Akai S3200XL User manual

WARNING
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not
exposethisappliancetorainormoisture.
Operator’sManual
MIDI STEREO
DIGITAL SAMPLER
s3200xl

The lightning flash with the arrowhead symbol superimposed across a graphical
representationofaperson,withinanequilateraltriangle,isintendedtoalerttheuser
to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure;
that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intented to alert the user
tothepresenceofimportantoperatingandmaintenance(servicing)instructions
in the literature accompanying the appliance.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
THE SYMBOLS ARE RULED BY UL STANDARDS (U.S.A.)
5A-En
WARNING!!
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
1-En

S3200XL Operator’s Manual - Version 1.00 i
WARNING
The S3200XL is designed to be used in a standard household environment.
Power requirements for electrical equipment vary from area to area. Please ensure that your
S3200XL meets the power requirements in your area. If in doubt, consult a qualified electrician
or Akai Professional dealer.
120 VAC @ 60 Hz for USA and Canada
220~230/240 VAC @ 50 Hz for Europe
240 VAC @ 50 Hz for Australia
PROTECTING YOURSELF AND THE S3200XL
• Never touch the AC plug with wet hands.
• Always disconnect the S3200XL from the power supply by pulling on the plug, not the cord.
• AllowonlyanAkaiProfessionaldealerorqualifiedprofessionalengineertorepairorreassemble
theS3200XL. Apartfromvoidingthewarranty,unauthorizedengineersmighttouchliveinternal
parts and receive a serious electrical shock.
• Do not put, or allow anyone to put any object, especially metal objects, into the S3200XL.
• 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 S3200XL, disconnect the power, and call
your dealer.
• Make sure that the unit is well-ventilated, and away from direct sunlight.
• Toavoiddamagetointernalcircuitry,aswellastheexternalfinish,keeptheS3200XLawayfrom
sources of direct heat (stoves, radiators, etc.).
• Avoid using aerosol insecticides, etc. near the S3200XL. They may damage the surface, and
may ignite.
• Do not use denaturated alcohol, thinner or similar chemicals to clean the S3200XL. They will
damage the finish.
• Modification of this equipment is dangerous, and can result in the functions of the S3200XL
being impaired. Never attempt to modify the equipment in any way.
• Make sure that the S3200XL is always well-supported when in use (either in a specially-
designed equipment rack, or a firm level surface).
• When installing the S3200XL in a 19" rack system, always allow 1U of ventilated free space
aboveit toallow forcooling. Make surethat theback ofthe rackis unobstructedto allowa clear
airflow.
• In order to assure optimum performance of your S3200XL, select the setup location carefully,
and make sure the equipment is used properly. Avoid setting up the S3200XL 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
WARNING

ii S3200XL Operator’s Manual - Version 1.00
VENTILATION
Do not prevent the unit's ventilation, especially by placing the unit on the soft carpet, in a narrow space, or by
placing objects on the unit's chassis—top, side, or rear panels. Always keep the unit's chassis at least 10
centimeters from any other objects. 31C-En
This equipment conforms to No.82/499/EEC, 87/308 EEC standard. 3A-En
CONFORME AL D.M. 13 APRILE 1989 DIRETTIVA CEE/87/308 3B-It
WARNING
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,itshouldbechangedto an ACmainslead,completewithmoulded plug,totheappropriatetype.If this
is not possible, the plug should be cut off and a correct one fitted to suit the AC outlet. This should be fused
at 5 Amps.
If a plug without a fuse is used, the fuse at the distribution board should NOT BE GREATER than 5 Amp.
PLEASE NOTE: THE SEVERED PLUG MUST BE DESTROYED TO AVOID A POSSIBLE SHOCK
HAZARD SHOULD IT BE INSERTED INTO A 13 AMP SOCKET ELSEWHERE.
The wires in this mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following code:
GREEN and YELLOW — EARTH
BLUE — NEUTRAL
BROWN — LIVE
Asthe coloursof thewires inthe mainslead ofthis apparatusmaynot correspondwith thecoloured markings
identifying the terminals in your plug, please proceed as follows:
The wire which is coloured GREEN and YELLOW must be connected to the terminal which is marked
withtheletterEorwiththesafetyearthsymbol orcolouredGREENorcolouredGREENandYELLOW.
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

