Akai timestretching
Timestretching on an S1000
Vocal before timestretching
Vocal after timestretching
Akai timestretching is a primitive timestretching algorithm available on the Akai S950, S1000, S1100, and S3000 series samplers.
When used with the appropriate settings (a cycle length of about 1,000 samples at 44.1 kHz, or about 500 samples at 22.05 kHz, and a time factor of about 400%), it creates an interesting stylised effect. This was prominently featured on several popular tracks from the 1990s, such as Josh Wink's "Higher State of Consciousness (Dex & Jonesey's Higher Stated mix)" and Double 99's "Ripgroove".
Snare before timestretching
Snare after timestretching
This effect adds a discernible pitch of its own. To make the timestretching itself in key with the song, simply divide the sample rate by the frequency of the desired pitch to calculate the appropriate cycle length.
For example, for the S1000's two sample rates, tuned cycle lengths include the following:
| Pitch | Frequency (Hz) | Cycle length | |
|---|---|---|---|
| @ 22.05 kHz | @ 44.1 kHz | ||
| C1 | 32.70 | 674 | 1348 |
| C♯1 | 34.65 | 636 | 1273 |
| D1 | 36.71 | 601 | 1201 |
| D♯1 | 38.89 | 567 | 1134 |
| E1 | 41.20 | 535 | 1070 |
| F1 | 43.65 | 505 | 1010 |
| F♯1 | 46.25 | 477 | 954 |
| G1 | 49.00 | 450 | 900 |
| G♯1 | 51.91 | 425 | 849 |
| A1 | 55.00 | 401 | 802 |
| A♯1 | 58.27 | 378 | 757 |
| B1 | 61.74 | 357 | 714 |
Notable examples
- "Journey From the Light" 4 Hero, Journey From the Light, 1993
- "Higher State of Consciousness (Dex & Jonesey's Higher Stated mix)" Josh Wink, Higher State of Consciousness: '96 Remixes, 1996
- "Ripgroove (original mix)" Double 99, Ripgroove, 1997
- "Feel It" The Tamperer featuring Maya, Feel It, 1998
Further reading
Tips
- "Making the Most of your Akai S1000 Sampler" Steve Howell, Sound On Sound, Jul 1989, pp. 38—40
Akai: ASQ10 | Akai timestretching | S612 | S900 | S950 | S1000 | S1100
Electronic music making tables: Akai timestretching | BPM to milliseconds | DX21 guide | Interval | MicroVerb III guide | Pitched tempos | Pitches | S1000 page map | ST MIDI sequencer timeline | Transposing tempos
Timestretching: Akai timestretching
