yamaha a3000 opinions
ShadowR2
wonderign what others feel about it(pro's/con's).
thanks
Joe Moore
Joe Moore
Olaf wrote:
"This sampler kicks ass! It has a very good sound-quality, 64 voices,
standard 4 outputs, standard SCSI-interface, can handle 128 MB ram with
standard simms... I esepcially like the filters (lowpass 12/24dB with
resonance, highpass 12/24dB with resonance, bandpass and bandeliminate). All
samples have their own (very strong, good sounding) filter (with gain to
overdrive the filterinput) and 1band EQ. The effect-section also is very
good, with 3 independand effect-units each with 54 effects (chorus, reverbs,
echo's, overdrives, flangers, distortions, wahwah's etc.). Can be used
serial or parallel. All parameters of effects can be changed. Very flexible
modulation-matrixes, you can control lot's of parameters (cut-off,
resonance, envelopes, loop-points, panning etc.etc. even effect-parameters)
in realtime with MIDI-controllers or the realtime-controlknobs. You can
resample sounds through the effects to save effect-units. The A3000 can also
be used as an independand multieffect-unit, because the audio-input can be
routed directly through the effect-section. Has lo-fi (5 /11/22 KHz)
sample-settings for raw sounds. Realtime beat/pitch-change function for
realtime time-stretching/pitch-changing! And it is so cheap for what it
offers, there is no competition at this moment. Only problem with current OS
(1.10a) is a timing-bug: if the A3000 receives lots of MIDI- and
controller-data it's MIDI-buffer will overflow. Never had this in my
music-making practice though... Has very fast envelope-generators for real
kicking basses and drumsounds. Nice is the expand-setting, which makes a
mono-sample into a wide fat pseudo-stereo sample. 4 band EQ for the
stereo-out. It really is a synth/sampler because it also has some basic
waveforms in memory when you start up (sine, square, pulse, triangle etc.) I
definately like it! "
Jonners
New sample CDs being released by all manufactures soon, too. Both
samplers have bags of control, much more than any other sampler but
there is a learning curve!
In article <20000718174329...@ng-ch1.aol.com>, ShadowR2
Guy Powell
Paul Nagle
>I have had one for about 3 years, and I hate it.
Helpful....
I was wondering what are the differences between the A3000 and the
A4000 - anyone tell me?
Paul
Joe Moore
I've had mine about 2 years, and I like it.
Guy Powell <pow...@iai.fzk.de> wrote in message
news:397C1F49...@iai.fzk.de...
mo...@industrial.org
> Well if you hate it so much, why haven't you sold it?
> I've had mine about 2 years, and I like it.
Well put. I have had mine since they first came out (version 1.0 anyone?)
and love the thing to bits. The flat OS structure is something I wish all
my gear had and for those who like to create their own sounds and textures
the A3K is amazaing. It has quirks (like any gear) but defintely the
sound creation options far outweigh them. IMHO
You can check out sounds created with the A3K via:
Cheers
--
|) __,,_____________ codeGRUNT : <sl...@codegrunt.com> (|
|) < ___________/ moron : <mo...@industrialmusic.org> (|
|) / /-' send EEEI news to : <info...@industrialmusic.org> (|
|) /___/ industrial & DIY culture : http://industrialmusic.org (|
|) narc : http://industrialmusic.org/narc/ (|
Verity Studios
I like it so far but I can't figure out if I can load wav. files
via the floppy drive.........is that something that can be done?
Jonners
<oja...@tiac.net> wrote:
Yes, put the floppy in and click "disk" and either midi or sample and
it should show up
Jonners
Paul Nagle
wrote:
>Bigger display, better add ons (hard drive, zip, etc.)
