Akai S5000

^# 17

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$450.00 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (18)

1 Critic Review

2 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Akai S5000

5 community setups

6 wishlisted

43 saved

Page last updated Jul 02, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 2, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (10)

$450.00 9 available Used

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Average Price: $450

Standard/Professional

$249

$700+

Price Tier

In the Audio Samplers category, Akai S5000 is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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High-end

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Description

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Unlock a world of sonic possibilities with the Akai S5000, an advanced audio sampler that has been a staple in the arsenal of professional DJs and producers since its release. As a part of Akai's renowned S-series, this sampler is designed to provide high-quality audio sampling and playback for both live performances and studio productions. Its powerful 20-bit stereo sampling engine ensures crystal-clear sound reproduction, making your samples come to life with exceptional detail and depth.

The Akai S5000 is equipped with a robust set of features that allows for extensive sound manipulation. Its intuitive interface offers easy navigation and editing capabilities, so you can focus on creativity rather than getting lost in menus. With a maximum sample rate of 44.1 kHz and a generous RAM capacity that can be expanded to 256MB, it’s built to handle complex projects with ease. Whether you're layering drum loops or crafting unique textures, the S5000’s versatile sound-shaping tools make it an indispensable tool for any music creator.

This sampler also offers extensive connectivity options, including multiple outputs and digital I/O for seamless integration into any studio setup. The inclusion of SCSI and USB connections ensures compatibility with both vintage and modern equipment, providing flexibility for all types of workflows.

Key Features:

20-bit stereo sampling engine for high-quality sound
Maximum sample rate of 44.1 kHz
Expandable RAM up to 256MB
User-friendly interface with extensive editing capabilities
Multiple outputs and digital I/O for versatile connectivity
SCSI and USB connections for compatibility with various devices

Product specs

Brand	Akai
Model	S5000 MIDI Stereo Digital Sampler
Finish	White
Year	1998
Made In	Japan
Categories	Digital Synthesizers, Samplers
Analog / Digital	Digital
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Polyphony	64 Voices

FAQs

What are the main features of the Akai S5000 sampler?: The Akai S5000 is a digital MIDI stereo sampler with 64-voice polyphony, offering extensive sampling capabilities for music production and live performance. It features MIDI input, output, and through connections, making it versatile for integrating with various setups.
How does the Akai S5000 handle sound quality and sampling?: The Akai S5000 is renowned for its high-quality digital sampling, allowing precise sound capture and playback. It supports stereo sampling, providing rich and detailed audio reproduction suitable for professional music production.
Is the Akai S5000 compatible with modern MIDI setups?: Yes, the Akai S5000 includes MIDI input, output, and through ports, enabling seamless integration with modern MIDI setups and controllers for flexible music creation and performance.
Can the Akai S5000 be used in both studio and live settings?: The Akai S5000 is designed for both studio and live environments, offering robust sampling capabilities and reliable performance. Its MIDI connectivity and digital interface make it adaptable to various music production and live performance needs.
What is the build quality and design of the Akai S5000?: The Akai S5000, made in Japan, features a durable build and a user-friendly interface. Its white finish and sturdy construction ensure longevity and ease of use for musicians and producers.

Videos

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TheBizzyBScience

AKAI S5000 HARDWARE SAMPLER: Pure filth for the money!

TheBizzyBScience

Making a Beat on Akai S5000 and MPC2000

eekz Made This!

AKAI S5000 Sampler Overview and Upgrades

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Celldweller Production: Akai S5000 Sampler

celldweller

Why the Akai S5000 is the GOAT (AK.SYS USB)

Thought-Forms

HARDWARE SAMPLER 2022 | RASCSI |Raspberry pi : AKAI S5000 WORKING!

TheBizzyBScience

Programming Samples on the Akai S5000

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Reviews

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PROS

High polyphony (64 or 128 voices) for complex compositions
Built-in effects with excellent sound quality
Chromatic sampling capabilities make it an amazing synthesizer
Compatible with modern storage via SCSI to SD technology
Samples stored as .wav files for easy compatibility
Large, easy-to-navigate screen enhances user experience
Multiple outputs and robust modulation/routing options
Can operate without a computer, freeing up DAW resources
Supports FAT32 storage, easing file management
Optional USB interface for computer integration

CONS

Learning curve might be steep for beginners
Requires additional investment for full functionality (e.g., SCSI2SD board)
Limited support for modern operating systems (e.g., iOS later than 10.5)
Some users find it over-featured and not intuitive
May feel dated or stale to some users compared to newer samplers

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Akai S5000.

Features and functionality

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The Akai S5000's screen is notably larger than other Akai samplers, enhancing usability despite its similar size.
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The S5000 can read and write 16-bit WAV files, offering more modern file compatibility than the S1000's proprietary system.
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The Akai S5000 does not stream samples directly from a hard disk; all samples must be loaded into RAM for use.
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Mods and upgrades

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Adding a small PS2 keyboard significantly improves the user experience, despite being an understated modification.
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The USB and EB cards for the Akai S5000 are rare and sought after, making them valuable upgrades for owners.
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SCSI2SD or ZuluSCSI upgrades are highly recommended for both the S5000 and S1000 to enhance functionality.
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Software and compatibility

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Ak.sys software can run through various setups like a G4 MDD with OS 9.2 or 10.4, or using a Windows XP system for sample management.
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Crossover Office for Mac on M1 chips successfully runs older Windows XP software, providing an alternative for ak.sys users.
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The S5000's ak.sys software provides advanced connectivity for DAW integration, especially with the essential USB card.
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The ak.sys software allows drag-and-drop sample management similar to a DAW, making sample arrangement more intuitive.
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Setup and maintenance

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The S1000's PSU is prone to failure, but a $20 Meanwell PSU is an easy replacement option.
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The CD-ROM drive connects via SCSI and requires unique SCSI ID settings to interface with the S5000.
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Use cases and applications

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The S1000 is often likened to playing a game of chess, offering a unique workflow and methodology distinct from modern DAWs.
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The S5000 can be used with Recycle software to turn loops into sample sets for ak.sys, enhancing sample manipulation.
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Comparisons

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Despite the improved UI, the S5000 is considered less remarkable compared to samplers like the Emax series, which offer analog filters and synthesis engines.
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User experience

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Owners with vintage setups appreciate the S5000 for its multi-output capabilities, crucial for separating drum channels in mixes.
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Critic Reviews

Akai S6000 & S5000

soundonsound.com

The Akai S5000 sampler impresses with its modern user interface and robust features, such as 256MB RAM support and WAV compatibility, making it a studio staple. While it boasts improved I/O facilities and a sleek design, users must navigate some initial software bugs and missing features. With a competitive price point, the S5000 is a powerful and user-friendly choice for both seasoned and new Akai users, despite requiring some patience for potential future system updates.

positive

Full Review

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 18 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

alfa_trax

195

over 6 years ago

16 bits stereo digital sampler

16 bits stereo digital sampler, multiple outs, big screen, multimode filters

Roles:

Composer Music Producer Audio Engineer

Genres:

Electronic Pop

atonalmeasure

257

over 9 years ago

Great sampler but stale and uninspiring

This should have been the holy grail of sampling, but it was over featured and boring.. just stale. Capable of doing just about anything you would want from a sampler, but was quickly fired onto eBay.. I don't miss it.