Akai SG01P (1995)

A half-rack PCM rompler module from 1995 built in Japan. It covers piano, Rhodes and Clavinet sounds, with 32-voice polyphony and onboard reverb.

Overview

The Akai SG01P is a piano module made by Akai in Japan and released in 1995. It is a compact half-rack MIDI sound module that uses PCM synthesis for acoustic piano, Rhodes and Clavinet tones. It has 50 preset sounds and 16-bit resolution. Polyphony is 32 voices, dropping to 30 when reverb is on. An internal DSP handles the reverb. The controls are a single volume knob, 7 buttons and a 3-digit segment display.

Specifications

Synthesis	PCM rompler
Rom size	8 MB
Display	3-digit segment
Resolution	16-bit
Polyphony	32 voices
Polyphony (with reverb)	Reduced to 30 voices if reverb DSP is engaged
Oscillator	1 PCM oscillator
Filter	Digital resonant low-pass filter
LFO	1 modulator, accessible via MIDI CC#1 (modulation wheel)
Envelope	1 EG with ADR (Attack, Decay, Release) segments
Effects	Internal DSP generates 30 reverbs organized into 5 families: hall, plate, cathedral, metal, ambience
Memory	50 instrument sounds
CPU	NEC D-70236
DAC	NEC UPD63210GT
PSU	10V DC
Power input	10VDC, center positive
Weight	1.4 kg
Dimensions	214 mm (W) x 257.6 mm (H) x 43.7 mm (D)
Audio outputs	1 stereo jack output, 1 headphones output
MIDI	IN, OUT, THRU
Power switch	1 power switch
Memory backup	Internal 3V CR-2032 battery saves basic settings and last edited sound

Design

The SG01P is a half-rack unit with metal construction, made for studio or stage use. The front panel has a 3-digit segment display, 7 buttons and a single volume knob. Inside, a 16-bit NEC D-70236 CPU runs the 32-voice polyphony engine. It is backed by the NEC UPD63210GT DAC and LSI ASICs (L7A0986 & DSP L7A1045).

Context

The SG01P belongs to a series of compact Akai sound modules. The SG01V carries Vintage samples and the SG01K is General MIDI. Each one has its own sound set.

Market

User ratings average 65/100 across 8 reviews. Current market prices run from €80 to €160. The unit needs a 3V CR-2032 battery for memory backup, and the user can replace it. To do a factory reset, hold DATA UP + DATA DOWN while powering on.