It is a convention on the A3000 to ‘point’ or direct the software at a particular target SCSI or floppy disk device via the [DISK]:[DISK]:[DISK] page. If you want to save to the floppy drive you would first ensure that this page is directed at that device. The A3000 recalls the last device with which it has communicated.

Creating a New Sample

Let’s go through a quick sample session. Let’s assume you are recording a portion of audio from an audio CD as the source. If it is a CD-ROM player you can utilize the A3000’s external control (EXT CTRL) features to cue the CD and start and stop it, remotely. If not, no big thing, you just have to operate the CD via its own front panel controls.

1.Make your audio connection from the CD out to the A/D inputs on the A3000 front panel.

2.[RECORD]:[MONITOR]:[MONITOR]: OUTPUT should be Stereo, and MONITOR should be switched to ON to hear the sample.

3.[RECORD]:[SETUP]:[REC DATA]. Select AD L/R as the INPUT, STEREO as the TYPE, and 44.1k as the FREQ. You can select 22k, 22k lo-fi, 11k, 11k lo-fi, 5k, or 5k lo-fi.

4.[RECORD]:[SETUP]:[TARGET]. Sample should be NEW and TO PGM should be ON. The default name of the recording will be “_NewSample” (If you are doing more than one sample, the A3000 has a unique auto mapping utilities that can be set under the “New” and “To Pgm” headings - change New to “New+” and set the To Pgm heading to C1Æ; C2Æ etc.).

5.Also found under this heading is [RECORD]:[SETUP]:[KEY RANGE]. This where and how the sample is mapped. The default is Original key is C3 and it is mapped from C-2 through G8; TRIGGER - whether record is initiated and ended automatically via SRC (Source) IN and SRC OUT or manually; and PROCESS - auto-normalize which will ensure best record level – it is recommended that you leave this “off” when demonstrating, as it does take processing time).

6.Check the record level. [RECORD]:[METER]:[METER]. Use the REC LEVEL control to set the level. An inverse video “C” indicates clipping.

7.If you wish to record with Effects the next key in Record mode allows you to record through the 3 effects in series. [RECORD]:[EFFECT].

8.If you are using a CD-ROM player the next key [RECORD mode: EXT CTRL function: CD-DA controls the audio playback of the CD player. The CD will be started and stopped automatically when you enter and exit record.

9.You are ready to record [RECORD]:[RECORD]:[Record] press GO (Knob 5).

Your next screen will depend on whether you have selected Manual Only as the ‘trigger’ mode or SRC IN (source in) as the record trigger. Once you have completed your recording you can immediately check it by returning to PLAY mode. The new sample can be triggered via the front panel AUDITION key or via the MIDI note assigned as original key in KEY RANGE (C3 is default). The new sample will have its TO PGM parameter ON and will be found at the TOP of the list when you view the Sample Select page: [PLAY]:[SAMPLE]:[SmpSel].

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Yamaha A3000, Professional Sampler manual Creating a New Sample

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.