Akai DPS16

This ia the perfect unit for someone new to digital recording as it
is very intuitive and user-friendly. It might take you just a little
while to learn how to get around, ie. EQ applications and effects
routing, but it all spelled out clearly in the well-written manual.

Great sound from this box! I was totally surprised as this was my
first digital recorder and I fully expected some of the glitches I
always hear my friends complaining about with their digital home
studios. Absolutely clean and real with almost zero noise.

Here's where I have a problem....my hard drive has failed after 8
months of moderate use and the jury is still out on whether my backups
are corrupt or not. Plus I sent it back for repair through my retailer
and it was returned many weeks later NOT FIXED. I had left very clear
and detailed instructions concerning the problem and the remedy advised by the Akai tech and they failed to do the work, opting for a
simple reformat. I had of course done that already to no avail. I'm not happy about this and my home studio has been out of commission for
most of the summer as a result....as I watch my warrantee expire.

The Akai folks are just fine in our correspondence, but the repair center help is fairly surly in their attitude. They assume that I could not possibly have a clue what's going on or that I would ever even crack the manual to try and diagnose a problem for myself. I really didn't appreciate that.

I could have easily given this recorder a straight ten of ten if it
were more reliable. I'm hoping this is my last problem as they've told
me that the new hard-drive warranty expires with the Akai original
warranty, which is about three weeks away and I won't even have the
machine back in my hands by then. I have to consider a different unit
if I were ever to replace this recorder.

The manual is extensive and can take several weeks to truly get a gripon what this device can do for you. But, there are also instructions that show you how to use this right out of the box to start making recordings... and oh so easily. For all the robust qualities and features available, the DPS16 is incredibly easy to use. I kept the instruction manual by the bed and bath and read a little each day. So when I got down to a recording, I knew where to look and what to do. With only minor references to the manual, I found that everything was accessible for use, with ease, and help from the manual being more than sufficient.

I have used the DPS16 for vocals and have also run my guitar and other effects through it. It sounds great with not a trace of any artifact or noise. I don't use much of the effects, but have found the EQ and compression to be pretty much all I need. The range of effects available is extensive and should satisfy most demanding users. If you don't want to invest in a lot of outboard effects and processors, this is a great unit for a home studio. I usually just make recordings, either live or from other sources, and download the mix into my computer via the spdif line and audiophile 24/96 sound card and then use the plugins to enhance or embellish or otherwise edit the recording.

So far I have had one channel circuit burn out, which I think was already on the way out when I purchased this unit new. The store I bought if from gladly sent it back to Akai and they fixed it and returned it in three weeks. And since then it works just fine. It is built well and has sturdy control surfaces. I wish it had a carrying case as I move it a lot and would like to protect it better.

I emailed Akai about one of the channels that was outputting a noise signal without anything plugged into it. They said to return it and they would fix it. However, I had to email 3 times to get a response. I think if I would have called it would have happened sooner. So I took it back to the store that sold it to me and they happily took care of everything for me. Besides it was only 2-3 months old when I noticed a failing channel circuit. The fixed it and I had it back three weeks later. I was happy. I wish their instructions for upgrading the firmware were understandable as well as their instructions about installing a bigger hard drive. Mine has the 10gigabyte drive, but they are now selling the same unit with 20-40 gig drives.

Overall I am very pleased and have no regrets about buying the Akai DPS16. It does more than I need and that inspires me to think of additional ways to use all the many robust features. I did about one year of research, tried other brands, and settled on this unit because of the excellent reviews by others... which I now endorse wholeheartidly myself.

As everyone else says, super easy, manual is only needed for very complex or onusual operations. I had it running in 5 mins. Patch screen is great for selecting which inputs go to what tracks. I have had rolands, korgs, alesis adats (16 and 24 bit) zooms, boss(yes I know it is roland) (still have a br8 for hacking around)and this is the all around best sounding and easiest to use. Mixing is quick with knobs like an analog mixer, so you can jump from one track to another and have all the eqs or fx sends right there , no menus.

10, 96 khz 24 bit mode can record 8 tracks, 48 khz 24 bit can do all 16 (specs are wrong, unofficially confirmed by Alesis, this is for more hard drives that might be slower).
96khzz 24 bit is amazing, not digital sounding at all ,very good dynamics and responce(I still listen to records)
48 khz 24 bit is great, and even 44khz and 16 bit is fine.
Pitch correction is amazing, I sold my antares rack unit because this is just as good. Some fx are a bit cold and need tweeking.

