. See “Navigating the User
Interface” on page 14 for more information.
12 MAIN VOLUME control
This control is used to set the volume of the MAIN OUT and PHONES.
13 USB port (Host)
Various USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices can be connected here, including floppy disk
drives, hard disk drives, CD-ROM, and removable media drives for additional storage, or
USB keyboards for quick name entry. See “Connecting USB Devices” on page 12 for
more information.
14 Q-LINK SETUP button
This button selects the Q-LINK SETUP page, which is used to assign parameters to the
Q-Link controls. See “Using Q-Link” on page 75 for more information.
15 CLIPBOARD button
The Clipboard can be used as a temporary store while editing Samples, Programs, or
Multis, allowingA/B comparisons. See “Using the Clipboard” on page 16 for more infor-
mation.
16 PLAY button
Pressing the PLAY button plays the currently selected Sample or Program. See “Using
the PLAY Button” on page 15 for more information.
17 RECORD button & indicator
Pressing this button selects Record mode, which will light up its indicator. This mode is
for sampling sounds. See “Recording Samples” on page 22 for more information.

8
Chapter 2—Front & Rear Panels
Z4/Z8 User Guide—Version 1.0
18 SAVE button & indicator
Pressing this button selects Save mode, which is used to save Samples, Programs, Multis,
Songs, and files. The SAVE button indicator lights up when this mode is selected. See
“Saving” on page 84 for more information.
19 LOAD button & indicator
Pressingthis buttonselectsLoadmode,whichisused to load Samples, Programs, Multis,
Songs, and files. The LOAD button indicator lights up when this mode is selected. See
“Loading” on page 18 for more information.
20 UTILITIES button & indicator
Pressing this button selects Utilities mode, which contains various global functions. See
“General Utilities” on page 89 for more information.
21 Function buttons F1 to F6
The functions of these buttons change depending on the selected display page. Each but-
ton corresponds to a function on the display. See “Navigating the User Interface” on page
14 for more information.
22 WINDOW button
The WINDOW button is used to open and close display windows. See “Navigating the
User Interface” on page 14 for more information.
23 SHIFT button
This button is used as a short cut to special functions, in conjunction with other buttons.
24 Removable Panel release button (Z8 only)
Pressing this button releases the Removable Panel for remote operation of the unit.
Removing this panel also allows access to the 3.5" drive bay. See “Detaching the Remov-
able Panel (Z8 only)” on page 13 for more information.
25 PHONES jack
This 1/4-inch (6.3 mm) stereo phone jack outputs the headphone signal, which is the
same as the MAIN OUT signal.
26 REC GAIN control
This control is used to set the recording level. See “Sampling” on page 22 for more infor-
mation.
27 Front Panel 3.5" Drive Bay (Z4 only)
This 3.5" Drive Bay is a mounting for additional storage devices.

Rear Panel
9
Z4/Z8 User Guide—Version 1.0
View of 3.5" Drive Bay (Z8 only)
To protect the Removable Panel contacts against corrosion, and to avoid accidentally
shorting them, always fit the supplied Contact Cover when the Removable Panel is
detached.
Rear Panel
1 Option slot
This slot is for installing optional interface cards.
2 DIGITAL I/O IN (optional on Z4)
This phono connector is used to input S/PDIF format digital audio signals, typically from
CD players, DAT decks, or any audio device with S/PDIF format digital I/O. See “Sam-
pling” on page 22 for more information.
3 DIGITAL I/O OUT (optional on Z4)
This phono connector is used to output the MAIN OUT signals as S/PDIF format digital
audio.
4 WORDCLOCK IN (optional on Z4)
This BNC connector is used to receive external wordclock signals.
5 Wordclock TERMINATOR switch (optional on Z4)
This switch is used to terminate the external wordclock signal connected to the WORD-
CLOCK IN.
3.5" drive bay Removable Panel contacts
Removable panel connection
1
6A
0B
2435
7 8 9

