User manual AKAI Z4

/ SAMPLER User Guide WARNING To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture. Important Notice The material in this document is copyright to AKAI professional M.I. Corp., and may not be quoted or reproduced in any form without written permission from the company. LIMITED SOFTWARE WARRANTY POLICY All the software provided with, or purchased especially for, AKAI professional products has been tested for functionality. AKAI professional M.I. Corp. will make its best efforts to correct reported software defects for future releases subject to technical practicabilities. AKAI professional M.I. Corp. makes no warranty or representation either expressed or implied with respect to the system's performance or fitness for a particular purpose. In no event will AKAI professional M.I. Corp. be liable for direct or indirect damages arising from any defect in the software or its documentation. Further, AKAI professional M.I. Corp. will not accept any liability for any programs, sounds, audio recording or sequences stored in or used with AKAI professional products, including the cost of recovery of such data. The warranties, remedies and disclaimers above are exclusive and take precedence over all others, oral or written, express or implied, to the extent permitted by law in the geographical area of the product's use. No employee of AKAI professional M.I. Corp., agent, distributor or employee of an agent or distributor is authorised to offer any variation from this policy. WARNING!! To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture. 1-En 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.) The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user 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 to persons. The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intented to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance. 5B-En Lithium battery This product uses a lithium battery for memory backup. The lithium battery should only be replaced by qualified service personnel. Improper handling may cause risk of explosion. 24A-En 02/15/2002 WARNING ii WARNING: WHEN USING ELECTRIC PRODUCTS, BASIC PRECAUTIONS SHOULD ALWAYS BE FOLLOWED, INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING: WARNING The Z4/Z8 is designed to be used in a standard household environment. Power requirements for electrical equipment vary from area to area. Please ensure that your Z4/Z8 meets the power requirements in your area. If in doubt, consult a qualified electrician or AKAI professional dealer. 120 VAC 220~240 VAC 240 VAC @ 60 Hz for USA and Canada @ 50 Hz for Europe @ 50 Hz for Australia PROTECTING YOURSELF AND THE Z4/Z8 · Never touch the AC plug with wet hands. · · Always disconnect the Z4/Z8 from the power supply by pulling on the plug, not the cord. Allow only an AKAI professional dealer or qualified professional engineer to repair or reassemble the Z4/Z8. Apart from voiding the warranty, unauthorized engineers might touch live internal parts and receive a serious electrical shock. There are no user serviceable parts inside. Do not put, or allow anyone to put any object, especially metal objects, into the Z4/Z8. Use only a household AC power supply. Never use a DC power supply. If water or any other liquid is spilled into or onto the Z4/Z8, disconnect the power, and call your dealer. Make sure that the unit is well-ventilated, and away from direct sunlight. To avoid damage to internal circuitry, as well as the external finish, keep the Z4/Z8 away from sources of direct heat (stoves, radiators, etc.). Avoid using aerosol insecticides, etc. near the Z4/Z8. They may damage the surface, and may ignite. Do not use denatured alcohol, thinner or similar chemicals to clean the Z4/Z8. They will damage the finish. Modification of this equipment is dangerous, and can result in the functions of the Z4/Z8 being impaired. Never attempt to modify the equipment in any way. Make sure that the Z4/Z8 is always well-supported when in use (either in a specially-designed equipment rack, or on a firm level surface). When installing the Z4/Z8 in a 19" rack system, always allow 1U of ventilated free space above it to allow for cooling. Make sure that the back of the rack is unobstructed to allow a clear airflow. In order to assure optimum performance of your Z4/Z8, select the setup location carefully, and make sure the equipment is used properly. Avoid setting up the Z4/Z8 in the following locations: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. In a humid or dusty environment In a room with poor ventilation On a surface which is not horizontal Inside a vehicle such as a car, where it will be subject to vibration In an extremely hot or cold environment · · · · · · · · · · · Z4/Z8 User Guide--Version 1.0 iii WARNING For U.K. customers only WARNING THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED IMPORTANT This equipment is fitted with an approved non-rewireable UK mains plug. To change the fuse in this type of plug proceed as follows: 1) Remove the fuse cover