Had it about a year, no probs, and I am a little rough on my stuff.

They have an 800 number, which is tough to get, but once you do, they are fine, I have called a few times with super high tech questions and they always were right on the money

I do everything from acoustic to rap to metal to punk to rock to country to reggae and this can do everything. I wish it had more xlrs, that is my only complaint, but I use converters or an external board. This is the best product out there. I dont need all the extra stuff in the dps24, so this is fine.

This machine is INCREDIBLY easy to use. It was designed with the same kind of thinking that a person would normally apply when recording, therefore all of the functions are right where you want them to be. It is very easy to move between the different menus, and nothing requires too many adjustments.

The manual is great (see customer support).

The sound quality is at the same high level as any recording studio I have used - that is to say that the dps 16 records just as well as the ADAT machines that I have been using for years. Since I am recording bands, I only use the 16 / 44 setting. However, the fact that it can operate at even higher fidelity without having to compress the data will be a real plus for people working in DVD applications. Also, it is worth mentioning that both the built in reverb and compressor sounds fantastic. The Enhancer effect is very useful as well. The effects are very "tweakable", which is convenient. Everyone who has heard the recordings has been amazed that they were done on a portable studio.

I haven't had it long enough for reliability to be an issue, but I consider it to be extremely well built. The pop-up screen is the only concern, but it is super convenient to have, particularly if you have to play and record at the same time. Akai should make a hardshell case specifically for the dps16.

I sent them one email, and they answered two days later. I consider this to be very acceptable. The fact that the manual is so well written is also a great help - most of the things that you need to know are already answered.

I wanted to make mention of the two things that I would change if I could (or at least would like to see on a subsequent version).

First of all, I would like more XLR inputs. At least four, though eight would be great, and all with phantom power please.

Second, it would be really convenient to have a monitor output - that is to say if I could plug my computer monitor into the back and use it instead of the built-in one. Even though the dps16's monitor is big for a recording unit, it is nowhere near as comfortable as a real monitor, particularly for monitoring waveforms.

Still, this is a fabulous piece of equipment, and is capable of producing totally professional sounding recordings at a fraction of the price.

I wanted to get in the digital multitracking and I was looking for what seemed to be an impossible match: a powerful machine + an intuitive operation easy enough for novice to get. As I designer I knew it was possible. As a consumer I was surprized it existed. That was Akai DPS16. I also wanted to buy a multitracker from a company that has an extensive experience building them (ie with all lessons and gotchas already incorporated). I looked at Roland, Fostex, and Korg units. Then narrowed the list down to Roland and Akai. Akai was a clear winner. Why? Because I was recording in 5 min with analog style controls. I didn't even read the manual. Roland was like a computer -- and that's exactly what I didn't want to have (I get enough of it at work). To date I haven't made even one phone call with re to DPS16 operation.

Very nice, likable, and accurate sound. 24-bit mode audibily adds more substance and punch to the sound (actually, didn't think that I would hear it). Currently I record, mix, and post-process everything in 44.1 X 24-bit and only then dither to 16-bit. It's interesting that all 16 channels work in 24-bit (contrary to the manual). Akai has unofficially confirmed it and explained that the spec is limiting the playback to 12 channels as a safety net against slow hard disk performance... but only on paper.

Effects on the unit aren't top-notch, especially the reverbs. But this is not to say they are not usable -- I do use them on my tracks. I guess I think about them as a bonus and that's why I don't have high expectations of them. Thus my rating for this category doesn't include effects.

No problems so far.

I couldn't find their support phone number on their Web site (eventually got it off the Yahoo Akai support group). Their Web site is confusing, hard to read, e-mail may go unanswered for weeks. They are a strange company because they don't appear like a sturdy / solid company on the surface but will take care of you once you got a hold of them. If you need help you'd better ask a question on Yahoo group (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/akaidps12/). If you need urgent help call Akai at (817) 831-9203.

I play guitar and record it direct, processed and very processed :-). I also use Roland guitar synthesizer, Roland drum machine. I also play bass on all of my tracks. My main recording style is overdubbing (no live, no jamming).

Akai DPS16 is the very best-engineered piece of music gear I've ever owned. I feel at home with it. I understand what's going when I press the buttons.