Cheers, not too bothered about the display (my uses of a sampler are
not likely to be the same as most people) and I'm fairly sure the 3000
is happy with hard drives, zips etc. In fact version 2 of the 3000
seemed to give it a lot of what the 4000 offers (in terms of software
anyway). Nevertheless, I've been convinced to get the 4000 because....
oh damn I forgot.... ;-)
Paul
-----------------------------------------------------
Paul Nagle / SoftRoom / HeadShock / FFS
soft...@btinternet.com http://www.softroom.co.uk
head...@redhotant.com http://www.headshock.co.uk
Jonners
more effects
more filters (ie. low pas, etc)
more sample freguency rates
longer sample times
direct CD burning
The A4/5000 models pick up where the A3000's features left off: 40 new
effects algorithms (for a whopping total of 96), increased polyphony, a
generous display,
nine sound CD-ROMs to get you started, and the ability to burn audio
and A-series format CDs. There are, of course, other changes and
enhancements. Cool remix features.
In article <78vqnsshu8f6oi271...@4ax.com>, Paul Nagle
Verity Studios
It's really bustin my nuts.
Joe Moore
right at the top. Then deep twirling the last knob until the waves appear
Verity Studios <oja...@tiac.net> wrote in message
news:398051AC...@tiac.net...
Verity Studios
Ups to Joe!
Andy
Jonners
Well, that is true. We have American Heartland available now for $199.
and
it is quite good on the Yamaha A4000/5000 series (also readable on the
3000 and ex5). Coming soon is our Concert Grand Pianos and then in a
month
or so we'll have Interactive String Section. If those do well, we may
convert some of our other titles. WHere did you hear about this info
from?
Just curious. Let us know if you would like to place an order. We can
take
advance orders and apply a 10% discount to your whole purchase if you'd
like.
Thanks.
Take care,
Dave
Sonic Reality
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
--
Mr. Evans
Sorry for the delayed response.
We are wrapping our Yamaha conversions right now. The first three
releases will be:
The Orchestral Collection http://www.bigfishaudio.com/scstore/oc.html
From percussion to strings, brass to woodwinds it's all here on one
CD-ROM. You'll find string
orchestra sustained, marcato, pizz and FX; section and solo violin,
viola, cello and bass; trumpet, piccolo trumpet, flugelhorn, french
horn, trombone, bass trombone, tuba and tuba FX; brass ensemble and
brass orchestra; flute, alto flute, piccolo, clarinet, oboe, oboe
d'amore, english horn, bassoon, and contrabassoon; harp single notes
and glissandi; timpani, tubular bells, triangle, cymbals, cymbal FX,
gong, snare, snare rolls, and more! "This disc offers a remarkable
variety of instruments and playing techniques." Keyboard
First Call Vintage Keyboards
http://www.bigfishaudio.com/scstore/fk.html
A complete library of vintage synthesizers, electric pianos and organs
for your sampler. All the classic sounds including: Arp, Farfisa,
Hammond B3, Clav, Mellotron, Moog, Oberheim, Wurlitzer, Korg, Crumar,
Emu, Sequential, Yamaha CS-80, Fender Rhodes, Vox Continental & way
more. "First I loaded the Hammond B3... I was frankly shocked at the
authenticity. I quickly moved to Fender Rhodes and Mellotron and began
thinking 'everything on this disc is gold'. ...the original intent of
each machine is captured by the sample or brilliantly simulated by the
patch." - Keyboards, France
Roots of South America http://www.bigfishaudio.com/scstore/rosa1.html
On this musical journey you will explore the rich sounds and
fascinating grooves of styles such as candombe, murga, milonga,
chacarera, huayno, festejo, joropo, cumbia, samba, afoxé, cueca, vals
peruano, carnavalito and many more. Over 70 distinct traditional
percussion instruments create this collection of 300+ grooves and 250+
single hits from the Caribbean coast of Venezuela to the south of
Argentina- all played with authentic instruments and feeling. With
multiple dynamic levels and tempos, no other Latin percussion disc
comes close! "It's a feast of Latin percussion, all right... Vibrant,
tasty grooves using both trap & hand percussion. Fabulous tracks!" -
Keyboard
We're shooting to have them ready to go in about a month.
Hope that helps.
Sincerely,
Scott
--
The Big Fish Audio Customer Service Team
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
---
The Ultimate Piano Collection
Bob Clearmountain Drums 2
Percussive Adventures
EastWest
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
---
Voices of Native America
Q Up Arts
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
---
Jonathan,
We could tell you, but then we'd have to kill you :) Just kidding!
Thanks for the inquiry. We are going to do Yamaha formatted discs.
