Akai XR10 (1990)
A 1990 Japanese drum machine using PCM samples, 8-voice polyphony, and a Z80 CPU, designed for electro and industrial rhythms.
Overview
The Akai XR10, also known as XR-10, is a digital drum machine made in Japan in 1990. It uses PCM rompler synthesis with 64 onboard 16-bit samples stored in internal ROM. Built around an 8-bit NEC D78C10G Z80 CPU, it offers 8-voice polyphony and a 16x2 character display without backlight. The machine features 15 non-dynamic pads and a flexible sequencer with 20 songs, 99 user patterns, and 50 factory ROM patterns. It supports MIDI sync with 96 ppqn resolution and includes two pedal switch inputs for start-stop and fill-in functions.
Specifications
| Production year | 1990 |
| Country | Japan |
| Weight | 1.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 350 (w) x 241 (h) x 68 (d) mm |
| Pads | 15 non-dynamic |
| Display | 16 x 2 lines (no backlight) |
| Synthesis | PCM rompler |
| N. Samples | 64 PCM |
| Sample Resolution | 16 bits |
| Polyphony | 8 voices |
| Sequencer | 20 songs |
| Rec resolution | 96 ppqn |
| SYNC | MIDI |
| Envelope | 1 EG |
| LFO | 1 modulator |
| Memory | 99 user patterns; 50 ROM factory patterns |
| CPU | NEC D78C Z80 |
| OS | latest V2.2 |
| PSU | 12 VDC |
| Power supply | external PSU 12V / 200 mA -)+ polarity. |
| Back panel terminals | main signal out, MIDI interface, headphones, 2 pedal switch inputs for start-stop and FILL IN functions. |
| Internal tempo range | 40-296 BPM |
| Memory | 300 notes per pattern |
| Memory | 50 styles with: 3 variations, 3 fill-ins + break +1 intro + 1 ending. |
| Memory battery | a standard soldered Cr2032 3V on the mainboard. |
| Features | flexible sound editing controls; MIDI in |
Design
The XR10 runs its OS from EPROM and generates sound via internal PCM samples in a ROM wavetable. The Z80-based CPU manages up to 8 voices of polyphony. Each sample has a single envelope with decay and sustain controls, and pitch modulation is handled by one LFO with sweep rate, depth, and polarity options. Sound editing includes volume, tuning, fine tune, pan, effect send, DCA decay and hold, sweep parameters, reverse playback, and velocity feel. The sequencer supports 8 quantization levels from 1/4 to 1/48 and allows real-time or step input. Sequences can be exported via MIDI exclusive dumps. Patterns include sub-levels for fill-ins, intro, ending, and breaks. MIDI triggering is supported but limited to basic velocity control.
Context
The XR10 shares design similarities with the XE-8, a rackmount percussion expander, though it features a different soundset.
Market
Currently valued between 70 and 150 (currency unspecified), the XR10 is considered a budget digital drum machine with a distinct electro, EBM, and industrial character. Its pads often fail over time due to degraded graphite contacts, which cannot be reliably fixed with alcohol cleaning—conductive paint is recommended. The memory protect function resets to ON on power-off, and the non-backlit display is frequently cited as a drawback. The unit is commonly modified via circuit bending for glitch and experimental sounds.
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