Just to give you a frame of reference: I'm still trying to understand how my Roland R-8mkII drum machine really works after reading the manual 3 times! Yes, I use it. But I'm never sure about some things. Know the feeling?

THIS IS THE EASIEST 16 TRACK RECORDER ON THE MARKET!!! This thing is ready once you take it out the box. You don't even have to open the manual because everything is self explanatory. It has a huge LCD that displays ALL important information without having to go into sub-menus. It has dedicated buttons for just about every main function. Finally, it has the Q-Link system which provides 5 function keys, and 6 control knobs that are mapped to important functions such as EQ, FX, etc.
If you do need the manual it is very easy to follow, and provides step by step examples for 90% of the functions.
I have version 3.0, and this adds features like export .WAV files to CD, improved 4 band compressor with presets, and the ability to copy scenes from one project to another.
Although it does not have onboard automation like the VS1680/1880 it can be automated with any sequencer that supports MMC. Akai also provides a program specifically made for the DPS16 which allows automation of almost every possible aspect.

The sound quality is virtually flawless. I record from drum machines, and synths, and what I record sounds EXACTLY like it sounds when played from my instruments.

LIKE A ROCK!!! Mine is 1 year old, and does not have a scratch. I have also traveled with this machine several times, and all is well. The reason that I am giving this an '8' is due to the fact that one of the XLR inputs went bad a few months after I bought it. Also for the professional machine that it is you would expect it to have a durable metal case (like the MPC2000XL).

EXCELLENT!!! I have called several times (for my MPC2000XL), and have been given spot on answers to my questions. As for support for my DPS16, I sent it in for the XLR input, and it was handle at no cost, and sent back in less then a week. There is also a user group at www.yahoogroups.com that has a very large userbase, and it is a great source of information. I am only mentioning this as there is at least one person on the list that works for Akai, and he is very helpful at all times (thanks David).

I record Hip-Hop music, and this machine is perfect although I think that it can handle any kind of music. I have only been making music for 3 years now, but the DPS16 has taken me to the next level. If it were stolen I would definitely get another if not upgrade to the DPS24.
I love everything about this recorder, especially the ease of use, and the rate at which Akai has provided OS updates. The only thing missing is onboard automation, but it is easily made up for.
When doing research before making the purchase I considered the VS1680, but was pushed toward the DPS16 because of the ease of use, and the included FX board.
The DPS16 is the perfect tool for home recording studios as it seems made for non-technical people, and it provides all the functionality of an expensive multiple unit system that would take years to master.

DPS = Da' Perfect Studio

Our band purchased this board with no recording experience at all. We were up and running in less than one hour. We've only had the unit for about a month, but I have no doubts the DPS series is exceptionally easy to use.

Absolutely amazing. We've recorded drums with a mix of Audix and Sennheiser mics. SM57s on guitar and bass, and a AT 4047 on vocals. We've also run bass and guitar direct on the hi-z input. This thing sounds amazing!!! No compression or random white noise.

We've only had it for a month, but the unit seems sturdy enough for studio use. I would not transport this unit without some sort of hardshell case.

Another concern of mine is for the flip up display...it's a great feature, but I don't know how sturdy it actually is.

No idea at this point...never had to use.

We play hard rock and this unit is working wonderfully for our style of music. Because of the fact that it doesn't run a compression algorhythm (unlike the Roland VS series) I believe this unit would be excellent for any one and any playing style.

We compared this one to the Roland VS 1680 & 1880 and found that though this one lacks a lot of the bells and whistles of the VS series, the sound quality and ease of use far outweighed the backwards interface and compression the Rolands use.

I wish the unit came with a built in burner...but other than that...this thing is great.

I would highly recommend anyone looking at the Roland VS series to check these out. In my eyes, the Akai is definitely not only a competitor, but may actually have the upper hand in the home/project studio department.

What Can I say? This machine is so intuitive, I have a hard time believing all of the stuff it can do. I just sold my Tascam 788 and got this machine. What a dream. I am a seriously happy musician. I have been using everyday for a week now and the learning curve was puny.

Hmm. I don't use 24 bit, there is no need since all redbook cd's are converted back down to 16 bit anyway. The Effects are 56 bit so there is no bit degredation when processing. The sound is Super clean, Ultra quiet and simply pristine. Not even hard disk noise. Very Awesome. Total uncompressed audio.

