AKAI S6000 - The Most Advanced Sampler of Its Generation

The Akai S6000 was released in 1998 as the flagship model of the S series, offering the most advanced sampling capabilities of its time. This sampler was designed to provide maximum flexibility, featuring a detachable control panel, expanded memory, and advanced effects. Thanks to these features, it became a highly regarded instrument in professional studios.

History and Development of Akai S6000

Previous Generations of Akai Samplers

Since the 1980s, Akai Professional had established itself as a leader in digital sampling. Following the success of models like S900, S1000, and S3000, the S5000/S6000 series introduced significant technological advancements.

Key Innovations in Akai S6000

•  Detachable control panel – Allows separate placement for convenient access.
•  Expanded memory – Up to 256MB RAM, a groundbreaking feature at the time.
•  128 voices of polyphony – Twice as many as previous models.
•  USB interface – Enables connection to a computer for easy sample management.
•  Enhanced filters and effects – More options for sound shaping.

Technical Specifications of Akai S6000

Sound and Sampling

•  16-bit sampling, 44.1 kHz.
•  Polyphony up to 128 voices.
•  Memory expandable up to 256MB RAM.
•  Support for multisampling.

Effects and Editing

•  Stereo reverb, chorus, delay.
•  Timestretching and pitch shifting.
•  Layering of multiple samples.
•  Dynamic sample editing.

Connectivity and Interfaces

•  USB port – Easy sample management.
•  SCSI port – Fast data loading and saving.
•  MIDI IN, OUT, THRU – Full integration into studio setups.
•  Digital outputs AES/EBU and SPDIF.

Rear Panel of Akai S6000  – Inputs and Outputs

The Akai S6000 offers a wide range of inputs and outputs, ensuring flexible studio connectivity.

Audio Inputs

•  Stereo input (L/R, 1/4" jack) – For recording samples from external sources.
•  Microphone inputs (XLR) – Enables direct recording without an external preamp.

Audio Outputs

•  Stereo main output (L/R, 1/4" jack) – Primary mix output for direct connection to a mixing console.
•  8 individual outputs (1/4" jack) – Separate outputs for each channel, ideal for studio mixing.
•  Effects send/return (1/4" jack) – For connecting external effect processors.

Digital Outputs

•  AES/EBU digital output (XLR) – Professional-grade digital connection for studio applications.
•  SPDIF output (coaxial RCA) – Allows direct connection to digital mixers or recorders.

MIDI Connectivity

•  MIDI IN, OUT, THRU (DIN 5-pin) – Full integration into studio setups, enabling connection to external
   MIDI devices.

SCSI Interface

•  SCSI port – Fast data transfer for external hard drives or CD-ROM drives.

USB Interface

•  USB port – Enables connection to a computer for easy sample management and software updates.

Thanks to these expanded connectivity options, the Akai S6000 was one of the most flexible samplers of its time, allowing complete studio integration.

Detailed Overview of Akai S6000 Display

The Akai S6000 features a large graphical LCD screen, providing clear and intuitive sample editing. The display was designed to offer quick access to key parameters, making work in the studio and live performances efficient.

Main Screen

The main screen displays key information about the current program:

•  Current program name – Identifies the loaded sample.
•  Polyphony count – Displays voices in use within the current project.
•  Memory usage – Shows available RAM, helping to optimize sample workflow.
•  Current MIDI channel – Indicates which MIDI channel the sampler is active on.
•  Effects indicator – Displays which effects are applied to the sample.

Sample Editing Screen

This section enables detailed modification of samples and their parameters:

•  Waveform editor – Graphical display of the sample for visual editing.
•  Start/End points – Defines precise trimming of the sample.
•  Looping options – Allows loop adjustments with different playback modes.
•  Crossfade looping – Eliminates unwanted clicks when transitioning between loops.
•  Timestretching – Changes the sample length without affecting pitch.
•  Pitch shifting – Alters the pitch of the sample without changing its length.

Effects Section

The Akai S6000 includes a powerful effects processor, allowing users to apply effects directly to samples:

•  Reverb – Adjusts depth and decay of the sound.
•  Chorus – Adds modulation for richer sound.
•  Delay – Adjusts signal delay for spatial effects.
•  Filter and EQ – Parametric equalization for frequency adjustment.
•  Distortion – Adds overdrive for aggressive sound effects.

Modulation Section

The display provides direct control over modulation parameters, essential for dynamic sample processing:

•  LFO settings – Allows modulation of filter, volume, or panorama.
•  Envelope editor – ADSR control for precise shaping of sound.
•  Velocity mapping – Assigns different parameters based on playing dynamics.

Sample Management and Libraries

The Akai S6000 ensures efficient sample organization, which is crucial for professional production:

•  Disk management – Manages samples stored on internal or external disks.
•  SCSI and USB connectivity – Enables fast data transfer between the sampler and computer.
•  Import and export of samples – Supports various formats for seamless studio integration.

With these advanced features, the Akai S6000 was one of the most powerful samplers of its era, offering unmatched control over sound.

Akai S6000: Filters and Their Unique Sound

Types of Filters:

Low-Pass Filter (LPF)

•  Removes high frequencies, keeping only low-end warmth.

High-Pass Filter (HPF)

•  Removes low frequencies, preserving high-frequency clarity.

Band-Pass Filter (BPF)

•  Retains only a specific frequency range, removing both low and high frequencies.

24dB/octave filter

•  Steeper frequency cutoff, ideal for aggressive sound shaping.

18dB/octave filter

•  Smoother frequency transitions, ideal for natural filtering.

Musicians Who Used Akai S6000

Hip-Hop and Sampling

•  DJ Shadow
•  Madlib
•  DJ Dilla

Electronic Music and Ambient

•  Aphex Twin
•  Jean-Michel Jarre
•  The Chemical Brothers

Film Score Production

•  Hans Zimmer
•  Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails)

Conclusion

The Akai S6000 was a revolutionary sampler, shaping music production at the turn of the millennium.

Thanks to its unique filters, advanced effects processor, sampling quality, and extensive hardware expandability, it became an essential tool for producers and composers. Even today, the Akai S6000 retains its legendary status among classic sampling enthusiasts.