Synthesizers&KeyboardsSound Module/ Tone GeneratorModular SystemsDrum Machines, Percussion SynthsOtherDJSoftwareSamplers
Electric GuitarsProcessors, Effects, PedalsAmplifiersTuners&metronomes

AKAI S2800

Rackmount Sampler

DescriptionVideoTech specsCompatibleAlternativeFAQRelated ArticlesManualsComments

AKAI S2800
350.00 street price

The S2800 is part of Akai's S3000 lineage. It's a 2U rackmount sampler that maintains the high quality and reliability Akai is known for while introducing significant improvements over previous models like the S900/ S950 and S1000/ S1100.

The S2800 features a flush S1000-type front panel with redesigned buttons set, including function buttons that light up when pressed. It has a new "diamond" of four direction buttons replacing the previous Cursor Knob design. The sample input jacks are located on the rear panel (which the author criticizes as a design flaw), and the SCSI port is available only as an optional extra.

The S2800 offers advanced sample editing capabilities displayed as complete bargraph waveforms on screen. Beyond standard features like adjusting start/end points, truncating, looping, crossfading, and joining samples, it introduces innovative editing functions similar to those found in expensive digital editing systems:

  • Chop, Cut, and Extract functions for editing specific sections of samples
  • Normalize and Rescale functions to optimize sample volume levels
  • Fade facility to create digital fade-ins and fade-outs

A major new feature is the Assignable Program Modulation (APM), which allows routing of MIDI controllers to various "modules" in the sampler. The S2800 includes 12dB/octave low-pass resonant filters that can alter the tonal character of samples, with options to control them using modwheel, pitchbend, LFOs, envelope generators, or external controllers.

The S2800 offers improved dynamic range compared to previous models, with exceptional bass response and clear, sparkling highs. It's described as transformative in terms of sound quality for digital equipment.

AKAI S2800 Technical Specifications

Hardware specs

  • Polyphony: 32 voice
  • Internal processing: 28-bit
  • D/A conversion: 20-bit with 8x oversampling (L/R); 18-bit with 8x oversampling (individual outs)

Sampling

  • Sampling resolution: stereo 16-bit linear with 64x oversampling
  • Sampling rates: 44.1kHz, 22.05kHz
  • Default sample RAM: 2Mb (2 slots, 1+1Mb).
  • Maximum sample RAM: 16Mb (2x8).
  • Maximum number of samples: 255
  • Maximum number of programs: 254

Sampling time:

  • 2 Mb (one EXM 3002 board):
    22.28 seconds (mono/44.1kHz)
    11.14 seconds (stereo/44.1kHz)
    44.56 seconds (mono/22.050kHz)
    22.28 seconds (stereo/22.050kHz)
  • 16 Mb (two EXM 3008 boards):
    2.97 mins (mono/44.1kHz)
    1.48 mins (stereo/44.1kHz)
    5.94 mins (mono/22.050kHz)
    2.97 mins (stereo/22.050kHz)

Filters, Modulation and Effects

  • Filtering: Low-pass, -12db/oct with resonance
  • Envelope generators: 2
  • LFOs: 2
  • Effects: Stereo flanging, chorus, multi-tap delay, delay, pitch shifter

Connectivity

  • Standard audio inputs: ¼" phono (balanced) x 2
  • Standard audio outputs: ¼" phono (unbalanced) x 2
  • Assignable independent audio outputs: ¼" phono jack (unbalanced) x 2
  • Other connections: stereo headphones jack, footswitch jack, MIDI In, Out & Thru
  • Interface boards (both optional):
    IB-301S - SCSI
    IB-302D - AES/EBU digital I/O with real-time digital outputs 

Display

  • 40 characters x 8 lines (text), 240x60 dots (graphics);
  • blue backlit
  • adjustable contrast

