Akai • S20
Akai's S20 Stereo Phrase Sampler starts out looking like a table-top version of the lackluster S01. Major improvements include STEREO input and outputs and far greater memory expansion (up to 17 MB) and of course, the sequencer. The standard 1 MB can sample between 7 to 56 seconds. Upgrading to 17 MB lets you sample from 131 seconds (Stereo 32kHz) to 1048 seconds (Mono 8kHz)! The S20 is a budget desktop phrase sampler targeted towards DJs and home project studios; and the S20 offers excellent value for the price.
An onboard 3.5 inch high density floppy disk drive allows for samples to be interchanged with higher-end Akai samplers or loaded onto a computer for further editing. There are some caveats, however, and these include absolutely no onboard effects whatsoever and a rather poor built-in sequencer. It is also worth noting that the unit uses RCA jacks instead of 1/4 inch stereo plugs, which may be useful to some and irritating to others. Nonetheless, pair the S20 up with a decent sequencer and an outboard effects box or filter (if desired) and you've got a nice, cheap, and functional little sampler.
If you wanna be creative try bitcrushing on this baby! you can get some really nice results.
I would say this to anyone thinking of buying an S20 (or any akai): Don't over look the quiality of akai quality of these older AD/DAs, they just sound great... I moved on to the S5000 then finally the MPC5000 after buying my S20 but still kept the S20 because of the sound these filters capture.
I'd say its more of live performance tool than a studio piece, works great w/ Kaoss Pad or Alesis AirFX, or both even!