Akai S3000XL User manual

INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................1
FEATURES ....................................................................................................................2
ABOUT THIS MANUAL ..................................................................................................5
FRONT PANEL ..............................................................................................................6
TAKING CARE OF YOUR DISKS ...................................................................................8
REAR PANEL.................................................................................................................9
SETTING UP THE S3000XL ..........................................................................................11
CONNECTIONS..............................................................................................................11
LOADING THE DEMO FLOPPY DISKS..........................................................................12
MOUNTING THE S3000XL.............................................................................................13
GETTING AROUND THE S3000XL ................................................................................14
OPERATING MODES .......................................................................................14
SOFT KEYS .....................................................................................................14
SELECTING PARAMETERS AND ENTERING DATA ........................................15
MARK AND JUMP KEYS ..................................................................................16
NAMING FILES - THE NAME KEY ....................................................................17
THE ENT/PLAY KEY ........................................................................................17
LCD CONTRAST ............................................................................................................17
RECORD LEVEL, MAIN VOLUME, HEADPHONE OUTPUT............................................18
HOW THE S3000XL WORKS ........................................................................................19
S3000XL FLOWCHART .................................................................................................20
SINGLE MODE ...........................................................................................................................23
SELECTING PROGRAMS ..............................................................................................23
VIEWING PROGRAMS..................................................................................................24
SETTING PROGRAM LEVELS, PAN, FX SENDS ..........................................................24
SETTING PROGRAMS’ MIDI PARAMETERS .................................................................25
SETTING PROGRAM LOUDNESS AND VELOCITY ....................................................... 26
LOADING FROM FLOPPY DISK ....................................................................................28
LOADING FROM HARD DISK ........................................................................................28
DELETING PROGRAMS................................................................................................30
RENUMBERING PROGRAMS........................................................................................32
USING THE S3000XL IN ‘OLD AKAI’ MODE! .................................................................33
USING SELECT PROG - PROGRAMS WITH THE SAME NUMBER ..................33
LAYERING PROGRAMS...................................................................................33
CREATING KEYBOARD SPLITS ......................................................................33
USING RENUMBERING TO CREATE MULTI-TIMBRAL SETUPS .....................34
SINGLE VS MULTI ...........................................................................................35
MULTI MODE - COMBINING SEVERAL PROGRAMS .................................................................37
ASSIGNING PROGRAMS TO PARTS ............................................................................38
SETTING A PART’S MIDI CHANNEL ..............................................................................38
MIXING THE PARTS......................................................................................................38
SENDING PARTS TO THE INTERNAL EFFECTS ........................................................... 38
ASSIGNING PARTS TO THE INDIVIDUAL OUTPUTS ....................................................39
TUNING AND TRANSPOSING PARTS ...........................................................................39
SETTING A PART’S LOW AND HIGH KEYRANGES ......................................................39
SETTING A PART’S PRIORITY ......................................................................................40
INITIALISING A PART....................................................................................................40
SETTING UP A MULTI ...................................................................................................41
MODIFYING THE MULTI................................................................................................42
NAMING A MULTI ..........................................................................................................43
SAVING A MULTI ..........................................................................................................43
LOADING A MULTI ........................................................................................................43
RENUMBERING PROGRAMS........................................................................................44
USING MULTI MODE FOR LAYERING PROGRAMS......................................................47
USING MULTI MODE TO SET KEYBOARD SPLITS ......................................................48
PROGRAM EDITING ...................................................................................................................50
WHAT IS A KEYGROUP? ..............................................................................................51
KEYGROUP ZONES ......................................................................................................52
OVERLAPPING AND CROSSFADING KEYGROUPS.....................................................53
ASSIGNABLE PROGRAM MODULATION ......................................................................54

