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Description

Step into the realm of classic sampling with the Akai S1100, a legendary piece in the world of DJ Gear and Audio Samplers. Known for its robust performance and unparalleled sound quality, this sampler has been a staple in professional studios since its inception. It offers a unique blend of reliable hardware and cutting-edge sampling technology, providing musicians and producers with a tool that empowers creativity.

The Akai S1100 is celebrated for its 16-bit stereo sampling, which delivers crisp and clear audio. Its intuitive interface allows users to easily navigate through various functions, making it an ideal choice for both seasoned professionals and enthusiastic newcomers. With its 8 MB memory capacity, you can store a multitude of samples, offering ample room for your creative endeavors. Additionally, the S1100 is equipped with a built-in effects processor, adding depth and dimension to your samples with features like reverb and chorus.

This sampler stands out with its SCSI connectivity, enabling seamless integration with other devices and enhancing your workflow efficiency. The Akai S1100 is not just a piece of equipment; it's a gateway to endless sonic possibilities, crafted with precision to meet the demands of modern music production.

Key Features:

  • 16-bit stereo sampling for high-quality sound
  • 8 MB memory capacity for extensive sample storage
  • Built-in effects processor including reverb and chorus
  • SCSI connectivity for easy integration with other devices
  • User-friendly interface for efficient navigation and operation

Product specs

Brand Akai
Model S1100 MIDI Stereo Digital Sampler
Finish White
Year 1990
Made In Japan
Categories Digital Synthesizers, Samplers
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Polyphony 8 Voices

FAQs

What is the main difference between the Akai S1100 and its predecessor, the S1000?

The Akai S1100 features enhanced digital effects, digital outputs, and separate DACs compared to the S1000. It also includes higher quality ADCs and a SCSI interface for expanded connectivity.

What types of effects can be programmed on the Akai S1100?

The Akai S1100 allows users to program up to 50 effects patches, including reverb, chorus/flange, stereo pitch shifter, and echo/DDL.

How many voices of polyphony does the Akai S1100 support?

The Akai S1100 offers 8 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex layering and sampling within your music production.

Does the Akai S1100 have MIDI connectivity options?

Yes, the Akai S1100 includes MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and MIDI Through, providing comprehensive connectivity for integration with other MIDI-equipped devices.

Is the Akai S1100 suitable for live performance or studio use?

The Akai S1100 is versatile for both live performance and studio use, thanks to its robust sampling capabilities and effects processing, making it a valuable tool for DJs and producers.

vinyljunkie07

vinyljunkie07

Akai S-1100

Video thumbnail for Akai S-1100 by vinyljunkie07

Akai S-1100

vinyljunkie07

vinyljunkie07

Video thumbnail for Akai S1100 Atmospheric Jungle by Architecture

Akai S1100 Atmospheric Jungle

Architecture

Architecture

Video thumbnail for Can I Get Another Amen - Akai S1100 Jungle Floppy Challenge by Architecture

Can I Get Another Amen - Akai S1100 Jungle Floppy Challenge

Architecture

Architecture

Video thumbnail for Akai S1100 as a standalone FX unit by Ghaleon

Akai S1100 as a standalone FX unit

Ghaleon

Ghaleon

Video thumbnail for AKAI S1100 w SCSI2SD + LED Display by Reference Tracks - House & Disco

AKAI S1100 w SCSI2SD + LED Display

Reference Tracks - House & Disco

Reference Tracks - House & Disco

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Akai S1100.

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest avoiding the Gotek USB drive swap due to slow performance; SCSI2SD or ZuluSCSI are recommended alternatives for better speed.

    Source
  • SCSI2SD or ZuluSCSI units are recommended for replacing floppy drives, ensuring easier compatibility with modern systems.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The S1100 requires a 90s Mac for optimal SCSI operation, using software like Recycle and Bias Peak for editing.

    Source
  • Chicken System Translator can create disc images for ZuluSCSI compatibility, though reliability varies.

    Source
  • Omniflop is necessary for creating AKAI 1.6MB disks, requiring a real floppy disk drive or specific USB FDDs.

    Source
  • A solution for transferring samples is using an old 2000s laptop with a built-in disk drive that runs Windows XP or 2000.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The S1100 features a built-in FX unit and supports up to 32MB RAM, offering 16 mono note polyphony.

