Press the [EDIT] mode button. If you view the [MAP/OUT]: [KeyRange] page you can quickly verify that each sample’s data comes to the screen upon being triggered. As soon as you touch a new key range, the data for that key range will come to the screen.

If you operate without a MIDI keyboard you would select the sample bank and sample from the listing on the [PLAY]: [SAMPLE]: [SmpBank] screen. Use knob 2 to select the bank (a Program can include more than one sample bank) and either knob 3 or 4 to scroll through the individual samples of that bank. Leave the A3000 on this screen at the time you enter EDIT mode. This will allow you to view and edit the individual sample’s data while it is within a bank.

Press the [EDIT] mode button. The data of the sample bank and sample you last viewed will be in the edit buffer. Use the AUDITION button to hear the sample.

DUPLICATE

The A3000 allows you to “Duplicate” any sample without using additional sample RAM. The Duplicate feature will duplicate the name and add an asterisk (*) for the first duplicate, 2 asterisks (**) for the second and so on. You can create as many duplicates as you need. You can redo the Wave Start and End points, you can redo the Loop Start and End points, retune, filter, EQ, redo the key range, effects, etc., etc., all without using additional sample RAM memory.

You can use several duplicates of the same sample in a single Program. The same sample can be used in as many Banks as you create. No matter how many times you duplicate the wave, it never uses additional sample RAM. The A3000 just stores a new set of “pointers” to the sample data and adds an additional asterisk to the name. Those of you familiar with random access hard disk recording systems are familiar with the concept of a digital recording being stored on the hard disk and then accessed via control data. In such systems you create and store a playlist, which is basically small packets of control information about when to start and stop playback of each sound file, how loud to play it, panned to a particular channel, etc. You can access the recorded data again and again with different start and end points; you can play it over and over, each time with a different effect or EQ. You can even access it multiple times, simultaneously, tuned differently in each duplicate. The A3000 treats the sample in a similar manner; the parameters you attach to it are similar to the packets of information that control a sound file. You create a new set of “pointers” to the sample waveform when you duplicate it. This is a non-destructive edit.

Only the Extract function causes additional sample memory to be used. The Extract job allows you to isolate particular data and throw the excess away. If you attempt to Extract data from a Duplicate, the A3000 will then create a new sample before it discards the excess. You never touch your original when editing a Duplicate. This will use additional memory. But since you can start each Duplicate from any Start Address, it is actually unnecessary to Extract data. For example, you have a 4 bar loop, create a Duplicate, turn the Loop OFF, redo the Wave Start and End Addresses so that you isolate a single snare hit. Now you can tune, effect, redo the key range and otherwise torture this Duplicate to your hearts content.

You can find the Duplicate feature from the [PLAY]: [SAMPLE]: area, press [COMMAND], use Knob 1 to navigate to the [DUPL] screen. Select the sample you wish to duplicate from the sample list or trigger it via MIDI, press Knob 1 to execute the function. The A3000

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Yamaha Professional Sampler, A3000 manual Duplicate

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.