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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great sampler! the belt is gone from age, but this will be a fix for later on.
sounds excellent - once you have messed around with it, especially with the splice settings, you are well on the way on making great sounds!
Take your time to get used to it; i became frustrated with it after about 15min, but a little perseverence with the controls payed off well =)
The autoloop is rubbish however, and samples are best looped manually, if at all.
Great piece of gear!
Really, the only similarity in sound between the X7000 and the EPS is the fact that both of them have non-resonant filters.
If anyone is looking for a belt, any replacement belt for the Famicom Disk System will work. My belt replacement arrived but due to the chemical decomposition of the original belt (turned into some kind of horrid black tar) and the memory back-up upgrade in my X7000, I haven't gotten around to fixing the drive. I did fit the belt though, and I can confirm it is the correct size. The tar residue just seems to be preventing it from spinning correctly.