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Akai S01

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$110.00 Price Tier: Budget

4.5 (3)

1 Critic Review

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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3 community setups

1 wishlisted

21 saved

Page last updated Jun 19, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 14, 2026.

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4.0 (1)

$110.00 3 available Used

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Average Price: $110

Budget/Beginner

$249

$700+

Price Tier

In the Audio Samplers category, Akai S01 is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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High-end

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Description

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The Akai S01 is a classic entry into the world of audio sampling that blends vintage appeal with modern flexibility. Designed for DJs and producers who crave robust sound manipulation capabilities, this sampler is perfect for crafting unique tracks and live performances. The S01 provides a straightforward interface, making it ideal for those who appreciate simplicity without compromising on functionality.

With its 16-bit sampling capability, the Akai S01 ensures high-quality sound reproduction. This sampler allows you to capture and manipulate audio with precision, offering multiple sample modes to cater to diverse musical styles. The intuitive layout makes it easy to navigate through its features, allowing you to focus on creativity rather than technicalities. Whether you’re layering samples or triggering loops, the S01 delivers reliability and performance.

Perfect for both studio setups and live environments, the Akai S01 is a versatile addition to any audio toolkit. Its connectivity options ensure seamless integration with other gear, making it a reliable partner for any musical scenario. Those who appreciate a vintage touch will find the S01's design both nostalgic and functional, embodying a piece of music history that still resonates today.

Key Features:

16-bit audio sampling for high-quality sound
Multiple sample modes for versatile sound manipulation
User-friendly interface for easy navigation
Ideal for both studio and live performance settings
Seamless connectivity options with other audio equipment

Product specs

Brand	Akai
Model	S01 MIDI Digital Sampler
Finish	White
Year	1993
Made In	Japan
Categories	Digital Synthesizers, Samplers
Analog / Digital	Digital
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Polyphony	8 Voices

FAQs

What type of connectivity does the Akai S01 sampler offer?: The Akai S01 features MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and MIDI Through connectivity options, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with other MIDI-compatible gear in your setup.
How many voices of polyphony does the Akai S01 support?: The Akai S01 supports 8 voices of polyphony, providing sufficient capability for layering and sequencing multiple samples simultaneously.
Is the Akai S01 suitable for live performance setups?: Yes, the Akai S01 is suitable for live performance due to its robust MIDI connectivity and straightforward interface, making it easy to trigger and manipulate samples on stage.
What is the sound quality of samples on the Akai S01?: The Akai S01 offers digital sampling with a clear and reliable sound quality typical of early 90s digital samplers, suitable for various musical genres and applications.
Can the Akai S01 be used with modern DAWs?: While the Akai S01 is an older model, its MIDI capabilities allow it to be integrated with modern DAWs, although additional MIDI interfaces may be required for optimal connectivity.

Videos

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Farren Downes

AKAI S01 Beat #2

Farren Downes

Studio Madness E01 - Sampling and the Amen!!

Chris SweetLeaf

Sampler shootout (13 hardware samplers!)

gwEm’s gwEmbassy

Akai S-01 - pierwszy kontakt z samplerem

Fabster

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Akai S01.

Features and functionality

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The Akai S01 has a standard sampling time of about 15 seconds, sufficient for simple sampling needs.
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The Akai S01 requires a mixer or phono preamp for LP inputs due to RIAA EQ needs, unlike other analog sources like cassettes, CDs, and VHS which connect directly.
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Use cases and applications

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The S01 is often utilized as an FX unit due to its limited sampling time and mono output, especially when not requiring storage capabilities.
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Some users find the Akai S01 suitable for creating lo-fi background music due to its mono recording capabilities and inherent ruggedness.
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The S01 can be appealing for those seeking a nostalgic, cassette tape-like sound, drawing parallels with the lo-fi genre's aesthetic.
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The S01 can serve as a complementary unit to an MPC, although its functionality is more limited compared to the MPC's built-in sample, drum, and sequence capabilities.
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Comparisons

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The Akai S01 and S20 share similar architecture; however, the S01 is mono, while the S20 is stereo and does not require a boot disk.
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The Akai S01's mono output is contrasted with the stereo capabilities of the S20, making it less favored for hip-hop production but potentially appealing for lo-fi enthusiasts.
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Despite its limited use in boom bap production compared to the MPC line, the S01's distinct tonal characteristics attract specific producers for its gritty sound.
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Value and pricing

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A user found an Akai S5000 for $200, which includes a zip drive and multiple zip disks, highlighting its aesthetic appeal in a rack setup.
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User experience

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Owners mention the S01's limitations can foster creativity, as it challenges users to work within its constraints to produce unique beats.
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The S01 is often considered a "paper weight" in some studios due to its obsolescence and niche appeal, but it retains a dedicated user base who value its unique sound.
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Owners suggest triggering samples from an MPC for sequencing, as the S01's front buttons do not send MIDI back to the MPC, limiting its standalone use.
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Mods and upgrades

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A floppy disc emulator can be installed on the S01, allowing samples to be loaded from an SD card, enhancing convenience and storage capabilities.
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Critic Reviews

Akai S01 Sampler (MT Nov 92)

muzines.co.uk

The Akai S01 Sampler emerges as an affordable entry into professional sampling, priced at £700. Its strengths lie in ease of use, solid audio quality, and a professional design. The 16-bit sampler offers straightforward sampling processes and decent editing features, appealing to DJs, budding musicians, and educational institutions. However, limitations include a fixed 32 kHz sampling rate and the absence of advanced looping features found in higher-end models. Despite lacking S900/S950 compatibility and SCSI support, its ability to read S1000 disks and a growing sample library ensure versatility. Akai's S01 is a timely, budget-friendly option that blends accessibility with quality.

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4.5 out of 5

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