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Description

Step into the world of vintage sampling with the Akai CD 3000, a classic piece of DJ gear that has earned its rightful place in the annals of music production. Designed for those who appreciate the authenticity of early digital sampling, this audio sampler offers a 16-bit stereo sampling engine that has captivated producers and DJs since its release. The CD 3000 is a powerhouse for creativity, providing a rich palette of sounds and the flexibility to manipulate them in real-time.

With its user-friendly interface, the Akai CD 3000 is perfect for both budding and seasoned musicians who want to explore the roots of digital sampling. The unit includes a variety of features that allow for precise control over your audio samples, including comprehensive editing capabilities and multiple outputs for seamless integration into any setup. Known for its versatile sampling capabilities, this device allows you to capture and modify audio with remarkable clarity and depth.

Compatible with a wide range of sound sources, the CD 3000 is a reliable companion for live performances and studio sessions alike. Whether you're crafting a new track or adding layers to a live mix, this sampler provides the tools you need to elevate your music.

Key Features:

  • 16-bit stereo sampling engine
  • User-friendly interface
  • Comprehensive sample editing capabilities
  • Multiple outputs for versatile connectivity
  • Compatible with various sound sources
  • Reliable for both live and studio use

FAQs

What are the sampling capabilities of the Akai CD 3000?

The Akai CD 3000 offers 16-bit linear sampling at 44.1kHz and 22.05kHz, allowing for high-quality audio capture suitable for professional use.

How much memory can the Akai CD 3000 accommodate?

The Akai CD 3000 can be fitted with up to 16MB of memory, and it can be modified to accept up to 32MB, providing ample space for storing samples.

What is the polyphony of the Akai CD 3000?

The Akai CD 3000 features 32 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex layering and playback of multiple samples simultaneously.

How many samples and programs can the Akai CD 3000 manage?

The Akai CD 3000 can handle a maximum of 255 samples and 254 programs, offering extensive flexibility in sample management and sound design.

Is the Akai CD 3000 suitable for live performances?

Yes, with its robust sampling capabilities and extensive memory options, the Akai CD 3000 is well-suited for live performances, enabling dynamic sound manipulation on stage.

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Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Akai CD 3000.

Software and compatibility

  • Akai CD 3000 requires Akai S1000 format CDs; MPC format CDs are incompatible.

    Source
  • A Zip disk is not compatible with the Akai CD 3000, contrary to some assumptions.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Akai CD3000XL is often sought after for its clean sound and capability, despite missing components like the 8-output board.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A clean, working CD3000i or XL can typically be found for mid $300s, suggesting the current unit's price is inflated.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The unit's missing output board is less of a concern if integrated with a DAW, maintaining its value for digital setups.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Akai CD3000XL is favored over earlier models like the S900 or S1000 due to its enhanced features and sound character.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Akai CD3000 (MT Sep 93)

muzines.co.uk

The Akai CD3000 impresses with its digital sampling capabilities, offering 32 voices, resonant filters, and eight individual outputs. Users benefit from Akai's generous inclusion of five CD-ROMs, providing a rich sound library. Its standout feature is the ability to play and 'sample' directly from CDs, eliminating traditional sampling hassles. However, it lacks direct sampling inputs, which may be a dealbreaker for some. While not the perfect fit for everyone, especially those needing sample inputs, it remains a versatile and powerful option for those relying on CDs and CD-ROMs as their primary sound sources.

positive

Akai CD3000 (SOS Sep 93)

muzines.co.uk

The Akai CD3000 is a unique blend of a CD-ROM sample player and a sampler, offering excellent sound quality and impressive MIDI response times. Its ergonomic design and versatile synthesis options with resonant filters are standout features. However, its lack of external audio inputs and occasional CD drawer jams are notable downsides. While ideal as an expansion to Akai's range, its role as a standalone sampler is limited if you rely solely on commercial libraries. The CD3000 caters well to those with existing Akai samplers but might not suffice for users needing fresh sampling capabilities.

3.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Martin L. Gore uses Akai CD 3000

Martin L. Gore

Singer, Guitarist

Depeche Mode

...
Verified via Mmj

"At home I've got a basic setup of demos. I've got (Hybrid Arts) ADAM machines for the recording, and I program on (Steinberg) Cubase. I use an Akai CD3000, a (Roland) JD-800, and c (Clavia) Nord Lead. The Nord is a very interesting synthesizer -- the fact that you can record all your movements real time into computer, wave sweeps and everthing. I like it. I've also got three ARP 2600's and two Minimoogs. But I tend to keep things very basic at that stage."

See how Liam Howlett uses Akai CD 3000

Liam Howlett

Music Producer

The Prodigy

...
Verified via Theprodigy

Akai CD 3000 XL (10MB) is included in Liam Howlett's gear list.

See how Jun Senoue uses Akai CD 3000

Jun Senoue

Guitarist, Composer

Crush 40

...
Verified via Twitter

"I used Akai S3200 and CD3000 for them. RT @JRokujuushi Most rock songs without vocals sound like they use similar drums- Windy and Ripply... "

See how Koji Kondo uses Akai CD 3000

Koji Kondo

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

An Akai CD3000 can be seen in Koji Kondo's studio, to the right.

