Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $1,100

High-end/Boutique

$249

$700+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Step into the world of high-performance sampling with the Akai S6000, a powerhouse in the realm of audio samplers. Perfectly suited for DJs and music producers, this device combines flexibility with precision, offering a seamless workflow for both studio and live settings. The S6000 stands out with its advanced sampling capabilities, allowing users to effortlessly capture and manipulate sounds with pristine clarity.

Equipped with a removable front panel, the S6000 provides a unique level of convenience, enabling remote operation and easy integration into any setup. Its user-friendly interface and large LCD screen ensure an intuitive sampling experience, making it accessible even to those new to the art of audio manipulation. With an impressive array of inputs and outputs, this sampler supports a wide range of audio sources, ensuring compatibility with various equipment.

The Akai S6000 is not just about capturing sound; it's designed to enhance and transform it. With its expansive memory capacity and robust editing features, you can push the boundaries of creativity, crafting distinctive audio landscapes. Whether you're remixing tracks or developing new sounds, the S6000 offers the tools you need to bring your musical visions to life.

Key Features:

  • Removable front panel for remote operation
  • Large LCD screen for easy navigation
  • Comprehensive editing features for creative sound manipulation
  • Multiple audio inputs and outputs for versatile connectivity
  • Expandable RAM for extensive sample storage
  • Supports a variety of audio formats

Product specs

Brand Akai
Model S6000 MIDI Stereo Digital Sampler
Finish White
Year 1999
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 S6000 sampler?

The Akai S6000 is a digital sampler with 64-voice polyphony, MIDI I/O capabilities, and supports sample rates of 44.1kHz and 48kHz. It is known for its versatile sampling functions and robust editing features, making it suitable for professional audio production.

How does the Akai S6000 differ from the Akai S5000?

The Akai S6000 includes a full set of features as standard, while the S5000 is more simplified, allowing users to add optional extras as needed. This makes the S6000 more equipped out-of-the-box for professional use.

Is the Akai S6000 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Akai S6000 is suitable for live performances due to its robust build, reliable MIDI implementation, and extensive sampling capabilities, which allow for seamless integration into live setups.

What connectivity options does the Akai S6000 offer?

The Akai S6000 features MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and MIDI Through connections, allowing for integration with various MIDI-compatible devices and controllers in studio and live environments.

Can the Akai S6000 be used with modern DAWs?

While the Akai S6000 is a standalone sampler, it can be integrated into modern DAW setups via MIDI, allowing users to trigger samples and sequences from within their digital audio workstations.

Stephen McLeod

Stephen McLeod

Why I bought an Akai S6000 hardware sampler in 2023...

Video thumbnail for Why I bought an Akai S6000 hardware sampler in 2023... by Stephen McLeod

Why I bought an Akai S6000 hardware sampler in 2023...

Stephen McLeod

Stephen McLeod

Video thumbnail for Chopping an amen break on an AKAI S6000 by tcdnb

Chopping an amen break on an AKAI S6000

tcdnb

tcdnb

Video thumbnail for Setting up ZuluSCSI with a vintage sampler [Akai S6000/S5000] by Stephen McLeod

Setting up ZuluSCSI with a vintage sampler [Akai S6000/S5000]

Stephen McLeod

Stephen McLeod

Video thumbnail for Accessing an Akai S6000's SCSI2SD v6 drive via a Mac or PC by Failed Muso

Accessing an Akai S6000's SCSI2SD v6 drive via a Mac or PC

Failed Muso

Failed Muso

Video thumbnail for Making Jungle on an AKAI s6000 S1 E1 by tcdnb

Making Jungle on an AKAI s6000 S1 E1

tcdnb

tcdnb

Video thumbnail for Akai S6000 Unboxing by tcdnb

Akai S6000 Unboxing

tcdnb

tcdnb

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Akai S6000.

Software and compatibility

  • The Akai S6000 cannot read Roland S550 floppy disks; a conversion tool like Chicken Systems Translator is required for compatibility, contingent on a PC with a floppy drive.

    Source
  • Translator can convert S550 disks to WAV files while retaining sample structure and program parameters, although some user skepticism exists about full infrastructure conversion.