S3200XL Operator’s Manual - Version 1.00 iii
WARNING
CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS NOT EXPRESSLY APPROYED BY THE MANUFACTURER FOR
COMPLIANCE COULD VOID THE USER’S AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THE EQUIPMENT. 32-En
FCC WARNING
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part
15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in
a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installedand usedin accordancewith theinstructions, maycause harmfulinterferenceto radiocommunications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
causeharmfulinterference toradio ortelevisionreception, whichcan bedetermined by turningthe equipmentoff
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 S3200XL
Le présent appareil numérique n’ément pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites applicables aux
appareils numériques de la Class B prescrites dans le Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par
le ministère des Communications du Canada. 27-F
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set
out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications. 27-En
FÜR KUNDEN IN DER BUNDESREPUBLIK DEUTSCHLAND
Bescheinigung von AKAI
Hiermit wird bescheinigt, daß das Gerät AKAI
S3200XL
in Übereinstimmung mit den Bestimmungen der
Amtsblattverfügung 1046/1984
funkentstört ist.
Der Deutschen Bundespostwurde das Inverkehrbringen dieses Gerätes angezeigt und die Berichtigung zur
Überprüfung der Serie auf Einhaltung der Bestimmungen eingeräumt.
AKAI ELECTRIC CO., LTD. 17B-G
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
TheAKAIS3200XLisacomputer-baseddevice,andassuchcontainsandusessoftwareinROMs.
Thissoftware,andallrelateddocumentation,includingthisOperator’sManual,containproprietary
information which is protected by copyright laws. All rights are reserved. No part of the software
oritsdocumentationmaybecopied,transferredormodified. Youmaynotmodify,adapt,translate,
lease, distribute, resell for profit or create derivative works based on the software and its related
documentationoranypartthereofwithoutpriorwrittenconsentfromAKAIElectricCo.Ltd,Tokyo,
Japan.

iv S3200XL Operator’s Manual - Version 1.00
WARRANTY
AKAI Electric Co. Ltd. warrants its products, when purchased from an authorized “AKAI
professional” dealer, to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 12
(twelve) months from the date of purchase. Warranty service is effective and available to the
originalpurchaseonly,andonlyoncompletionandreturnoftheAKAIWarrantyRegistrationCard
within 14 days of purchase.
Warrantycoverageisvalidforfactory-authorizedupdatestoAKAIinstrumentsandtheirsoftware,
when their installation is performed by an authorized AKAI Service Center, and a properly
completed Warranty Registration has been returned to your “AKAI professional” dealer.
To obtain service under this warranty, the product must, on discovery of the detect, be properly
packed and shipped to the nearest AKAI Service Center. The party requesting warranty service
must provide proof of original ownership and date of purchase of the product.
If the warranty is valid, AKAI will, without charge for parts or labor, either repair or replace the
defective part(s). Without a valid warranty, the entire cost of the repair (parts and labor) is the
responsibility of the product's owner.
AKAI warrants that it will make all necessary adjustments, repairs and replacements at no cost to
the original owner within 12 (twelve) months of the purchase date if:
1) The product fails to perform its specified functions due to failure of one or more of its
components.
2) The product fails to perform its specified functions due to defects in workmanship.
3) The product has been maintained and operated by the owner in strict accordance with the
written instructions for proper maintenance and use as specified in this Operator's Manual.
Beforepurchaseanduse,ownersshoulddeterminethesuitabilityoftheproductfortheirintended
use, and owner assumes all risk and liability whatsoever in connection therewith. AKAI shall not
be liable for any injury, loss or damage, direct or consequential, arising out of use, or inability to
use the product.
Thewarrantyprovidesonlythosebenefitsspecified,anddoesnotcoverdefectsorrepairsneeded
as a result of acts beyond the control of AKAI, including but not limited to:
1) Damage caused by abuse, accident, negligence. AKAI will not cover under warranty any
original factory disk damaged or destroyed as a result of the owner's mishandling.
2) Damagecausedbyanytampering,alterationormodificationoftheproduct:operatingsoftware,
mechanical or electronic components.
3) Damage caused by failure to maintain and operate the product in strict accordance with the
written instructions for proper maintenance and use as specified in this Operator's Manual.
4) Damage caused by repairs or attempted repairs by unauthorized persons.
5) Damage caused by fire, smoke, falling objects, water or other liquids, or natural events such
as rain, floods, earthquakes, lightning, tornadoes, storms, etc.
6) Damage caused by operation on improper voltages.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Thiswarrantybecomes voidifthe productoritssoftwareiselectroni-
cally modified, altered or tampered with in any way.
AKAI shall not be liable for costs involved in packing or preparing the product for shipping, with
regard to time, labor, or materials, shipping or freight costs, or time or expense involved in
transporting the product to and from AKAI Authorized Service Center or Authorized Dealer.
AKAIwillnotcover under warrantyanapparentmalfunction that isdeterminedto be usererror,or
owner's inability to use the product.
THE DURATION OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER IMPLIED OR EXPRESS, IN-
CLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED CONDITION OF MERCHANTABILITY, IS
LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THE EXPRESS WARRANTY HEREIN.
AKAI hereby excludes incidental or consequential damages, including but not limited to:
1) Loss of time.
2) Inconvenience
3) Delay in performance of the Warranty.
4) The loss of use of the product.
5) Commercial loss.
6) Breach of any express or implied warranty, including the Implied Warranty of Merchantability,
applicable to this product.
WARANTY

