Akai S900 Sampler: A Vintage Classic

Introduction

The Akai S900 was an impressive eight-voice Multiple Point Sampler that stood out in the market for its quality and affordability when it was introduced in 1986. At the time of its release, it offered exceptional value compared to many competitors, arriving exactly when sampling became affordable — though still not cheap — for most musicians. Prior to the S900, sampling typically meant devices like the AMS 15-80 digital delay or high-end systems like the Emulator and PPG, as well as Akai's own older model, the S612.

Design and Features

The S900 was designed as a dedicated rack-mounting unit controlled via MIDI, rather than being a keyboard derivative. It features 12-bit sampling with a 16kHz frequency response at maximum quality, allowing for 11.75 seconds of sampling time. The sampling rate can be reduced to 7.5kHz for extended sampling time of up to 63.3 seconds.

The unit includes a built-in 3.5-inch floppy disk drive with a 1MB capacity, while the internal memory is 750KB. Sounds can be reproduced across a six-octave range with transposition capabilities of up to three octaves in either direction from the original sampled pitch.

One of the S900's strengths is its "Key-Group" feature, which allows pairs of samples to be assigned based on playing velocity. This enables realistic reproduction of playing dynamics, such as the difference between plucked and slapped bass notes. A "Program" can contain up to 32 key-groups, and the S900 can store eight programs depending on available memory.

Interface and Editing

The editing interface consists of eight front panel buttons for different functions: Play, Record, Edit, Sample, Edit Preset, MIDI, Utility, Disk, and Master Tune. The interface is well-designed and becomes intuitive after an initial learning period. The display shows current settings, and parameters can be adjusted using number keys or a rotating control.

For sampling, users can name their samples, choose between normal and velocity-based recording types, select audio bandwidth and recording time, and specify the pitch. After recording, samples can be edited for pitch, volume, looping, and length. The S900 also offers features for crossfading, merging, and splicing samples.

The output panel includes stereo outputs, a mono mix output, and eight individual outputs for the voices—a significant advantage over competitors like the Prophet 2002. The S900's response to MIDI triggers is exceptionally fast, without the delays found in some higher-priced units like the Emulator II.

Software Updates

Akai released a significant software update (version 2.0) for the S900 that added several important features:

1. Pre-trigger recording: This prevents percussive sounds from having their initial transients cut off.
2. Special one-shot mode: Allows the ADSR release time value to be set to 'long' or 'short' when using drum machines that deliver immediate MIDI note-off messages.
3. Crossfade looping: Perhaps the most significant improvement, this makes the tedious process of finding acceptable loop points much easier, resulting in smoother loops.
4. Dynamic filtering: Adds filter envelopes to programs, similar to the sweeping of a voltage-controlled filter in a conventional synthesizer.
5. Automatic start point finding: Helps quickly locate alternative zero-crossing points for sample starts.
6. Velocity release: Changes the release time of a note based on key velocity, adding more expressive possibilities.
7. Velocity crossfade: Makes it possible to combine any two samples into a velocity crossfade sample and set scaling values for keyboard velocities.
8. Key group copy: Enables swapping key group parameters between programs.

Sound Library

Initially, Akai provided a limited sound library with the unit (just four disks: piano, bass, test, and blank), but the situation quickly improved with numerous third-party sample packs becoming available.

Legacy and Current Status

Despite some minor criticisms, the S900 is brilliant in terms of quality and versatility and remains highly sought-after by vintage sampling enthusiasts. Its distinctive 12-bit character, intuitive interface, and robust build quality have created a devoted following among producers and musicians who prize its warm, gritty sound.

This enduring popularity has steadily driven its price on the used gear market higher and higher, with well-maintained units often fetching several times their original retail value. The S900's unique sonic fingerprint — often described as having more "character" than modern, clinically clean samplers — continues to find its place in contemporary music production, particularly in genres that embrace lo-fi aesthetics and vintage textures.

Technical Specifications

• Type: Eight-voice Multiple Point Sampler
• Sampling Resolution: 12-bit
• Frequency Response: 16kHz at maximum quality
• Maximum Sampling Time: 11.75 seconds at 16kHz; 63.3 seconds at 7.5kHz
• Voices: 8
• Multitimbral parts: 8
• Internal Memory: 750KB
• Storage: Built-in 3.5-inch floppy disk drive (1MB capacity)
• Playback Range: Six octaves
• Transposition: Up to three octaves in either direction
• Key-Groups: Up to 32 per program
• Programs: Up to 8 stored in memory
• Outputs: Left/right stereo outputs, mono mix output, eight individual voice outputs
• Features: Sample editing, looping, cross-fading, splicing, velocity sensitivity, filter controls, envelope controls
• Control: MIDI
• Enclosure: Rackmount 3U, all-metal chassis