Akai S612

^# 30

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$800.00 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (10)

2 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Akai S612

2 community setups

6 wishlisted

26 saved

Page last updated Jun 27, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 27, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (2)

$800.00 14 available Used

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Average Price: $800

High-end/Boutique

$249

$700+

Price Tier

In the Audio Samplers category, Akai S612 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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Experience the vintage charm of the Akai S612, a classic audio sampler that seamlessly blends the past with the present, offering a nostalgic touch to your modern DJ gear setup. Released in the 1980s, this distinctive sampler is celebrated for its 12-bit sampling resolution, providing a warm and gritty texture that is perfect for crafting unique soundscapes. The S612 is appreciated for its straightforward interface, making it an excellent choice for both seasoned professionals and those new to sampling.

The Akai S612 offers a range of features that cater to creative experimentation. It includes a single MIDI input, allowing you to integrate it effortlessly with your existing MIDI setup. The sampler supports a sample rate of 32kHz, enabling you to capture sounds with sufficient fidelity while maintaining that desirable vintage character. Additionally, its compact and robust design ensures that it remains a reliable companion in both studio and live environments.

Key Features:

12-bit sampling resolution for authentic vintage sound
Supports sample rates up to 32kHz
Single MIDI input for seamless connectivity
Simple and intuitive interface for ease of use
Compact and durable design suitable for studio and live performance
Ability to store and recall samples quickly and efficiently

Owner's manual

Akai S612 User Manual

Product specs

Brand	Akai
Model	S612 MIDI Digital Sampler
Finish	Black
Year	1985
Made In	Japan
Categories	Digital Synthesizers, Samplers
Analog / Digital	Digital
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Polyphony	6 Voices

FAQs

What are the main features of the Akai S612 sampler?: The Akai S612 is a digital sampler with 6-voice polyphony, MIDI input/output/through, and was made in Japan in 1985. It allows for basic sample editing and playback, making it suitable for vintage sound enthusiasts.
How does the Akai S612 connect with other MIDI devices?: The Akai S612 features MIDI input, output, and through ports, enabling it to connect easily with other MIDI-compatible devices for expanded performance and sequencing capabilities.
Is the Akai S612 suitable for live performances?: While the Akai S612 is primarily designed for studio use, its simple interface and MIDI connectivity make it viable for live performances, especially for those seeking authentic 1980s sampling sounds.
Can the Akai S612 sampler be used with modern DAWs?: Yes, the Akai S612 can be integrated with modern DAWs via MIDI connections, allowing it to be used as a sound source or for triggering samples within a digital audio workstation.

Videos

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Espen Kraft

Akai S612 - The first and best sampler Akai ever made - Demo/review/tutorial

Espen Kraft

Akai S612 The Luv Chord

ChicagoMelt

AKAI S612 Midi Digital Musical Sampler - Initial Thoughts by The Daydream Sound

The Daydream Sound

Akai S612 Demo

Joseph Shields

Lo-Fi Sampling With Akai S612

The Daydream Sound

Still My Favorite Akai Sampler

The Daydream Sound

Akai S612

Gear Geek

Experimental Noise Music Friendly Sampler Feedback

The Daydream Sound

Akai S612 under Midi CC control | Real-time fun

Espen Kraft

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 S612.

Features and functionality

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The S612 lacks modern sample saving, requiring a workaround via MIDI or a USB floppy emulator for storage.
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The S612's sliders for start/end control are unique, and enthusiasts seek similar features in modern samplers or guitar pedals for live performances.
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The S612 includes a gentle low-pass filter, controllable via a front panel knob, offering limited modulation but enhancing sound design flexibility when paired with external filters.
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Mods and upgrades

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Replacing the MD280 with a USB floppy emulator using FlashFloppy is possible but complex, especially with the pop-up QD unit.
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Some users consider building a small Eurorack setup to incorporate modular alternatives with slider control, indicating a potential upgrade path for S612 enthusiasts.
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A mod called Front Panel Animator by Hideaway Studios provides MIDI CC control over the S612's knobs and sliders, enhancing live performance capabilities.
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Hideaway Studios also offers a mod to disable the S612's anti-aliasing filter for a crunchier sound, appealing to users seeking a more distinctive audio character.
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User experience

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Owners describe the S612 as having a unique, bright sound characteristic of early Akai samplers, which some find irreplaceable.
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Owners express a need for portable samplers with on-the-fly sound storage capabilities, ideally featuring compact designs for live show use.
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Setup and maintenance

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The original MD-280 QuickDisk drive is considered unreliable, making alternative storage solutions necessary for practical use.
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Comparisons

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The S612 is compared to the S700, with both sharing a similar sonic signature that enthusiasts value highly.
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Users suggest the Tyme Sefari mkii and Gingko Synthese Sampleslicer as modular alternatives with similar slider functionality, though these are in Eurorack format.
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Some owners prefer the tonal qualities of the Roland MKS-100 or Akai S20 over the S612, though the S612's sliders offer unique control advantages.
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Use cases and applications

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The S612's quick sample recording speed is appreciated but hindered by its large size, making it less suitable for gigging without preloaded sounds.
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Users highlight the S612's ability to execute instant reverse effects by crossing the start and end faders, adding creative potential in live and studio settings.
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The S612 can be configured with Akai AX synthesizers to expand sonic possibilities, utilizing the sampler as a second oscillator with more comprehensive modulation options.
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 10 Ratings

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mvrasicci

289

about 7 years ago

The Akai S612 sampler is sitting in my rack to this day...

This 12-bit sampler traveled throughout the eastern U.S. with me back in the 1980's. I triggered it with the Akai AX-60. I love using a guitar sample I created with it. I also have a cool orchestral stab I used often back in the day. I haven't used it in years, but it still works!