INTRODUCTION................................................................................1
FEATURES .........................................................................................................2
ABOUT THIS MANUAL...........................................................................................5
FRONT PANEL.....................................................................................................6
TAKING CARE OF YOUR DISKS..............................................................................8
REAR PANEL ......................................................................................................10
SETTING UP THE S3200XL....................................................................................13
CONNECTIONS ...................................................................................................13
LOADING THE DEMO FLOPPY DISKS......................................................................14
MOUNTING THE S3200XL......................................................................................15
GETTING AROUND THE S3200XL ...........................................................................16
OPERATING MODES................................................................................16
SOFT KEYS ............................................................................................16
SELECTING PARAMETERS AND ENTERING DATA.........................................17
NAMING FILES - THE NAME KEY ................................................................19
THE ENT/PLAY KEY .................................................................................19
LCD CONTRAST.......................................................................................19
RECORD LEVEL, MAIN VOLUME, HEADPHONE OUTPUT............................................20
HOW THE S3200XL WORKS...................................................................................21
S3200XL FLOWCHART..........................................................................................22
SINGLE MODE..................................................................................25
SELECTING PROGRAMS ......................................................................................25
VIEWING PROGRAMS..........................................................................................26
SETTING PROGRAM LEVELS, PAN, FX SENDS.........................................................26
SETTING PROGRAMS’ MIDI PARAMETERS..............................................................27
SETTING PROGRAM LOUDNESS AND VELOCITY......................................................29
LOADING FROM FLOPPY DISK ..............................................................................30
LOADING FROM HARD DISK..................................................................................31
DELETING PROGRAMS ........................................................................................32
RENUMBERING PROGRAMS .................................................................................34
USING THE S3200XL IN ‘OLD AKAI’ MODE! ..............................................................35
USING SELECT PROG - PROGRAMS WITH THE SAME NUMBER ......................35
LAYERING PROGRAMS............................................................................35
CREATING KEYBOARD SPLITS..................................................................35
USING RENUMBERING TO CREATE MULTI-TIMBRAL SETUPS.........................36
SINGLE VS MULTI....................................................................................37
MULTI MODE - COMBINING SEVERAL PROGRAMS......................................39
ASSIGNING PROGRAMS TO PARTS .......................................................................40
SETTING A PART’S MIDI CHANNEL.........................................................................40
MIXING THE PARTS .............................................................................................40
SENDING PARTS TO THE INTERNAL EFFECTS .........................................................40
ASSIGNING PARTS TO THE INDIVIDUAL OUTPUTS...................................................41
TUNING AND TRANSPOSING PARTS.......................................................................41
SETTING A PART’S LOW AND HIGH KEYRANGES .....................................................41
SETTING A PART’S PRIORITY................................................................................42
INITIALISING A PART...........................................................................................42
SETTING UP A MULTI ...........................................................................................43
MODIFYING THE MULTI ........................................................................................44
NAMING A MULTI.................................................................................................45
SAVING A MULTI .................................................................................................45
LOADING A MULTI ...............................................................................................45
RENUMBERING PROGRAMS .................................................................................46
USING MULTI MODE FOR LAYERING PROGRAMS.....................................................49
USING MULTI MODE TO SET KEYBOARD SPLITS......................................................50
PROGRAM EDITING...........................................................................52
WHAT IS A KEYGROUP?.......................................................................................53
KEYGROUP ZONES .............................................................................................54
OVERLAPPING AND CROSSFADING KEYGROUPS ...................................................55
ASSIGNABLE PROGRAM MODULATION..................................................................56
EDIT SINGLE ......................................................................................................60
NAMING PROGRAMS - COPYING AND RENAMING ....................................................61
DELETING PROGRAMS ........................................................................................62
MIDI PAGE .........................................................................................................66
OUTPUT LEVELS PAGE........................................................................................68

