The Yamaha A5000 represented in 1999 a revolutionary approach to sampling technology, transcending the traditional boundaries of what a sampler could be. Released alongside its higher-end sibling the A5000, this professional sampler emerged as an affordable yet powerful alternative to the prohibitively expensive E-MU and Akai samplers of the mid-1990s era.

Unlike conventional rackmount samplers that merely recorded and played back audio, the A5000 combines comprehensive sampling capabilities with an advanced synthesis engine, creating a hybrid instrument that can both capture sounds and extensively manipulate them. This dual nature makes it not just a sampler, but a complete sound design workstation capable of creating entirely new timbres from basic waveforms.

The A5000's synthesis capabilities are particularly noteworthy, featuring multiple filter types with rich, full-bodied character that surpassed Yamaha's earlier SY series offerings. The machine excels at creating classic synthesizer patches from simple waveforms like sawtooth, square, and sine waves, with patches created from samples as small as 712 bytes demonstrating the unit's efficient sound generation capabilities.

Advanced Features for Modern Production

The A5000 includes sophisticated tools specifically designed for contemporary music production, particularly dance and electronic music. The Loop Divide/Remix function can automatically slice loops into discrete sections and randomly rearrange them while adding various effects, creating unique remixed variations non-destructively. The complementary Loop Divide function maps these sliced sections across the keyboard for manual remix composition.

The Resampling function addresses one of sampling's most common challenges by allowing independent manipulation of pitch and tempo. Pitch Convert mode changes pitch without affecting speed, while Time Stretch mode alters tempo without pitch changes, with calculations possible based on tempo, length, beat, or time parameters.

User Experience and Interface

Operation is streamlined through an intuitive user interface centered around a large 320x80 dot full-graphic LCD panel that displays waveforms, effect routing, and parameter data in clear, understandable formats. Five panel knobs work in conjunction with mode and function buttons to provide efficient navigation and real-time control. The Panel Play function transforms four right-panel knobs into real-time MIDI controllers for both internal samples and external synthesizers.

Known Limitations

Potential buyers should be aware of two significant issues. The rotary encoders beneath the main display are prone to failure, often beginning to output incorrect values or respond in reverse directions. This problem affects all A-series Yamaha samplers and may be exacerbated by the rear-mounted exhaust fan drawing dust into the front-panel encoders. Additionally, the A5000's slow loading times make it unsuitable for live performance applications where quick sound changes are essential, unless you use it within the "one sound-one instrument" paradigm.

Technical Specifications

Core Specifications

• Tone Generation: AWM2 tone generator
• Polyphony: 126 notes
• Multitimbral Parts: 32 parts
• Sample Memory:
  • Standard: 4 MB (installed on-board)
  • Maximum: 128 MB via four 32 MB 72-pin SIMM modules
• Display: 320 x 80 dot LCD with LED backlight
• Programs: 128 program storage
• Dimensions: 2U rackmount - W 480mm × D 461mm × H 90mm (18-7/8" × 18-1/8" × 3-9/16")
• Weight: 8.0 kg (17 lbs 10 oz)

Synthesis Engine

• Filter Types: 16 different types with complete parameter control
  • Standard: Low-pass, High-pass, Band-pass
  • Specialized: Band eliminate, Peak, Dip filters
  • Multi-mode: Dual independent filters per sample
• Filter Characteristics: Ultra-fat filters with powerful resonance
• Q (Resonance): Velocity-controllable on many filter types
• LFOs: 2 per patch + 1 master Program LFO (MIDI syncable)
• Envelope Generators: 3 per patch
• Layer Limit: Unlimited tones/waveforms per patch (polyphony dependent)

Effects System

• Effect Blocks: 6 independent blocks
• Effect Algorithms: 96 onboard types
• Effect Types: Reverbs, distortions, modulation effects, delays, Auto Synth, Tech Modulation, Digital Scratch, programmable Lo-Fi
• Routing Options: Series, parallel, or individual connection
• Real-time Application: Effects can be applied during sampling process
• Standalone Processing: Can function as effects processor for stereo analog inputs
• Equalization:
  • Total equalizer (4 bands)
  • Sample equalizer
  • Program equalizer

Sampling Capabilities

• Sample Formats Supported: AIFF, WAV, Yamaha EX7/5/5R, SU700, and other manufacturer formats
• Resampling Functions:
  • Pitch Convert (pitch change without speed alteration)
  • Time Stretch (speed change without pitch alteration)
• Consecutive Sampling: Automatic new sample creation with "New+" record type
• Loop Processing: Loop Divide/Remix with non-destructive editing

LFO System

• Program LFO Waveforms: 6 types including StepWave
• StepWave Features: Up to 16 programmable steps per LFO cycle
• Waveform Generation: Manual programming or random generation options
• Waveform Smoothing: Adjustable slopes between steps
• MIDI Sync: Master Program LFO synchronizable to MIDI clock