and old fuse. 2) Fit a new fuse which should be a BS1362 5 Amp A.S.T.A or BSI approved type. 3) Refit the fuse cover. If the AC mains plug fitted to the lead supplied with this equipment is not suitable for your type of AC outlet sockets, it should be changed to an AC mains lead, complete with moulded plug, to the appropriate type. If this is not possible, the plug should be cut off and a correct one fitted to suit the AC outlet. This should be fused at 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 BLUE BROWN -- Earth -- Neutral -- Live As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this apparatus may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug, please proceed as follows: The wire which is coloured GREEN and YELLOW must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter E or with the safety earth symbol or coloured GREEN or coloured GREEN and YELLOW. The wire which is coloured BLUE must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter N or coloured BLACK. The wire which is coloured BROWN must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter L or coloured RED. THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED Ensure that all the terminals are securely tightened and no loose strands of wire exist. Before replacing the plug cover, make certain the cord grip is clamped over the outer sheath of the lead and not simply over the wires. 6D-En Z4/Z8 User Guide--Version 1.0 WARNING iv FCC WARNING This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device 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 installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: · · · · Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. 21B-En AVIS POUR LES ACHETEURS CANADIENS DU Z4/Z8 Le présent appareil numérique n'ément pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils numériques de la Class B prescrites dans le Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le ministère des Communications du Canada. 27-F This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications. 27-En VENTILATION Do not prevent the unit's ventilation, especially by placing the unit on 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 CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS NOT EXPRESSLY APPROVED BY THE MANUFACTURER FOR COMPLIANCE COULD VOID THE USER'S AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THE EQUIPMENT. 32-En COPYRIGHT NOTICE The AKAI professional Z4/Z8 is a computer-based device, and as such contains and uses software in ROMs. This software, and all related documentation, including this Operator's Manual, contain proprietary information which is protected by copyright laws. All rights are reserved. No part of the software or its documentation may be copied, transferred or modified. You may not modify, adapt, translate, lease, distribute, resell for profit or create derivative works based on the software and its related documentation or any part thereof without prior written consent from AKAI professional M.I. Corp., Yokohama, Japan. Z4/Z8 User Guide--Version 1.0 v Contents Contents 1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Architecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2 Front & Rear Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Front Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 3 Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hookup Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Connecting USB Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Connecting SCSI Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Detaching the Removable Panel (Z8 only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Connecting the Power Cord. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Switching On & Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigating the User Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using the PLAY Button. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using the Clipboard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Entering Names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 11 12 12 13 13 13 14 15 16 17 4 Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Sound Library CD-ROM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 5 Recording Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Sampling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adding New Samples to Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Auto Sampling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sampling with Q-FX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 25 26 27 6 Editing Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 About Sample Editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Selecting Samples for Editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tagging Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Selecting a Monitoring Item . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trimming Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Viewing the Waveform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zooming Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Special Sample Playback for Auditioning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Setting the Start Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Setting the End Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sample Edit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Resampling with Q-FX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Setting Loops. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Setting and Fine-tuning the Loop Start & End Points. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Auto Loop Find Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Z4/Z8 User Guide--Version 1.0 29 29 30 30 30 31 31 31 32 32 33 38 40 41 42 Contents vi 42 43 43 44 45 46 46 47 47 Crossfading Loops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Setting Regions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adjusting Region Start & End Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Slicing Regions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BPM Tempo Matching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Renaming Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Copying Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deleting Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adding Samples to Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Using Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 About Program Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Selecting Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Configuring Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating Keygroup Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Configuring Keygroup Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating Drum Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Configuring Drum Programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Configuring Program Modulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Renaming, Deleting, Copying, Merging, Purging & Converting Programs . Configuring Program MIDI Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Configuring Pitch Bend. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Configuring the LFOs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Configuring the Filters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Configuring the Amp, Filter & Aux Envelopes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 48 49 50 51 56 57 58 60 61 62 63 64 65 8 Using Multis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 About Multi Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Selecting Multis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating Multis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assigning Programs to Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Filtering MIDI Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Applying FX to Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Copying Multis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deleting Multis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Playing Songs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 67 68 69 71 72 72 73 74 9 Using Q-Link . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 About Q-Link . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Configuring Q-Link. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 10 Using FX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 About the FX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Configuring FX Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Configuring FX Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Selecting FX Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Linking FX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Setting the FX Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Editing FX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FX Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 78 79 79 80 81 81 82 Z4/Z8 User Guide--Version 1.0 vii Contents 11 Saving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Saving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 12 Disk & File Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Deleting Files & Folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Formatting Disks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 13 General Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Setting the Master Level, Tuning, SCSI ID & MIDI OUT/THRU . . . . . . . . Setting the Display Contrast, Note Display, Date & Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Setting the System Clock & Digital Out Sync . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Monitoring MIDI Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Initializing the Z8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Erasing Entire Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Testing Memory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Defragmenting the Memory Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 89 90 91 91 92 92 92 Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Z4/Z8 User Guide--Version 1.0 Introduction 1 1 Introduction Thank you for choosing an AKAI Professional sampler. This User Guide uses the model name "Z8" to cover both the AKAI Professional Z8 and Z4. Unless otherwise stated, information applies to both models. Features · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · Removable front panel allows remote operation (Z8 only) WAV support provides compatibility with numerous sound libraries Assignable Q-Link controls for real-time Program and FX control Versatile sample editing includes Loop, Time Stretch, Pitch Shift, Normalize, Join, Fade, Delete Section, Reverse, and Tempo Match, etc. 64-voice polyphonic, 128-part multitimbral (32-voice polyphonic with the system clock set to 96kHz) Drum-type Programs specifically for use with drum and phrase Samples Playback SMF (Standard MIDI File) songs in Multi mode 192 two-pole resonant filters, up to three simultaneous filters per voice, 35 filter types by combination of three filters Two independent LFOs 4 multi-effects processors (Z4 requires EB4JS option) Sample and resample with FX (QuickFX) Supports 16/24-bit, 44.1/48/96 kHz sampling (32-voice polyphonic with the system clock set to 96kHz) 24-bit/96 kHz ADC/DAC, with Enhanced Dual Bit 64-times oversampling ADC and Advanced Multi-bit 128-times oversampling DAC Balanced analog I/O S/PDIF format digital I/O (Z4 requires IB-4D option) Built-in sample rate converters enable you to input and output digital signals easily without considering the difference in sampling rates between the devices. (Q-Link Digital Connection) Wordclock input for synchronizing the digital output signals to external devices Memory expandable up to 512 MB 32-channel multi-port MIDI interface (MIDI IN x2, OUT/THRU x2) SCSI port for connecting hard disks and removable media drives USB slave port for connecting a Mac/PC running the AKAI Professional ak.Sys software USB master port for connecting USB floppy disk drives, hard disks, removable media drives, or a USB keyboard for quick name entry Internal 3.5-inch drive bay for ATA hard disk or removable media drive Supports DOS FAT16/FAT32 disk formats for PC compatibility Hierarchical filing system uses folders to organize files Flash ROM programmable operating system Optional 2-in/8-out ADAT board (IB-4ADT) · · · · · · · · · · · · Optional 8 individual analog output board (IB-48P) Note: An optional ADAT card (IB-4ADT) and an Individual Analog Output card (IB-4P) cannot be installed at the same time. Z4/Z8 User Guide--Version 1.0 2 Chapter 1--Introduction Note: The Z8 Samplers contain no user serviceable parts. Please consult your AKAI Professional dealer regarding the installation of options and upgrades. Architecture This chapter explains how sounds are constructed in the Z8 and the hierarchic relationship between Samples, Programs, and Multis, in which Samples, the sound building blocks, are assigned to Programs, and Programs are assigned to Multis. It also introduces many of the terms used throughout this User Guide. Samples Samples are the sound building blocks used to create Programs and Multis. Samples can be recorded in Record mode, or loaded from disk. See "Recording Samples" on page 22 for more information on recording samples. Also, see "Loading" on page 18 for more information on loading samples from disk. Samples can be edited in Sample mode. See "Editing Samples" on page 29 for more information. Programs A Program is, by analogy, a musical instrument, and consists of one or multiple samples that have been processed via filter, envelope, LFO, and other parameters. It could be a piano sound made of few samples that cover different ranges from high to low. Or, it could be a drum kit containing a snare, bass drum, and cymbal samples. There are two types of Programs: Keygroup and Drum. You can use these types to create different sounds. Keygroup Programs consist of one or multiple Keygroups, which is somewhat like containers of Samples. In Keygroups, a Sample can be assigned to a group of adjacent notes, called a Keyspan. You can also specify the range of a Keyspan. Keygroup Programs are often used for sounds that are played in scales on a keyboard, such as a piano. You can assign up to four Samples to a Keygroup, and play multiple Samples simultaneously, or play different Samples by changing the velocity (how hard you play the keys) (Zone function). Each Keygroup features various editing parameters, such as a filter and an envelope, which enable you to make detailed adjustments to the sounds. The following example illustrates the most basic Program configuration, with one Sample assigned to one Keygroup and a Keyspan that covers the entire keyboard. Keygroup 1/Zone 1: Samp 1 The following Program consists of four Keygroups, each with its own Keyspan, and one Sample assigned to each Keygroup. KG1/ZN1: Samp1 KG2/ZN1: Samp2 KG3/ZN1: Samp3 KG4/ZN1: Samp4 Z4/Z8 User Guide--Version 1.0 Architecture 