PAN PAGE..........................................................................................................71
THE TUNE PAGE..................................................................................................73
MODULATION PAGES ..........................................................................................74
PITCH BEND ...........................................................................................74
LFO1 .....................................................................................................76
SETTING LFO1 MODULATION DEPTH..........................................................79
LFO2 .....................................................................................................80
SETTING UP THE SOFT PEDAL ..................................................................83
PORTAMENTO ........................................................................................84
KEYGROUP PARAMETERS - CREATING KEYGROUPS...............................................87
MAPPING OUT YOUR KEYGROUPS - SETTING KEYSPAN ..............................90
ASSIGNING SAMPLES TO KEYGROUPS AND ZONES - SMP1......................................92
SMP2.....................................................................................................95
SMP3.....................................................................................................97
THE FILTERS ......................................................................................................98
ENV1 - SHAPING AMPLITUDE................................................................................101
ENV2 - SHAPING THE FILTER ................................................................................103
USING THE FILTER AND ENVELOPE GENERATORS......................................104
THE SECOND FILTERS .........................................................................................105
CREATING 24db/8ve 4-POLE LOWPASS FILTER...........................................109
THE TONE PAGE .....................................................................................111
ENV3.................................................................................................................113
KEYGROUP PITCH/AMPLITUDE MODULATION.........................................................114
EDIT MULTI.....................................................................................116
SCREEN DIFFERENCES IN EDIT MULTI ...................................................................116
SAMPLE MODE.................................................................................118
WHAT IS SAMPLING?...........................................................................................118
RECORD MODE...................................................................................................120
THE MAIN RECORD PAGE.....................................................................................123
NAMING SAMPLES FOR RECORDING .....................................................................123
ADJUSTING THE RECORDING AND THRESHOLD LEVELS ..........................................125
RECORDING ON THE S3200XL...............................................................................125
DIGITAL RECORDING...........................................................................................126
EDIT SAMPLE ..................................................................................128
NAMING SAMPLES - COPYING AND RENAMING .......................................................130
DELETING SAMPLES ...........................................................................................131
TRIMMING SAMPLES ...........................................................................................132
LOOPING...........................................................................................................136
LOOP AUTO FIND AND CROSSFADE LOOPING.........................................................137
MAKING A GOOD LOOP............................................................................139
LEVEL NORMALISATION ......................................................................................141
DSP FUNCTIONS - TIMESTRETCH, RE-SAMPLING AND EQ.........................................142
TIMESTRETCH ........................................................................................142
PERFORMING A TIMESTRETCH .................................................................145
RE-SAMPLING ........................................................................................146
PERFORMING A RE-SAMPLE.....................................................................147
EQ........................................................................................................148
EQ’ING A SAMPLE...................................................................................150
USING THE EQ........................................................................................150
FURTHER EDITING FUNCTIONS .............................................................................151
THE PARAMETER PAGE ...........................................................................151
REVERSING SAMPLES.............................................................................153
SECTIONAL EDITING ...............................................................................154
THE JOIN PAGE ......................................................................................157
SPLICING SAMPLES................................................................................157
CROSSFADING .......................................................................................158
MIXING AND LAYERING SAMPLES.............................................................158
SETTING DIGITAL FADES .........................................................................160
EFFECTS MODE................................................................................162
ORGANISATION OF EFFECTS FILES.......................................................................164
ASSIGNING EFFECTS TO SINGLE PROGRAMS ........................................................165
ASSIGNING EFFECTS TO MULTI PARTS..................................................................167
ASSIGNING EFFECTS TO INDIVIDUAL KEYGROUPS.................................................169
PROCESSING EXTERNAL SOUND SOURCES THROUGH THE EFFECTS........................170

