Samplers · Models

Model

Akai S1000

Sampler · Japan

The Akai S1000, released in 1988, is a rackmount 16-bit stereo digital sampler that set a professional standard for sampling in the late 1980s and 1990s, with high audio quality, flexible editing, and wide library support.

Model

Akai MPC

Synthesizer · Japan

The Akai MPC (MIDI Production Center) is a family of sampler-sequencers, first released in 1988, that combined sampling, drum-pad performance, and sequencing in one unit. Developed with Roger Linn, the MPC became a central tool of hip-hop and electronic production and remains an industry standard.

Model

Akai S Series

Japan

The Akai S series is a long-running line of professional rackmount digital samplers that became studio standards from the late 1980s onward, including the 12-bit S900, the 16-bit S1000, and the S3000XL.

Model

Roland SP-404

Sampler · Japan

The Roland SP-404 is a portable sampler line, first released in 2005, that pairs pad-based sample playback and recording with a bank of lo-fi and creative effects. Affordable and battery-capable, it became a favorite for beat-making, lo-fi hip-hop, and live performance.

Model

Korg volca sample2

Japan

The Korg Volca Sample2 is a compact sample-based sequencer in the Volca series. It plays back and manipulates short samples across multiple parts with a step sequencer and motion recording, designed for fast, tactile beat and loop creation.

Model

Akai S900

Sampler · Japan

The Akai S900, released in 1986, is a rackmount 12-bit digital sampler that brought professional sampling to a wider market. Its characterful lo-fi sound and MIDI control made it a studio standard of the late 1980s.

Model

Akai S3000XL

Sampler · Japan

The Akai S3000XL is a rackmount professional digital sampler in Akai's S3000 series, offering high-quality 16-bit sampling, extensive editing, and broad compatibility for studio production.

Model

Akai MPC2000

Sampler · Japan

The Akai MPC2000, released in 1997, is a sampler-sequencer in the MPC family that became a workhorse of late-1990s hip-hop and electronic production, offering 16-bit sampling, pad-based programming, and expandable memory and storage.

Model

Akai MPC60

Sampler · Japan

The Akai MPC60, released in 1988, was the first MPC: a sampling drum machine and MIDI sequencer designed by Roger Linn. Its sound, its swing/'feel' timing, and its 16-pad workflow established the template for hip-hop production.

Model

Roland W-30

Sampler · Japan

The Roland W-30, released in 1989, is a music workstation that combined a 12-bit sampler, sample-playback synthesis, a built-in sequencer, and a disk drive, making it an integrated sampling and composing tool.

Model

Casio SK-1

Sampler · Japan

The Casio SK-1, released in 1985, is a small, affordable consumer keyboard that included a low-fidelity sampler, letting users record short sounds and play them across the keyboard. Its lo-fi charm made it a beloved tool for circuit-bending and experimental music.