Memory&Storage

  • 2 RAM Slots (support EXM-3002, EXM-3008 proprietary memory modules, compatible with S3000/ S3200)
  • 3.5" DSHD/DSDD floppy drive
  • Optional HDD when the IB-301S SCSI board is present, included in the S2800i

Physical parameters

  • Casing: full-metal 2U 19"
  • 483mm (width) x 88mm (height) x 411mm (depth)
  • Weight: 7.7kg

Country of origin / production: Japan

  Recommend product to a friend

E-mail*
More info
 
Usage area
Sampler 
Usage Design/ Form Factor
Rackmount, 2U 
Archetype
Digital (D) 
Polyphony
Voices32
Multi Timbral Capacity16 part(s)
Tone Generator / Sound Synthesis
Synthesis Method Digital Subtractive
Programs/ Voices/ Timbres
User-defined Single Voice244
Filter
Digital (DCF) 
Low-pass Filter (LPF) 
2-pole 
12dB 
Resonance 
Envelope Generator (EG)
Assignable2
Modulation
LFO: LFO Count2
Effects
Chorus 
Flanger 
Delay 
Sampler
Sampler Format Linear
Sample Format Custom
Sample Memory16 Mb
Resolution 16 bit/ 22.05 kHz
Resolution 16 bit/ 44.1 kHz
Samples Bank Size255
MIDI in/ out
IN 
OUT 
THRU 
External controllers
Foot Controller1
Audio out
Stereo 
All voices mixed in one output 
Analogue: 1/4" (6.35mm)4
Analogue: 1/4" (6.35mm) headphones preamplified1
Audio in
Analog 1/4"2
Computer Interfaces
FDD 
Power
Voltage 220V
Voltage 230V
Voltage 240V
Voltage 100V
Voltage 115/117V
Voltage 50-60Hz
Power Supply Built-in, internal
Dimensions
Height88 mm
Width483 mm
Depth411 mm
Weight7.7 kg
Case/ body
Metal 
Color
Grey 
Beige 
Production start1992
Production ended

This product is available in the following countries and locations:

Please log in using the form below or register to be able to order goods and services.

Username
Password (4 to 16 characters)

Rent

/5 0

  Rackmount Sampler   500.00 U.S.Dollars

The S3000 was designed as a direct replacement for the popular S1000/ S1100. It's a 3U rackmounting sampler that builds upon Akai's reputation for reliability while introducing significant improvements and innovations over the previous flagship models....

/5 0

  Rackmount Sampler   700.00 U.S.Dollars

The AKAI S3200 is a maxed version of the S3000, factory upgraded with: IB-301S - SCSIIB-302D - AES/EBU digital I/O with real-time digital outputs SMPTE interface

/5 0

  Rackmount Sampler   350.00 U.S.Dollars

This is the CD3000 upgraded with external SCSI port.

/5 0

  Rackmount CD Sampler   300.00 U.S.Dollars

The Akai CD3000 is a specialized sampling device that combines the functionality of a high-quality sampler with an integrated CD-ROM/CD player. Unlike traditional samplers, it lacks analog or digital sampling inputs - instead, it's designed to sample...

/5 0

  Rackmount Sampler   550.00 U.S.Dollars

The difference between the Akai S3000 and S3000i is the IB-301S SCSI card expansion and an HDD built-in.

3.0/5 1

  Rackmount Sampler   220.00 U.S.Dollars

The E-mu ESi32 represented in 1994 a significant shift in E-mu's product strategy, bringing their renowned high-end sampling technology to a much more affordable price point. Traditionally focused on premium "powerhouse" samplers like the Emulator...

/5 0

  Rackmount Sampler   300.00 U.S.Dollars

The Roland S760 represented a significant advancement in Roland's 16-bit sampler lineup, offering professional-grade sampling capabilities in a compact 1U rack mount form factor. Released in 1993-1994, the S760 delivers the same exceptional sound quality...

  • enpdf168.8Mb Akai S2800 Operator's Manual