Front Panel, Disk Mode & Scsi Issues | Yamaha Professional Sampler

[SAMPLE]: [SmpSel] (that is, [PLAY] mode, [SAMPLE] function, [SmpSel] Sample Select screen) the A3000 conveniently lists all of the data currently in memory. A sample or sample bank (indicated by a reverse video “B”) can be activated for the current Program by turning the “To Pgm” parameter to ON. You can organize you data into various Programs (001 – 128). A Program can be as simple as a single breakbeat loop or it can contain an entire multi-timbral,multi-channel ensemble. Additionally, a Program can contain an analog to digital (A/D) input, such as a setup for a microphone, mixer or CD player etc., routed through the A3000’s 3 effect processors. In fact, a program can be all of these simultaneously.

At the top of the food chain is the Volume. A Volume is, simply put, everything in the A3000 at the time you save it. When you save a Volume to disk it stores all the Programs and all the samples that make them up, even the unassigned samples. For example, the Acoustic Piano Volume (on the CD-ROM) contains several different Piano Programs, stereo and mono versions, each made from sets of individual samples. One of the first problems user have is how to get a Program from Volume “X” and one from Volume “Y” in the machine at the same time, especially when you discover that each Volume load completely replaces the previous Volume load. The solution is simple: load individual Programs. When you load an individual Program it will be loaded with all the samples that make it up. The A3000 keeps track of all the used samples and will load them, if necessary. If several Programs utilize the same samples the A3000 will detect this and obediently not load them again. Once you have assembled all your favorite Programs in memory, simply save it as a new Volume. More details on this a little later.

The Front Panel

The front panel is very straightforward. On the right front panel you have a Matrix (a grid). With 5 MODES listed vertically, each with a green LED select button. These green LEDs flash in response to various incoming MIDI messages. There are six FUNCTION keys running horizontally across and each of these has a red LED above it. Use the Mode buttons first to select the area in which you want to work, then use one of the six Function keys to choose the particular feature.

The 5 Modes are Play, Edit, Record, Disk, and Utility. To make and enter selections you use the 5 knobs under the screen. These knobs are continuous turn, and most knobs can always be turned to change the parameter listed directly above it. They also have a push function that allows you to select and/or execute commands. When the red arrow/indicator is lit above a knob it indicates that the knob can be pushed to either select another page or to execute a task. For example, pressing Knob #1 from all screens of the matrix will take you to a screen where you can see a list of all samples, sample banks, and where you can activate or de-activate the “SmpSolo” (sample solo) and “MIDI → Smp” (MIDI to Sample) functions. More on these functions in a moment.

DISK Mode & SCSI Issues

If you are using a CD-ROM drive, external hard drive, etc., with the A3000 you will need to Configure the SCSI bus. Navigate to the [DISK]:[DISK]:[CONFIG]. Here use Knob 2 to scan the various SCSI ID numbers. You should see a listing of the ID’s for all the various connected devices. Of course, each SCSI device should have a unique ID. Set the [MOUNT] parameter to ON for all appropriate devices.

A3000, Professional Sampler specifications

The Yamaha A3000 is a professional sampler that has gained recognition for its robust feature set and exceptional sound quality. Launched in the late 1990s, the A3000 was designed to accommodate the needs of both studio and live musicians, providing a range of tools to manipulate and create samples in real-time.

At the core of the A3000’s capabilities is its sample playback functionality. Users can load a variety of audio files, thanks to its support for various sample formats, including WAV and AIFF. The sampler is capable of handling samples up to 64MB of RAM, a significant amount for its time, ensuring that musicians have access to high-quality, layered sounds without worrying about memory limitations.

One of the standout features of the A3000 is its powerful sampling engine. The device allows for extensive editing options, including pitch shifting, time stretching, and filtering. This gives users creative flexibility when constructing sounds or developing complex audio compositions. The inclusion of 16-voice polyphony provides ample room for layering sounds, making it particularly useful for live performances.

The user interface of the A3000 is designed with practicality in mind. The LCD screen allows for easy navigation through various functions, while the intuitive layout ensures that performers and studio engineers can quickly access their desired features. Additionally, the A3000 offers a variety of onboard effects, including reverb, delay, and modulation, enriching the sampling experience.

Connectivity is another strong feature of the A3000. With MIDI input and output, it easily integrates into existing setups and allows for control from MIDI controllers or other devices. The sampler also includes multiple audio outputs, enabling diverse routing options for complex live or studio configurations.

In summary, the Yamaha A3000 professional sampler combines powerful sampling capabilities with a user-friendly interface, making it a versatile tool for both live and studio applications. Its extensive editing features, solid RAM capacity, and comprehensive effects processing empower musicians and sound designers to explore a wide range of sonic possibilities. This innovative sampler has earned its place in the hearts of many audio professionals and continues to be celebrated for its contributions to music production.