Next up from the S1000 & S1100, we go to the first 3000 series - still 16 bit samplers, but with an improved OS, better filters - (with optional second filter upgrade or fitted), Balanced XLR L/R in/out added to the usual 1/4" un-balanced L/R in/out ..... 8 polyphonic outs.... & some basic added fx too !!....
The S3000 was the standard with all the extra stuff as optional, the 3000i, (as usual for all Akai samplers suffixed with 'i'), added s/pdif as standard, but the rest optional...
All models except the 2800's could take a hard-drive internally or in the case of the 3200, (see 3200 page) - it came fitted... also, the 3000 & 3200 could do direct to h/d recording... standard on the 3200 & optional on the 3000 & 3000i....
There was also the CD3000i , (see it's own page) - which offered the idea to load samples from it's internal cdrom only, thus providing a sample-library playback unit.... but ....no ability to sample... (yup - it doesnt sample)... & 1/4" un-balanced connectors all round....
Finally, they released a cut-down cheaper 3000 series - The 2800's - These had reduced features, and can be a bargain if picked up cheap & fully expanded.....
main thing to watch with all these older 3000 models, is the use of the Akai sample ram boards which are NOT standard simms.... so unless the sampler comes s/h WITH this extra ram fitted, it is hard to find, and bloody expensive when you do find it... (8mb retailed new at 300 quid !!)..... So... here's the spec's for the S3000 & S3000i....
S-3000
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|---|
| Sampling System | 16 bit linear |
| Sampling Rates | 44.1 kHz / 22.05 kHz |
| Memory | 8 MB (standard) / 32 MB (expanded) |
| Polyphony | 32 voices |
| Maximum Samples | 255 |
| Maximum Programs | 254 |
| Recording Gain | HI = -58 dBm / MID = -38 dBm / LOW = -18 dBm |
| Filters | Digital moving low-pass filter (-12 dB/octave with resonance) |
| Envelope Generators | 2 (1 multi-stage) |
| LFOs | 2 |
| Hard Disk Recording | IB-304F 2nd LSI board (optional) |
| Effects | Echo/Chorus/Pitch Shift/Delay |
| Display | Back-lit 40 x 8 characters (640 x 240 dots) |
| Help Pages | Provided |
| Storage Devices | 3.5-inch 2HD/2DD floppy disk |
| 3.5-inch hard disk (optional) internally mountable |
| Standard Inputs | XLR (balanced) x 2, 1/4-inch phone jack (balanced) x 2 |
| Standard Outputs | XLR (balanced) x 2, 1/4-inch phone jack (unbalanced) x 2 |
| Assignable Outputs | 1/4-inch phone jack (unbalanced) x 8 |
| Headphones | 1/4-inch stereo phone jack x 1 |
| Footswitch | 1/4-inch phone jack x 1 |
| MIDI | DIN-5P IN x 1, OUT x 1, THRU x 1 |
| SCSI | IB-301S SCSI interface board (optional) |
| AES/EBU Digital In/Out | IB-302D digital interface board (optional) |
| SMPTE Reader/Generator | IB-303T SMPTE board (optional) |
S-3000i
|
|---|
| Sampling System | 16 bit linear |
| Sampling Rates | 44.1 kHz / 22.05 kHz |
| Memory | 8 MB (standard) / 32 MB (expanded) |
| Polyphony | 32 voices |
| Maximum Samples | 255 |
| Maximum Programs | 254 |
| Recording Gain | HI = -58 dBm / MID = -38 dBm / LOW = -18 dBm |
| Filters | Digital moving low-pass filter (-12 dB/octave with resonance) |
| Optional upgrade to an additional hi-/band-/low-pass filter |
| Envelope Generators | 2 (1 multi-stage) |
| LFOs | 2 |
| Hard Disk Recording | IB-304F 2nd LSI board (optional) |
| Effects | Echo/Chorus/Pitch Shift/Delay |
| Display | Back-lit 40 x 8 characters (640 x 240 dots) |
| Help Pages | Provided |
| Storage Devices | 3.5-inch 2HD/2DD floppy disk |
| 3.5-inch hard disk (optional) internally mountable |
| Standard Inputs | XLR (balanced) x 2, 1/4-inch phone jack (balanced) x 2 |
| Standard Outputs | XLR (balanced) x 2, 1/4-inch phone jack (unbalanced) x 2 |
| Assignable Outputs | 1/4-inch phone jack (unbalanced) x 8 |
| Headphones | 1/4-inch stereo phone jack x 1 |
| Footswitch | 1/4-inch phone jack x 1 |
| MIDI | DIN-5P IN x 1, OUT x 1, THRU x 1 |
| SCSI | Provided |
| AES/EBU Digital In/Out | IB-302D digital interface board (optional) |
| SMPTE Reader/Generator | IB-303T SMPTE board (optional) |
So... The S3000 & S3000i - great old workhorses, and preferable if the price is right to newer models like the S2000 as you get the 8 poly outs as standard, the same ram - (32mb IF already expanded when you get it s/h), and even some included fx...... User comments please !!....
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