Akai's Next Generation Digital Samplers
January 28, 1999Akai's next generation of samplers made their Winter NAMM debut. The
Akai S5000 and S6000 represent a revolutionary step forward in the art
of sampling, offering the options and features required by professional
applications at a truly affordable price.
The Akai S5000 and S6000 feature DOS disk format and .WAV files as the
native sample format. Stereo .WAV files are treated as a single sample
(instead of two mono L/R samples) allowing easier sample editing and program
creation. Any standard PC .WAV file can be loaded directly for instant
playback from any PC formatted hard drive attached to the S5000 or S6000
- including downloaded samples available on the Internet.
Both new models feature a 64-voice system, and both are upgradable to
128-voices (U.S. Version). Improved programming options allow for up to
128 multi programs to be loaded into RAM at any one time, a "QUICKLOAD"
function to load programs directly into parts, and Akai's APM (Assignable
Program Modulation) which offers a comprehensive range of new filters,
flexible envelope generators, LFOs and more.
The S6000 also offers programmable "user keys" which can be assigned
to any page for rapid access to commonly used functions.The S5000 features
eight individual analog outputs (upgradable to 16) and a stereo master
analog output, while the S6000 comes equipped with 16 + 2 analog outputs.
The S6000 also includes balanced stereo input jacks which are accessible
by either the rear panel connectors or via the convenient jacks located
on the S6000's front panel. The front panel of the S6000 features a removable,
full-function remote control panel allowing operation from a convenient
location within a 30 meter range.Samples can be recorded into RAM or directly
to hard disk. Playback from either is transparent, allowing playback of
long samples directly from disk without having to load them into memory.
RAM is expandable to 256Mbytes and the operating system runs from easily
upgradable flash ROM. Stereo digital I/O is standard and both models are
capable of handling up to 16 individual analog outputs which can be configured
as stereo pairs. The S5000 and S6000 also include two SCSI ports. The
Wordclock connector insures easy integration into an all-digital studio
and an optional ADAT interface provides sixteen digital outputs.Both new
models feature a large 320 x 240 LCD graphic display, with eight dedicated
function keys running down both sides of the screen -- placing 16 of the
most commonly used programming functions at the user's fingertips.
The Akai S5000 and S6000 offer a wide variety of storage options, including
the ability to replace the standard 3.5" floppy drive with an optional,
internal Zip drive. The S6000 also offers an expansion slot on the front
panel for an additional 3.5" drive.The Akai S5000 is now available at
a suggested retail price of $1,999 and the S6000 is now available at a
suggested retail price of $2,999. For more information, visit Akai at www.akai.com. | 