ROUTING EXTERNAL SOUNDS THROUGH THE EFFECTS ...........................................171
SELECTING THE EFFECTS OUTPUT........................................................................171
CHAINING EFFECTS.............................................................................................172
MUTING EFFECTS................................................................................................174
EFFECTS EDIT .................................................................................175
DISTORTION/RING MODULATION ..........................................................................176
EQ....................................................................................................................177
MODULATION EFFECTS........................................................................................179
CHORUS, PHASE SHIFT AND FLANGING EFFECTS........................................179
ROTARY SPEAKER EFFECTS ....................................................................181
AUTOPAN AND FREQUENCY MODULATION EFFECTS....................................184
STEREO PITCH SHIFT EFFECTS.................................................................185
BYPASSING THE MODULATION EFFECTS ...................................................187
DELAY AND ECHO EFFECTS..................................................................................188
MONO DELAY/ECHO EFFECTS ..................................................................190
PING PONG ECHO EFFECTS .....................................................................191
CROSSOVER DELAY................................................................................192
STEREO DELAY/ECHO EFFECTS ...............................................................193
REVERB EFFECTS...............................................................................................194
REVERSE REVERB..................................................................................197
GATED REVERB......................................................................................198
EFFECTS OUTPUT SECTION..................................................................................200
EFFECTS DIRECTION...........................................................................................201
SOLOING THE CURRENT EFFECT...........................................................................203
COPYING EFFECTS .............................................................................................204
COPYING EFFECTS BETWEEN DIFFERENT EFFECTS FILES.......................................204
SAVE MODE ....................................................................................206
SELECTING FLOPPY OR HARD DISK ......................................................................206
SELECTING THE HARD DISK PARTITION.................................................................206
SELECTING THE HARD DISK VOLUME ....................................................................206
SELECTING THE TYPE OF SAVE............................................................................206
SAVING TO FLOPPY DISK.....................................................................................208
SAVING TO HARD DISK ........................................................................................209
RENAMING FILES................................................................................................211
DELETING ITEMS FROM DISK................................................................................212
HARD DISK CONTROL ..........................................................................................213
FORMATTING A FLOPPY DISK...............................................................................214
FORMATTING A HARD DISK...................................................................................216
NOTES ON USING EXISTING S1000/S1100 SOUND LIBRARY......................................217
LOAD MODE ....................................................................................218
SELECTING FLOPPY OR HARD DISK ......................................................................218
SELECTING THE HARD DISK PARTITION.................................................................218
SELECTING THE HARD DISK VOLUME ....................................................................219
SELECTING THE TYPE OF LOAD............................................................................219
LOADING FROM FLOPPY DISK ..............................................................................220
LOADING FROM HARD DISK..................................................................................221
LOADING S900/S950 SAMPLES AND PROGRAMS.....................................................223
LOADING S1000/S1100 DATA................................................................................223
AUTO LOADING FROM DISK..................................................................................223
SEARCHING FOR FILES - USING THE FIND FUNCTION...............................................224
USING THE TAG DIRECTORY SYSTEM....................................................................226
NAMING TAGS ........................................................................................227
NOTES ON USING THE TAGGING SYSTEM ..................................................227
HARD DISK CONTROL ..........................................................................................229
IMPORTING SOUNDS FROM OTHER MANUFACTURER’S CD-ROMS..............................230
GLOBAL MODE.................................................................................232
TUNING THE S3200XL ..........................................................................................232
SETTING THE MASTER OUTPUT LEVEL...................................................................232
MIDI FUNCTIONS.................................................................................................233
MIDI FILTER............................................................................................233
PPM PAGE - MONITORING MIDI.................................................................234
MIDI RECEIVE PAGE - ANALYSING MIDI .....................................................234
TRANSMIT TEST PAGE - SETTING THE ENT/PLAY KEY..................................235
MIDI SAMPLE DUMPS...............................................................................236