    Source
  • OmniFlop is a free option for reading and writing the same format but lacks conversion capabilities, unlike the paid Translator software.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • USB drive replacements are noted for improving reliability and convenience over traditional floppy disks, despite maintaining the same storage capacity limitations.

    Source
  • Users are considering custom keyboard layouts with only relevant keys, suggesting potential for personalized control setups beyond the standard QWERTY.

    Source

User experience

  • Floppy disks are considered unreliable and prone to errors, with some users recalling frequent data loss, prompting a preference for USB drive replacements.

    Source
  • Detachable screen is a notable feature appreciated despite technical issues, particularly for users planning to integrate with DAWs for audio tracking.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Some owners report stereo desync issues when using certain filter types like HP+ and Bandpass, not commonly seen with traditional LPF.

    Source
  • A PS/2 keyboard can be connected to the S6000's ASCII input for quicker name entry, using cursor keys to navigate and RETURN/ESC to confirm or cancel.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Removing extra RAM resolved filter application issues, hinting at potential RAM compatibility problems affecting performance.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Akai S6000 & S5000

soundonsound.com

The Akai S6000 sampler is a powerhouse with a revamped user interface, offering 128-voice polyphony and 256Mb memory capacity, making it a formidable studio fixture. Its removable front panel and comprehensive I/O options, including improved SCSI and digital connections, cater to modern production needs. While the interface is intuitive, benefiting from WAV compatibility, some teething issues remain with the OS, and the lack of an effects library might disappoint some users. Despite these minor flaws, the S6000's powerful features and competitive pricing redefine expectations for studio samplers, marking a significant step forward for Akai.

positive
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 9 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
transquanta

Heavy feature sampler

This sampler when I got i had the additional hard disk and the effects board already installed. I purchased it for £20 (college moth ball sale), as well as a S5000 (which I sold for £400!). This has many outputs for individual sound and effects paths and the editing possibilities are very deep. Over this sampler I still really like my Yamaha A3000 as it has some better features which suit my sound design style better. But both units have their different quirks and they both have their own uses! The S6000 also has a detachable screen and I had a really long cable for mine so I could have the editing screen at the keyboard and the sampler racked up on the other side of the room, which ad some really good uses!

N

90s sampler workhorse

Multiple outputs straight to the analog console...

Artist usage

Add artist
See how David Arnold uses Akai S6000

David Arnold

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified

David Arnold has confirmed his use of the Akai S6000 sampler in his film scores, as he recounted sneaking his samplers through the airport. He stated, "You know a rack of S1000s and S6000s, the Akai samplers." This information is supported by a YouTube clip.

See how Mateo Pascual uses Akai S6000

Mateo Pascual

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Mateo Pascual uses an Akai S6000 hardware sampler, as evidenced by its presence in his studio rack in photos from the Tactland PDF article/interview available on his website. The Akai S6000 is identifiable by the front panel and screen/control layout consistent with this model. This indicates its role as a central sample playback and production tool in Pascual's composing workflow.

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 S6000, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Roland JV-2080 Synthesizer Module
Roland JV-2080 Synthesizer Module Synthesizers & Sound Modules
3
ARP 2600
ARP 2600 Synthesizers
3
Akai S3000XL
Akai S3000XL Audio Samplers
3
Lexicon 480L
Lexicon 480L Effects Processors
2
Akai S3000
Akai S3000 Audio Samplers
2
Roland Juno-106
Roland Juno-106 Synthesizers
2
EMS VCS 3
EMS VCS 3 Synthesizers
2
Behringer RD-8
Behringer RD-8 Drum Machines
2
Akai S3200
Akai S3200 Audio Samplers
2

Community setups

Show yours
noisengineer

noisengineer

Gear IQ 196

dj_k9

dj_k9

Gear IQ 426

noisengineer

noisengineer

Gear IQ 196

dj_k9

dj_k9

Gear IQ 426

More Akai Audio Samplers

Akai S3200XL

 

# 80

Rank

Jonny Greenwood Prince Kanye West
13 artists using
Roland SP-404A

$599.99 - $689.99

# 10

Rank

Kurt Vile Nick Reinhart Lila Ramani
12 artists using

Accessories & Related Items

Similar

Gear Guides