Yamaha A4000 user reviews ( 9/10) - 3 user reviews

• 07/31/09

  itfn's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  <div> The polyphony of the samplers is 64 notes, which is lower than the current standard of 128 notes, but when enough is intended to be integrated into a set, or even when used alone who is used to manage polyphony. </div>
  
  
  
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  Effects (three effects simutaneously routable like we want to ...) are numerous (96) and extremely powerful. </div>
  
  
  
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  However, as regards the effects, particularly noticeable in a default part of a multitimbral use. There is really only 3 effects of the master part "(6 for A5000) for the 16 midi channels ...
  
  
  
  This is true of many machines you say ...
  
  
  
  But in the case of A4000 (/ A5000), the effects are so powerful and useful they are often part of the sound, it would have been desirable to have at least one effect per channel (instrument) even if we can overcome this by resample the sound with effects on output, if they are necessary ...
  
  
  
  Ditto for the LFO. There is only one, so even in single mode, for those who are used to manage multiple LFOs, one for the filter, etc. for the pitch is a bit tight, but in multitimbral mode, we has only 1 LFO for 16 games ... is very slight.
  
  
  
  The standard memory is relatively low, only 4 MB Fortunately, this memory can be expanded to 128 MB, this extension is essential to use a little push from the machine. </div>
  
  
  
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  For me, the memory is expanded to 128 MB, and it&#39;s not too many. </div>
  
  
  
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  The connectivity is standard, MIDI, In, Out, Through, assignable audio outputs, audio inputs, RAS
  
  
  
  Of course, total lack of recent connections (USB. ..), which is normal for a sampler out there over 10 years. You can not blame him for not having wifi or bluetooth ... </div>
  
  For my part, this difficulty was overcome by the acquisition dun 250 MB USB Zip drive (for PC, 25-30 € on ebay), I already had a 250 MB SCSI ZIP recognized by the Yam ... It is thus possible to work on samples with your favorite software and export them to wav format (of course recognized by the A4000/5000).

  Utilization

  <div> This is where the shoe pinches. The configuration of this instrument is extremely complex, poorly designed, completely devoid of logic. I&#39;m admittedly a bit harsh, but it should be understood that many functions are only accessible exploration of menus and submenus, they are poorly arranged between them. </div>
  
  
  
  <div> Fortunately, when you&#39;re a little lost, which happens regularly when you start to take control of this machine, the manual is pretty well done, complete, and there are usually quite easily what you seek. </div>
  
  
  
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  There are a publisher, but I&#39;ve never used, so I have no opinion on this issue. It seems to me that this editor only works with older versions of Windows. Anyway, this editor is always a plus in that it is necessarily easier than the controls hardwares of this sampler. </div>
  
  
  
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  This use remains difficult, however, a handicap to the extent that many users leave may be discouraged by such complexity, while the sampler is really powerful, very powerful, it has little to envy of Other better-known and respected in this field (I am thinking of moving some U.S. brands). </div>
  
  
  
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  It should be noted another flaw of the machine, residing in the excessively long load times sounds in memory. This loading time can possibly be understood when loading sounds from the external SCSI CD drive, however, it becomes even less understandable, or even unacceptable when it comes to load sounds from the internal hard drive .
  
  
  
  It&#39;s a shame.
  
  
  
  Indeed, the interest of samplers over hardwares softwares samplers lies in live use. However, if one uses the A 4000 live so multi-timbral, it takes many seconds if not minutes, to load more sounds from the hard drive. </div>
  
  
  
  <div> I put six in that despite its complexity, the use of this sampler is much more "easy" when you could understand his logic. </div>

  Sounds

  <div> This touches the real strength of this instrument, which is much more than just a sampler, to the extent of the number of editable parameters, the power of editing, make the latter can be treated as a real synthesizer . </div>
  
  
  
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  The converters are really good and transparent, even if one can note a very (very) slightly discolored, which does not affect, on the contrary, the sound quality. </div>
  
  
  
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  YAMAHA CDs provided with this sampler are, despite their seniority, excellent quality and are very comparable to current standards sound (even better than many current synths for certain sounds ...). </div>
  
  
  
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  The dynamics are excellent, giving this sampler a good presence in a mix or a set. </div>
  
  
  
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  As I mentioned earlier, the effects are excellent, routable in different ways, three in number in 4000, and six in 5000, are part of his ... </div>
  
  
  
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  It is possible to sample an external source by making it go directly into the effects section. </div>
  
  
  
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  Regarding the issue itself, then there, as I said above, there is a real synthesizer.
  
