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.
Sadly these are endangered, as they discontinued the latest installment, the s-6000, over a decade ago which means any given s-3000 model or below is now over 15+ years old - with no reputable dealer to fix or explain any one problem.
If you see one in mint, expect to pay 500+ - but never any more than that, though these machines retailed straight from Japan for over $2000 when first released.
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.