Don't know yet. I have only had it for a week. I am very gentle with my gear but I like stuff to last. The knobs and faders are sturdy and tight. That was a plus.

I only rate this a 6 because Tech support never answered my emails. I sent 3 over a 4 day period. No 800 # so my calls were on my bank account. My question was simple and had to do with a certain way that I like to record sometimes. The tech made a comment about how that wasn't the 'best' way to record. Well I have been recording for years and sometimes you do things simply because you want a certain effect. His comments were irrelevant to my question.

The USA made machines come standard with 20 gig hard disk and the effects card already. (I guess they used to have 10 gig but not anymore). Tons of routing features, 4 internal AUX's, 4 External Aux's, Mute,Solo, Real pan knobs, real EQ knobs, Real effects parameter knobs. Great effects. I am recording a complete album on this machine and with ease. It has the ability to back up data to CD. ANY CD burner with a digital in.. Not some 'special' unit that will only work with this machine or that you have to buy from them. That was very cool. You can also back up to DAT. Very Awesome.

This thing is so easy to use its amazing! I had all the major functions down withen 30 min and EVERY function down like the back of my hand in about a week (3-4 recordings). I have only taped into the manual 1 time, and that was for a specific way to edit an effect, besides that you will NEVER need the manual. The big screen is layed out perfectly, and you will never be searching through long menu type setups (like the roland). My friend has the roland and he openly admits that my akai sounds way betetr and is much easier to use.

I am mostly recording onto the dps from digital outs on both my mpc 2000 and Proteus 2000. The sound quality is 100 % perfect. Whatever you put in is exactly what you get when you press play. No hiss at all, none, if your source does nto have hiss. Thats what i like best about it, whaver i hear before i record out of my mpc is exactly how it sounds once recorded, not to mention the perfect sound quality of the 24 bit reording. I dont really use a lot of the effects but compression, delay, chorus and reverb (i record hip-hop) and they have not let me down. they are not the warmest effects available, but for vocals and such effects should be subtle anyway and the dps does a fine job. THe compresor sounds great too. I use the Alesis RA100 amp and Event 20/20 monitors to listen and they work great. The DPS has a digital out as well which i run to my Phillips Burner. With the monitor setup i have, the cd will sound 100% the same as what i hear during mixdown, no difference, perfect sound transfer all in the digital domain. You can make perfect recordings on the dps with out much other equipment that a good mic and a good mic preamp.

Never had a problem, all the buttons and sliders are very sturdy, as is the whole unit itself.

I called once the first time because the out put was very low. I figured there was a dB boost somewhere but i couldnt find it. I called Akai and they were quite friendly. The showed me where it was and all is fine now. You can boost the output up to 12dB.

I make hip hop on the dps and there is nothing betetr out there for it, full albums have been made on these type of units. The quality of my recordings in 2 weeks have sounded much better than my friends group at so called "professional" studios that use ADAT. The sound of the dps is just as warm as ADAT too, so dont believe all that jive about digital recorders sounding cold, totally false. There is nothing i dotn iek about it, i swear. Its a perfect unit and i HIGHLY suggest it. It is effortless to use. It has waveform editing that really gets down close. It is much better that the over priced roland VS series.

I originally started in digital recording with a Roland VS-880EX. My band recorded our first CD on it. Although the 880 has some great fx it is very expensive for what you get. I sold the 880 and bought the new DSP16. It is a lot easier to use than the 880. With its Qlink and large screen, you won't have any trouble recording right out of the box.

With uncompressed 24 bit audio , the DSP is far and above the 880. It is lacking in fx that the 880 has, but with a little treawking, you can get most any fx that you might want and you have 4 busses to work with.

Both units gave me no problems. The DSP16 is noisier than the 880. This is due to the 10 gig hard drive Akai installs. I'm not sure what brand it is, but it is loud. However, it doesn't pick up in the same room you are recording in and if your set up with a closed control room, you won't have any problems. Just something Akai should address.

Great. I have used Akai support on many occassions and they have always been there and very helpful.

The DSP16 is a good match for any style of music. I have been playing and recording for 30 years. This new digital recording equipment is the best thing since sliced bread. I wouldn't ever go back to analog tape. For the money, I would buy the same unit again, however, I do think that Akai will have to add more fx and mastering tools if they truely want to stay in the market and take it away from Roland. I know this can be done for very little money and would put at the top of the pile of new desktop digital studios. I can tell you that this baby rocks.