street priceThe Akai S2000 is a 16-bit sampler that offers impressive capabilities at an affordable price point. Closely related to the higher-end S3000/ S3000XL machines, it provides both mono and stereo sampling functionality with 2MB of standard memory that can be expanded to 32MB using standard computer SIMMs. The unit features resonant low-pass filters for synthesizer-like capabilities and includes a SCSI interface as standard, allowing compatibility with CD-ROM sample libraries designed for various samplers including Emu and Roland machines.
The S2000 delivers full 32-voice polyphony and up to 16-part multitimbral operation. Users can select between 44.1kHz or 22.05kHz sampling rates, and the unit includes all the standard sample editing features such as crossfade looping, assisted looping via the Find function, reverse playback, and timestretching. For Mac users, the package included MESA sample editing software, though this has some limitations. The sampler accommodates both standard DD and HD floppy disks through its internal drive.
The S2000 features a slim 2U front panel with a surprisingly deep chassis measuring over 16 inches from front to back. The interface is streamlined with a two-line, 16-character LCD display and individual buttons for accessing key functions. A dual-concentric Data/Select wheel replaces traditional up/down buttons, with the inner part adjusting values and the outer ring selecting items. The inner wheel's tactile response is somewhat lacking, which can be frustrating during operation.
The control panel includes both Page and Group buttons to navigate through menus efficiently. Two soft buttons beneath the display function as both cursor controls and enter buttons. A helpful feature is the inclusion of envelope templates for common sound types like piano, strings, brass, and percussion, though users can opt for conventional parameter editing if preferred.
The S2000 supports both mono and stereo sampling through line inputs that can also accommodate microphones (though with limited gain). Users can choose between 10kHz or 20kHz sampling bandwidths. Sampling can be triggered manually, via MIDI, or automatically using an adjustable threshold. Front panel controls adjust recording and output levels, though the output level control doesn't affect the optional assignable outputs.
Sample editing features include trimming, looping, and normalization. The sampler supports only a single loop point, which can be set to continue during the sustain portion or revert to the original sustain after key release. Loop points are specified in samples rather than time measurements, which can be less intuitive. The Find function helps locate optimal loop points by identifying areas of equal amplitude to minimize level changes.
Edited samples are organized into Programs, which can contain up to 99 keygroups with four zones per keygroup. This structure allows for layering, velocity cross-switching, or crossfading. Various trigger modes are available for one-shot samples, mono legato playing, and drum sounds where certain samples (like closed hi-hats) can cut off others (like open hi-hats).
The S2000 introduces a new Multi mode that aligns with contemporary samplers. While the traditional Single mode is still available for compatibility with older Akai library material, Multi mode allows users to assign any 16 programs to different MIDI channels regardless of their program numbers. This makes it easier to call up new programs during a mix using program change messages. The Multi mode also enables adjustment of parameters like envelope settings while a sequence is running or when layering multiple samples.
The S2000 is designed for expansion, with several optional components available:
The bundled MESA software (Mac only) provides graphical sample organization and editing capabilities, allowing users to load AIFF or Sound Designer II files. While it offers attractive graphics and powerful organization features, it lacks some essential sample editing functions and has a somewhat cryptic interface. The software doesn't allow for crossfade looping on the computer, sample splicing, or removing portions from samples. It uses SCSI for sample transfer, which is significantly faster than MIDI transfers.
The S2000 can load samples from older Akai S950 floppies, though the process requires conversion time. However, it cannot read S950 Syquest disks due to differences in directory structures. The S2000 works well with CD-ROM libraries and can read sample CDs designed for other manufacturers' samplers, though some tweaking may be required.
Despite some criticisms like small display, non-tactile data wheel, limited sample editing capabilities, and somewhat unusable nowadays MESA software, the S2000 still offers exceptional value for those vintage sampling lovers. It's relatively easy to use, it sounds excellent, and provides access to a wide range of sample libraries. The expandable nature allows users to spread costs by adding features as needed (if lucky enough to find expansion cards that may cost more than the sampler itself). Anyway, you may get that authentic 90s sound for approx USD200 in 2020s. What a bargain!
The Akai S2000 represents an excellent value proposition in the sampler market, offering most of the capabilities of higher-end samplers at a significantly lower price point. Its modular design allows users to start with the basic unit and expand as their needs and budget grow. While it does have some limitations in sample editing and user interface design, these are reasonable compromises given the price point, and the machine delivers where it matters most – in sound quality and functionality.
Country of origin / production: Japan
Recommend product to a friend| Usage area | |
|---|---|
| Sampler | |
| Usage Design/ Form Factor | |
| Rackmount, 2U | |
| Archetype | |
| Digital (D) | |
| Polyphony | |
| Voices | 32 |
| Multi Timbral Capacity | 16 part(s) |
| Tone Generator / Sound Synthesis | |
| Synthesis Method | Digital Subtractive |
| Filter | |
| Digital (DCF) | |
| MIDI in/ out | |
| IN | |
| OUT | |
| THRU | |
| Display | |
| Color resolution | Monochrome |
| Resolution: Symbols Count | 16 |
| Computer Interfaces | |
| FDD | |
| Power | |
| Power Supply | Built-in, internal |
| Case/ body | |
| Metal | |
| Color | |
| White | |
| Production start | 1995 |
| Production ended | |
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