Z8 SPECIFICATIONS

Sampling formats: 24- or 16-bit at 44.1kHz, 48kHz and 96kHz with 64-times oversampling A-D converter and 128-times oversampling D-A converter. Memory: 16MB as standard, expandable to 512MB using 168-pin DIMMs. Polyphony: 64 voices (32 voices when system clock is set to 96KHz). Multitimbrality: 128 parts. Envelope generators: three digital envelope generators. Filters: three two-pole filters with resonance, 32 filter types. LFOs: two multi-wave LFOs. Connections: Record In (two balanced quarter-inch jacks), Stereo Out and eight assignable analogue outs (all on balanced quarter-inch jacks), headphones, two MIDI Ins, two MIDI Out/Thrus, SCSI (50-pin connection), S/PDIF digital I/O, two USB sockets (one host socket, one slave). Multi-effects: four-buss design with more than 40 effect types. MIDI: 32 channels.

EXAMPLE SAMPLING TIMES

WITH 16MB OF RAM

Mono/44.1kHz/16-bit: Three minutes. Mono/44.1kHz/24-bit: Two minutes. Mono/96kHz/16-bit: One minute, 23 seconds. Mono/96kHz/24-bit: 55 seconds.

WITH 512MB OF RAM

Mono/44.1kHz/16-bit: One hour, 34 minutes, 42 seconds. Mono/44.1kHz/24-bit: One hour, four minutes, 28 seconds. Mono/96kHz/16-bit: 44 minutes, 25 seconds. Mono/96kHz/24-bit: 29 minutes, 37 seconds.

The EB4JS effects board (which is standard on the Z8, but not on the Z4) offers up to four simultaneous effects in a four-buss design that is simple to understand and easy to set up. You can route Programs and Multis to the effects via the four busses (A to D) but if you want to connect effects in series you can also choose to route the output of one effect into another. For extra flexibility, the output of each effects processor can be individually assigned to any of the physical outputs. Effects inputs are always in mono and outputs in stereo, so if you configure effects in series then the output of the first effect is summed to mono before being fed to the second (though the output of the second effect is still in stereo). For true stereo operation (for instance when working with stereo samples) you can link FX1 with FX2 and/or FX3 with FX4, in which case you'll be limited to being able to use just one effects type per pair.

There are more than 40 individual effects algorithms on offer, all capable of handling up to 24-bit/96kHz resolution, and all effects are programmable, with the number of tweakable parameters restricted to a maximum of six

Product specs

FAQs

What is the polyphony of the Akai Z8 sampler?

The Akai Z8 sampler offers 64 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex layering and sequencing in your music production.

Does the Akai Z8 support high-resolution audio sampling?

Yes, the Akai Z8 was the first hardware sampler to offer 24-bit/96kHz sampling, providing high-resolution audio for professional-quality sound.

What MIDI connectivity options does the Akai Z8 offer?

The Akai Z8 features MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and MIDI Through, enabling integration with a variety of MIDI-compatible devices and setups.

Is the Akai Z8 suitable for live performance use?

With its robust sampling capabilities and MIDI connectivity, the Akai Z8 is well-suited for live performances, allowing artists to trigger samples and sequences on stage.

What are the standout features of the Akai Z8 sampler?

The Akai Z8 is known for its 24-bit/96kHz sampling, 64-voice polyphony, and comprehensive MIDI connectivity, making it a powerful tool for both studio and live applications.