EDIT SINGLE.................................................................................................................58
NAMING PROGRAMS - COPYING AND RENAMING......................................................59
DELETING PROGRAMS................................................................................................60
MIDI PAGE ....................................................................................................................64
OUTPUT LEVELS PAGE................................................................................................66
PAN PAGE ....................................................................................................................69
THE TUNE PAGE ...........................................................................................................71
MODULATION PAGES ..................................................................................................72
PITCH BEND ....................................................................................................72
LFO1................................................................................................................74
SETTING LFO1 MODULATION DEPTH ............................................................77
LFO2................................................................................................................78
SETTING UP THE SOFT PEDAL ......................................................................81
PORTAMENTO .................................................................................................82
KEYGROUP PARAMETERS - CREATING KEYGROUPS ...............................................85
MAPPING OUT YOUR KEYGROUPS - SETTING KEYSPAN ............................88
ASSIGNING SAMPLES TO KEYGROUPS AND ZONES - SMP1....................................90
SMP2...............................................................................................................93
SMP3...............................................................................................................95
THE FILTERS.................................................................................................................96
ENV1 - SHAPING AMPLITUDE ......................................................................................99
ENV2 - SHAPING THE FILTER.......................................................................................101
USING THE FILTER AND ENVELOPE GENERATORS .....................................102
THE SECOND FILTERS .................................................................................................103
CREATING 24db/8ve 4-POLE LOWPASS FILTER............................................107
THE TONE PAGE .............................................................................................109
ENV3.............................................................................................................................111
KEYGROUP PITCH/AMPLITUDE MODULATION............................................................112
EDIT MULTI.................................................................................................................................114
SCREEN DIFFERENCES IN EDIT MULTI .......................................................................115
SAMPLE MODE..........................................................................................................................116
WHAT IS SAMPLING?...................................................................................................116
RECORD MODE ............................................................................................................118
THE MAIN RECORD PAGE............................................................................................120
NAMING SAMPLES FOR RECORDING .........................................................................120
ADJUSTING THE RECORDING AND THRESHOLD LEVELS .......................................... 122
RECORDING ON THE S3000XL ....................................................................................122
DIGITAL RECORDING....................................................................................................123
EDIT SAMPLE ............................................................................................................................125
NAMING SAMPLES - COPYING AND RENAMING .........................................................127
DELETING SAMPLES....................................................................................................128
TRIMMING SAMPLES...................................................................................................129
LOOPING.......................................................................................................................133
LOOP AUTO FIND AND CROSSFADE LOOPING...........................................................134
MAKING A GOOD LOOP..................................................................................136
LEVEL NORMALISATION..............................................................................................138
DSP FUNCTIONS - TIMESTRETCH, RE-SAMPLING AND EQ........................................139
TIMESTRETCH .................................................................................................139
PERFORMING A TIMESTRETCH......................................................................142
RE-SAMPLING .................................................................................................143
PERFORMING A RE-SAMPLE .........................................................................144
EQ....................................................................................................................145
EQ’ING A SAMPLE ..........................................................................................147
USING THE EQ ................................................................................................147
FURTHER EDITING FUNCTIONS ...................................................................................148
THE PARAMETER PAGE .................................................................................148
REVERSING SAMPLES ...................................................................................150
SECTIONAL EDITING .......................................................................................151
THE JOIN PAGE...............................................................................................154
SPLICING SAMPLES .......................................................................................154

CROSSFADING ................................................................................................155
MIXING AND LAYERING SAMPLES ................................................................155
SETTING DIGITAL FADES................................................................................157
EFFECTS MODE .........................................................................................................................159
ORGANISATION OF EFFECTS FILES ...........................................................................162
ASSIGNING EFFECTS TO SINGLE PROGRAMS ..........................................................163
ASSIGNING EFFECTS TO MULTI PARTS......................................................................165
ASSIGNING EFFECTS TO INDIVIDUAL KEYGROUPS .................................................. 167
PROCESSING EXTERNAL SOUND SOURCES THROUGH THE EFFECTS .................... 168
ROUTING EXTERNAL SOUNDS THROUGH THE EFFECTS...........................................169
SELECTING THE EFFECTS OUTPUT ............................................................................169
CHAINING EFFECTS .....................................................................................................170
MUTING EFFECTS ........................................................................................................172
EFFECTS EDIT ...........................................................................................................................173
DISTORTION/RING MODULATION ................................................................................174
EQ .................................................................................................................................175
MODULATION EFFECTS ...............................................................................................177
CHORUS, PHASE SHIFT AND FLANGING EFFECTS ....................................... 177
ROTARY SPEAKER EFFECTS .........................................................................179
AUTOPAN AND FREQUENCY MODULATION EFFECTS ..................................182
STEREO PITCH SHIFT EFFECTS.....................................................................183
BYPASSING THE MODULATION EFFECTS ..................................................... 185
DELAY AND ECHO EFFECTS ........................................................................................186
MONO DELAY/ECHO EFFECTS .......................................................................188
PING PONG ECHO EFFECTS ..........................................................................189
CROSSOVER DELAY .......................................................................................190
STEREO DELAY/ECHO EFFECTS ...................................................................191
REVERB EFFECTS ........................................................................................................192
REVERSE REVERB..........................................................................................195
GATED REVERB ..............................................................................................196
EFFECTS OUTPUT SECTION ........................................................................................198
EFFECTS DIRECTION....................................................................................................199
SOLOING THE CURRENT EFFECT ................................................................................201
COPYING EFFECTS......................................................................................................202
SAVE MODE ...............................................................................................................................204
SELECTING FLOPPY OR HARD DISK ...........................................................................204
SELECTING THE HARD DISK PARTITION.....................................................................204
SELECTING THE HARD DISK VOLUME........................................................................204
SELECTING THE TYPE OF SAVE .................................................................................204
SAVING TO FLOPPY DISK............................................................................................206
SAVING TO HARD DISK ................................................................................................207
RENAMING FILES.........................................................................................................209
DELETING ITEMS FROM DISK .....................................................................................210
HARD DISK CONTROL ..................................................................................................211
FORMATTING A FLOPPY DISK .....................................................................................212
FORMATTING A HARD DISK .........................................................................................214
NOTES ON USING EXISTING S1000/S1100 SOUND LIBRARY.....................................215
LOAD MODE ...............................................................................................................................216
SELECTING FLOPPY OR HARD DISK ...........................................................................216
SELECTING THE HARD DISK PARTITION.....................................................................216
SELECTING THE HARD DISK VOLUME........................................................................217
SELECTING THE TYPE OF LOAD .................................................................................217
LOADING FROM FLOPPY DISK ....................................................................................219
LOADING FROM HARD DISK ........................................................................................220
LOADING S900/S950 SAMPLES AND PROGRAMS......................................................222
LOADING S1000/S1100 DATA......................................................................................222
AUTO LOADING FROM DISK ........................................................................................222
SEARCHING FOR FILES - USING THE FIND FUNCTION ...............................................223
USING THE TAG DIRECTORY SYSTEM........................................................................225

