[Tim York]

Because EXS24 Akai Import doesn't import filter settings from Akai CD Roms, I'm interested in purchasing a program that'll do that job.

Two such programs I've heard of are Translator and CDXtract, but I know very little about them. Can any users comment on them? Are there any others I should consider?

Also, is there one that'll convert Battery to EXS24?

Tim

[re-peat]

Tim,

Very difficult to choose between Translator or CDXtract. Both programs offer more or less the same thing and they both deliver on what they promise.
I myself have a slight preference for CDXtract though, because that's the one I had no trouble at all with installing it on my Mac, whereas Translator gave (and unfortunately still gives) me all sorts of trouble. But that's undoubtedly more to do with me (and my system) than with the software, as both programs seem to have a very satisfied user base.

There's always the possibility to download a demo before you make up your mind. Here's the links:
Translator Demo: http://www.chickensys.com/translator/download.html
CDXtract Demo : http://www.cdxtract.com/demo4.php

None of the programs do Battery-conversions yet, but the Translator site states this feature is 'under research and translations should be available shortly'.

[Howard Marty]

I bought Translator a while ago and had nothing but problems with it. CDExtract is great; easy to use, nice interface.

[rino]

Hi Tim, I agree with re-peat and Howard... on Mac... "I bought Translator a while ago and had nothing but problems with it. CDXtract is great; easy to use, nice interface." Sorry Howard, if I've used your words...
... re-peat, "But that's undoubtedly more to do with me (and my system) than with the software..." I was thinking just the same, but now...?!?
Ciao from Rome! (and, sorry for my pooooor English!) :cool:

[Tim York]

Well a friend of mine uses CDXtract very happily, so it's looking like this'd be the one to check out.

Thanks again guys.

Tim

[machinesworkinghardforyou]

Hey, I'm pretty much in the same boat as you tim, though I'm concerned with EMU conversions.
My only concersn about CDXtract is a friend saying he lost conversions for octave patches, (no octave), with the EMU. Also Chicken has phone support, CSXtract has only email for contact. Though CDXtract claim conversions for the new EXS and Chicken say it almost here........

[david mondrup]

Quote

Also Chicken has phone support, CSXtract has only email for contact.

I wouldn't let that worry you. Bernard is very responsive to emails, and on the few occasions I've emailed him about something, he's gone to quite some length to find a solution for me. For that reason alone, CDxtract is very much recommended.

[machinesworkinghardforyou]

Thanks Mons,
a good friendly reationship with the developer wins out over phone contact in my book. I've been stressing over this for a while, ( $139 is a lot, if you're broke ), but that cements CDXtract!

[clif marsiglio]

I can say the EXACT same thing about Garth over at ChickenSys. There have been times I've complained about something and he's changed things as needed.

Then again, Garth has been promising me Kurzweil support for a few years now (and if he's reading this, he knows that is still a sore subject on both sides).

IMHO, they BOTH offer great support...

[CHARGOL & the majorettes]

We prefer CDXtract and have also had great support from developper.
Have had one little problem :http://community.sonikmatter.com/emagic/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=18;t=000495

Our experience with chickensys : If I recall correctly we couldn't get the results we wanted from their special Garritan Strings translator ---on some specific patches that used modwheel (I'm talking about Garritan Strings Akai light version converted to Exs-24 version)

I would say whatever you choose, you always have to double check resulting converted pgms - especially ones with complexe patch programming filters and modulation....

Kontakt imports Battery files quite well. I got a cheap cross-grade to Kontakt (less than $200 & had to give away my EXS manual cover) and could keep my EXS-24. Handy.

[Ephraim Jones]

Thanks for the info about the Garritan Strings translation. Should I use CDXtract for the conversion since it supports the new EXS format or use the special Translator edition for Garritan Strings Akai Light? (I posted this question a week ago but got no reply).

[CHARGOL & the majorettes]

Frankly I have no answer. I use them in my Akai S 6000 and it works well.
If I were you I would contact Chicken sys & Garritan to check if they now have a fully functionnal version (working on your platform ( mac or PC). Or try CDXtract. In an earlier post on this thread there's a link to another thread were I explain 1 little problem I had with CDXtract (mac version).
Let me quote myself : wink

Quote

I would say whatever you choose, you always have to double check resulting converted pgms - especially ones with complexe patch programming filters and modulation....

[ElBaron]

Will CDextract or Translator convert files from my Kurzweil K2661 (personal samples, maps etc) to
AKAI S1X/3000 format with success??

Cheers,
OFM.