Samplers

Samplers transformed music production by allowing recorded sounds to be triggered, manipulated and sequenced as playable instruments. Emerging in the late 1970s and developing rapidly through the 1980s and 1990s, digital sampling systems became central to studio production across pop, hip hop, electronic and film scoring environments. This archive includes vintage hardware samplers alongside modern digital sampling systems, from early rack-mounted units to integrated workstation platforms, these machines shaped the evolution of sample-based composition and studio workflow.

Decades
Made In Japan
Released in 1988 /
Akai S950 MIDI Digital Sampler features a 48kHz Sampling Rate and up to 99 Mult samples which allow you to reproduce the beautiful sounds of acoustic instruments.
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Made In Japan
Released in 1988 /
The Akai S1000 is a legendary sampler known for its CD-quality sound, advanced editing features, and full MIDI integration. Its flexibility and compatibility with AKAI S900 disks made it a studio favourite, solidifying its status as an industry-standard tool for producers and musicians.
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Made In U.S.A.
Released in 1988 /
The Ensoniq EPS-M is a MIDI system offering 13 built-in sounds, 20-note polyphony, and advanced looping and editing. With up to 16 tracks and MIDI auto-mix, it’s ideal for creating and editing music. It features ten line outputs and supports external storage up to 5 GB, making it a powerful, flexible tool for musicians seeking high-quality sounds and sequencing capabilities.
Made In Japan
Released in 1988 /
The Akai MPC60, launched in 1988 and co-designed with Roger Linn, was the first all-in-one sampling drum machine and MIDI sequencer. With its 12-bit sound, expressive pads, and unmatched sequencing power, it revolutionised music production, defining hip-hop, R&B, and electronic music for decades.
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Made In U.S.A.
Released in 1990 /
The Ensoniq EPS-16+ is a powerful digital sampling workstation featuring 16-bit sampling, 24-bit dynamic effects processing, and a built-in 16-track sequencer. With sampling rates up to 44.6 kHz, 20-voice polyphony, and advanced sound design capabilities, it offers exceptional control for music production and live performances.
Made In Japan
Released in 1991 /
The Akai MPC60II is a classic 12-bit, 40 kHz sampler and sequencer combining performance features (pads, real-time controls, swing) with flexible sequencing and external sync options. It differs from the original MPC-60 through a redesigned chassis, built-in headphone output, and a fixed display, while retaining the core audio and sequencing architecture.
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Made In U.S.A.
Released in 1992 /
The Ensoniq ASR-10R Advanced Sampling Recorder is a groundbreaking digital sampling rack unit that sets a new standard in workstation integration. With its revolutionary 24-bit dynamic effects processing and the ability to monitor, sample, and resample through onboard effects, the ASR-10R transforms sampling into an expressive and musical experience.
Made In Japan
Released in 1994 /
The Akai MPC3000 advanced the MPC legacy with 16-bit stereo sampling, expanded memory, SCSI storage, and an ultra-tight sequencer. Renowned for its musical feel and intuitive design, it remains one of the most influential production instruments ever made.
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Made In Japan
Released in 1995 /
The Akai S2000 Stereo Digital Sampler delivered the core power of the S3000 series in a compact, affordable rack unit. With 32-voice polyphony, expandable memory, powerful DSP features, and deep modulation options, it offered both sampling and synthesis capabilities. Compatible with Akai’s extensive sound library and featuring optional effects, digital I/O, and Mac editor software.
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Made In Japan
Released in 1996 /
The Akai CD3000XL is a powerful 32-voice sampler with advanced synthesis features, multi-mode sequencing, built-in effects, and a quad-speed CD-ROM drive. It supports a wide range of Akai and third-party libraries, offers software integration with Macintosh systems, and provides flexible expansion options for professional studio use.
Made In Japan
Released in 1997 /
The Yamaha A3000 Professional Sampler is a powerful tool for break-beat and phrase sampling, featuring a triple-block effects system, user-friendly interface, and expandable options such as digital I/O and up to 128 MB of additional RAM. Ideal for both studio and live performance, it offers extensive sound-shaping capabilities and intuitive control.
Made In Japan
Released in 1997 /
The Akai MPC2000 brought professional-grade sampling, sequencing, and pad performance together in one powerful unit. With its distinctive timing, tactile pads, and all-in-one design, it reshaped the way beats were created and became one of the most influential instruments in modern music production.
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