NAMING TAGS.................................................................................................226
NOTES ON USING THE TAGGING SYSTEM ....................................................227
HARD DISK CONTROL ..................................................................................................228
IMPORTING SOUNDS FROM OTHER MANUFACTURER’S CD-ROMS........................... 229
GLOBAL MODE ..........................................................................................................................231
TUNING THE S3000XL ..................................................................................................231
SETTING THE MASTER OUTPUT LEVEL......................................................................231
MIDI FUNCTIONS ..........................................................................................................232
MIDI FILTER .....................................................................................................232
PPM PAGE - MONITORING MIDI.....................................................................233
MIDI RECEIVE PAGE - ANALYSING MIDI........................................................233
TRANSMIT TEST PAGE - SETTING THE ENT/PLAY KEY ................................234
MIDI SAMPLE DUMPS.....................................................................................235
PERFORMING A MIDI SAMPLE DUMP ............................................................236
MIDI VIA SCSI ..................................................................................................237
ME35T DRUM SETTINGS..............................................................................................238
DAT BACK-UP AND RESTORE ......................................................................................240
PERFORMING A DAT BACK UP.......................................................................241
PERFORMING A DAT RESTORE......................................................................241
STANDARD MIDI FILE - MIDI SONG FILE PLAY............................................................242
LOADING STANDARD MIDI FILES ...................................................................243
USING THE SMF FUNCTION ............................................................................244
HARD DISK RECORDING ..............................................................................................245
APPLICATIONS................................................................................................245
FORMATTING THE HARD DISK FOR DISK RECORDING ................................. 246
CREATING NEW TAKES ..................................................................................251
COPYING TAKES.............................................................................................251
RENAMING TAKES ..........................................................................................251
DELETING TAKES FROM DISK .......................................................................251
RECORDING A TAKE .......................................................................................255
EDITING A RECORDING...................................................................................258
PLAYING A TAKE IN THE EDIT PAGE .............................................................259
USING THE EDITING FUNCTIONS ...................................................................259
PLAYING TAKES .............................................................................................261
USING THE PLAY PAGE..................................................................................263
EDITING A TAKE FOR SYNCHRONISED PLAYBACK ......................................264
NOTES ABOUT SYNCHRONISING TO EXTERNAL AUDIO...............................264
USING THE SONG MODE ................................................................................265
CREATING A SONG .........................................................................................265
TRIGGERING TAKES FROM MIDI ....................................................................268
USING MIDI TRIGGERING................................................................................268
USING THE SONG MODE TO CHAIN TAKES...................................................271
USING THE NUMERIC KEYPAD IN THE SONG MODE.....................................272
BLOCK EDITING IN SONG MODE ....................................................................273
NAMING SONGS ..............................................................................................275
SAVING A SONG .............................................................................................275
LOADING A SONG ...........................................................................................275
BACKING UP TAKES TO DAT ..........................................................................276
RESTORING TAKES BACK FROM DAT TO DISK .............................................277

APPENDIX 1 ...............................................................................................................................279
CONNECTING AN EXTERNAL HARD DISK DRIVE.........................................................279
NOTES ON USING HARD DISK DRIVES........................................................................279
SCSI CABLES..................................................................................................279
TERMINATION .................................................................................................279
SCSI CABLE LENGTH......................................................................................280
APPENDIX 2 ...............................................................................................................................281
DATA COMPATIBILITY ISSUES ....................................................................................281
SOUND DATA...................................................................................................281
EFFECTS FILES...............................................................................................282
MULTIS............................................................................................................282
ME-35T DRUM SETTINGS................................................................................282
SONGS AND QLISTS .......................................................................................282
APPENDIX 3 ...............................................................................................................................283
INSTALLING THE OPTIONS ..........................................................................................283
INSTALLING MEMORY EXPANSION...............................................................283
APPENDIX 4 ...............................................................................................................................285
USING THE FXM008 FLASH ROM BOARD(S) ...............................................................285
APPLICATIONS.............................................................................................................286
HOW THE FLASHROM WORKS ....................................................................................287
SAVING DATA TO THE FLASHROM ..............................................................................288
WHAT TO DO NEXT.......................................................................................................291
USING THE FLASHROM AS A FAST HARD DISK..........................................................292
EDITING SOUNDS ON THE FLASHROM .......................................................................293
COPYING A FLASHROM SAMPLE TO RAM .................................................................294
FORMATTING AND ARRANGING THE FLASHROM ....................................................... 295
SAVING FLASHROM DATA BACK TO DISK ..................................................................297
BACKUP/RESTORE OF THE FLASH ROM TO/FROM DAT ............................................297
INSTALLING THE FLASHROM.......................................................................................298
APPENDIX 5 ...............................................................................................................................301
MIDI CONTROLLER LIST ..............................................................................................301

