well, i think you should get an Emu or Akai if you'll use sample CDs frequently. I've read many complaints about importing different formats to Axk.
I'm pasting some info about this, written by Phil Clendeninn from Yamaha Corporation of America. (this is a part of poweruse.pdf file which can be downloaded from http://www.yamahasynth.com/down/a4000/s_power.htm). dont forget that this is about A4000&5000. A3000 might be different.
Q. What can I expect when a format is
called “compatible”?
A. Usually, when a sampler claims compatibility with a
particular format you can expect the basic sample data
to either load or be imported into the sampler. This will
include the sample key mapping and the loop point. It is
100% infallible? Of course, not. Should you expect the
envelopes, filters, etc., to be the same? Of course, not.
Sample data that is native for a particular format
sampler is probably always going to be your best bet. Be
prepared to do at least some tweaking in any
“compatible” situation. Many end users mistakenly
believe that when you load or import “compatible” data
that it will make the sampler from one manufacturer, the
sampler from the other manufacturer. That is a lofty
idea but then why would the company put out the
product. Think about this: if you design a sound in the
A4000 or A5000 utilizing all the unique functions, how
well do you think a “compatible” competitor will deal
with the A-series’ radical effect processors? Your right,
they will not. They can’t. Each manufacturer has its
own operating system, filters, envelopes, LFOs, etc.,
etc. Do not over-estimate what “compatibility” means.
Think about it – how many customers thought that if
they could only get that DX7mkII disk in their sample
playback synth, they could get the sounds of the DX7
from their keyboard or vice versa. (NOT!) Never happen!
If you are dealing with audio break beats compatibility
will work for you, because most beats do not have
complex envelopes or filtering.
That said, you will be amazed at the ability of
the A4000 and A5000 has in importing and improving
the sound of other native formats: Akai, Emu, Roland,
Yamaha, AIFF and Wav.
Compatibility details (import):
· Akai S1000/S3000 via FD/HD/CDROM import
w/mapping
· Emu E111x via HD/CDROM import w/mapping
· Roland S760 via HD/CDROM import w/mapping
· AIFF via DOS FD/HD/CDROM import/export, CDROM
import only*
· WAV via DOS FD/HD/CDROM import/export, CDROM
import only**
· EX via FD/HD import w/mapping*
· SU700 via FD/HD import w/mapping**
· TX16W FD import sample
· A3000 files load directly
*Non-LPC only
**Single FD diskette (not from multiple floppy volumes)
Prepared by: Phil Clendeninn
Product Marketing Specialist
Digital Musical Instruments
Pro Audio and Combo Division
Yamaha Corporation of America