SINGLE MODE
S3000XL Operator’s Manual
Page 33
USING THE S3000XL IN ‘OLD AKAI’ MODE!
The next group of explanations deal with using the SINGLE mode like the SELECT PROG
mode on earlier Akai samplers such as the S1000, S1100 and S3000 series. As
mentioned, these functions have been retained in order to preserve compatibility with
data created on these samplers. In keeping with other sound modules, the S3000XL
sees the introduction of a new MULTI mode. This is a quick and easy way of combining
several programs together for multi-timbral sequencing, layering and key splits. However,
progress brings with it certain compatibility issues and the fact remains that, as THE
industry standard sampler the world over, there is a lot of data out there that was created
on Akai samplers. For compatibility (and to be considerate to our customers!), the ‘old
Akai’ way of working is retained. The following explanations, therefore, refer to this method
of operation should you wish to work in this way or if you have existing sound library that
uses this method. If you have used Akai samplers before, you may well wish to continue
working in this way but, if you are new to our samplers (welcome!), you may prefer to skip
this section and refer to the section that explains MULTI mode and all it advantages.
USING SELECT PROG - PROGRAMS WITH THE SAME NUMBER
Most of the time, you will probably want to load in the sounds you need and these will be
single programs for playing from the keyboard (or whichever MIDI instrument you play). As
we have seen, this is easy enough - simply scroll through using the DATA control or select
them via MIDI program change. There are occasions when you want to play several
programs together, however, and this is where the renumbering becomes useful.
LAYERING PROGRAMS
Although it is possible to layer sounds within one program or within MULTI mode, it is
useful to be able to call up several programs together.
For example, let’s say you have a string program and brass program you want to
combine. As mentioned, you could make up a program that combined all of these
samples but an easier way is to simply give them the same program number - for
example, renumber them both to, say, program 1. When you select program 1 you will
then select the combined programs with the strings and brass layered together. You may
also set the balance and pan positions between these sounds in the MIX page.
You may prefer to layer sounds using RNUM rather than creating one program with the
required sample(s) in it because there are certain aspects to creating a program that
affect all things the same. For example, the auto-panning and effects send would affect
all samples equally - when using the RNUM function, one sound in the layer could be
panning slowly left to right routed to FX1 whilst another stays central through RV3. You
also have easier control of the respective levels of the programs in the layers.
Of course, you are not limited to layering just two sounds - you could layer up to 32
programs for a monster monophonic lead line or bass sound!
CREATING KEYBOARD SPLITS
As for layering, it is easy to set key splits in EDIT PROGRAM or in MULTI mode but,
again, it may be more convenient to create the split using the RNUM function.
Let us say you have two programs - UPRIGHT BASS and VIBES - and you want to create
a split so that you can perform a walking bass line with your left hand and a jazzy vibes
solo with the right. By setting the RANGE parameter in the MIDI page (F4) accordingly,
the bass can be set to finish at B2 and the vibes set to start at C3. Even though both
these programs originally spanned the entire keyboard, this function allows you to impose
limits on the programs’ keyranges. Now, assuming that both programs have the same
program number (i.e. both are renumbered 1 or something), then you can play both
programs with the keyboard split.
