Models
7 models
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Fairlight CMI
Digital audio workstation
Synthesizer · Australia
The Fairlight CMI (Computer Musical Instrument), introduced in 1979, was one of the first commercial digital sampling workstations. Pairing a sampler with a light-pen computer interface and the influential 'Page R' sequencer, it transformed 1980s pop production despite its very high cost.
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Ensoniq Mirage
Polyphonic synthesizer
Synthesizer · United States
The Ensoniq Mirage, released in 1984, was an affordable 8-bit digital sampling keyboard that helped bring sampling to working musicians. Its gritty sound and disk-based sample loading made it a popular and characterful early sampler.
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E-mu Emulator
Series of digital sampling synthesizers
Synthesizer · United States
The E-mu Emulator is a series of digital sampling keyboards and workstations E-mu Systems introduced in 1981. Among the first affordable samplers, the Emulator line let musicians record and play back real sounds across a keyboard and was influential in 1980s pop and film music.
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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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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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Elektron Octatrack
Electronic instrument
Synthesizer · Sweden
The Elektron Octatrack is a performance sampler and sequencer designed for live remixing and looping. With eight tracks, real-time time-stretching, crossfading, and Elektron's powerful step sequencing, it is a flexible centerpiece for electronic performance.