Akai199316-bit / 44.1kHzRack / Module Sampler$Budget($50–250)
Akai S20
Budget producers wanting genuine Akai S-series sampling in the smallest, cheapest package the line ever offered.
Find on ReverbUsed-gear listings, graded conditionCheck prices on eBayBroader inventory, live auctions
Strengths
- Genuinely one of the cheapest real Akai samplers ever made, a true entry point into the S-series family
- Compact half-rack size makes it easy to fit into even the smallest MIDI rack setup
- Simple RAM-card storage (no floppy drive to fail) means fewer age-related mechanical failure points than its larger siblings
Trade-offs
- Only about 11 seconds of total sample time, sharply limiting it to short chops and one-shots rather than serious multi-sampling
- No onboard effects at all, unlike some of its slightly pricier contemporaries
Full Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Akai |
| Model | S20 |
| Era | 1993 |
| Typical Price Tier | Budget ($50–250) |
| Sample Rate / Bit Depth | 16-bit / 44.1kHz |
| Max Sample Time | ~11s |
| Sequencer Tracks | None |
| Pads | None |
| Storage | RAM card (no disk drive) |
| MIDI Equipped | Yes |
| Onboard Filter/Effects | No |
| 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 S20.
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This deckAkai S20
Match54
Audio Fidelity62
Flexibility45
Ease of Use62
Tonal Neutrality48
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Maintenance & Supplies
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