The top of Akai's classic S3000 line: 16-bit/44.1 sampling, that unmistakable Akai filter, and a build that simply keeps running. This one is fully wired on the back, eight individual outputs, SCSI for fast library loading, and digital I/O. A proper studio sampler from the era when Akai owned the rack.

FEATURES & PROS:

• Full I/O: Eight individual outputs plus stereo, SCSI, and digital I/O, route, load and transfer without fuss.
• That Akai filter: The resonant low-pass everyone chases for grimy, musical sample mangling.
• 32-voice polyphony: Stack drums, loops and multisamples without choking.
• Built like a tank: Heavy steel chassis, big tactile controls, a VFD you can read across the room.
• Library-friendly: Reads the vast Akai S-series CD-ROM catalogue plus earlier S1000/S1100 banks.

SPECIFICATIONS

• MIDI stereo digital sampler, 16-bit / 44.1kHz
• 32-voice polyphony, expandable RAM
• 8 individual outputs + stereo
• SCSI, digital I/O, MIDI In/Out/Thru
• 3U rackmount

Further reading: S612 to S5000: Which Akai Sampler Do You Actually Want?