INTRODUCTION
S3000XL Operator’s Manual Page 1
Welcome to the Akai S3000XL stereo digital sampler and thank you for buying it!
The S3000XL features 32-voice polyphony, expandable memory, DSP functions, etc.,
and using the S3000XL’s resonant lowpass filters, multiple LFOs, envelope generators
and extensive modulation possibilities, your new sampler can double as a first class
synthesiser as well.
Certain new functions are introduced in the S3000XL In software, the new MULTI mode
of operation simplifies multi-timbral sequencing and layering whilst hardware options
include a multi-effects processor that offers no less than four channels that include two
multi-effects channels with distortion, EQ, ring modulation, modulation effects such as
chorus, flanging, pitch shifting, auto panning and rotary speaker effects plus delay and
reverb. Two ‘spare’ channels of reverb are also available providing a total of four reverbs.
Add to this the second bank of optional resonant multi-mode filters and you can see that
the S3000XL is a sampler that can grow with your needs.
Bundled with the S3000XL is a software application for the Macintosh™ computer that
allows you to operate the sampler from your Macintosh allowing large screen operation of
waveform and program editing, sophisticated organisation of your sound library on the
Macintosh as well as the ability to integrate your sampler more conveniently with your
computer sequencer.
Naturally, all sound library developed for the Akai S900, S950, S1000, S1100, S2000 and
the S3000 range of samplers is compatible in the S3000XL giving you access to
thousands of sounds on floppy disk, hard disk, removable cartridges, MO disks and CD-
ROM. The ability to read CD ROMs made for other manufacturer's samplers gives access
to an even further range of sounds.
All this adds up to a price breakthrough in sampling technology - the new Akai S3000XL.

INTRODUCTION
Page 2 S3000XL Operator’s Manual
FEATURES
• Polyphony 32 voices
• A-D Conversion 16-bit stereo with 64-times oversampling
• Internal processing 28-bit accumulation
• D-A Conversion 18-bit with 8-times oversampling
• Sampling rates 44.1kHz/22.050kHz
• Phase locked stereo sampling and playback
• Internal memory 2Mbytes standard, expandable to 32Mbytes using SIMMs
• Sampling times 2Mbytes 24 seconds mono @ 44.1kHz
32Mbytes 5.94 minutes mono @ 44.1kHz
(Halve these times for stereo sampling)
• Inputs L/Mono and R jack inputs
• Outputs L/R stereo jack outputs
8 assignable individual outputs
Stereo headphone jack output
• Display 40 x 6 character backlit LCD with graphic waveform editing.
• Digital I/O SPDIF digital audio input/output on RCA phonos.
• Effects Optional 4-channel multi-effects processor offering two
channels of simultaneous distortion, three-band EQ, ring
modulation, modulation (chorus, phase shift, flanging,
pitch shift, autopan or rotary speaker), stereo delay and
reverb plus two ‘spare’ channels of reverb (four reverb
processors in total).
• DSP Functions Timestretch, re-sampling and digital EQ.
• Filters 2-pole (12dB/Octave) resonant lowpass per voice.
Optional IB304F offers a 2nd bank of 2-pole resonant
multi-mode (HP, BP, LP, EQ) filters and tone control.
• Envelopes 1 x ADSR and 1 x multi-stage envelope generator (an
extra multi-stage envelope is added with the installation of
the IB304F).
• LFOs 2 x multi-wave low frequency oscillators (triangle, square,
sawtooth and random waves).
• Legato mode Single trigger playback to emulate old monophonic synths
and solo instruments’ playing styles.
• Portamento Polyphonic and monophonic portamento.
• Sound library Fully compatible with Akai S900, S950, S1000, S1100,
S2800, S3000, S3200, S2000 and S3200XL samplers.

INTRODUCTION
S3000XL Operator’s Manual Page 3
The S3000XL can also read CD-ROMs made for other
manufacturer's samplers1.
• Data storage A variety of storage devices may be used to store data
including floppy disk, hard disk, Syquest™ removable
cartridges and Magneto Optical (MO) disks. Hard disk data
may be backed up to a normal DAT tape using the digital
i/o.
• Flash ROM You may install up to 16Mbytes of FLASH ROM over and
above the 32Mbytes of ordinary RAM giving you a total of
48Mbytes of memory. FLASH ROM allows you to keep
your favourite sounds in memory even when the sampler is
switched off.
• Disk recording Capable of stereo recording and editing on hard disk.
• SMF capability The S3000XL an play Standard MIDI files (sequences)
from the floppy disk drive. This allows you, for example, to
play sequenced backing tracks directly from the S3000XL.
• DAT Backup You can backup the hard disk (sound data and/or disk
recordings) to an ordinary DAT recorder.
• Real-time digital output This digital audio output can be used to mix down digitally
to DAT or any other digital recorder such as DCC, MiniDisk
or a hard disk recorder such as the Akai DR4d, DR8 or
even the S3000XL’s disk recorder. With the optional EB16
multi-effects processor installed, you may add four
channels of effects processing to the mixdown.
• OPERATING MODES
SINGLE For playing single programs.
MULTI For playing up to 16 programs together for multi-timbral
sequencing, layering and key splits.
SAMPLE For making recordings.
EFFECTS For selecting effects.
EDIT For editing programs, samples and effects.
GLOBAL For setting parameters that affect the sampler as a whole
plus access to utilities such as DAT backup, MIDI song file
play and hard disk recording
SAVE For saving programs, samples, multis, effects and
operating systems, etc., to floppy or hard disk.
LOAD For loading programs, samples, multis, effects, operating
systems, etc., from floppy or hard disk and CD-ROM.
1 Some sounds may need adjustment and ‘tweaking’ depending on the sampler they were
originally created on.

