Akai S950
Akai S950
£35/day
£105/week
The Akai S950, released in 1988, is a rackmount 12-bit sampler celebrated for its crunchy, lo-fi sound. Its variable sampling rates (7.5 to 48 kHz) and limited memory (750KB) encouraged creative sample manipulation and truncation, adding a signature grit often heard in early hip-hop and jungle music.
The S950 features a powerful time-stretching algorithm, one of the first of its kind, enabling producers to stretch samples without changing pitch—a game-changer for breakbeat manipulation. Its analog filter further colors the sound, while its MIDI implementation makes it easy to integrate with other gear. Despite its limitations, its unique sonic character and ease of use keep it popular with modern producers seeking vintage sampling aesthetics.
