Models
12 models
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Akai S1000
1988 16-bit professional stereo digital sampler
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.
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Akai MPC
Electronic musical instrument
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.
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Akai S Series
Series of Akai digital samplers
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.
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Roland SP-404
Portable phrase sampler family
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.
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Akai S900
1986 12-bit professional digital sampler
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.
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Akai S3000XL
The Akai S3000XL is a sampler with 32 polyphonic voices, and 2 MB of built-in RAM.
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.
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Akai MPC2000
MIDI production center sampler
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.
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Akai MPC60
MIDI production center sampler
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.
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Yamaha TX16W
Synthesizer model
Synthesizer · Japan
The Yamaha TX16W, released in 1988, is a rackmount 12-bit digital sampler. Though it had a complex interface, alternative firmware and its characterful converters earned it a dedicated following.
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Yamaha SU700
Synthesizer model
Synthesizer · Japan
The Yamaha SU700, released in 1999, is a sampling groovebox combining sampling, loop slicing, and a step sequencer with hands-on knobs and pads for beat-oriented electronic production.
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Roland W-30
Digital sampling keyboard
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.
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Casio SK-1
Small sampling keyboard made by Casio in 1985
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.