INTRODUCTION
Page 4 S3000XL Operator’s Manual
• EDITING FEATURES
EDIT SAMPLE Trim, Loop (with FIND and CROSSFADE functions), Join,
Merge, Splice, Chop, Extract, Reverse, Gain normalisation,
Timestretch, Re-sample.
EDIT PROGRAM Resonant lowpass filters, ADSR envelope generator (with
templates), multi-stage envelope generator (with
templates), 2 x multi-wave LFOs, sample layering, 4-way
velocity crossfade and switching, keygroup crossfade,
portamento (rate and time modes), monophonic legato
triggering, mute group function, panning and autopanning,
held pitchbend mode, separate pitchbend up/down
ranges, output selection. (With 2nd filter bank installed, a
further set of multi-mode filters and a third multi-stage
envelope generator are added).
MULTI Part select, program select, MIDI channel, level, pan,
transpose, fine tune, output routing, FX routing, FX send,
low key range, high key range, note priority.
EFFECTS In the two multi-effects channels (with the EB16 effects
processor installed):
DISTORTION - distortion, level
EQ - low gain, mid gain, high gain,
RING MODULATION - frequency, depth
MODULATION EFFECTS - chorus, flange, phase shift,
rotary speakers, autopan/frequency mod, pitch shift with
parameters as appropriate.
DELAY - effect select (mono, stereo, ping pong), delay
times, feedback.
REVERB - effect select (large hall, small hall, large room,
small room, gated, reverse, etc.), size, decay time, HF
damping, LF damping, pre-delay.
FX DIRECTION:
dist/EQ/ring mod > mod/delay + reverb (parallel)
dist/EQ/ring mod > mod/delay > reverb (series)
dist/EQ/ring mod > reverb > mod/delay (series)
In the two reverb channels:
Effect select (large hall, small hall, large room, small room,
reverse, gated, etc.), decay time, HF damping, LF
damping, pre-delay, diffusion.
A multi-effects channel may also be routed to its
‘neighbouring’ reverb channel for dual reverb multi-effects.

INTRODUCTION
S3000XL Operator’s Manual Page 5
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
This manual has been written to allow you to get the most out of your new sampler.
Please take the time to read it as a fuller understanding of the instrument will enable you
to use the S3000XL’s remarkable facilities to the full. Not only are the controls and
screens explained in detail but you will find hints and tips to help you with your sampling
and programming. If you are new to sampling or synthesisers, some of the sections
explain the basic principles behind the techniques employed in the S3000XL so if words
like ”bandpass”, “modulation”, “diffusion”, “multi-timbral” and “sample rates”, etc., are
unfamiliar to you, we hope that this manual is not just a boring explanation of functions
but something you can refer to for information beyond the scope of the S3000XL. Even if
you’re a seasoned programmer, we hope that there is information in this manual that you
find useful..

INTRODUCTION
Page 6 S3000XL Operator’s Manual
FRONT PANEL
MIDI DIGITALSTEREO SAMPLER
SCREEN FUNCTION
ENT/PLAY
NAME
JUMP/.
MARK/#
1/W
0/Z
8/R
5/U
2/X
9/S
6/V
3/Y
7/Q
4/T
-/+/
POWER
ON
OFF
F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7 F8
PHONES DISPLAY
CONTRAST
PUSH ON/OFF
A
SINGLE/ MULTI/BSAMPLE/CEFFECTS/D
EDIT/EF GLOBAL/ SAVE/GLOAD/ HF1/IF2/JF3/KF4/LF5/MF6/NF7/OF8/P
CURSOR
DATA MAIN VOLUME
MIN MAX
REC GAIN
MIN MAX
AKAI
professional
s3000xl
LCD
DATA ENCODER
RECORD LEVEL
MAIN VOLUME
NUMERIC KEYPAD
MARK/JUMP,
NAME and ENT/PLAY
CURSOR KEYSMODE KEYS
SOFT KEYSDISPLAY
CONTRAST
HEADPHONE
POWER SWITCH
FLOPPY DISK DRIVE
MODE KEYS Selects the operating mode for the sampler.
‘SOFT’ KEYS These select functions displayed on the LCD above. They
have no fixed function but change according to the page
currently displayed on the screen.
LCD The 40 x 8 character display shows parameters and values
and displays the ‘soft’ keys’ function and graphic display of
waveforms for sample editing, etc..
CURSOR KEYS This block of keys moves the cursor up, down and left and
right around the screen.
DATA ENCODER Allows you to enter data values and for scrolling through
lists, etc..
NUMERIC KEYPAD This is used to enter data numerically.
MARK/JUMP These keys allow you to mark two functions and switch
between them using the JUMP key. In this way, it is quick
and easy to enter data even across two different screens.
NAME KEY This takes you the ‘naming mode’ where you may name
samples, programs, effects, etc..
ENT/PLAY KEY Allows you to play a sound without the need for a MIDI
controller to be connected.
RECORD LEVEL Sets the record level for the analogue inputs.
MAIN VOLUME The MAIN VOLUME control sets the main output level of
the L/R stereo outputs (this control does not affect the
level of the signal appearing at the individual outputs or
digital output).
POWER SWITCH Applies power to the S3000XL.

