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Chapter 1—Introduction
Z4/Z8 User Guide—Version 1.0
Architecture
This chapter explains how sounds are constructed in the Z8 and the hierarchic relation-
ship between Samples, Programs, and Multis, in which Samples, the sound building
blocks, are assigned to Programs, and Programs are assigned to Multis. It also introduces
many of the terms used throughout this
User Guide.
Samples
Samples are the sound building blocks used to create Programs and Multis. Samples can
be recorded in Record mode, or loaded from disk. See “Recording Samples” on page 22
for more information on recording samples. Also, see “Loading” on page 18 for more
information on loading samples from disk.
Samples can be edited in Sample mode. See “Editing Samples” on page 29 for more
information.
Programs
A Program is, by analogy, a musical instrument, and consists of one or multiple samples
that have been processed via filter, envelope, LFO, and other parameters. It could be a
piano sound made of few samples that cover different ranges from high to low. Or, it
could be a drum kit containing a snare, bass drum, and cymbal samples. There are two
types of Programs: Keygroup and Drum. You can use these types to create different
sounds.
Keygroup Programs consist of one or multiple Keygroups, which is somewhat like con-
tainers of Samples. In Keygroups, a Sample can be assigned to a group of adjacent notes,
called a Keyspan. You can also specify the range of a Keyspan. Keygroup Programs are
often used for sounds that are played in scales on a keyboard, such as a piano. You can
assign up to four Samples to a Keygroup, and play multiple Samples simultaneously, or
play different Samples by changing the velocity (how hard you play the keys) (Zone
function).
Each Keygroup features various editing parameters, such as a filter and an envelope,
which enable you to make detailed adjustments to the sounds.
The following example illustrates the most basic Program configuration, with one Sam-
ple assigned to one Keygroup and a Keyspan that covers the entire keyboard.
The following Program consists of four Keygroups, each with its own Keyspan, and one
Sample assigned to each Keygroup.
Note:
The Z8 Samplers contain no user serviceable parts. Please consult your AKAI
Professional dealer regarding the installation of options and upgrades.
Keygroup 1/Zone 1: Samp 1
KG1/ZN1: Samp1
KG2/ZN1: Samp2
KG3/ZN1: Samp3
KG4/ZN1: Samp4
Summary of Contents for Z4
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