Akai SG01P (1995)
A half-rack PCM rompler module from 1995 focused on piano, Rhodes, and Clavinet sounds, built in Japan with 32-voice polyphony and onboard reverb.
Overview
The Akai SG01P is a piano module manufactured by Akai in Japan and released in 1995. Designed as a compact, half-rack MIDI sound module, it specializes in acoustic piano, Rhodes, and Clavinet tones using PCM synthesis. It contains 50 preset instrument sounds and features a 16-bit resolution with 32-voice polyphony, reduced to 30 voices when reverb is active. The unit includes an internal DSP for reverb effects and a single volume knob, 7 buttons, and a 3-digit segment display for basic navigation and control.
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 features a half-rack form factor with metal construction, designed for studio or stage use. The front panel includes a 3-digit segment display, 7 buttons, and a single volume knob. Internally, the 16-bit NEC D-70236 CPU manages the 32-voice polyphony engine, supported by the NEC UPD63210GT DAC and LSI ASICs (L7A0986 & DSP L7A1045).
Context
The SG01P is part of a series of compact Akai sound modules, related to the SG01V (Vintage samples) and SG01K (General MIDI), each tailored to specific sound sets.
Market
User ratings average 65/100 based on 8 reviews, and current market prices range from €80 to €160. The unit requires a 3V CR-2032 battery for memory backup, which can be replaced by the user. A factory reset is performed by holding DATA UP + DATA DOWN while powering on.
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