We're
going to kick it off with a few titles, but we're not yet sure about
the
final decision on what three those will be. Are you a Yamaha owner or
prospective owner? Have any input on what three you would like to see
done? Let us know. It's always good to hear from the end-user.
Thanks and
take care.
Chris Lacinak
Pete Schaefer
> this thing (I got the A5000).
Marc:
I've been trying to get someone to give me a rundown/opinion
on the quality of the CD set that comes with the unit. Any thoughts
on them? I'm especially curious about the orchestral stuff. The
guy at a local shop says he'll hook up a CD drive so I can
audition them, but I just haven't had the time to get over there
yet.
Pete
Jonners
main problem with the orchestral stuff is, whilst there are enough
multi-samples of each instrument to make up the sound group, there are
no seperate velocity multi-samples. i.e. violin ensemble normal attack
available but no soft/hard playing alternatives. Strangely, this is not
the case with the Guitar & Drum CDs which have multi velocity
multi-samples.
If you want orchestral multi-velocity/multi-sample orchestra you need
to pay from £100 up (to £1500!) per CD. So the Yamaha bundle is great
value.
If you want basicly the same thing as you have in your sound
modual/keyboard but to sound better/richer/deaper then these CDs are a
great start. Personally, I am looking forward to a good
multi-velocity/multi-sample piano (there are several pianos on the CDs
but no multi-velocity) and a good multi-velocity/multi-sample orchestra
CD but these will cost £200 a piece!In article
jondl
to load anything off a CD-ROM (or 3.5" disk.) Didn't try SMDI transfers
so I can't comment. Loop Remix DSP stuff was great - but no Crossfade
looping; sound quality was good - a little on the bright side; FX were
okay - plenty of parameters to tweak but only default settings - no
presets. Navigating the OS is all right but it felt half finished to
me. Don't think the A4K or A5K's are selling well - prices will probably
drop. I had no patience for the SCSI transfer speed. Try it out for
yourself before buying. Yamaha should be embarrassed for not fixing it
on the newer models.
Jon
Aux wrote:
>
> Jonners said...
> > Or go for the A4000, only a liitle bit dearer and much better display.
> > New sample CDs being released by all manufactures soon, too. Both
> > samplers have bags of control, much more than any other sampler but
> > there is a learning curve!
>
> I'll drink to that. I've had mine for a week and little by little I'm squeezing stuff out of
> this thing (I got the A5000).
>
> Expansion is good, and cheap (relatively) too.
>
> Sound quality, though, is superb.
>
> > In article <20000718174329...@ng-ch1.aol.com>, ShadowR2
> > <shad...@aol.com> wrote:
> >
> > > Hi, I am thinking about getting one of these within the month and was just
> > > wonderign what others feel about it(pro's/con's).
> > > thanks
> >
>
> --
> Marc
--
http://www.jdlx-musique.com/
Featuring support for the Ensoniq ASR-X Pro Sampler and Yamaha AN1x Synthesizer
Paul Nagle
>Terrible, sloooow SCSI Interface on the A4K. You need tons_of_patience
>to load anything off a CD-ROM (or 3.5" disk.) Didn't try SMDI transfers
True. SMDI seems better than loading from CD-ROM but I find Zip is the
perfect way to transfer - and its load from Zip (and IDE HD
apparently) is much faster than SCSI. I just wish Yamaha implemented
autoload from Zip (or HD) since it can be done from floppy. Unless
they did and I haven't sussed it yet....so much is hidden in dumb
places.
>so I can't comment. Loop Remix DSP stuff was great - but no Crossfade
>looping; sound quality was good - a little on the bright side; FX were
Crossfade Looping is there but a little hidden - take a look in the
Command menu. Works too. And Remix is great!
I've struggled with mine for four days and finally I'm starting to
make sense of it. There are limitations and some bafflingly weird
stuff in the OS but good results can be achieved. The filters are
good, shame the LFO implementation is limp and the "mod matrix" is
sadly lacking important entries. But I think I'm happy with it
overall.