    Source
  • SDS MIDI transfer is generally avoided due to inefficiency, except with the Akai S950 where it may be more viable.

    Source

Comparisons

  • For a smoother workflow, the Akai S3000XL or Emu Ultra series are recommended over the S1100 for compatibility with modern systems.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Pete Cannon uses Akai S1100

Pete Cannon

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

This is the Akai S1100. I think it was the first Akai sampler with effects in it. It's got a couple of reverbs, delays, echoes, pitch shift. This Akai that I've got has an SD replacement where the original floppy disk drive was and it connects to the SCSI port on the back and tyhen allows me to have essentially thousands of floppy disks on a little SD card. It's plug & play as well which is great. So If you want to save parts it's easy to dip between setting up key groups and samples.

See how TIM SIMENON uses Akai S1100

TIM SIMENON

Keyboardist, Composer

Interference

...
Verified via Gearslutz

Tim Simenon used the Akai S1100 while working on Depeche Mode's album "Ultra," as mentioned in a discussion on Gearslutz.

See how Chris & Cosey uses Akai S1100

Chris & Cosey

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Chris and cosey use this sampler as mentioned in the 3rd paragraph down and 8th line.

See how Rob Playford (AKA Timecode) uses Akai S1100

Rob Playford (AKA Timecode)

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Archive

According to this article on the making of Goldie's Timeless album from the June 1998 issue of Sound on Sound magazine, Playford says, "...there have always been things I like to constantly upgrade. It used to be my samplers. I went from the S950 to the S1000, then up to the S1100, and finally to a S3200. I can't see myself upgrading again soon."

See how Steve Monti uses Akai S1100

Steve Monti

Drummer

The Jesus and Mary Chain

...
Verified via YouTube

At 4:56, Steve Monti discusses his Akai S1100.

See how Michael Münzing uses Akai S1100

Michael Münzing

Composer, Music Producer

Snap!

...
Verified via Muzines

Source: Interview with Michael Münzing and Luca Anzilotti about SNAP! in mu:zines.co.uk from 1994. https://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/snap-to-tomorrow/8245

See how Michael Bradford uses Akai S1100

Michael Bradford

Guitarist, Composer

The Twisted Brown Trucker

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo taken in Mike's studio a Akai S1100 is seen on the left rack.

J

Jon Marsh

Music Producer

The Beloved

...
Verified

In an article titled "The Beloved" from Sound On Sound (March 1993), Jon Marsh mentioned, "The most daunting thing was the S1100 and the whole C-Lab package with the Atari. Now I look back and it's like anything; you learn how to do it, it becomes second nature and you become very fast and adept at doing it. What was really good was that both me and Helena set the gear up and we got to understand it together." This confirms that Jon Marsh used the Akai S1100.

See how John Webster uses Akai S1100

John Webster

Keyboardist, Composer

The Cult

...
Verified via John T. Webster

John Webster, a keyboardist and composer, used the Akai S1100 sampler during the 1990s as part of his essential equipment rack. This information is confirmed by the artist himself on his biography page, where he also lists other gear he used at the time, such as the Waldorf Microwave and Korg Wavestation AD.

See how Phil Wilde uses Akai S1100

Phil Wilde

Music Producer, DJ

T99

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture we can see Akai S1100

See how André Bratten uses Akai S1100

André Bratten

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In the image provided by Smalltown Supersound on Instagram, the Akai S1100 sampler is visible behind music producer André Bratten, confirming his use of this specific gear.

See how Hae Chul Shin uses Akai S1100

Hae Chul Shin

Singer, Guitarist

N.EX.T

...
Verified via Photo

Hae Chul Shin is confirmed to have used the Akai S1100, as it is explicitly listed in the liner notes of N.EX.T's debut album from 1992, "Home," as shown in the image provided.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Akai S1100, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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7
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5
Atari 1040 ST
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5
E-mu Vintage Keys
E-mu Vintage Keys Sound Modules
4
Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter
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4

Community setups

Show yours
dj_k9

dj_k9

Gear IQ 426

dj_k9

dj_k9

Gear IQ 426

S

syndrom6667

Gear IQ 93

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