What Akai samplers work with SONiVOX?
SONiVOX Akai disks are compatible with the following Akai models: S1000, S3000, S300XL, S5000, S6000, Z4, and Z8. Other models may load the samples correctly but we make no guarantees about compatibility, especially with the program data.

SONiVOX disks are formatted as Akai S1000/S3000 disks. Any Akai sampler or product that can read that format will be able to load SONiVOX Akai CD-ROMs. Please note, however, that there are differences between the different models of Akai Samplers in the way they handle program data, most notably, filter settings, exclusive zone, and pitch bend assignments. If these parameters aren't sounding to your liking, you'll want to edit them and save the resulting program file to a floppy or hard disk. You don't have to resave all the samples, just the programs. Then when you're ready to reload, simply load the contents of the CD-ROM first followed by your saved programs. This method works great for creating your own Akai programs using SONiVOX sounds. Here are some specifics on this:

Akai S1000 and S3000 Series Samplers: These samplers work without any problems for all SONiVOX CDs. You shouldn't have any discrepancies with the Program data.

Akai S5000, S6000, Z4, and Z8 Series Samplers: These samplers will work great with most SONiVOX sounds but in some cases you may need to adjust some filter settings. This is due to an Akai porting issue. If some programs are sounding a little dull, simply go into the filter page and raise the filter frequency.

If you are loading the disks into a non-Akai sampler or or software, it should load the samples and keymap info correctly if it supports the Akai S1000/S3000 format, but program data may or may not be loaded properly, depending on the importing capabilities of your sampler or software.

What's the latest Akai operating system I need to have to use SONiVOX?
You must have the latest operating systems in all models of Akai Samplers to work correctly with SONiVOX Akai products. There are quite a few bugs in the earlier revs of Akai operating systems that will cause problems with loading sounds, velocity switching, pitch problems, etc. Upgrading is easy and can be done via download. Go to this URL to get the most recent files for your Akai Sampler.

http://www.akaipro.com/

Can Akai CDs be used by any other samplers?
Yes, most samplers can read Akai CDs. However, be aware there are discrepancies with how well a particular sampler reads an Akai CD. Most will port at least the samples and keyboard layouts but not always the program data. Consult your sampler's manual for these details. Our experience shows that the following synths do a good job of reading Akai formatted CDs.

Emu Samplers
Gigastudio
Unity