Akai CD3000XL (1996)
A 32-voice stereo digital sampler with CD-ROM and hard disk recording, released in 1996 as Akai's second dedicated CD-ROM sampler.
Overview
The Akai CD3000XL is a stereo digital sampler released in 1996, building on the design of the S3000XL and succeeding the original CD3000, the world’s first dedicated CD-ROM sampler. It features 32-voice polyphony, 16-bit linear sampling at 44.1kHz and 22.05kHz, and includes a built-in quad-speed CD-ROM drive and 3.5-inch HD floppy disk drive. The sampler supports direct-to-disk recording, MIDI sample dumps, Standard MIDI File playback, and data backup via DAT. It can load samples and programs from Akai S-series, E-mu, and Roland formats, and includes bundled MESA Remote Control/Librarian Software for Macintosh.
Specifications
| Production Year | 1996 |
| Polyphony | 32-voice |
| Bit Depth | 16-bit linear |
| Sample RAM (Standard / Max) | 8MB / 32MB (72-pin SIMMs) |
| Sampling Rates | 44.1kHz, 22.05kHz |
| Sampling Times | 92.13 sec (mono 44.1kHz), 46.07 sec (stereo 44.1kHz), 184.26 sec (mono 22.05kHz), 92.13 sec (stereo 22.05kHz) |
| Max Sample Number | 255 |
| Max Program Number | 254 |
| Filter | Digital dynamic low-pass (-12dB/octave with resonance) |
| Envelope Generators | 2 (1 multi-stage) |
| LFOs | 2 |
| Display | Backlit 40x8 text; 240x640 graphics |
| Rack Height | 3U (483mm W x 135mm H x 423mm D) |
| Weight | 9.2kg |
| Audio Outputs | 8 assignable 1/4" unbalanced + master L/R 1/4" unbalanced |
| Audio Inputs | 2 balanced 1/4" jacks |
| Digital I/O | S/PDIF RCA in/out |
| Headphone Output | 1/4" stereo jack |
| MIDI I/O | IN, OUT, THRU |
| SCSI | 25-pin D-sub |
| Data Storage | Built-in 3.5" HD floppy drive |
| Optical Drive | Built-in quad-speed CD-ROM |
| Optional Storage | KIT-SHD524 2.5" HD mounting kit |
| Power Requirements | 120VAC 60Hz 45W or 220–240VAC 50Hz |
| DSP | L7-A1045 (designed by Roger Linn) |
| Sample Format Compatibility | Loads Akai S1000, S900/S950, S1000/S1100, E-mu, Roland data |
Design
The CD3000XL features a front panel with a power switch, CD-ROM and floppy drives, a backlit LCD with soft keys, Mode keys, a data wheel, cursor navigation keys, increment/decrement buttons, Record Gain and Main Volume knobs, and dedicated Mark, Jump, Name, and Enter/Play keys. The interface includes 32 buttons (eight function keys), three knobs, and a four-way directional pad for navigating the 240x64-pixel graphical display. The LCD contrast is adjustable, and the backlight can be toggled. The rack ears have reinforcing brackets attached to removable side plates. Internally, it is structured like a 1990s desktop computer in a robust metal chassis, running software from ROMs with optional Flash ROM for fast storage. It supports SCSI-connected external hard drives and includes internal effects and APM functions.
Context
The CD3000XL is part of the fourth wave of Akai rackmount samplers and was released as Akai's second dedicated CD-ROM sampler, following the original CD3000 from 1993. It inherits the 32-voice polyphony, expansion options, DSP functions, and other features of the S3000XL. The unit can operate in "Old Akai" Mode and includes an "S3000XL Synthesiser Panel" in its manual appendix, emphasizing its lineage. It supports hard disk recording, song chaining, global tuning, and MIDI file playback, positioning it as a high-end sampling workstation for its time.
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