Akai S01 (1992)

16-bit rackmount sampler with 8-voice polyphony and 32 kHz sampling rate

Overview

The Akai S01 is a 16-bit rackmount MIDI digital sampler released in 1992 as a budget entry into Akai's sampler lineup. It does the core sampling job and not much else. Standard memory is 1 MB, expandable to 2 MB with the EXM01 board, which gives up to 31.25 seconds of sampling time at 32 kHz. It holds eight samples and eight programs, is monotimbral, and has 8-voice polyphony. It reads S1000 sample disks with pitch adjustments but cannot read S900 or S950 12-bit formats. Akai marketed it to keyboard players, DJs, educators, and studios that wanted an affordable Akai sampler for drum sampling, phrase looping, or tape-based sound playback.

Specifications

Year Released	1992
Sampling Rate	32 kHz
Bit Depth	16-bit linear
Sample Memory (Standard / Max)	1 MB / 2 MB
Total Sampling Time	15.625 sec (1 MB), 31.25 sec (2 MB)
Number of Samples	8
Programs	8
Polyphony	8 voices
Audio Inputs	1/4" phone jack (mono)
Audio Outputs	2 × 1/4" phone jack (mono)
Headphones	1/4" stereo phone jack
MIDI	IN × 2, OUT × 1, THRU × 1
Data Storage	3.5" DD/HD floppy disks
Sample Assignment	Assignable to 7 MIDI channels
SCSI	No
Digital I/O	No AES/EBU
SMPTE	No
Filter	8x oversampling
Effects	None
Hard Disk Recording	No
Dimensions	483 mm (W) × 431 mm (D) × 88.1 mm (H), 2U rack
Weight	6.7 kg

Design

Editing happens on a three-digit LED display and a matrix-style parameter list printed on the front panel, seven columns wide. Navigation takes two directional buttons (right and down) and a Data Entry knob. The audio input has two gain settings: High for microphones and Low for line-level signals. Bulk sample transfers go over MIDI using Sample Dump Standard. The unit has both a linear and a switched-mode power supply (SMPS), and the SMPS uses transistors C63 18 004 and FEC 2202 K904. A backup battery sits on the motherboard.

Context

The S01 came out in 1992 as a budget alternative within Akai’s sampler range, positioned before the CD3000 series. It is not a cut-down S1000 or a rebranded S700, though it shares the S700’s use of sample banks. It was marketed as "The budget S01" and as part of the "first 3000 series," aimed at users who wanted access to Akai’s sample library without the high cost. Keyboardists, DJs, educators, and existing Akai owners who needed more sampling capacity were the target buyers. Reviewers praised its ease of use, build quality, and clean audio, describing it as "built like a Volvo" with "hi-fidelity sounds."

Market

The S01 launched at £699 including VAT in the UK. By 1999, second-hand prices were around £200, and user-estimated values in 2001-2004 were approximately $100 or £100. Historical listings on Reverb ranged from $120 to $332.35. A common fault is an edit control panel that stays dark and unresponsive at power-up, even though the floppy drive, display, and data knob work. The backup battery can fail. The switching power supply is prone to aging, and both the SMPS and the linear supply can develop ripple. Transistors C63 18 004 and FEC 2202 K904 in the SMPS are known failure points. Modifications exist, including an external patchbay from Circuitbenders.co.uk and SD card floppy replacements.

Market Value

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ AKAI S01                                                        Nov 2026 │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ High      $327                                    Latest             $94 │
│ Median    $200                                    Trend                — │
│ Low       $94                                     Volume           ~2/mo │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│   $400 ┤                                                                 │
│        │                                                                 │
│        │         .                                                       │
│   $250 ┤                                                                 │
│        │                                                                 │
│        │.                                                                │
│        │                                                                 │
│    $50 ┤                                                                .│
│        ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│
│    vol │█        █                                                      █│
│        └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│
│         2026-05                      2026-06                      2026-07│
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

eBay completed sales. Excludes accessories, parts, and non-working units. Hover points for details.

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Recently sold on eBay: $94–$327 (median $200, based on 3 completed sales, past 12 months)

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