See how Adam Schlesinger uses Akai CD 3000

Adam Schlesinger

Guitarist, Bassist

Fountains of Wayne

...
Verified

In a photo captured by Rolling Stone, Adam Schlesinger is seen using the Akai CD 3000 audio sampler.

See how TIM SIMENON uses Akai CD 3000

TIM SIMENON

Keyboardist, Composer

Interference

...
Verified via Gearslutz

Tim Simenon used the Akai CD 3000 on Depeche Mode's album "Ultra," as noted in a discussion on Gearslutz.

See how Mark Isham uses Akai CD 3000

Mark Isham

Composer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Isham's 'orchestra pit' is, however, no slouch, with several Akais (S3200, CD3000, S1000, S1000PB and three S2000s), three Emu E4Xs, three Roland S760s, plus a selection of older units. "They each have their own characteristics — the Akais have a tremendous transient response, and for percussion they're just brilliant; the Rolands have a warmth about them. I also have so many because of the various different programmers that work in the different formats. Eric Persing of Spectrasonics pretty much works for Roland, and he's just so good that I had to have some Roland gear to take advantage of his wonderful work."

See how Brad Cole uses Akai CD 3000

Brad Cole

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In this shot the CD3000 can be seen on the left side of the rack.

See how Colin Towns uses Akai CD 3000

Colin Towns

Composer

Ian Gillan Band

...
Verified via Soundonsound

"I just use loads of CD‑ROMs which I play through the Akai CD3000. I do like the Miroslav Vitous Symphonic Orchestra Samples. The other one I use a lot is Peter Siedlaczek's — that's another orchestral set, and there are actually five CDs of his stuff. The most important thing is that they were recorded in a room with the orchestra sitting where they're supposed to sit — in other words, the basses come out of the right‑hand side. I once had an engineer who didn't know where the orchestra sit and was complaining because it was too right‑heavy — well, that's where they sit, you know!"

See how Emperor Machine (Andy Meecham) uses Akai CD 3000

Emperor Machine (Andy Meecham)

...
Verified via YouTube

In the MusicRadar Tech studio tour video, Andy Meecham, known as Emperor Machine, showcases his use of the Akai CD 3000 sampler.

See how Eric Chevalier uses Akai CD 3000

Eric Chevalier

Composer

...
Verified via Raymanpc

Eric Chevalier's gear list circa 2003:

Mixing Consoles: - Sony DMX-R100 - Yamaha 01V Monitors: - Genelec 1031.A - Genelec 1030.A Samplers: - Akai s6000 (x2) - Akai CD3000XL - Roland S760 (x4) - Roland SP 700 Synthesizers: - Roland JD800 - Roland JD990 - Roland MKS80 + PG - Roland MKS70 + PG (x2) - Roland XV3080 - Roland D550 - Roland A80 - E-MU Proteus 2000 - Yamaha TX802 - Kurzweil MicroPiano - Korg M1R EX - Korg Wavestation AD - Korg Triton - Alesis DM5 (drum machine) - Access Virus A - Access Virus C - The theremin - Nord Lead Computer (& Plugins): - PowerMac G4/733 - PowerBook Titanium - Monitors Plasma (x2) - Pro Tools Mix Plus (software) - Logic Audio Platinum (+ eMagic plugins) - Spectrasonics Athmosphere - Spectrasonics Stylus - Mac Five - DD 80 Go + 120 Go + 160 Go LaCie - DD 40 Go Ice - Synchro: "Time Machine" C Lab - Unitor MK2 (x3) Effects: - Lexicon 480L - PCM80 / LPX15 - Yamaha SPX90 / D1500 (x2) - Tube Tech Compressor LCA 2B - EQ Moog - TC Electronics M5000 - TC Electronic Finalizer 96K - DAT Panasonic SV-3800 - DAT Sony PCM R500

See how Paul Robb uses Akai CD 3000

Paul Robb

Keyboardist, Composer

Information Society

...
Verified via Mixonline

Included in his studio are synthesizers such as the Roland MKS-70, two MKS-50s, a MKS-80 and D-50; Yamaha TX-81Z; four Oberheim Matrix 1000s, E-mu Orbit and Morpheus, and a Casio VZ-10M. Sample players include Kurzweil 1000AX+, Roland U-110, Oberheim DPX-1, E-mu Proformance Piano and Proteus (as well as the Proteus 2 and 3), Alesis NanoBass and samplers, including a Casio FZ-10M, two Akai S-1000s and three Akai CD-3000s. He also turns to E-mu Procussion, Roland R-8M, Alesis DM-5, Roland BD-1 and a Roland SPD-11 for drum sounds.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Akai CD 3000, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

E-mu Morpheus
E-mu Morpheus Synthesizers & Sound Modules
4
Akai S1000
Akai S1000 Audio Samplers
4
Korg Wavestation A/D
Korg Wavestation A/D Synthesizers & Sound Modules
4
Akai S3200
Akai S3200 Audio Samplers
3
Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter
Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter Synthesizers & Sound Modules
3
Roland JD-990
Roland JD-990 Synthesizers & Sound Modules
3
Roland S-760
Roland S-760 Audio Samplers
3
ARP 2600
ARP 2600 Synthesizers
3
Roland JD-800
Roland JD-800 Synthesizers
3

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