3 The following Program consists of two Keygroups with overlapping Keyspans. Crossfade can be applied to the overlapping parts. KG1/ZN1: Samp 1 KG2/ZN1: Samp 2 The following Program consists of three Keygroups: one that spans the entire keyboard, and two with overlapping Keyspans and a crossfade. KG3/ZN1: Samp 3 KG1/ZN1: Samp 1 KG2/ZN1: Samp 2 The following Program consists of two Keygroups. One Sample is assigned to each of four Zones within each Keygroup. via the Zone function. KG1/ZN4: Samp 7 KG1/ZN3: Samp 5 KG1/ZN2: Samp 3 KG1/ZN1: Samp 1 KG2/ZN4: Samp 8 KG2/ZN3: Samp 6 KG2/ZN2: Samp 4 KG2/ZN1: Samp 2 The following Program consists of three Keygroups: one that spans the entire keyboard with three Samples assigned, and two overlapping Keygroups with four Samples assigned. KG3/ZN3: Samp 11 KG3/ZN2: Samp 10 KG3/ZN1: Samp 9 KG1/ZN4: Samp 7 KG1/ZN3: Samp 5 KG1/ZN2: Samp 3 KG1/ZN1: Samp 1 KG2/ZN4: Samp 8 KG2/ZN3: Samp 6 KG2/ZN2: Samp 4 KG2/ZN1: Samp 2 Drum Programs are intended for use with drum and phrase Samples. The main difference from Keygroup Programs is that each drum Sample is assigned to a single note number instead of a Keygroup. Drum Programs are not used to play different tunes (in scales) on the keyboard, unlike Keygroup Programs. Rather, they are useful when you want the different notes to play different sounds, such as drum and phrase Samples. Otherwise, Drum Programs are almost identical to Keygroup Programs. Z4/Z8 User Guide--Version 1.0 4 Chapter 1--Introduction The following example illustrates a basic Drum Program, with one Sample assigned to each note. Zone 1: Kick1 Zone 1: Kick2 Zone 1: Snar Zone 1: O.Hat Zone 1: C.Hat Zone 1: Tom1 Zone 1: Tom2 Zone 1: Tom3 Zone 1: The following Drum Program uses Zones #1 and #2 to layer drum Samples, with velocity crossfades on certain notes. Zone 2: Thud Zone 2: Boom Zone 2: Clap Zone 2: Tish Zone 2: Click Zone 2: Tom4 Zone 2: Tom5 Zone 2: Tom6 Zone 2: Z4/Z8 User Guide--Version 1.0 Zone 1: Kick1 Zone 1: Kick2 Zone 1: Snar Zone 1: O.Hat Zone 1: C.Hat Zone 1: Tom1 Zone 1: Tom2 Zone 1: Tom3 Zone 1: Each Keygroup of the Keygroup Programs and each note of the Drum Programs have independent parameters that include basic parameters, such as level, pan, tuning, etc. Combining these parameters with the Z8's filters, envelope shapers, and LFOs enables you to perform advanced sound editing. See "Using Programs" on page 48 for detailed information on creating and editing Programs. Architecture 5 Multis To play Programs, you need to make various settings in Multis. A Multi is constructed from one or multiple Parts. Each Part provides independent level, pan, MIDI Channel, and other settings required for playing the Z8 via MIDI keyboards or external MIDI devices. You can play Programs when they are assigned to Parts. You can use MIDI Program Change messages to select Programs for Parts inside a Multi, and to select a Multi as a voice or sound from several Multis. When you use Multis, you can use the Q-Link controls to adjust tonal color in real time. See "Using Q-Link" on page 75 for more information. FX The Z8 features four 24-bit/96 kHz multi-effects processors (Z4 requires EB4JS option), offering a whole host of FX types, including reverbs, delays, modulation-based FX, dynamics, wah-wah, and pitch shifting. FX can be applied while sampling (see page 27), re-sampling (see page 38), or in Multi mode. In addition to the various FX types, Quick-FX presets such as Power, Swell, and Crisp provide an intuitive way to apply FX. See "Using FX" on page 78 for information on selecting and editing FX types. When you use Multis, you can adjust FX parameters via the Q-Link control in real time. See "Using Q-Link" on page 75 for more information. Loading Samples, Programs, Multis, Songs, and files can be loaded from hard disks and CD-ROMs. Files can be loaded individually or in groups. See "Loading" on page 18 for more information. Saving Individual Samples, Programs, Multis, Songs, and files can be saved to hard disks and removable media drives. Loaded data, recorded Samples, created or edited Programs and Multis are temporarily kept in the memory of the Z8. When the power to the Z8 is turned off, the data in memory will be lost. Be sure to save important data to hard disks or external storage devices. You can load the data saved on an external storage device in Load mode. See "Saving" on page 84 for more information. Z4/Z8 User Guide--Version 1.0 6 Chapter 2--Front & Rear Panels 2 Front & Rear Panels Front Panel Z8 Front Panel 1 2 34 56 7 8 90A B C D E F GH IJ K L M N OP Z4 Front Panel 1 2 34 56 7 0A B C QD E F GH IJ K L 8M9 OP 1 POWER switch This switch is used to turn on and off the power to the Z8. See "Switching On & Off" on page 13 for more information. 2 Q-LINK controls Up to eight parameters (four on the Z4) can be assigned to these controls for real-time control. See "Using Q-Link" on page 75 for more information. 