Akai S3000

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$847.85 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (3)

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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1 community setup

3 wishlisted

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Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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Price

$847.85 3 available Used

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Average Price: $848

High-end/Boutique

$249

$700+

Price Tier

In the Audio Samplers category, Akai S3000 is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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Step into the world of dynamic sound creation with the Akai S3000, a staple in the realm of audio samplers designed for DJs and producers who demand precision and versatility. This legendary sampler is celebrated for its ability to capture and manipulate sounds with a clarity that has made it a favorite among music professionals. The S3000's robust sampling engine allows you to transform ordinary sounds into extraordinary musical elements, making it an essential tool for crafting unique beats and soundscapes.

The Akai S3000 stands out with its intuitive interface and a wide array of features that cater to both seasoned musicians and aspiring sound designers. With a sampling rate that supports CD-quality audio, this machine ensures your sounds are vibrant and true to life. Its 16-bit linear stereo sampling provides a rich and full sonic experience, giving your productions the professional edge they deserve.

Beyond its technical prowess, the S3000 offers a user-friendly experience with its straightforward controls and extensive memory capacity. This sampler supports multiple sample formats, making it highly compatible with a variety of setups and workflows. Whether you're in the studio or on stage, the Akai S3000 delivers performance and reliability that you can count on.

Key Features:

16-bit linear stereo sampling
Wide compatibility with multiple sample formats
User-friendly interface with intuitive controls
Extensive memory capacity for larger sample libraries
CD-quality audio sampling rate
Durable construction for reliable performance

Product specs

Brand	Akai
Model	S3000 MIDI Stereo Digital Sampler
Finish	White
Year	1992
Made In	Japan
Categories	Digital Synthesizers, Samplers
Analog / Digital	Digital
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Polyphony	32 Voices

FAQs

What is the sample rate capability of the Akai S3000?: The Akai S3000 offers a sample rate of 44.1 kHz, which is standard for CD-quality audio, allowing for high-fidelity sampling and playback.
How does the Akai S3000 differ from the S3000XL model?: The Akai S3000 includes a built-in effects processor with options like Echo, Chorus, and Pitch Shift, whereas the S3000XL requires an additional effects card, the EB16FX, for similar functionality.
What MIDI connectivity options does the Akai S3000 offer?: The Akai S3000 provides MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and MIDI Through, allowing integration with a wide range of MIDI-compatible equipment for versatile control and sequencing.
How many voices of polyphony does the Akai S3000 support?: The Akai S3000 supports 32 voices of polyphony, enabling complex multi-layered samples and arrangements without note dropouts.
Is the Akai S3000 suitable for live performance use?: Yes, the Akai S3000's robust MIDI capabilities and built-in effects make it well-suited for live performance, providing reliable sample playback and real-time control options.

Videos

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vubeatz

AKAI S3000 - Why AKAI rack sampler is better than sampler in MPC?

vubeatz

AKAI S3000 - How I work with my S3000 (MIDI-MPC Program)

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AKAI S3000 CD-ROM Factory Library demos

SynthMania

AKAI S3000 - Why AKAI rack sampler is better than sampler in MPC - Part 3

vubeatz

Akai S3000 - Sampling Comparison | #S3000 |

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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 S3000.

Features and functionality

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With an optional EB16 effects board, the S3000XL can function as a real-time effects processor alongside sample channels, adding versatility to its use.
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When sampling, the S3000XL stores audio in RAM due to slow disk speeds, limiting the sample length to available memory space.
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The S3000XL can act as a two-track hard disk recorder using Zip disks, offering additional recording flexibility.
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Different converter designs in S3000XL lead to variations in sound between LR outs and individual outputs.
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The S3000XL requires an expansion card for effects, unlike the non-XL which has built-in time-based FX.
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Software and compatibility

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To utilize Akai MESA for sample editing, a Windows 98 setup with an Adaptec SCSI card is required, highlighting compatibility challenges with modern systems.
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Akai MESA is recommended for sample transfer as the S3000XL doesn't accept plain .wav files, requiring a specific Adaptec SCSI PCI card and possibly a Windows XP PC.
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S3000XL has better SCSI integration and cheaper RAM than its predecessors, enhancing connectivity and cost-effectiveness.
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Use cases and applications

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Experimentation with the S3000XL can mimic Fasttracker 2 detuning effects by using a pitch envelope with short decay for synchronized pitch modulation.
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The S3000XL can be used to create music reminiscent of "Rockafeller Skank" and "Aquatic Ambience" by routing audio through its inputs for resampling and timestretching.
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Setup and maintenance

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The S3000XL requires samples to be stored in RAM before saving to floppy or Zip, necessitating frequent RAM clearing to avoid memory overflow issues.
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A USB-powered light might be needed to view the S3000XL's screen clearly, enhancing user interaction with the device.
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User experience

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Users find the process of sampling beats into the S3000XL enlightening, especially when comparing it to classic jungle music production setups involving an Amiga and Akai.
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Comparisons

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The CD3000XL is noted to have eight assignable mono outputs as standard, similar to the S3000XL, which can be routed to separate audio input channels in Ableton.
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The Akai S3000 shares converters with the MPC3000, offering a distinctive sound unlike the 'vanilla' S3000XL.
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For a more lo-fi sound, the S900/S950 is recommended over the S3000XL due to its analog filters and distinct punch.
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Mods and upgrades

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Replacing the floppy drive with a Gotek is suggested for stability, and SCSI/CF card interfaces are available to avoid using outdated hard drives.
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