INTRODUCTION
S3000XL Operator’s Manual Page 7
PHONES This stereo jack socket allows you to monitor the L/R
(stereo) output of the S3000XL through stereo
headphones. The level is regulated using the MAIN
VOLUME control (see below).
DISPLAY CONTRAST Sets the viewing angle for the LCD. You will note that
pressing this control in switches off the LCD’ backlight thus
preserving the LCD (think of it like a ‘screen saver’ on a
computer.
FLOPPY DISK DRIVE The 3.5 inch floppy disk drive will accept high density and
low density disks. Disks are inserted into the drive thus:
DISK EJECT BUTTONDISK ACTIVITY LED
HIGH DENSITY
DETECTION TAB
WRITE PROTECT TAB
The label should be facing upwards when it is inserted
(actually, it is physically impossible to insert disks the wrong
way round without using an extreme amount of brute
force!).
To eject the disk, simply press the DISK EJECT button.
When a disk is loading, saving or formatting, the DISK
ACTIVITY LED will be lit.
It is important to remember that, unlike a synthesiser, the
S3000XL has no means of storing sounds in an internal
memory. As a result, it is vital that you save your work to
disk before turning the power off otherwise you will lose
your work and, unless previously saved, it will be gone for
ever. In fact, it is a good idea to regularly save your work
as you are working. All good computer users do this and it
prevents the accidental loss of data should power be
accidentally removed from the instrument. This also serves
as a form of ‘undo’ - if you make some kind of mistake in
your programming and editing and can’t fix it, you can load
the last level of editing back into the sampler. It may be a
bit tedious to keep stopping every now and then to save
your work but it is better than losing some valuable
sounds.

INTRODUCTION
Page 8 S3000XL Operator’s Manual
TAKING CARE OF YOUR DISKS
These floppy disks contain valuable sound data and, as such, should be treated with
extreme care. Please observe the following points, therefore:
1 Never slide the metal cover back and touch the disk. Finger marks may render the
disk unreadable.
2 Don’t leave the disk in the drive wherever possible. When the disk is in the drive, the
metal protective cover slides back exposing the actual disk inside - this makes the disk
susceptible to picking up dust which may cause read errors.
3 Do not leave your disks in a hot car.
4 Do not place your disks next to any magnetic sources such as speakers, amplifiers,
televisions, etc.. Also, try to avoid X-ray machines. At airports, it is sometimes possible
to ask for your disks to be inspected by hand at security desks but, with the added
security at airports these days, this may not be possible. Always check with the
security officer though, just in case. Security X-ray machines are generally safe with
disks, though. If in doubt, make backup copies which should be left at home.
NOTE: Some checked in luggage is X-rayed by quite powerful machines that are not as
safe as those that check hand luggage. It is probably best to take your disks as hand
luggage.
5 Do not leave your disks around when drinking liquids - one accidental spillage could
ruin a lot of work!
6 Always use high quality disks. Whilst cheap ones may be appealing, they are prone to
errors more than good ones.
7 Try to ensure that the write protect tab is switched on (i.e. the tab blocks the hole).
This will prevent accidental erasure, formatting and loss of data. It may be a nuisance
to try to write to the disk and find it write protected but it is less of a nuisance than
accidentally over-writing a set of your favourite samples and programs!
8 Try to get into the habit of labelling your disks - it will pay dividends in the end when
you are searching for something.
9 Invest in a sturdy carrying case for your floppies especially if you are a gigging
musician. Heavy duty metal camera cases are ideal and some flight case
manufacturers now make special heavy duty disk flightcases.
10 Even if you are using a hard disk of any sort, please make sure you have backed up
your work to floppy disks. It can be time consuming but it will be worth it if you ever
have a problem with your hard disk!