PERFORMING A MIDI SAMPLE DUMP..........................................................237
MIDI VIA SCSI.........................................................................................238
ME35T DRUM SETTINGS.......................................................................................239
DAT BACK-UP AND RESTORE................................................................................241
PERFORMING A DAT BACK UP...................................................................242
PERFORMING A DAT RESTORE .................................................................242
STANDARD MIDI FILE - MIDI SONG FILE PLAY..........................................................243
LOADING STANDARD MIDI FILES...............................................................244
USING THE SMF FUNCTION.......................................................................245
HARD DISK RECORDING.......................................................................................246
APPLICATIONS.......................................................................................246
FORMATTING THE HARD DISK FOR DISK RECORDING ..................................247
CREATING NEW TAKES............................................................................252
COPYING TAKES.....................................................................................252
RENAMING TAKES...................................................................................252
DELETING TAKES FROM DISK...................................................................252
RECORDING A TAKE................................................................................257
EDITING A RECORDING............................................................................260
PLAYING A TAKE IN THE EDIT PAGE ..........................................................261
USING THE EDITING FUNCTIONS...............................................................261
PLAYING TAKES .....................................................................................263
USING THE PLAY PAGE............................................................................265
EDITING A TAKE FOR SYNCHRONISED PLAYBACK.......................................266
NOTES ABOUT SYNCHRONISING TO EXTERNAL AUDIO................................266
USING THE SONG MODE ..........................................................................267
CREATING A SONG..................................................................................267
TRIGGERING TAKES FROM MIDI................................................................270
USING MIDI TRIGGERING.........................................................................270
USING THE SONG MODE TO CHAIN TAKES..................................................273
USING THE NUMERIC KEYPAD IN THE SONG MODE......................................274
BLOCK EDITING IN SONG MODE................................................................275
NAMING SONGS......................................................................................277
SAVING A SONG .....................................................................................277
LOADING A SONG ...................................................................................277
BACKING UP TAKES TO DAT .....................................................................278
RESTORING TAKES BACK FROM DAT TO DISK.............................................279
SMPTE PAGE - USING CUE LISTS ..........................................................................281
BLOCKS.................................................................................................282
THE CURSOR..........................................................................................282
GETTING AROUND THE CUE LIST - THE NUMERIC KEYPAD............................282
CUE LIST MODES ....................................................................................283
CREATING AND EDITING CUE LISTS...........................................................283
GRABBING TIMES ...................................................................................287
SMPTE PAGE..........................................................................................288
NAMING CUE LISTS .................................................................................289
SAVING CUE LISTS..................................................................................289
LOADING CUE LISTS................................................................................289

APPENDIX 1....................................................................................290
CONNECTING AN EXTERNAL HARD DISK DRIVE.......................................................290
CONNECTING TWO SAMPLERS TO ONE HARD DISK DRIVE........................................290
NOTES ON USING HARD DISK DRIVES....................................................................291
SCSI CABLES .........................................................................................291
TERMINATION.........................................................................................291
SCSI CABLE LENGTH...............................................................................292
APPENDIX 2....................................................................................293
DATA COMPATIBILITY ISSUES..............................................................................293
SOUND DATA..........................................................................................293
EFFECTS FILES.......................................................................................294
MULTIS..................................................................................................294
ME-35T DRUM SETTINGS..........................................................................294
SONGS AND QLISTS................................................................................294
APPENDIX 3....................................................................................295
INSTALLING EXTRA MEMORY ...............................................................................295
INSTALLING MEMORY EXPANSION............................................................295
APPENDIX 4....................................................................................297
S3200XL SYNTHESISER PANEL.............................................................................297
APPENDIX 5....................................................................................298
MIDI CONTROLLER LIST.......................................................................................298
SPECIFICATIONS..............................................................................303
S3200XL MIDI IMPLEMENTATION CHART.................................................304

