Chapter1—Welcome to the world of the AW4416

Sampling pad section

Assign 16 sounds to the sampling pads

Sixteen sounds can be assigned to the eight pads with switchable A/B banks.

Sounds can be sampled into these pads at the same 16 bit/24 bit and 44.1 kHz/ 48 kHz audio quality as for recording. Sampling sources can be taken from a sound file on hard disk, an audio CD inserted in the CD-RW drive, or from a WAV file on a SCSI device. The playback timing can be recorded on a special sequencer track, and edited later. Pad polyphony is eight notes, and a total of approximately 90 seconds can be sampled in the pads (16 bit/44.1 kHz).

CD-RW drive (option)

CD-RW drive(*3) can be installed internally

You can produce an audio CD off-line, using stereo tracks from the hard disk. This allows entire process from recording to CD production to be completed within a single unit. The CD-RW drive can also be used to store recorded data, making backups easy. Playback of audio CD’s and loading from CD-ROM is also sup- ported, allowing these to be used as sources for the sampling pads.

*3. A CD-RW drive is optional.

Other features

Simple panel layout and efficient operation

The AW4416 features a large backlit LCD and a three-color FL display, providing a graphic user interface that can be used intuitively and efficiently. A serial mouse (9 pin D-sub connector) can also be connected.

Two I/O card option slots

Two slots support a variety of formats including ADAT, TASCAM, AES/EBU, and analog. The AW4416 is designed with an open architecture for superb expand- ability.

Sophisticated connectivity

TO HOST connector and SCSI connector (SCSI-2) are standard, ensuring easy connection to computers, external SCSI devices(*4), and MIDI devices. WORD CLOCK IN/OUT connectors are also provided to allow the construction of digital systems for a variety of applications. In addition, MTC/MIDI clock can be used for synchronization, and MMC commands can control the AW4416 from an external device.

*4. External SCSI devices can be used only to back up data. They cannot be used to record audio data directly.

— Operation Guide 21

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Yamaha AW4416 manual Sampling pad section, CD-RW drive option, Other features

AW4416 specifications

The Yamaha AW4416 is a digital audio workstation that revolutionized music production by combining powerful recording, mixing, and editing capabilities in a compact format. Introduced in the early 2000s, the AW4416 was designed to cater to musicians, producers, and engineers seeking a versatile and intuitive solution for their audio projects.

At its core, the AW4416 features 16 balanced XLR/TRS input channels, allowing professional-grade recording of vocals and instruments. Each channel is equipped with high-quality preamps, ensuring clean amplification of audio signals. The unit supports 24-bit audio resolution, which provides a dynamic range and clarity that is essential for high-fidelity recordings.

One of the standout technologies of the AW4416 is its onboard effects processing. The workstation includes a variety of studio-quality effects, such as reverb, delay, and modulation, which can be applied during tracking or mixing without the need for external equipment. This feature enables users to sculpt their sound creatively and efficiently within the device itself.

The AW4416 is powered by a user-friendly interface that combines physical controls with a graphical display. This layout allows for easy navigation and operation, making it accessible for both novice users and seasoned professionals. The large LCD screen provides a clear view of track information, parameters, and settings, enhancing the overall workflow.

Connectivity is another highlight of the AW4416. The device includes MIDI I/O, allowing users to integrate external MIDI instruments and controllers effortlessly. Additionally, the workstation features ADAT optical output, enabling multi-channel digital audio transfer to external devices or recording systems, enhancing its versatility in various studio environments.

With its onboard 40GB hard drive, the AW4416 provides ample storage for recording sessions, samples, and projects. It also includes CD-RW capabilities, making it straightforward to burn mixes and demos directly from the workstation.

In summary, the Yamaha AW4416 combines robust audio capabilities with intuitive operation and advanced features. Its combination of high-quality input channels, onboard effects, extensive connectivity options, and user-friendly interface makes it an enduring choice for those in the music production field. Whether for live recordings, studio sessions, or songwriting, the AW4416 remains a reliable and effective tool for capturing and crafting audio.