Akai198816-bit / 44.1kHzRack / Module Sampler$$Mid-Range($250–800)
Akai S1000
Studios wanting a flexible, CD-quality rack sampler to anchor a MIDI-sequenced production rig.
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Strengths
- 16-bit CD-quality sampling made it a studio standard rack sampler through the late 80s/90s
- SCSI expansion supported hard drives and CD-ROM libraries for large sample collections
- Extensive multi-sample and looping tools made it flexible for both drums and melodic instruments
Trade-offs
- Requires an external MIDI keyboard/sequencer, since it has no built-in playing surface
- SCSI drives and floppy mechanisms from this era are increasingly hard to keep running
Full Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Akai |
| Model | S1000 |
| Era | 1988 |
| Typical Price Tier | Mid-Range ($250–800) |
| Sample Rate / Bit Depth | 16-bit / 44.1kHz |
| Max Sample Time | ~94s |
| Sequencer Tracks | None |
| Pads | None |
| Storage | Floppy disk (SCSI optional) |
| MIDI Equipped | Yes |
| Onboard Filter/Effects | Yes |
| Polyphony | 16 voices |
A relative used-market guide, not a live quote — real prices vary by condition, region, and timing. Check the Reverb/eBay links on any item for current listings.
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Match Score Explorer
Weight what matters to your workflow. Every deck is re-scored live against your priorities, benchmarked against the Akai S1000.
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This deckAkai S1000
Match64
Audio Fidelity82
Flexibility75
Ease of Use50
Tonal Neutrality50
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Maintenance & Supplies
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