The Akai Z8 and Z4 samplers represent Akai's response to the rising dominance of software samplers in modern music production. These new units offer unprecedented levels of computer integration while maintaining the reliability and tactile experience that hardware samplers are known for.

Overview

The Z series introduced in its time several industry firsts, most notably the ability to record at 24-bit resolution and 96kHz sampling rate. To handle the larger file sizes this creates, both models feature a custom sampling engine paired with a high-performance Intel Strong Arm processor. Each unit comes with a 20GB internal hard drive preloaded with 4.5GB of sample content, including collections from Akai's S-series samplers and MPC workstations.

While the standard RAM allocation is a modest 16MB, both the Z8 and Z4 can be expanded to a remarkable 512MB using standard 168-pin PC100 or PC133 DIMM SDRAM.

Design and Build

The Z series marks a significant departure from Akai's traditional beige&gray, boxy aesthetic, featuring a more modern and bold design. The Z8 includes a detachable fascia connected via a five-foot mini-DIN cable, making editing significantly easier. While this detachable panel is convenient for studio use, it feels more fragile than Akai's historically robust construction, potentially creating concerns for live performers who value durability.

The (curiously smaller) 248 x 60 backlit LCD offers improved visibility compared to previous models, with well-organized function buttons and a combined cursor/jog control for navigation. A standout feature is the inclusion of Q-Link knobs (eight on the Z8, four on the Z4) that provide real-time control over various sound parameters, enhancing performance capabilities.

Connectivity

The Z8A model includes the IB48P analog output expansion board (eight additional outputs), the EB4JS multi-channel effects board, and the IB4D S/PDIF digital interface board. An alternative Z8D configuration replaces the analog outputs with an ADAT digital interface. All connections use balanced quarter-inch jacks, and the machines feature built-in sample-rate converters for seamless integration with other digital equipment.

Both models offer two MIDI Ins and two MIDI Out/Thrus for 32-channel MIDI operation, a 50-way SCSI connection, and a USB slave port for connection to AKsys, Akai's remote control and file management software. Notably, the Z series replaces the traditional floppy drive with a USB host port on the front panel for connecting external storage devices like hard disks, CD writers, and even USB keyboards for easier text entry.

Operating System and Architecture

Learning from past mistakes with the S5000/S6000 launch, Akai has created a more stable and refined operating system for the Z series. The OS follows the familiar hierarchy of Samples, Programs, and Multis, with the addition of a new 'Drum' program setup that allows quick assignment of samples to individual notes—particularly useful for drum sounds and loops.

The Z series introduces several intelligent features to streamline the sampling process:

• Auto Sampling mode: Automatically triggers recording when incoming signals exceed a preset threshold, assigning sounds to white keys in ascending order.
• Add to Program feature: Allows manual assignment of new samples to specific notes within existing Programs.
• Quick Effects: Provides easy application of effects during recording or resampling, with both standard FX mode and special Command mode offering 12 one-touch DSP presets.

Filters and Modulation

The Z series addresses previous criticisms of Akai's filters and modulation capabilities with significant improvements:

• Enhanced filters: Six-pole digital filters (compared to four-pole on S5000/S6000) with 30-bit internal resolution (up from 20-bit), available in 34 varieties including band-pass, low-pass, high-pass designs, plus special types like the 'Voweliser'.
• Expanded modulation matrix: Offers 30 modulation items that can be freely assigned as either source or destination, with no fixed assignments and increased destination options including filter resonance and zone parameters.

Real-time Control

The Q-Link knobs provide extensive real-time control over sound parameters. Each knob can be assigned to specific parts within a Multi or to an entire Multi, with assignments saved as part of the Multi data. The knobs can be programmed in either Replace mode (absolute values) or Offset mode (relative to original settings), and they transmit MIDI control messages that can be recorded into a sequencer.

Sample Editing

Sample editing is streamlined through a well-designed interface, with all functions organized into six categories: Trim, Edit, Q-FX, Loop, Region, and BPM Match. The high-resolution LCD facilitates precise waveform editing, and edited sounds can be compared with originals before committing changes.

Effects

The EB4JS effects board (standard on Z8, optional on Z4) offers four simultaneous effects in a flexible four-bus design. More than 40 individual algorithms are available, all capable of handling 24-bit/96kHz resolution. Effects include various reverbs, dynamics processors, delays, flangers, choruses, and other processors, all with up to six programmable parameters.

Computer Integration

The AKsys software (version 2.1) allows comprehensive control of the sampler via USB connection from Mac or PC. It provides a virtual control panel matching the physical appearance of the Z models and includes enhanced file management capabilities. This integration bridges the gap between hardware reliability and software convenience.

Technical Specifications

Sampling formats:

• 24-bit or 16-bit resolution
• 44.1kHz, 48kHz, and 96kHz sampling rates
• 64-times oversampling A-D converter
• 128-times oversampling D-A converter

Memory:

• 16MB standard RAM
• Expandable to 512MB using 168-pin 100/133 MHz DIMM SDRAM

Processing:

• Polyphony: 64 voices (32 voices at 96kHz)
• Multitimbrality: 128 parts
• Three digital envelope generators
• Three two-pole filters with resonance (34 filter types)
• Two multi-wave LFOs

Connections:

• Two balanced 1/4" record inputs
• Stereo outputs (balanced 1/4" jacks)
• Eight assignable analog outputs (Z8A model)
• Headphone output
• Two MIDI inputs
• Two MIDI output/thru
• 50-pin SCSI connection
• S/PDIF digital I/O (Z8A/Z8D models)
• ADAT digital I/O (Z8D model)
• Two USB ports (one host, one slave)

Effects: (with EB4JS board)

• Four-bus design
• 40+ effect types including reverbs, dynamics, delays, modulation
• 24-bit/96kHz processing

Sample time examples:

• With 16MB RAM:
  • Mono/44.1kHz/16-bit: 3 minutes
  • Mono/44.1kHz/24-bit: 2 minutes
  • Mono/96kHz/16-bit: 1 minute, 23 seconds
  • Mono/96kHz/24-bit: 55 seconds
• With 512MB RAM:
  • Mono/44.1kHz/16-bit: 1 hour, 34 minutes, 42 seconds
  • Mono/44.1kHz/24-bit: 1 hour, 4 minutes, 28 seconds
  • Mono/96kHz/16-bit: 44 minutes, 25 seconds
  • Mono/96kHz/24-bit: 29 minutes, 37 seconds

File compatibility:

• WAV files (native)
• Sample, Program and Multi files from S5000/S6000
• Sample and Program files from S1000/S3000
• Emu EIII files
• Future support planned for Emu E4 and Roland formats

Storage:

• Internal 20GB hard drive (factory preloaded with 4.5GB of content)
• External USB storage support (hard drives, CD-ROM, ZIP drives, etc.)
• SCSI for additional storage options