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 AX73, AX60 and VX90 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.
- Specifications
- Polyphony - 6 voices
- Sampler - 12-bit linear, 4kHz - 40kHz variable sampling rates
- VCA - Release Time Control (Decay)
- Effects - Vibrato from the LFO
- Arpeg/Seq - None
- Keyboard - 61 keys with velocity
- Storage - 128K internal RAM (8 seconds at 4kHz); 2.8" Quick Disk (QD) External storage
- Control - MIDI
- Date Produced - 1986
- Websites of Interest
- Resources & Credits
Images from Synthony
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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.
Keep looking though because they're sure to be cheap.
This site deals with old Amstrads and occaisionally have drives for sale though not at the time of writing, they do sell the disks though. Might be worth enquiring...
http://www.luxsoft.demon.co.uk/lux/pcw.html