INTRODUCTION
S3000XL Operator’s Manual Page 9
REAR PANEL
AKAI ELECTRIC CO., LTD
S3000XL
INPUT
L/MONO R
SCSI
L/MONO R
12345678IN OUT
DIGITAL
IN OUT THRU
MIDI
STEREO OUT
OUTPUT
MIDI IN/OUT/THRU SCSI CONNECTION
INDIVIDUAL AUDIO OUTPUTS DIGITAL IN/OUT ANALOGUE AUDIO INPUTS
POWER CONNECTION
L/R STEREO OUTPUTS
ANALOGUE AUDIO INPUTS You make recordings through these two inputs. You can
record in mono by connecting the audio source to only the
L/MONO input.
INDIVIDUAL OUTPUTS The S3000XL has a total of ten analogue audio outputs.
There are the stereo L/R outputs which take a mix output
of all programs. If the optional EB16 multi-effects
processor is installed, the outputs of the four effects
channels are also mixed here. You may also use the eight
assignable individual outputs. Programs (or groups of
programs) may be assigned to these outputs for mixing on
a mixing console. Furthermore, individual keygroups may
be assigned to these outputs so that, for example,
individual drums could have a separate channel on the
mixer for EQ’ing, adding effects, etc..
NOTE: In the case of you only connecting the L/MONO outpput, the S3000XL only
outputs the left channel signal and the left/right stereo signals are not mixed at this
output. The old S3000 series carried a mix ed output of the left/right channels. In the case
of wanting to play some existing sound library in mono using only the L/MONO output,
some 'tweaking' may be necessary to /monofy' the program.
DIGITAL I/O The digital input can be used to record digitally from CD or
DAT or any other audio source that has a digital output.
The digital output carries a digital clone of the main stereo
outputs so you may also mixdown digitally from the
S3000XL to any digital audio recorder such as DAT or a
hard disk recorder/editor such as the Akai DR4 or DR8
thereby ensuring the highest quality audio during mixdown.
The digital i/o is also used to back data up to a normal
DAT tape.
SCSI This 25-way connector is used to attach hard disks, CD-
ROMs, Magneto Optical (MO) disks and removable
cartridges to the S3000XL for data storage and retrieval.
You may also connect the S3000XL to a Macintosh™

INTRODUCTION
Page 10 S3000XL Operator’s Manual
computer for use with the editing software that is bundled
with the S3000XL.
MIDI Your MIDI controller (keyboard, drum pads, EWI, etc.)
should be connected to the MIDI IN. The THRU socket
carries a duplicate of the MIDI IN signal ‘thru’ to other
modules or MIDI devices that may be connected. The OUT
is normally only used to transmit MIDI System Exclusive
data to another Akai sampler or to a computer.
POWER CONNECTION This should be connected to an AC power source.
** IMPORTANT NOTE **
BEFORE CONNECTING ANY AC POWER, PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOUR UNIT IS
DESIGNED FOR YOUR AREA’S POWER SUPPLY. A MISTAKE NOW COULD RUIN
YOUR WHOLE DAY NOT TO MENTION YOUR S3000XL!!!

INTRODUCTION
S3000XL Operator’s Manual Page 11
SETTING UP THE S3000XL
This short section tells you how to get ‘up and running’ fast. For full details of operation,
please refer to the appropriate section in this manual.
CONNECTIONS
Don’t switch the S3000XL on for the moment.
mx1000
AKAI
MIDI IN
MIDI OUT
L/R OUTPUTS
SCSI
HARD DISK,
CD-ROM,
MO DRIVE, etc..
IND OUTS - to mixer
DIGI I/O
DAT
Connect the MIDI output of your MIDI controller (in this example, an Akai MX1000 master
keyboard) to the MIDI input of the S3000XL. Connect the L/R audio output to a stereo
amplifier (or use the L/MONO output of the sampler if you only have a mono amp) or to
two channels of a mixer (remembering to pan each channel hard left and right accordingly
to take full advantage of the S3000XL’s stereo outputs). The digital i/o can be connected
to a DAT machine (or any other digital recording device) or you could leave the digital
outputs of a CD player connected to the S3000XL’s digital input for sampling from the
many special sampling CDs that are currently available..
Before turning on the sampler, it’s a good idea to turn its volume down or to turn the
volume down on the amplifier or the mixer channels as the power up ‘thump’, although
very slight, could damage sensitive speakers, especially if the amp is turned up loud. Now
turn on the S3000XL. You will see a message in the LCD informing you of what is going
on.
After 15 seconds or so, your S3000XL is ready for use. Turn the volume up on the
sampler, amplifier and/or mixer.
Making sure that the MIDI controller is sending data on MIDI channel 1, play a few notes.
You will hear the oh so impressive test tone! Hardly inspiring is it? We want something a
bit more interesting than that.
NOTE: If no sound appears, check your MIDI connections and check that your MIDI
controller is sending MIDI channel 1. If, after this, you still hear no sound, try pressing the
ENT/PLAY key on the S3000XL’s front panel. If you hear a sound, then at least your
audio connections are o.k. and it’s the MIDI that needs attention. If you still don’t hear a
sound when you press the ENT/PLAY key, check your audio connections, volume
controls, etc..

