Scsi, Scsi Id, Volumes, Partitions, Etc - Akai s2000 Owner's Manual

LOAD

SCSI, SCSI ID, VOLUMES, PARTITIONS, ETC..

Most hard disks are 'SCSI devices'
Computer System Interface) is a standard amongst computers for large storage of data on hard
disk, CD-ROM, etc.. It uses a multi-pin connection and is capable of very fast data transfer (far
faster than floppy disk).
It also offers very large storage capacity - whereas a high density floppy disk typically stores
around 1.5Mbytes of information (1 Megabyte is 1 million bytes), the S2000 can use hard disks
that can store up to 500Mbytes of data (that's the equivalent of over 300 floppy disks).
Because sampled audio data requires a lot of storage space and because SCSI devices are far
faster than floppy disk, high capacity hard disks are a very convenient way to store and
subsequently load your work.
Several SCSI devices can be used together in a 'chain' on what is known as the SCSI buss and
every SCSI device on the buss has a unique number known as its SCSI ID. The SCSI buss can
hold up to eight devices which must be uniquely numbered 0-7.
NOTE: Because each SCSI device on the buss can be up to 500Mbytes each, that's the
equivalent of more than 2,500 floppy disks worth of data! Using a removable medium such as
Syquest cartridges or MO disk, the storage capacity is almost infinite!
It is essential that no two devices on the SCSI buss share the same SCSI ID number otherwise
you will have problems (more on this later in this manual). The default SCSI ID that the S2000
uses is 5 so, if you are using a hard disk (or CD-ROM, etc.), you should set its SCSI ID to 5
(please consult the device's operator's manual for details on how to do that) so that it matches
the S2000. However, don't worry about this for the moment - only when you have multiple
SCSI devices connected do you need to concern yourself with setting other SCSI IDs - if you
just have a single hard disk, set it to SCSI ID 5.
A hard disk formatted for the Akai S2000 is organised is by way of 'volumes'. If you have used a
computer, an S2000 volume is a bit like a folder on a Macintosh™ computer or a directory on a
PC and is where you store your programs, samples, multis, etc.. Ideally, a volume should be
organised so that it stores data that can be conveniently loaded into the S2000's memory - for
example, one volume will contain a set of strings programs and their associated samples,
another may hold a set of brass programs and their samples whilst another may have a drum
and percussion set. Another volume may hold all the programs and samples contained in a
multi which can be conveniently loaded in one operation. Volumes can be named for easy
reference.
Furthermore, the hard disk is split into 'partitions' (see the section on formatting for full details
on how partitions are arranged). One partition can hold up 128 volumes and each volume may
store up to 510 'items' (programs, samples, multis, effects files, etc.). Using a combination of
partitions and volumes, you can organise your sound library quite efficiently. For example,
PARTITION A may hold all your orchestral sounds with strings, brass, woodwind, percussion,
etc., each stored in their own volume. PARTITION B could be used to file away all your
keyboard sounds with pianos, electric pianos, organs, clavinets, harpsichords, etc., stored in
convenient volumes. PARTITION C may contain all your synth sounds with each volume
containing sub-divisions such as synth basses, synth strings, synth effects, etc., whilst
PARTITION D may contain all your guitars with acoustic, electric, basses, etc., each having their
own volume. Depending on the size of your hard disk, you can have several partitions and
each one may have as many as 100 volumes.
3 Some hard disks (notably for the PC) use a standard known as IDE. The Akai S2000 cannot use IDE
devices but can only use SCSI devices.
Page 26
3
. SCSI (pronounced "SCUZZEE" and standing for Small
S2000 Operator's Manual - Version 1.30