  Envelopes, filters, LFOs, velocity, everything is there. </div>
  
  
  
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  (On the effects and LFO, see remarks in section features)
  
  
  
  This is the real interest of the machine, and where many use a sampler for reproducing a faithful image of reality, where the only research is transparency and dynamism, with the former, one can not help triturate of sounds, sculpt, edit them, in short, do something else and create. We then get totally new sounds that will be used readily in a mix. </div>
  
  
  
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  It is therefore not just a sampler / rompler (or more accurately rampleur, since the sounds are stored in RAM during use). </div>
  
  
  
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  Of course, the A 4000 excels in such use (normal since it is a sampler ...), despite the relatively small memory (4 MB of origin, 128 MB after essential extension) and the access time HDD relatively long. </div>
  
  
  
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  In short, this machine has a sound, 10 for sound. </div>

  Overall Opinion

  I use this machine for about two years, bought on ebay for a little over 300 €, it&#39;s really given good value for money if we judge that this sampler on its capabilities and sound quality. I saw the recent announcements that its rating is 200 €, with an expanded memory to 128 MB
  
  
  
  <div> It&#39;s really endearing when a machine is known beyond its extreme complexity.
  
  
  
  Basically, if you want a sampler only for its transparency and dynamism, perhaps you will turn you to other samplers (eg Z4 or Z8, I&#39;m not talking about softwares ...), with more memory , and a lot simpler. </div>
  
  
  
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  However, if you are looking for a sampler with significant editing capabilities, creative in terms of sound, and announced that the difficulties for its handling does not scare you (I still remember my first few weeks of misery, you be warned), do not hesitate to buy one. </div>
  
  
  
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  As you will understand, despite its complexity, I finally managed to tame, not without difficulty, I love this machine.
  
  
  
  Too bad the note on its use lowers the overall average. 9 on the general opinion, because it&#39;s still basically the sound that we judge an instrument ... </div>
  
  
  
  <div> If I had to redo a choice today, for this price, I think I would do the same, except to buy an A 5000 (the same polyphhonie more and more effects), an EMU or Kurzweil K 2XXX with sampling option (although they are significantly more expensive). </div>
  
  
  
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  With regard to the sound, it is the Tramp those. </div>
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• 08/18/05

  Sebounet's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  This is an excellent sampler, dj a bit old in terms of connectors (SCSI connection slow, no USB, no I / O Digital SERIES). Floppy drive and HD are optional. RAM expandable between Stereo front, two pairs of SERIES Stereo Output, MIDI, multitimbral, great converters, faade functions easily accessible once you have before understood the principle ... Destiny in the studio and rack, it is large trs. It is mainly a most excellent opportunity. Knobs tend seize quickly ... The edition of the sounds is 16 trs complte and combines a variety of filters duly and 55 kinds of effects which three are used in simultanment SERIES or parralle, + modulation and loops. .. At times, it's more a vritable synthtiseur a sampler!

  Utilization

  Use difficult and obscure: the interface is not forcment the appointment. It's not a sampler "cl in hand" or "easy to use". It is a professional bte, destined to work patiently for a rsultat excellent. The manual is - is obscure, even for some functions. So if you buy one, know that the proper use of this tool also hyper-advanced full prcis and professional will ask you several weeks of learning ... Yes, for the sampler, it is necessary to have a brain ...

  Sounds

  Wow! The trs convertos seem efficient and friendly. The effects are magnificent, flexible and original. The filters are excellent too. It may sound sampler as it passes through the module effects ...

  Overall Opinion

  Apart from a ergonomics spleen, is a gem in terms of sound quality and possibility of publishing. I use my A4000 for several months and am happy with my choice trs. Far from being a sampler "cl in hand," it's a great box of studio with features superb. With a little patience, you will come out sounds trs, trs professionals in this gem of technology.
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• 11/07/04

  Grabule's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Trs good filters and effects, just three blocks damage effects (routable) but I go to a multi-effects with 2 vm3100pro so in fact by a sufficient against the effects are excellent and trs Settings, the number 96. possibility to save the game, trs cool to make loops in the process.
  
  qques apps I use in scsi and c is nice for the edition.

  Utilization

  As cool as remote from the PC than on the rack, the CSTA functions are fast with 5 knobs and buttons infinite straight.

  Sounds

  It sounds good trs, no breath, with no loss numrique extension, impeccable
  
  not test banks yamaha yet, but I think c is the quality.
  
  filters, envelopes and effects are excellent.

  Overall Opinion

  Excellent sampler on the market opportunity.
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