We are selling this super rare and vintage Akai XE8 MIDI drum expander made in Japan in 1988!
SERIAL NUMBER: 31175-19154
CONDITIONS: This Akai XE8 has been fully tested following the procedures described in the original manual (available online). All functions work perfectly, including outputs, both card slots, programs, and individual sounds.
The only exception we were unable to fully verify concerns Program 1, where individual sounds 2 and 3 do not produce any audio. All the other 14 sounds within the same program work perfectly. In all other programs, all 16 individual sounds function correctly. This is most likely due to a specific setting made by the previous owner that we were unable to identify, but we are reporting it here for full transparency.
It comes with the power-chord and 2 additional original ROM cards! Cosmetically there are some traces of use but nothing serious!
DESCRIPTION: This is one of the very first rack mounted digital drum modules from the mid 80s. It has a 16Bit sound system and sounds great! Super rare! Even rarer is the fact that this one comes with 2 additional sound ROM cards: the SL801R DRY set and the SL802R AMBIENCE set. Both of these contain a further 16 sounds each and came as standard accessories with the XE8 when new.
There are 32 on-board memories for creating program sets, or kits. The individual drum sounds can be edited in order to create original sounds, and there are parameters for editing pitch, pitch modulation, tuning envelope, sweep time and reverse sample settings. Using these synthesis-like parameters means you can create vastly different sounds from the raw samples in both internal and external memory. This unit has the benefit of 8 individual outputs at the back, plus a mix output. Like most drum modules, the XE8 has no on-board sequencing capabilities, so you'll need to use an external sequencer to create your drum tracks.
The power cord is configured for European 220V voltage. For buyers in the USA or other non-European countries, a voltage converter box will be required in order to use the unit safely and properly.
IMPORTANT: The manual is required to make full use of this module though, as it is a bit difficult to fathom from just the front panel info. You can find the manual online. Please note that we have tested the unit and verified its basic functions. However, due to the complexity of this instrument, it requires proper study and in-depth understanding to fully operate and explore all its features. For this reason, the item is sold as seen and approved, with no returns or refunds accepted.
THIS AKAI X8E WILL BE PACKAGED IN A PROFESSIONAL WAY (PLEASE, READ OUR FEEDBACK) BUT ANY WAY IT WILL BE SOLD AT BUYER'S OWN RISK, WITHOUT WARRANTY AGAINST POSSIBLE DEFECTS DUE TO TRANSPORT: WE CANNOT OFFER ANY RETURN OR REFUNDS!
See photos & condition description for condition details, but feel free to ask questions.
OPEN TO OFFERS!
Don’t forget to check out our other cool listings at great prices in our Reverb shop!
This item is sold As-Described
This item is sold As-Described and cannot be returned unless it arrives in a condition different from how it was described or photographed. Items must be returned in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging.Learn More.
| Listed | 9 days ago |
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| Condition | Very Good (Used) Very Good items may show a few slight marks or scratches but are fully functional and in overall great shape.Learn more |
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