Akai • X7000
The X7000 was Akai's first major Sampler Keyboard instrument similar in style and format to the E-mu Emax, Ensoniq Mirage, EPS and Roland S-10 sampling keyboards. The X7000 has about the same sampling features as the rack-mount S-900, which were great in 1986. Variable 12-bit sampling up to 40kHz, 128K RAM for storing only a few seconds worth of samples and a complete suite of basic sample editing functions including looping, auto-looping, truncating, multi-sampling and re-sampling capabilities, tuning and so on. It even features a few dedicated parameter buttons above the keyboard for quick access to the LFO and other modulations.
This sampler sounds pretty good. It's got a lo-fi edge due to the fact that it's only a 12-bit rather than 16-, 20- or 24-bit sampler. The slow 2.8" built-in disk drive is not exactly compatible with much. But you can use it to store your samples or load samples from libraries for Akai's S-612, S-700 and X7000. Editing samples is straight forward and makes this synth a great entry-level sampler. However, the LCD display is small so editing can be tedious. It also features a cool analog-like filter with cutoff. But for enhanced analog-like editing, the X7000 can be hooked up to the AX-73, AX-60 and VX-90 synthesizers via the DD-X5013 Voice Cable so you can run the X7000's samples through these synth's analog circuitry.
The built-in keyboard makes the X7000 good for performances and it also makes a good first Keyboard for any budding musicians looking to get into sampling - either for cheap or for some lo-fi sampling. However, it does have advanced functions for users looking for some more elaborate or malleable sounds. These include the multi-sampling and re-sampling functions, sample reversing and alternating, keyboard splitting, and the option to upgrade using the Expansion Memory PCB which increases the number of samples available to 16 and boosts multi-sampling from 6 to 16 splits. There was also a rack-mount version, the S-700, also a few leaps ahead of the original S-612 but also still a couple steps behind the classic S-900. The X7000 has been used by The Chemical Brothers.
"Anyway, unless I am very mistaken, a 2.8" 'Quick Disc' is an entirely different animal and although I have been asked for CF2's for some oddball things - including some funny Decca radar system in an old fishing boat - Akai samplers is certainly not one of them"
Could be that he can repair the drive though, a service he does offer, it's a similar drive just not the same inch size for the disks.
This belt is the right dimensions for the QD drive:
http://www.turntableneedles.com/Flat-Belt-Small-90-Inc h_p_51 2.html
Some other links if you're looking for belts:
http://www.risingstuff.com/store/famicom-disk-system-r ep lacement-drive-belt-p-3132.html
http://www.tototek.com/store/ index.php?main_page=produc t_info&cPath=1_35&products_id=106
This is a video of how to replace the belt in the drive (the same Quick Disk drives were used in Famicom game systems)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJbWPVS0Suk
I got this info from the S700 page on this site, Curtis posted the info originally, thought I would help out over here, it's the same sampler in a different housing after all. I am about to replace the belt in an S700 myself.
What a sound; it's limited alright but it sounds f*king ACE! Extremely good purchase for 50 euros, can't wait to be able to save some samples...
The X-7000 is the keyboard version of the S-700 !
you guys are all mixed up. The S-900 is not limited to 16 short samples like the the S-700 / X-7000. The S-900 is the lesser version of the S-950.
I have all 4. the ASk-70 is the memory expansion for both the S-700 and X-7000, theyre the same unit basically.
The x7ooo was a cut down version of the akai s900 the problem was sampletime was limited to match the 2.8 quickdisks storage space. which let you store a 1 sec sample per side.
i remember being frustrated that akai had a habit of releasing cheaper cut down versions of products which always had short lifespans. s612 s700/x7000, s01,
sampling time & frequencies were always the 1st casualty which no upgrade could implement...so you could never evolve with certain products..
.The x700 Is a great sounding easy to use mono lo fi sampler with a heavy durable keyboard.
But the s900 s950 or s1000 are more attractive retro purchases.