Vintage Synth Explorer

Akai • S-3000 / S-3200

The S-series samplers from Akai are most likely the best 16-bit samplers in the world. The most radical feature about these great samplers is that they are very synth-like. Aside from outstanding sampling specs such as 44.1kHz 16-bit stereo sampling with tons of RAM (8 to 32 MB) and extensive editing capability, the S-3000 series have excellent synth-like filters with resonance, 32-voice polyphony, full digital onboard effects (delay, chorus, reverb, etc.) two LFOs, and complete MIDI implementation with MTC and SMPTE. Other bonus features include digital I/O, SCSI interface, multiple storage options and a great big LCD display screen.

The S-3000XL (pictured above) has the same specs as the S-3000. But it comes with most of the options already installed. That includes the built-in hard-disk recording option, added filters, SCSI interface, digital I/O, additional optional effects and a SMPTE reader/generator.

The S-3200 (pictured above) differs from the S-3000 by coming with the added Digital filter expansion board and a magneto-optical storage drive option. Also, the Digital I/O, SCSI and SMPTE interfaces are standard features on the S-3200.

Some other models in the series include various options such as built in CD drives (S-3000CD) or internal hard disks (S-3000i, pictured top). The S-series samplers are THE professional standard and are used by everybody in all styles of music, especially the sampling-intensive styles of music such as HipHop, Techno, Trance, House, Industrial and Ambient. S-3000 series samplers are used by William Ørbit, Moby, Apollo 440, Fluke, Hardfloor, Goldie, Plastikman, Olive, LTJ Bukem, Eat Static, Dave Holmes, Underworld, Fatboy Slim, Faithless, Future Sound of London, Sneaker Pimps, Pet Shop Boys, and A Guy Called Gerald.

VISITOR COMMENTS (16)

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dorijan

Posted 38 days ago

Tommym,
S3000XL have filter resonance.When you add second filter bank, you get second multi filter (LP,BP,HP,EQ) with resonance.Without second filter bank you have only LP with resonance.And, S3000XL have 12db filters vs S1000 18db filter.In S3000XL you can add second bank filter option and EB16 4bus fx board.Max RAM is 32MB plus 16MB Flash RAM.S3200XL come with all options instaled.

tommym

Posted 78 days ago

the S3000XL doesn't have filter resonance or effects. They are add on features.

shawn rudiman

Posted 93 days ago

ive had a 3200 for a long while now (also have 612', 700's. 7000, 900, 1000, 2800 (which i added the effects/filter to) they are fantastic. differen than emus for sure. but still just as good. apples and oranges. i love the filters on the 3200 alot. especially with the extra card. serial filters make the sound so ridiculous. 3200 is awesome. period.

Dorijan

Posted 126 days ago

S3000XL dont have SMPTE reader/generator.

Henry

Posted 178 days ago

I have used a S2800 with 10mb for 8 years now. A superb sampler with good interface and great sound. The filter and effect section is basic but still usable. If you got plenty of other instruments in your setup the 4 outs will be enough, otherwise go for a S3000.

BTW remember to always turn the LCD when not using it, my display is still very bright and I have never changed it.

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