10
Chapter 2—Front & Rear Panels
Z4/Z8 User Guide—Version 1.0
6 MAIN OUT
These two 1/4-inch balanced phone jacks are the main analog audio outputs. They are
wired as follows: tip = hot, ring = cold, sleeve = ground.
7 REC IN
These two 1/4-inch balanced phone jacks are used to input analog audio signals and are
wired as follows: tip = hot, ring = cold, sleeve = ground. See “Sampling” on page 22 for
more information.
8 MIDI IN x 2
The Z8’s two MIDI IN ports support 32 MIDI channels, referred to as 1A to 16A (MIDI
IN A) and 1B to 16B (MIDI IN B). See “Assigning Programs to Parts” on page 69 for
more information.
9 MIDI OUT/THRU x 2
These MIDI ports transmit MIDI data received at the respective MIDI IN port (A or B).
MIDI Song data can also be transmitted. See “General Utilities” on page 89 for more
information.
10 USB port (Slave)
This USB port is used to connect the Z8 to a PC or Mac for use withAKAI professional
Akai ak.Sys software, which allows file transfer between the Z8 and the computer, and
remote editing of Programs and Multis. See “Connecting USB Devices” on page 12 for
more information.
11 SCSI port
This is a 50-way SCSI connector that supports the SCSI standard. It can be used to con-
nect additional storage devices, including hard disk, CD-ROM drives, and removable
media drives. See “Connecting SCSI Devices” on page 12 for more information.
12 AC inlet
The supplied AC power cord is connected here. See “Getting Started” on page 11 for
more information.

Getting Started
11
Z4/Z8 User Guide—Version 1.0
3 Getting Started
This chapter explains how to get the Z8 up and running, including connecting, switching
on, navigating the user interface, and some operating basics.
Installation
If the Z8 is rack mounted, 5 cm of space should be left above and below it to provide ade-
quate ventilation. Do not mount the Z8 directly above equipment that produces a lot of
heat, such as a power amplifier. If the Z8 is to be free standing, ensure that it is placed on
a sturdy, level surface, and that its ventilation grilles are not obstructed.
Hookup Example
MIDI OUT
MIDI OUT MIDI IN
MIDI sequencer
MIDI keyboard
Headphones
Mixer
Amplifier
Monitors
Microphone
Z8 (rear panel)
CD player Synthesizer
To AC outlet

12 Chapter 3—Getting Started
Z4/Z8 User Guide—Version 1.0
Connecting USB Devices
There are two USB ports on the Z8. The rear panel (slave) port is for connection to a PC
or Mac equipped with a USB port, for remote operation of the Z8 usingAkai professional
ak.Sys software. The front panel (host) port is for connecting USB storage devices, such
as floppy disk drives, hard disks, CD-ROM drives, and removable media drives.A USB
keyboard can also be connected for quick name entry.
The USB ports are “hot-pluggable,” which means devices can be connected or discon-
nected even while the Z8 is on. Supported devices are recognized automatically. If a
device is not supported, the Z8 simply ignores it.
Connecting SCSI Devices
The Z8 features a SCSI port on the rear panel for connecting SCSI storage devices,
including hard disks and removable media drives.
The Z8 and your SCSI devices must be switched off before they are connected. Up to
seven SCSI devices, each with its own unique SCSI ID, can be connected to the Z8. The
last device on the bus must be terminated correctly. See your SCSI device’s manual for
details.
See page 89 for information on setting the Z8 SCSI ID (The factory default ID number
is “6”). Occasionally, depending on the type and number of SCSI devices connected to
the bus, you may find that errors occur when trying to access devices, or there are prob-
lems operating the Z8. In this case, try the following:
• Ensure that no two devices have the same SCSI ID.
• Disconnect or disable the terminator, or change the order of the connected devices.
• Check the SCSI cables. Use the highest quality shielded cables you can find, and choose
the shortest practical length.
For information on the drives that can be used with the Z8, please contact your Akai
dealer or Akai Professional M.I. Service Department.
Note: Never assign an external SCSI device to the same SCSI ID as that of the Z8.
USB Keyboard
USB Floppy disk drive USB CD-ROM drive
USB Hard disk
USB cable
SCSI connector
(Default SCSI ID:6) (SCSI ID: 0) (SCSI ID: 1)
SCSI device 2SCSI device 1
SCSI terminator