The Akai CD3000 is a specialized sampling device that combines the functionality of a high-quality sampler with an integrated CD-ROM/CD player. Unlike traditional samplers, it lacks analog or digital sampling inputs - instead, it's designed to sample directly from CDs, making it particularly useful for working with commercially available sample libraries.

Closely related to the S3000, the CD3000 maintains the same basic appearance and control layout. The unit features an ergonomically improved interface with a four-button cursor array replacing the traditional cursor wheel for easier navigation. The familiar data entry knob remains, along with eight soft keys whose functions are indicated on the LCD screen. The unit also includes a numeric keypad, Mark, Jump, Name and Ent/Play buttons, a floppy drive for saving parameters and importing samples, and a headphone socket.

Connectivity and Specifications

The CD3000 comes with SCSI as standard, eight individual outputs plus a stereo pair of quarter-inch jack outputs, and MIDI In/Out/Thru connections. Ground-sensing circuitry on the unbalanced outputs helps prevent earth loops. The unit ships with 2MB of RAM as standard, expandable to a maximum of 16MB. The audio specifications are comparable to the S3000, offering 16-bit linear encoding with sampling rates of 44.1kHz and 22.05kHz.

Features and Functionality

The CD3000 shares many features with the S3000, including resonant filters for synthesizer-like capabilities and a refined operating system. It offers 32-note polyphony, though this required the removal of bi-directional looping as an option. The unit retains compatibility with S1000/1100 files, though with some limitations.

Notable improvements include a MIDI-to-Span function to prevent accidental keygroup assignments while running MIDI sequences, and a redefined loop parameter that allows users to specify start and length, making it easier to scroll loops up and down samples.

CD-ROM and CD Audio Capabilities

The integrated CD drive handles both CD-ROM and audio CDs without requiring a caddy. The unit offers several file management functions:

• Find: Allows searching through file names across an entire partition
• Setup: A unique CD3000 feature that lets users save a collection of marked files as a named setup for later recall, including any edits made to the files
• Tags: User-definable subdirectories for organizing files on hard disks or CD-ROMs

For audio CDs, the transport controls are integrated with the sampling functions, providing an intuitive workflow. The CD player offers track selection via the data wheel or numeric keypad, with transport controls visible on the Rec 2 display. Features like audible fast-forward and rewind, along with accurate pause functionality, make it easy to locate specific samples within tracks.

Sampling Workflow

The CD3000's sampling workflow is streamlined for working with audio CDs. Sampling is initiated from the Arm page, where the CD automatically starts playing when sampling is armed. Early software versions had some limitations in the sampling workflow, but Akai quickly addressed these with updates that improved the process for sequential sampling.

The unit offers impressive processing speed, with minimal delay between samples. The system allows for quick loading of multiple samples from a single CD track, making bulk sampling from commercial libraries efficient.

Sound Editing and Processing

Sample editing capabilities include cut and paste routines, looping tools, and various processing options. The unit provides good looping capabilities, though some interface limitations can make fine adjustments tedious.

Program editing allows for organizing samples into keygroups, with options for pitch control, MIDI mapping, and filter settings. The CD3000 features two envelope generators (one multi-stage) and two LFOs, providing extensive modulation possibilities.

The resonant filters are particularly noteworthy, offering a 12dB/octave slope with a musical quality capable of producing a wide range of synthesizer effects. The filter envelope can be mapped with values from -50 to +50, allowing for detailed control over frequency modulation.

Included CD-ROM Library

The CD3000 comes with five CD-ROMs containing a variety of sample libraries:

1. Lightware (Invision): A collection of real instrument samples including pianos, orchestral sounds, keyboards, drums, and ethnic voices
2. Dance Industrial (East West): Focused on electronic and industrial sounds, loops, drums, and sound effects
3. Drums + Percussion (East West): Features samples from various drum and percussion collections
4. The Super Single (Hollywood Edge): A sound effects collection with transportation sounds, animal noises, and various ambient recordings
5. Official CD3000 Library: Includes piano, orchestra, brass, organ, drums, and synthesizer sounds specifically designed for the CD3000

Verdict

The Akai CD3000 is positioned as an ideal companion to other models in the Akai range, particularly the S2800/S3000/S3200 series. While it can function as a standalone sampler, its lack of external audio inputs limits its versatility for users who need to sample from sources other than CDs. However, for those primarily working with commercial sample libraries, the CD3000 offers a streamlined workflow and excellent sound quality.

At its release, the CD3000 represented good value considering its integrated CD/CD-ROM drive, five factory CD-ROMs with sound data, built-in SCSI, and quickly growing potential library of CD-ROMs. The unit's transparent audio quality, excellent MIDI response times, and synthesis capabilities make it a powerful tool for sound designers and music producers.

Akai CD3000 Technical Specifications

Basic Specifications

• Type: 16-bit sampler with integrated CD-ROM/CD player
• Form Factor: Rack mount (similar to S3000)
• Display: Backlit 320 characters/240 x 64 graphic LCD
• Polyphony: 32 voices
• Multitimbral: Yes (specific part count not specified)

Memory & Storage

• Standard Memory: 2MB RAM
• Maximum Memory: 16MB RAM
• Storage Media:
  • Internal 3.5-inch floppy disk drive (2HD, 2DD compatible)
  • Integrated CD-ROM/CD player
• External Storage: SCSI interface (standard)

Sampling

• Sampling Format: 16-bit linear encoding
• Sampling Rates:
  • 44.1kHz (20Hz-20kHz bandwidth)
  • 22.05kHz (20Hz-10kHz bandwidth)
• Sampling Mode: Mono or stereo
• Sampling Source: CD audio only (no external inputs)
• Maximum Sampling Time (with 2MB):
  • 22.28 seconds mono at 44.1kHz
  • 44.56 seconds mono at 22.05kHz
  • 11.14 seconds stereo at 44.1kHz
  • 22.28 seconds stereo at 22.05kHz

Sound Processing

• Filter: Digital moving low-pass, -12dB/octave with resonance
• Envelope Generators: 2 digital envelope generators (1 multi-stage)
• LFO: 2 Low Frequency Oscillators
• Effects: None built-in (same as S3000)

I/O

• Outputs:
  • Left and right stereo outputs (1/4-inch jacks)
  • Eight assignable outputs (1/4-inch jacks)
• Headphones: Stereo headphone output
• MIDI: In, Out, Thru
• Other Connections:
  • SCSI
  • Footswitch

File Management

• File Search: "Find" function for searching through file names
• Setup: Save marked files and edits as named setups
• Tags: User-definable subdirectories for organizing files

CD Functions

• Transport Controls: Play, Stop, FF, Rewind, Pause
• Track Selection: Via data wheel or numeric keypad
• Features: Audible FF/Rewind, Track/Index display, Elapsed time display

Expansion Options

• Memory Expansion:
  • EXM 3002 2MB memory expansion board
  • EXM 3008 8MB memory expansion board

Compatibility

• Sample Format Compatibility: S1000/1100 files (with some limitations)
• CD-ROM Compatibility: Akai format CD-ROMs
• Future Compatibility: Mixed mode CD format (planned)

The Akai CD3000 represents a specialized approach to sampling, focusing on the integration of CD technology with professional sampling capabilities. While it may not be as versatile as samplers with external inputs, its strengths lie in its streamlined workflow for working with CD-based sample libraries, excellent sound quality, and synthesis capabilities through its resonant filters and modulation options. The unit's quick response times and powerful file management features make it particularly suitable for professional studio environments where efficiency and sound quality are paramount.