Paul
jondl
Paul Nagle wrote:
>
> jondl <jo...@jdlx-musique.com> wrote:
>
> >Terrible, sloooow SCSI Interface on the A4K. You need tons_of_patience
> >to load anything off a CD-ROM (or 3.5" disk.) Didn't try SMDI transfers
>
> True. SMDI seems better than loading from CD-ROM but I find Zip is the
> perfect way to transfer - and its load from Zip (and IDE HD
> apparently) is much faster than SCSI. I just wish Yamaha implemented
> autoload from Zip (or HD) since it can be done from floppy. Unless
> they did and I haven't sussed it yet....so much is hidden in dumb
> places.
That's good to know but again, I'd have no patience for the Zip disk
shuffle. It's a perfectly valid way of working - and I have friends
that use the same method with their ASR-X's - but I want 1-2-3 samples
are loaded - next task...
>
> >so I can't comment. Loop Remix DSP stuff was great - but no Crossfade
> >looping; sound quality was good - a little on the bright side; FX were
>
> Crossfade Looping is there but a little hidden - take a look in the
> Command menu. Works too. And Remix is great!
Thanks for the tip - next time I hit the showroom floor I'll check it
out! To anybody reading this thread - takes some AIFF or WAV files on
3.5 diskette with you when you go demo this thing ;-)
>
> I've struggled with mine for four days and finally I'm starting to
> make sense of it. There are limitations and some bafflingly weird
> stuff in the OS but good results can be achieved. The filters are
> good,
Very true! I liked the Filters a lot.
shame the LFO implementation is limp and the "mod matrix" is
> sadly lacking important entries.
Agreed. What's with that Pgm level LFO? Don't like the way that's done
at all - but I did like having the LFO mod routing all on one panel screen!
But I think I'm happy with it
> overall.
Good for you! :-) You're a better man than I if you can live with the
SCSI implementation. I'm going to stand fast with my ASR-X Pro. To my
ears, the sound is "phatter" and I prefer the Ensoniq effects over the
Yamaha. If I could swing both (cost wise) then I would ;-)
>
> Paul
Jon
mo...@industrial.org
> shame the LFO implementation is limp and the "mod matrix" is
>> sadly lacking important entries.
What's missing with the mod matrix? You get 4 sources and 4 destinations
that can use any CC for a source plus the program LFO and most reasonable
things for a destination. It's not a modular but it's reasonable. The
LFO (sample LFO, not the program LFO) has filter, amplitude and pitch
control which isn't as nice as being freely assignable but is OK. The
only glaring omission on the A3K is LFO->pan in my opinion. The matrix
though is fine. Oh, and setting the speed for the S/H waveform at the the
program level is dumb.
The program LFO is pretty cool though since you can use it to give
rhythmic changes and can tie it to the effects for feedback swoops and the
like.
> Agreed. What's with that Pgm level LFO? Don't like the way that's done
> at all - but I did like having the LFO mod routing all on one panel screen!
What's not to like? It's an extra freely assignable midi clocked LFO.
> Good for you! :-) You're a better man than I if you can live with the
> SCSI implementation. I'm going to stand fast with my ASR-X Pro. To my
> ears, the sound is "phatter" and I prefer the Ensoniq effects over the
> Yamaha. If I could swing both (cost wise) then I would ;-)
To each his own. I like the A3K effects, especially the wacked mod
effects and the distortions.
Paul Nagle
>What's missing with the mod matrix? You get 4 sources and 4 destinations
Well, the envelopes and *both* LFOs as sources would be lovely for a
start. And I take it the "Cutoff Bias" destination means "Cutoff
Frequency", since the term doesn't seem to appear anywhere in the
manual other than the mod matrix?
But you're right, it isn't bad, I'm just greedy... ;-)
Paul
mo...@industrial.org
> Well, the envelopes and *both* LFOs as sources would be lovely for a
> start. And I take it the "Cutoff Bias" destination means "Cutoff
> Frequency", since the term doesn't seem to appear anywhere in the
> manual other than the mod matrix?
Yeah, it would be nice to have the envelopes assignable but remember that
you get dedicated pitch, filter and amplitude envelopes. The "bias" does
refer to the cutoff frequency but I think they call it bias because it
offsets the frequency as opposed to setting it.