INTRODUCTION
Page 12 S3000XL Operator’s Manual
LOADING THE DEMO FLOPPY DISKS
To get you started, some sounds are provided on floppy disk.
To load the sound library disk, insert it into the drive and press the LOAD key. Now simply
press F7 - CLR. You will receive a prompt asking you if you want to clear the entire
memory. Respond by pressing F8 - YES
The library disk supplied comes with several programs. In SINGLE mode, these may be
selected from the S3000XL’s front panel using the DATA wheel or alternatively, you may
use MIDI PROGRAM CHANGE commands from your MIDI controller to select new
programs.
You will also note that they are laid out in a MULTI for multi-timbral sequencing. You may
use this to play the demo sequence that is also supplied on floppy disk with the S3000XL.
To play the demo sequence on the S3000XL, assuming the sound data disk has been
loaded, follow the procedure below.
1 Insert the DEMO SEQUENCE floppy disk into the disk drive.
2 In GLOBAL mode, press (F5) to get to the MIDI SONG PLAY page and press
(F2) to get to the LOAD page for song files.
3 Select and load a MIDI song file from the file list. You can load as many files as you
like as long as there is enough memory space.
4 Once the files are loaded, press (F1) to return to the MIDI SONG PLAY page.
Select the file you wish to play and press (F7) to play the selected MIDI song
file. Press (F8) to stop playback.
If you have owned an Akai sampler before, you may also have other sounds on CD-ROM
or hard disk. Operation is virtually identical to the S3000 series and the S1000/S1100. To
load sounds from hard disk, press the LOAD key and select HARD at the top of the
screen. Move the cursor to the volume name field and select the volume you wish to load.
Press F7 - CLR - followed by F8 - YES - to clear the current contents of memory and load
the entire hard disk volume. If you have not used an Akai sampler before and you need
more detailed information on loading from hard disk or CD-ROM, please see the section
LOAD MODE.
However you load sounds, whether it’s from floppy disk, hard disk, cartridge or CD-ROM,
just load them and enjoy playing with your new sampler. Although we suggest you read
the operator’s manual thoroughly, of course, at this stage, you don’t want be bothered
with that so just experiment and get a feel for the S3000XL. As long as you don’t press
the SAVE key and accidentally overwrite your floppy disk or hard disk volume, you can’t
damage your sounds permanently or come to any harm (you can’t damage a CD-ROM as
it’s a read only device). If you do start messing with the samples and programs and don’t
like the results, simply re-load the sounds in or load another bunch of sounds to play with.

INTRODUCTION
S3000XL Operator’s Manual Page 13
MOUNTING THE S3000XL
If you plan to rack mount the S3000XL, try to leave some ‘breathing space’ around it to
prevent overheating. It is recommended you leave 1U of rack space above and below the
sampler.
If you are placing the sampler on a table, make sure that the table is sturdy and that the
sampler is not positioned precariously.
If you are using the S3000XL with a hard disk device of any kind, the disk drive MUST be
mounted horizontally. If the disk drive is at an angle, even a slight one, you may have
unreliability problems and even data corruption.
If you are planning to rack mount the hard disk with the sampler, it is recommended you
use the ‘padded’ type of rack mount adapter available from most manufacturers of rack
and flight cases especially if you are likely to be travelling a lot with the set-up. The
padding will help protect the disk drive’s delicate head mechanism against shock and
excessive vibration.
It goes without saying that the S3000XL and the disk drive are delicate pieces of precision
electronics and they don’t take kindly to being thrown around however sturdy your flight
case might be!

INTRODUCTION
Page 14 S3000XL Operator’s Manual
GETTING AROUND THE S3000XL
The S3000XL is pretty straightforward to use. Basically, it operates in different ‘modes’
which are selected according to what it is you want to do. In these modes, you navigate
your way around the functions using the soft keys. You move around the screens using
the CURSOR keys and data is entered either using the DATA wheel or numerically from
the numeric keypad.
OPERATING MODES
The S3000XL has various modes in which it works and these are selected using the eight
large mode keys found beneath the floppy disk drive. Each key is illuminated to indicate
the sampler’s current status.
A
SINGLE/ MULTI/BSAMPLE/CEFFECTS/D
EDIT/EF GLOBAL/ SAVE/GLOAD/ H
These modes are:
SINGLE For playing single programs. This mode is best suited for ‘playing’ the
sampler (i.e. performing a piano solo or whatever) although it can also be
used when sequencing a single sound from the S3000XL.
MULTI For playing up to sixteen programs together. Typically, this mode would be
used for multi-timbral sequencing by setting each ‘part’ to a different MIDI
channel but it can also used for layering and creating key splits by setting
two or more parts to the same MIDI channel.
SAMPLE For making recordings.
EFFECTS For selecting effects to assign to single programs or to parts in a multi if
the optional EB16 multi-effects processor board is installed.
EDIT Puts the sampler into edit mode for any of the four modes described
above. For example, EDIT SINGLE allows you to edit single programs;
EDIT MULTI allows you to edit the program in the currently selected part;
EDIT SAMPLE allows you to edit the recording you have just made (or
samples currently in memory, of course); EDIT EFFECTS allows you to edit
the parameters of the optional effects processor (if fitted).
GLOBAL Allows you to set certain ‘global’ settings that affect the S3000XL as a
whole such as MIDI channel, SCSI ID, output level, overall tuning, etc.. It
also gives access to utilities such as disk recording, MIDI song file
playback, importing ‘foreign’ CD-ROMs from other manufacturers, etc..
SAVE For saving data to floppy or hard disk.
LOAD For loading data into the sampler.
SOFT KEYS
The SOFT KEYS directly under the LCD call up various functions and pages within each
mode - these vary from mode to mode and have no pre-defined function. As such, they
cannot be easily explained here!
F1/IF2/JF3/KF4/LF5/MF6/NF7/OF8/P