Akai S01 Sampler: Professional Sampling at a Budget Price

The Akai S01 represents a significant breakthrough in the accessibility of professional sampling technology. Released as an unexpected addition to Akai's renowned 'S' series of samplers, the S01 brings professional-quality sampling capabilities to a remarkably affordable price upon release and still the cheapest of all Akai's rackmount samplers to this day and the only one to buy under 200 US dollars. This 2U-high unit maintains Akai's signature grey professional aesthetic while streamlining the interface for intuitive operation.

Design and Interface

Unlike its more expensive siblings that feature LCD screens, the S01 employs a simpler three-figure LED display paired with an intelligently designed matrix-style parameter list on the front panel. This matrix consists of seven columns, each dedicated to different editable areas of the sampling process, with up to four parameters per area. Navigation through these parameters is achieved through just two buttons for "right" and "down" movements, with a Data Entry knob for adjusting values.

The front panel layout is thoughtfully organized with eight numbered buttons that serve dual functions – both selecting a sample bank and playing back the sample within that bank simultaneously. This design choice ensures users always know exactly which bank they're working with. The Record button also performs double duty, handling both sample recording and disk drive operations.

Standard quarter-inch jacks for input, output, and headphones are complemented by rotary controls for volume and record level. The rear panel features four MIDI sockets (including two selectable MIDI Ins), a trigger footswitch, audio output, and IEC mains connection.

Sampling Capabilities

The S01 comes with 1MB of sample memory as standard, providing 15.625 seconds of sampling time at the fixed 32kHz sampling rate. Memory can be upgraded with the optional EXM01 expansion board, doubling capacity to 31.25 seconds. The system utilizes eight sample banks with dynamic memory allocation, allowing users to distribute available memory flexibly across banks according to their needs.

Sampling itself is remarkably straightforward. The audio input offers two gain levels (High for microphones, Low for line-level signals), and the recording threshold can be set between 0-100 to determine when recording begins. The threshold display flashes when the correct level is reached, enabling precise setup and preventing clipped recordings. For sounds with very fast attacks, manual recording initiation is available.

Despite potential concerns about the fixed 32kHz sampling rate (limiting bandwidth to 14-15kHz), the audio quality is described as "excellent - clear and sparkling," consistent with the high standards expected from Akai's 'S' series.

Editing and Performance Features

Sample editing on the S01 is simplified but effective. Users can isolate specific portions of samples using Start and End Point parameters (with both fine and coarse tuning available), and easily remove unwanted segments with the Truncate function. Looping capabilities allow for setting Loop Points, with options for continuous looping, one-shot playback, or loop deactivation. While some sounds like drum breaks can be looped quickly and easily, more complex sounds require more skill, as the S01 lacks the Autoloop and Auto-Crossfade features found in other Akai samplers.

Additional editing parameters include volume adjustment for balancing levels between sample banks, a Release parameter useful for creating "pseudo-reverb" effects, and various pitch controls. The Pitch section offers fine and coarse transpose options, plus a constant pitch feature that maintains the same pitch regardless of which key is pressed – particularly helpful for percussion sounds.

The S01 provides robust MIDI implementation, allowing each sample to have its own keyrange setting. This enables the creation of up to eight distinct keyboard zones with different samples – valuable for live performance scenarios. Alternatively, each sample can be assigned an individual MIDI channel for multitimbral operation. The unit also supports MIDI Program Change numbers, enabling quick switching between sample configurations during performances or sequencing.

Compatibility and Library

While the S01 cannot read S900 or S950 disks due to differences in bit depth (the S01 is 16-bit vs. the 12-bit format of older models), it does support S1000 sample disks. However, because of sampling rate differences, users must adjust transpose parameters using the conversion table provided in the manual to ensure correct playback pitch.

Akai has developed a substantial sample library specifically for the S01, projected to include around 250 disks by the end of its release year. Additionally, a disk copying service has been established through dealers, allowing users to either supply their own disks for free copying or purchase pre-formatted disks at reasonable prices.

Market Position

The Akai S01 is positioned to appeal to multiple market segments: keyboard players seeking affordable entry into sampling, DJs needing user-friendly samplers without compromising audio quality, educational institutions teaching sampling fundamentals, and existing Akai sampler owners looking to expand their capabilities. At its price point and with its feature set, the S01 represents excellent value in the professional sampling market.

Technical Specifications