> But you're right, it isn't bad, I'm just greedy... ;-)
Aren't we all. The dedicated envelopes though are really fast and
reasonably flexible. You also get a dedicated 1 band EQ per sample plus a
cool detune function which can be used for pseudo stereo and PWM type
effects.
Paul Nagle
>Yeah, it would be nice to have the envelopes assignable but remember that
>you get dedicated pitch, filter and amplitude envelopes. The "bias" does
Yeah, it's just the kind of thing you'd expect as a source in a mod
matrix. I wonder if it saves processing power since the only
"polyphonic" source (I think) is velocity.
>refer to the cutoff frequency but I think they call it bias because it
>offsets the frequency as opposed to setting it.
Aye, that manual is a hoot innit?
>Aren't we all. The dedicated envelopes though are really fast and
>reasonably flexible. You also get a dedicated 1 band EQ per sample plus a
>cool detune function which can be used for pseudo stereo and PWM type
>effects.
Yeah, after an initially steep learning curve I'm very happy indeed.
It's odd that it's actually no slicker than my old Korg DSS1 for
initially loading samples after power up. I have to push a button,
wait a moment while it scans its drives, push another button, scroll
through my SCSI partitions until I get to my Zip drive then finally
push "load all" followed by a confirmation. Actually, that's *more*
button pushing than my DSS1 although load times are rather quicker.
So I guess the DSS1 still has some cool things going for it (e.g.
oscillator sync between samples) but you can't have everything... .;-)
Paul
jondl
Aux wrote:
>
> jondl said...
> > Terrible, sloooow SCSI Interface on the A4K. You need tons_of_patience
> > to load anything off a CD-ROM (or 3.5" disk.) Didn't try SMDI transfers
> > so I can't comment.
>
> I concur. And the CD -> disk copy facilities are awful. Terrible. Whoever designed that aspect
> of the machine should be shot.
>
> > sound quality was good - a little on the bright side;
>
> Eh? Nothing bright about it here - unless I want it that way. There's a ton of bottom end.
> Massive amounts. Depends on your chain, of course.
Really, you think so? I suppose it's subjective but compared to my ASR-X
Pro, I found the A4000 to have less "ooomph" and more "air". Not a bad
thing at all - just different. There's room for both in the world and
the filters *are* really_nice.
>
> > FX were
> > okay - plenty of parameters to tweak but only default settings - no
> > presets.
>
> There is a lot of flexibility in the effects, true. I find the quality good, as well - even as
> a pure effects box on an analogue signal. The lack of presets is bizarre. But then, the OS
> design sucks big-time.
The only reason I bemoan no preset effects is because I stink at
programming them from scratch ;-) The effects block routing would be
excellent for someone who knows how to make good use of it. Didn't try
out the real time control of the effects though. Duh. I'm 50/50 split on
the OS.
>
> > Navigating the OS is all right but it felt half finished to
> > me.
>
> I agree wholeheartedly - and half finished is being kind. I don't think Yamaha have cracked the
> idea that hardware guys do hardware, and software guys do software. There is no 'design' in the
> OS, it is just a set of functions that are all over the place. Some minor tweaks would speed it
> up big time.
Yes, in some spots it seemed to make perfect sense in others, well, less so...
>
> > Don't think the A4K or A5K's are selling well - prices will probably
> > drop.
>
> Already have. I got mine very cheap.
Really? wow. BTW - the knobs seem to be improved over the A3000 :-)
>
> > I had no patience for the SCSI transfer speed. Try it out for
> > yourself before buying. Yamaha should be embarrassed for not fixing it
> > on the newer models.
>
> Didn't know it was a problem before, so I think you are right. I mean, a minute or so to load 6
> or 7 Mb into RAM! What the heck is going on there?
>
> Best,
> Marc
>
> > Jon
> >
> > Aux wrote:
> > >
> > > Jonners said...
> > > > Or go for the A4000, only a liitle bit dearer and much better display.
> > > > New sample CDs being released by all manufactures soon, too. Both
> > > > samplers have bags of control, much more than any other sampler but
> > > > there is a learning curve!
> > >
> > > I'll drink to that. I've had mine for a week and little by little I'm squeezing stuff out of
> > > this thing (I got the A5000).
