The Akai DD-1000 Magneto Optical Disk Recorder represents a groundbreaking leap in digital audio technology from the 1990s. Combining magneto-optical storage with advanced digital processing, the Akai DD-1000 was designed for professional audio applications, offering a versatile and robust platform for recording, editing, and playback. This unit is a testament to Akai’s innovation, delivering pristine audio quality and extensive editing functionality in a studio-friendly format.
At its core, the Akai DD-1000 is a two-track recorder capable of four-track playback, with flexible configurations to suit a variety of audio production needs. Users can work with two stereo pairs, two mono tracks, or a combination of one stereo pair and one mono track simultaneously. This capability made the Akai DD-1000 a highly adaptable tool for professional recording studios, broadcast applications, and post-production environments.
The Akai DD-1000 delivers crystal-clear audio, utilising 16-bit resolution with eight times oversampling. Its 24-bit internal processing ensures that all recordings retain remarkable depth and detail, suitable for high-fidelity applications. The system supports standard sampling rates of 44.1kHz and 48kHz, catering to professional digital audio standards of the time.
One of the standout features of the Akai DD-1000 is its use of magneto-optical disks, a revolutionary storage medium for its time. Each 650 MB disk provides 30 minutes of stereo recording per side at 44.1kHz. Magneto-optical technology ensures long-term durability, immunity to magnetic corruption, and reliable performance under demanding conditions. This medium bridged the gap between traditional tape-based systems and the emerging hard disk-based solutions, offering an ideal combination of reliability and capacity.
The Akai DD-1000 excels in its editing capabilities. Recorded audio, known as “Takes,” can be subdivided into “Edit-Cuts,” allowing for intricate reassembly and playback arrangements. These cuts can be sequenced in various ways:
- Q-List Playback: Sequential playback of Takes using SMPTE timecode for precise synchronisation.
- Pattern-Oriented Song Chains: Allows users to structure a series of Takes into complete arrangements.
- Playsheets: Assign Takes to numeric keys for instant manual triggering, ideal for live applications or dynamic studio sessions.
These editing modes empower users with unparalleled flexibility, enabling intricate edits and creative workflows.
The Akai DD-1000’s front panel is meticulously designed for ease of use. It features an 8×40-character LCD display, which provides clear and detailed information about the system’s status, settings, and functions. Accompanying this are soft keys and cursor controls, which allow for intuitive navigation through menus and settings. Twelve-segment LED bar graph meters ensure precise level monitoring, while rotary controls for input and output levels provide tactile control for recording sessions.
The Akai DD-1000 is equipped with a range of professional connections, including balanced and unbalanced analogue inputs and outputs, digital I/O, and SMPTE/EBU timecode synchronisation options. This extensive connectivity ensures seamless integration into any studio setup, whether it’s a standalone workstation or part of a larger system.
Physically, the Akai DD-1000 is built to last. It occupies 5U of rack space and weighs just over 16 kg, making it a solid yet manageable addition to professional studio racks. Its rugged construction ensures reliability in demanding studio or live environments.
The Akai DD-1000 found its niche in studios, post-production facilities, and broadcasting due to its combination of high-quality audio, innovative editing capabilities, and reliable storage technology. It became a go-to solution for professionals needing precision and flexibility in digital audio production.
Features
- Takes can be subdivided into up to 50 overlapping segments (cuts) per take
- Q-List for sequential playback triggered via SMPTE/EBU timecode
- Song mode for pattern-oriented chaining of takes and cuts
- Playsheet mode for assignment of cuts to numeric keys for manual triggering
- Ability to connect up to six external magneto-optical drives via SCSI
- Digital Buss interface for transferring data between multiple DD-1000 units
- Optional DL1000 remote control unit compatibility for enhanced operation
