This operator error is due to a misunderstanding of the key range mapping procedure. When setting key range the A3000 gives you 3 key parameters: Original Key, Low Note, High Note. If you attempt to place the High note limit lower than the Low note limit, the A3000 will not let you. Sounds innocent enough? Let’s give an example of how it can bite you: You originally key mapped a sample as follows:

Original Key = F3, Low = C3, High = C4 .

You attempt to change the samples key range using the Program Easy Edit feature to the following settings:

Original Key = F1, Low = C1, High = C2.

Basically, moving it down 2 octave from the original key range. This can be done. The problem arises, in our example, if you attempt to set the High Note limit (to C2) before you set the Low Note limit (which is still set to C3). This very thing caused the SOS reviewer, Chris Carter, to wrongly conclude that you could not set the key range outside of the original samples key range. But as you can see: you can. Simply set the Low and High note limits, as necessary, recognizing that the each cannot be outside of the other.

Sometimes there are dashes under the parameters I want to edit, particularly in [Play] mode’s Easy Edit and sometimes in [EDIT] mode. I am locked out of editing. Why is this?

This sounds like you have attempted to edit something while having the software pointing elsewhere. You are seemingly locked out of Easy Edit mode by the dreaded dashes. This occurs when in attempting to edit sample you have the software pointing to a Sample Bank [PLAY]: [SAMPLE]: [SmpBank] instead of at Sample Select - [PLAY]: [SAMPLE]: [SmpSel]. Or vice versa: you have the software pointing to Sample Select when, in fact, you want to see the data of a sample that is within a bank. See section on “Editing samples within a sample bank”.

The screen from which you enter Edit mode makes a difference about what you will see in the edit buffers. If you enter Easy Edit from the [PLAY]: [SAMPLE]: [SmpBank] screen you will get the dashes because you are pointing at an individual sample that is part of a bank – by definition the sample bank allows you to treat all the samples together as if they were a single sample. Simply, return to the [PLAY]: [SAMPLE]: [SmpSel] screen, point the software at the entire Sample Bank – it will be listed on the Sample Select list with an inverse video “B” before its name. Now when you go to Easy Edit you can effect the entire sample bank (as if it were a single sample) via the parameters.

Conversely, if you attempt to go to the [EDIT] level from the [PLAY]: [SAMPLE]: [SmpSel] page when attempting to edit a sample that is part of a sample bank, you will get the dashes. Simply, go back to the [PLAY]: [SAMPLE]: screen and select the [SmpBank] page. Now when you go back to the EDIT level you will see the data of samples within that bank.

A3000 Version 2: Enhancements

Yamaha is pleased to announce Version 2 of the A3000 Professional Sampler. Version 2 adds important new performance, editing, and utility features that make the A3000 even more powerful and even easier to use.

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Yamaha Professional Sampler manual A3000 Version 2 Enhancements

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.