Akai S3200 (1993–c.1996)
3U rack-mounted 16-bit digital sampler with built-in effects, digital I/O, and expandable memory.
Overview
The Akai S3200 is a MIDI stereo digital sampler introduced in 1993 as part of the S3000 series, positioned as a Japan-made model with enhanced standard features over earlier variants. It comes equipped with the EB-16 Multi Effector board (SampleVerb) from the factory, includes standard AES/EBU, S/PDIF, SCSI, and SMPTE interfaces, and offers an optional magneto-optical drive. Unlike keyboard-equipped synths, it has no keys or velocity/aftertouch response. The S3200 is distinct from the later S3200XL and was succeeded by the S5000 and S6000 models.
Specifications
| Engine Type | Digital |
| Max Voices / Polyphony | 32 |
| Multitimbral Parts | 16 |
| Internal Memory | 8 Mbyte standard, expandable to 32 Mbyte |
| Sampling Format | 16-bit linear encoding |
| Sampling Rates | 44.1 kHz, 22.05 kHz |
| Audio Bandwidth | 20 Hz – 20 kHz (44.1 kHz), 20 Hz – 10 kHz (22.05 kHz) |
| Unexpanded Sampling Time | 1:29 min (mono, 44.1 kHz), 2:58 min (mono, 22.05 kHz), 0:44.56 sec (stereo, 44.1 kHz), 1:29 min (stereo, 22.05 kHz) |
| Maximum Samples | 255 |
| Maximum Programs | 254 |
| Oscillators | 1 |
| LFOs | 2 x Multi Wave Low Frequency Oscillators |
| Filter | Digital moving low-pass filter (-12 dB/octave with resonance); optional upgrade to hi-/band-/low-pass |
| Envelope Generators | 3 x digital (2 multi-stage) |
| Effects | EB-16 Multi Effector / SampleVerb (installed) |
| Display | Backlit 320-character / 240 x 640 graphic LCD |
| Storage | 3.5-inch 2HD/2DD floppy disk; SCSI; optional internal hard disk or MO drive |
| Outputs | 8 Assignable outs + Stereo out |
| REC IN | 2 x XLR (balanced), 2 x 1/4" phone (balanced) |
| STEREO OUT | 2 x XLR (balanced), 2 x 1/4" phone (unbalanced) |
| ASSIGNABLE OUTS | 8 x 1/4" phone (unbalanced) |
| HEADPHONES | 1 x 1/4" stereo phone |
| FOOTSWITCH | 1 x 1/4" phone |
| MIDI | IN, OUT, THRU (3 x DIN5P) |
| SCSI | 1 x 50P Amphenol |
| Digital I/O | AES/EBU and S/PDIF (optical) |
| SMPTE | IN/OUT (2 x 1/4" phone, balanced) |
| REC GAIN Settings | HI -58 dBm, MID -38 dBm, LO -18 dBm |
| Power | 120VAC 60Hz 40W (USA/Canada), 220–230VAC 50Hz (Europe), 240VAC 50Hz (UK/Australia) |
| Dimensions | 483W x 133H x 410D mm (EIA 3U) |
| Weight | 10.0 kg |
| Accessories | AC power cable, Sound Library Disks, Operator’s Manual (v1.0, March 1993) |
| Optional Accessories | EXM 3002 (2 Mbyte), EXM 3008 (8 Mbyte), BL1000 (MF2HD disks), HD108 (Hard Disk), SMO-P301 (MO drive) |
Design
The S3200 features a digital moving low-pass filter with resonance as standard, with an optional upgrade to include high- and band-pass modes. It ships with the EB-16 EFX board pre-installed, the same used in the MPC2000 and 2000XL. Digital I/O, SCSI, and SMPTE interfaces are built-in, distinguishing it from earlier S3000 models. The unit is part of Akai’s older Japan-made product range and supports optional internal hard or magneto-optical drives.
Context
The S3200 is part of the S3000 series, which succeeded the S1000 line and preceded the S5000 and S6000. It differs from the S3000 by including the digital filter expansion and standard digital I/O, SCSI, and SMPTE. It is not the same as the later S3200XL and lacks the built-in CD-ROM option available on other S3000-series models.
Market
The S3200 is less commonly found on the used market than other models in the series. One recent listing showed a price of approximately $1,200. Common repair parts include SCSI fuse kits, power supply transformers, and display units. The stock EB-16 EFX board retains significant standalone value.
eBay Listings
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.