> > >
> > > Expansion is good, and cheap (relatively) too.
> > >
> > > Sound quality, though, is superb.
> > >
> > > > In article <20000718174329...@ng-ch1.aol.com>, ShadowR2
> > > > <shad...@aol.com> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > > Hi, I am thinking about getting one of these within the month and was just
> > > > > wonderign what others feel about it(pro's/con's).
> > > > > thanks
> > > >
> > >
> > > --
> > > Marc
> >
> >
>
> --
> Marc
jondl
Aux wrote:
>
> jondl said...
>
> > > > sound quality was good - a little on the bright side;
> > >
> > > Eh? Nothing bright about it here - unless I want it that way. There's a ton of bottom end.
> > > Massive amounts. Depends on your chain, of course.
> >
> > Really, you think so? I suppose it's subjective but compared to my ASR-X
> > Pro, I found the A4000 to have less "ooomph" and more "air". Not a bad
> > thing at all - just different.
>
> I agree with your 'air' comment. The frequencies can be manipulated very nicely. This makes a
> huge difference when mixing. The A5000 has no muddiness about it at all. Oomph and sizzle, as
> you like it :-)
>
> > the filters *are* really_nice.
>
> Very :-)
>
> > > There is a lot of flexibility in the effects, true. I find the quality good, as well - even as
> > > a pure effects box on an analogue signal. The lack of presets is bizarre. But then, the OS
> > > design sucks big-time.
> >
> > The only reason I bemoan no preset effects is because I stink at
> > programming them from scratch ;-) The effects block routing would be
> > excellent for someone who knows how to make good use of it.
>
> Experiment ;-) I think that this is where computer based editing helps. Seeing all the
> parameters on one screen makes tweaking much easier. It's a bit laborious doing it directly.
> That's no a criticism of the A5000 though.
On My ASR-X Pro you have a handful of presets to choose from for each of
the 40 effects. The differences between the presets can be subtle to
drastic. I find this arrangement helps me zero in on something I want or
at least put me in the ballpark. FWIW - I noticed that Wizoo put out a
book of FX Preset settings for Logic Audio. I was think of picking it up
so I get don't keep repeating myself. The principals are identical
regardless of the actual processor ;-)
> > Duh. I'm 50/50 split on the OS.
>
> Yeah, I was a bit harsh. I'm having a major downer on the partition/volume/bank structure for
> storage. The implementation is simply terrible. The fact that it will take me the best part of
> a day, perhaps more, to move the sample CDs to the hard disk is a nonsense. This could be fixed
> so easily in software. There are just a few very, very small things that could be changed that
> would make a *huge* difference to usability.
I agree and it seems they're to embarrassed to admit it! Okay, not like,
E-mu<>Ensoniq are perfect either but...
>
> > > > Don't think the A4K or A5K's are selling well - prices will probably
> > > > drop.
> > >
> > > Already have. I got mine very cheap.
> >
> > Really? wow.
>
> Well, list in UK is £1.5k. Street is £1.2k. I paid £1k. So not exactly 'very cheap'. I think
> they will go lower.
>
I saw a demo A4K online today for $949 (think it was Nova Musik.) That's
about $120 less than the local sales guy offered me at Washington Music
Center (he hadn't sold any Yamaha's yet.) Some stores in the area are
asking $1299 but as you can tell *that* price was easy to beat.
> It still sounds great though :-)
>
It sounds very nice. I came this_close to buying one on_the_spot but I
chilled out, went back a few days later, and spent more time with it -
specifically to test the SCSI/drive operations :-( Every four - six
months or so I repeat this exercise (whenever I get a bee stuck in my
bonnet), resist temptation, and *always* find some new appreciation for
my existing gear.
I'm going to sit tight with my ASR-X Pro because I love the sound
quality despite the occasional headache. I'd *like* to supplement my
set-up with a second sampler but it's not a very realistic concern,
i.e., $$'s. Maybe when EXS-24 version 2 is released I'll take that
route. Why wait? Because I don't want to cut my teeth on version 1 and
I'm still learning Logic Audio.
> Cheers,
> Marc
Regards - thanks for the nice conversation, Marc.
Jon