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.

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 1998 /

E-mu E6400 Ultra Emulator 4 Sampler

The E-mu E6400 Ultra was a cost-effective sampler with pro-level features, offering 64-voice polyphony, EOS 4.0, and deep synthesis tools. Fully upgradeable, it delivered serious power and flexibility in a studio-friendly format.

Made In Japan

Released in 1999 /

Akai S5000 MIDI Stereo Digital Sampler

The Akai S5000 is a professional 16-bit stereo sampler featuring 64-voice polyphony (expandable to 128), up to 256MB RAM, and support for .WAV and DOS disk formats. It offers virtual sampling from disk, extensive filtering, modulation, and optional multi-effects via the EB20 board.

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Made In Japan

Released in 1999 /

Akai Z4 Performance Sampler

The Akai Z4 Sampler is a 24-bit/96kHz hardware sampler combining high-end audio quality with powerful real-time control, advanced filtering, and deep synthesis capabilities. Featuring four assignable Q-Link knobs, over 40 onboard effects, and seamless integration with Akai’s ak.Sys software, it offered studio-grade performance and live flexibility without taxing your computer. Built on Akai’s sampling legacy, the Z4 delivered a new standard for professional hardware samplers.

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 1999 /

E-mu ESI-4000 Digital Sampler

The E-mu ESI-4000 is a 64-voice digital sampler with up to 128 MB of RAM, offering powerful sampling, editing, and filtering features in an affordable, user-friendly unit. It includes expandable analogue and digital outputs, a SCSI interface for easy connectivity, and access to a large sound library from E-mu, Ensoniq, and third-party sources.

Made In Japan

Released in 2000 /

Roland VP-9000 Variphrase Processor

The Roland VP-9000 VariPhrase Processor is an innovative audio processor that allows real-time manipulation of a sampled phrase’s pitch, time, and formant via MIDI while preserving exceptional sound quality. It enables instant loop matching to a common key and tempo, creates natural-sounding vocal harmonies, allows real-time note bending without altering phrase length, and offers a range of creative possibilities.

Made In Japan

Released in 2000 /

Akai S6000 Professional Stereo Digital Sampler

The Akai S6000 is a professional 64-voice sampler with advanced editing, virtual disk streaming, and up to 256MB memory, featuring a removable front panel, WAV compatibility, and powerful modulation and effects options for deep sample manipulation.

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Made In Japan

Released in 2000 /

Yamaha A4000 Professional Sampler

The Yamaha A4000 Professional Sampler is a powerful tool for sound creation, featuring 16 filters, 96 effects, Loop Divide/Remix functions, and real-time controls. With expandable RAM, broad sample format compatibility, and Direct-to-CD burning, it’s ideal for advanced music production and live performance.

Made In Japan

Released in 2000 /

Yamaha A5000 Professional Sampler

The Yamaha A5000 goes beyond traditional sampling with 16 filters, 96 effects, and advanced resampling. It offers real-time control, a user-friendly interface, and compatibility with formats like AIFF and WAV. Expandable up to 128 MB RAM and featuring Loop Divide/Remix and direct-to-CD burning, it’s perfect for music production and live use.

Made In Taiwan

Released in 2008 /

Akai MPC5000 Music Production Center

The Akai MPC5000, released in 2008, was the most advanced standalone MPC ever made, combining 64-track sequencing, 8-track hard disk recording, 64-voice sampling, a three-oscillator virtual analogue synthesiser, and a new effects engine. It remains the last flagship MPC to fully embody Akai’s all-in-one hardware production philosophy.

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Made In Taiwan

Released in 2025 /

Akai MPC Live III Music Production Center

The Akai MPC Live III is a portable, standalone production powerhouse featuring an 8-core processor, 8GB RAM, 3D-sensing pads, 16-step sequencer, built-in mic and speakers, and 24-channel USB-C audio interface. It delivers full studio power anywhere inspiration strikes.

Explore the full Akai MPC Series Series