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.

tom

February 15, 2013 @ 10:22 am

I had a couple of these in the late 80's. Very gritty and lofi, and super easy to use. No attack env was a limitation, and i never liked the keyboard action much, but otherwise it was nice. Too bad about the disk drive and disk format - many of these machines have probably been scrapped because of that.

Andreas H

January 26, 2013 @ 8:48 pm

To change drive belt watch the video on How to repair a Famicom Disk System:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJbWPVS0Suk

If you are experiencing some trouble aligning the capstan i recommend this other tutorial
on "Spindle Hub Alignment". After several hours of trying this site really helped me.

http://www.famicomdisksystem.com/tutorials/fds-repair-mod/belt-replacement-adjus tment/

Andreas

January 4, 2013 @ 6:07 am

My first sampler. Limited but good sounding lo-fi machine. The quickdisk- drive broke down a few years ago. Without the possibility to store sounds in a sampler I got rid of it. Not worth saving for the sine-wave only..

lloyd

November 12, 2012 @ 4:08 am

i am looking for disked for the x7000 do you know were i can some.i need musice

lloyd

November 11, 2012 @ 9:22 pm

i am looking for the boxes of x7000 disked how must do you want.

<7654321>

 

Post Comment!

Your Name: (Required.)

Email Address: (Required, not published.)

Image verification: (required)

Message:

 

Posting Rules:
Please keep your comments relevant! Do not post requests for help, do not use for sales, do not post unless you have something interesting to say about this instrument, or we may delete your post.

I have read and understand the posting rules.