Akai Z4 vs. Kontakt

[Fumbling on Ecstasy]

So currently I'm considering buying a new sampler. I'd like to buy a hardware sampler simply so I don't take up any processor power and I figured the Akai Z4 would be great since it has the AkSys interface. The AkSys system would allow me to use it with the ease of a software sampler without taxing my processors. Then again, I was wondering if i should just save my $600 and buy Kontakt because my computer is fast enough to handle it. (I have a Mac Dual G4 867mHz with 1.2gB of Ram and 3 drives)

I was wondering if anyone here owns an Akai Z4 or Z8 and if they would care to comment on it. In particular regarding the AkSys interface.

[tripton]

I had the same problem a couple of months ago, and eventually went for Kontakt, basically because I'm a big software and NI fan I guess. I think indeed that processing is not that big an issue with today's cpu's, although it seems to be Akai's main promotional argument:

Tired of inserting virtual samplers into your tracks only to see your Mac or PC grind to halt with CPU overload?

Mind you if you plan to make extensive use of Kontakt's filters and effects, you WILL see the performance meter rise.
With disk streaming to be introduced in the near future, you won't have to deal with RAM restrictions anymore.

One more thing: did you notice that the Z and Kontakt both have an identic 'multi-mode' filter? NI must have copied that from Akai, or was it the other way round?

[MrKasualUltra]

Kontakt. I love it. your G4 will have no problem running it.


its speeds up the creative process 2 fold , i dont run more than one smaple at a time...so....processing is not an issue.

as a production tool it really cant be beat for the price, Akai must be pissing in their pants.

think about it. with that extra 600 hun you can pick up the FM7 too.

[Fumbling on Ecstasy]

I'm starting to lean more towards Kontakt now. The only reason I'm buying another sampler is because my current one doesn't read Akai formatted sample CDs, and I just bought 'Symphony of Voices' and 'Vocal Planet' from Spectrasonics. I was wondering if anyone has loaded an akai sample CD into Kontakt? If so is it easy?

[MrKasualUltra]

Yes and yes!!!

what are you waiting for?

edit: what samplers are you currently running?

[Fumbling on Ecstasy]

Originally posted by MrKasualUltra
its speeds up the creative process 2 fold , i dont run more than one smaple at a time...so....processing is not an issue.

Well that's why I was considering the Z4, because the AkSys would allow me to control everything just like Kontakt.

[MrKasualUltra]

Either way you'll be happy.

i just dont think the Z4 is worth the pocket damage to a home producer.

[Matrix]

z8 / z4 / s5000 and s6000 all use ak.sys

[Fumbling on Ecstasy]

On the S5000 and S6000 AkSys is an option, it's not stock.

I really don't mind in terms of the pocket damage because I really have nothing better to spend my money on. Money isn't really an issue for me. I'm just wondering which one is going to giive me better ease of use and performance. Right now it's debatable. I've heard great things about Kontakt, and I've played with the demo, but I have yet to hear from anyone with a Z4.

[MrKasualUltra]

your computer is a ****in horse. so then sound quality would be your only issue, correct?

Kontakt sounds great. Much control as well.

then again, outboard gear is unbeatable if money is no object.