INTRODUCTION
S3200XL Operator’s Manual - Version 1.00 Page 1
Welcome to the Akai S3200XL stereo digital sampler and thank you for buying it!
The S3200XL features 32-voice polyphony, expandable memory, DSP functions, etc., and
using the S3200XL’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 S3200XL In software, the new MULTI mode of
operation simplifies multi-timbral sequencing and layering. The S3200XL also includes 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. Also included is a second bank of
multi-mode resonant filters for sophisticated tonal processing.
Bundled with the S3200XL 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 S3200XL 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.

INTRODUCTION
Page 2 S3200XL Operator’s Manual - Version 1.00
FEATURES
• Polyphony 32 voices
• A-D Conversion 16-bit stereo with 64-times oversampling
• Internal processing 28-bit accumulation
• D-A Conversion 20-bit with 8-times oversampling (L/R outputs)
18bit with 8-times oversampling (individual outputs)
• Sampling rates 44.1kHz/22.050kHz
• Phase locked stereo sampling and playback
• Internal memory 16Mbytes standard, expandable to 32Mbytes using SIMMs
• Sampling times 16Mbytes 2.97 minutes 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 Digital audio input/output.
• Effects 4-channel multi-effects processor offering two channels of
simultaneous distortion, four-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.
2nd bank of 2-pole resonant multi-mode (HP, BP, LP, EQ)
filters and tone control.
• Envelopes 1 x ADSR and 2 x multi-stage envelope generators.
• 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. The S3200XL

INTRODUCTION
S3200XL Operator’s Manual - Version 1.00 Page 3
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 S3200XL can play Standard MIDI files (sequences) from
the floppy disk drive. This allows you, for example, to play
sequenced backing tracks directly from the S3200XL.
• 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
S3200XL’s disk recorder. Using the internal multi-effects
processor, 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 S3200XL Operator’s Manual - Version 1.00
• 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, 2nd bank of resonant multi-mode
filters, ADSR envelope generator (with templates), 2 x 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.
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:
DISTORTION - distortion, level
EQ - low gain, mid 1 gain, mid 2 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
S3200XL Operator’s Manual - Version 1.00 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
S3200XL’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 S3200XL 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 S3200XL. Even if you’re a seasoned programmer, we hope that there is
information in this manual that you find useful..

INTRODUCTION
Page 6 S3200XL Operator’s Manual - Version 1.00
FRONT PANEL
$MIDI DIGITALSTEREO SAMPLER s3200xl
POWER
ON
OFF
PHONES
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
-/+/
F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7 F8
CURSOR
REC LEVEL
MIN MAX
MAIN VOLUME
MIN MAX
FOOT SW
mo
DISK DRIVE
( 3.5INCH )
HIGH SPEED
DIGITAL
SIGNAL
PROCESSOR
DATA
SCREEN FUNCTION
F1/AF2/BF3/CF4/DF5/EF6/FF7/GF8/H
I
SINGLE/ MULTI/JSAMPLE/KEFFECTS/LEDIT/MN
GLOBAL/ SAVE/OLOAD/ P
DISPLAY
CONTRAST
PUSH ON/OFF
DISPLAY CONTRAST
FLOPPY DISK DRIVE
LCD DATA ENCODER
RECORD LEVEL MAIN VOLUME
POWER SWITCH
MO DRIVE SLOT
SOFT KEYS
MODE KEYS
CURSOR KEYS
NUMERIC KEYPAD
MARK/JUMP, NAME, ENT KEYS
HEADPHONE
FOOTSWITCH
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