3 SAMPLE button & indicator Pressing this button selects Sample Edit mode, which is used to edit Samples. The SAMPLE button indicator lights up when this mode is selected. See "Editing Samples" on page 29 for more information. Z4/Z8 User Guide--Version 1.0 Front Panel 7 4 MULTI button & indicator Pressing this button selects Multi mode, in which Multis can be selected, edited, and played. The MULTI button indicator lights up when this mode is selected. This mode is typically used when the Z8 is connected to a MIDI keyboard or MIDI sequencer. Standard MIDI Files (SMF) can also be played in this mode. See "Using Multis" on page 67 for more information. 5 FX button & indicator Pressing this button selects FX mode, which is used to select and edit the four independent FX processors (optional on the Z4). The FX button indicator lights up when this mode is selected. See "Using FX" on page 78 for more information. 6 PROGRAM button & indicator Pressing this button selects Program mode, in which Programs can be selected, edited, and played. See "Using Programs" on page 48 for more information. 7 Display This back-lit 248 by 60 dot LCD (liquid crystal display), together with the illuminated panel buttons, displays the current operating state of the Z8. See "Navigating the User Interface" on page 14 for more information. 8 MIDI A activity indicator This indicator lights up when MIDI data is received at the MIDI IN A port. 9 MIDI B activity indicator This indicator lights up when MIDI data is received at the MIDI IN B port. 10 CURSOR buttons These buttons are used to select items (parameter) on the display pages. See "Navigating the User Interface" on page 14 for more information. 11 JOG dial This dial is used to increment or decrement parameter values. Rotating it clockwise increases values; rotating it counterclockwise decreases them. See "Navigating the User Interface" on page 14 for more information. 12 MAIN VOLUME control This control is used to set the volume of the MAIN OUT and PHONES. 13 USB port (Host) Various USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices can be connected here, including floppy disk drives, hard disk drives, CD-ROM, and removable media drives for additional storage, or USB keyboards for quick name entry. See "Connecting USB Devices" on page 12 for more information. 14 Q-LINK SETUP button This button selects the Q-LINK SETUP page, which is used to assign parameters to the Q-Link controls. See "Using Q-Link" on page 75 for more information. 15 CLIPBOARD button The Clipboard can be used as a temporary store while editing Samples, Programs, or Multis, allowing A/B comparisons. See "Using the Clipboard" on page 16 for more information. 16 PLAY button Pressing the PLAY button plays the currently selected Sample or Program. See "Using the PLAY Button" on page 15 for more information. 17 RECORD button & indicator Pressing this button selects Record mode, which will light up its indicator. This mode is for sampling sounds. See "Recording Samples" on page 22 for more information. Z4/Z8 User Guide--Version 1.0 8 Chapter 2--Front & Rear Panels 18 SAVE button & indicator Pressing this button selects Save mode, which is used to save Samples, Programs, Multis, Songs, and files. The SAVE button indicator lights up when this mode is selected. See "Saving" on page 84 for more information. 19 LOAD button & indicator Pressing this button selects Load mode, which is used to load Samples, Programs, Multis, Songs, and files. The LOAD button indicator lights up when this mode is selected. See "Loading" on page 18 for more information. 20 UTILITIES button & indicator Pressing this button selects Utilities mode, which contains various global functions. See "General Utilities" on page 89 for more information. 21 Function buttons F1 to F6 The functions of these buttons change depending on the selected display page. Each button corresponds to a function on the display. See "Navigating the User Interface" on page 14 for more information. 22 WINDOW button The WINDOW button is used to open and close display windows. See "Navigating the User Interface" on page 14 for more information. 23 SHIFT button This button is used as a short cut to special functions, in conjunction with other buttons. 24 Removable Panel release button (Z8 only) Pressing this button releases the Removable Panel for remote operation of the unit. Removing this panel also allows access to the 3.5" drive bay. See "Detaching the Removable Panel (Z8 only)" on page 13 for more information. 25 PHONES jack This 1/4-inch (6.3 mm) stereo phone jack outputs the headphone signal, which is the same as the MAIN OUT signal. 26 REC GAIN control This control is used to set the recording level. See "Sampling" on page 22 for more information. 27 Front Panel 3.5" Drive Bay (Z4 only) This 3.5" Drive Bay is a mounting for additional storage devices. Z4/Z8 User Guide--Version 1.0 Rear Panel 9 View of 3.5" Drive Bay (Z8 only) Removable panel connection 3.5" drive bay Removable Panel contacts To protect the Removable Panel contacts against corrosion, and to avoid accidentally shorting them, always fit the supplied Contact Cover when the Removable Panel is detached. Rear Panel 1 2 34 5 6 7 8 9 0 A B 1 Option slot This slot is for installing optional interface cards. 