Audio Specifications

• A/D Conversion: 20-bit, 64-times oversampling
• D/A Conversion: 24-bit, 8-times oversampling
• Sampling Frequencies (Analog Input): 44.1 kHz, 22.05 kHz, 11.025 kHz, 5.5125 kHz (mono/stereo)
• Digital Input Frequencies (with AIEB1): 48 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 32 kHz (external synchronized recording, stereo only)
• Digital Output Frequency: 44.1 kHz
• Undersampling Support: 1/2, 1/4, and 1/8 undersampling

Maximum Sampling Specifications

• Maximum Sample Length: 32 MB monaural, 64 MB stereo
• Maximum Sampling Time:
  • 6 minutes 20 seconds (44.1 kHz)
  • 12 minutes 40 seconds (22.05 kHz)
  • 25 minutes 21 seconds (11.025 kHz)
  • 50 minutes 43 seconds (5.5125 kHz)

Memory Expansion Requirements

• SIMM Module Specifications:
  • Type: 72-pin SIMM modules (use identical pairs)
  • Access Time: 70 ns or less
  • Bit Width: 32-bit (no parity) or 36-bit (parity)
  • Standard: Fast Page or EDO, JEDEC standard
  • Capacities: 4 MB, 8 MB, 16 MB, or 32 MB
• Note: On-board 4 MB unused when expanded to maximum 128 MB

Connectivity & I/O

• Analog Inputs: L/R phone jacks with REC VOLUME control (L&R shared)
• Analog Outputs:
  • STEREO OUT L/MONO, R (phone jacks)
  • ASSIGNABLE OUT L, R (phone jacks)
  • PHONES OUTPUT jack with MASTER VOLUME control (shared with STEREO OUT)
• MIDI: IN-A/B, OUT, THRU-A/B
• SCSI Interface: Half-pitch 50-pin connector
• Digital I/O (AIEB1 expansion board required):
  • S/P-DIF coaxial input/output
  • S/P-DIF optical input/output
  • Input frequencies: 48 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 32 kHz
  • Output frequency: 44.1 kHz
• Storage: 3.5" 2HD/2DD dual mode floppy disk drive

Internal Expansion Options

• Expansion Board Slot: For AIEB1 I/O expansion board
• Internal Hard Disk:
  • Interface: 50-pin SCSI or 40-pin IDE
  • Power requirements: +5V max 840mA, +12V max 2400mA
• Internal ZIP Drive: 40-pin IDE (ATAPI) interface
• Note: Internal hard disk and ZIP drive can be installed simultaneously

Control Interface

• Front Panel Controls:
  • POWER switch
  • Panel Knobs (1-5) for parameter control and menu navigation
  • Mode buttons: PLAY, EDIT, REC, DISK, UTILITY
  • Function buttons (6 buttons)
  • COMMAND/EXIT button
  • ASSIGNABLE button
  • AUDITION button
  • LCD contrast control
• Real-time Controllers: 4 right-panel knobs for MIDI control
• MIDI Control Recording: Knob movements recordable to external sequencers
• Matrix Interface: Mode and function button matrix system

Additional Features

• Sequencer: Real-time recording and playback capability
• Panel Play Function: Converts panel knobs to real-time MIDI controllers for internal samples and external synthesizers

Factory Included Content & Accessories

• Sample Data: CD-ROM set with sample library
• Audio Sources: CD-ROM with source material for sampling
• Software: Sample and Parameter Editing Software
• Cables Included:
  • Power cable
  • Power cable for internal hard disk (long)
  • Power cable for ZIP drive (short)
  • SCSI cable for internal hard disk
  • IDE cable for internal hard disk
• Media: 4 floppy disks (FD)
• Documentation: Owner's manual and "Guide for the Accompanying Disks" booklet
• Requirements: External SCSI CD-ROM drive needed for CD-ROM data loading

Optional Accessories

• AIEB1: I/O expansion board (Yamaha option)
  • Provides 6 assignable analog outputs
  • Adds digital coaxial and optical I/O
• Third-party Options: Internal expansion memory, hard disks, ZIP drives

Performance Characteristics

• Sound Quality: Professional-grade with superior sound and performance
• Loading Speed: slow, unsuitable for live performance
• Applications: Break-beat production, phrase sampling, musical instrument sampling, sound design

Unique Synthesis Features

• Expand Detune/Dephase: Proprietary synthesis functions
• Fully Programmable LFO Waveforms: Custom waveform creation capability
• Unlimited Layering: No restriction on tones per patch beyond polyphony limits
• Direct-to-CD Burning: Integrated CD burning capability

Known Issues

• Encoder Reliability: Rotary encoders prone to malfunction (outputting wrong values or reverse operation)
• Dust Sensitivity: Rear exhaust fan may draw dust into front-panel encoders
• Repair Costs: New encoder set approximately USD50
• Live Performance: Unsuitable due to slow loading times