2 DIGITAL I/O IN (optional on Z4) This phono connector is used to input S/PDIF format digital audio signals, typically from CD players, DAT decks, or any audio device with S/PDIF format digital I/O. See "Sampling" on page 22 for more information. 3 DIGITAL I/O OUT (optional on Z4) This phono connector is used to output the MAIN OUT signals as S/PDIF format digital audio. 4 WORDCLOCK IN (optional on Z4) This BNC connector is used to receive external wordclock signals. 5 Wordclock TERMINATOR switch (optional on Z4) This switch is used to terminate the external wordclock signal connected to the WORDCLOCK IN. Z4/Z8 User Guide--Version 1.0 10 Chapter 2--Front & Rear Panels 6 MAIN OUT These two 1/4-inch balanced phone jacks are the main analog audio outputs. They are wired as follows: tip = hot, ring = cold, sleeve = ground. 7 REC IN These two 1/4-inch balanced phone jacks are used to input analog audio signals and are wired as follows: tip = hot, ring = cold, sleeve = ground. See "Sampling" on page 22 for more information. 8 MIDI IN x 2 The Z8's two MIDI IN ports support 32 MIDI channels, referred to as 1A to 16A (MIDI IN A) and 1B to 16B (MIDI IN B). See "Assigning Programs to Parts" on page 69 for more information. 9 MIDI OUT/THRU x 2 These MIDI ports transmit MIDI data received at the respective MIDI IN port (A or B). MIDI Song data can also be transmitted. See "General Utilities" on page 89 for more information. 10 USB port (Slave) This USB port is used to connect the Z8 to a PC or Mac for use with AKAI professional Akai ak.Sys software, which allows file transfer between the Z8 and the computer, and remote editing of Programs and Multis. See "Connecting USB Devices" on page 12 for more information. 11 SCSI port This is a 50-way SCSI connector that supports the SCSI standard. It can be used to connect additional storage devices, including hard disk, CD-ROM drives, and removable media drives. See "Connecting SCSI Devices" on page 12 for more information. 12 AC inlet The supplied AC power cord is connected here. See "Getting Started" on page 11 for more information. Z4/Z8 User Guide--Version 1.0 Getting Started 11 3 Getting Started This chapter explains how to get the Z8 up and running, including connecting, switching on, navigating the user interface, and some operating basics. Installation If the Z8 is rack mounted, 5 cm of space should be left above and below it to provide adequate ventilation. Do not mount the Z8 directly above equipment that produces a lot of heat, such as a power amplifier. If the Z8 is to be free standing, ensure that it is placed on a sturdy, level surface, and that its ventilation grilles are not obstructed. Hookup Example Microphone Synthesizer CD player MIDI keyboard MIDI sequencer MIDI OUT MIDI IN MIDI OUT Z8 (rear panel) Mixer Headphones To AC outlet Monitors Amplifier Z4/Z8 User Guide--Version 1.0 12 Chapter 3--Getting Started Connecting USB Devices There are two USB ports on the Z8. The rear panel (slave) port is for connection to a PC or Mac equipped with a USB port, for remote operation of the Z8 using Akai professional ak.Sys software. The front panel (host) port is for connecting USB storage devices, such as floppy disk drives, hard disks, CD-ROM drives, and removable media drives. A USB keyboard can also be connected for quick name entry. The USB ports are "hot-pluggable," which means devices can be connected or disconnected even while the Z8 is on. Supported devices are recognized automatically. If a device is not supported, the Z8 simply ignores it. USB Keyboard USB Hard disk USB Floppy disk drive USB CD-ROM drive USB cable Connecting SCSI Devices The Z8 features a SCSI port on the rear panel for connecting SCSI storage devices, including hard disks and removable media drives. The Z8 and your SCSI devices must be switched off before they are connected. Up to seven SCSI devices, each with its own unique SCSI ID, can be connected to the Z8. The last device on the bus must be terminated correctly. See your SCSI device's manual for details. SCSI terminator SCSI connector SCSI device 1 (Default SCSI ID: 6) (SCSI ID: 0) SCSI device 2 (SCSI ID: 1) Note: Never assign an external SCSI device to the same SCSI ID as that of the Z8. See page 89 for information on setting the Z8 SCSI ID (The factory default ID number is "6"). Occasionally, depending on the type and number of SCSI devices connected to the bus, you may find that errors occur when trying to access devices, or there are problems operating the Z8. In this case, try the following: · Ensure that no two devices have the same SCSI ID. · Disconnect or disable the terminator, or change the order of the connected devices. · Check the SCSI cables. Use the highest quality shielded cables you can find, and choose the shortest practical length. For information on the drives that can be used with the Z8, please contact your Akai dealer or Akai Professional M.I. Service Department. Z4/Z8 User Guide--Version 1.0