The Akai Electronic Musical Instrument Division
Akai entered the electronic musical instrument world in 1984 with a
purpose: to give artists the tools they need to express and explore new
musical ideas. Built on Akai's advanced technology and long-standing expertise
in music, our instruments have become powerful creative tools for musicians,
engineers and producers all over the world.
Akai Electronic Musical Instruments is a division of Akai
Electric Company, Ltd., a company with a long history
of innovation and leadership in the fields of audio and video consumer
electronics. In 1984, Akai decided to expand its technological focus to
the field of electronic musical instruments. In the ensuing years, Akai
has introduced breakthrough products in the areas of sampling, synthesis
and digital recording, many of which (such as the legendary S-Series samplers
and the MPC series) have become industry standards in music and post-productions
studios around the world.
The history of Akai musical instruments is a history of industry firsts.
Some of the highlights include:
- 1984
MG1212: first integrated 12-track recorder/mixer
- 1985
S612: the first affordable rack-mount digital
sampler
- 1986
- The legendary
S900: the first truly affordable
professional multi- sampler.
- 1987
MPC60 MIDI Production Center: an integrated sampler/drum
machine/MIDI sequencer that became the standard production tool in the world
of rap and hip hop.
EWI1000 and EVI1000 Electronic
Wind Instruments: two innovative wind controllers and a matching synth that
brought new levels of expressiveness to electronic performance.
- 1988
S1000: the first affordable 16-bit professional
sampler with a large LCD display and graphic user-interface. The S1000 immediately
became the standard sampler in professional recording studios worldwide.
- 1990
S1100: the first sampler to include hard-disk
audio recording along with a host of other new features including Q-list
programming, a SMPTE reader/generator, digital output, etc.
- 1992
- S3200, S3000, S2800: the next generation of S-series samplers
featuring expanded sample editing and Assignable Program Modulation (ASM)
for adding analog synth style processing to any sampled sound.
S01: a remarkably affordable and easy-to-use
16-bit rack sampler ideal for phrase sampling.
- 1993
CD3000: the first sampler with a built-in
CD-ROM drive.
- 1994
MPC3000 brings 32-voice polyphony, 16-bit
sound and enhanced editing to the legendary MPC line.
- 1995
S2000,
S3000XL,
S3200XL: the latest generation of S-series samplers
add new features, expandability and affordability.
REMIX16: a new sampler designed for phrase sampling
and DJ live performance. A one-way ticket to Phat City.
In 1988, Akai again expanded its focus with the establishment of the
Akai Digital line of products. These products are designed to bring advanced
digital recording technology to a wide range of musicians, producers and
engineers. Included among Akai Digital products are those designed specifically
for the specialized worlds of broadcast and film and video post-production.
Highlights include:
- 1988
A-DAM DR1200, a revolutionary twelve-track digital
recording system utilizing 8mm video cassettes.
- 1990
DD1000: the first hard disk recorder/editor
to utilize 5.25" magneto/optical disks. Featuring extensive audio and
timecode interfaces and a removable recording medium, the DD1000 made synchronizing
digital audio to picture an affordable reality.
- 1991
- Extensions to the DD1000 system include the
DL1000
remote editing controller, the DL500 controller for broadcast use,
and QMAC software that allows control of the DD1000 from a Macintosh
computer.
- 1993
DR4d: the first affordable, stand-alone, four-track
hard-disk recorder.
DP88: a programmable digital signal patchbay
that allows the convenient routing of digital audio around a complex digital
recording setup.
- 1994
DD1500: an 8- or 16-track digital recorder/editor
that can use both fixed hard disks and M/O disks and comes standard with
an extensive array of timecode interfaces. Designed for those working in
dialog, sound effects, music, video and film editing and syncing.
DR8: the first affordable, stand-alone 8-track
disk recorder.
- 1995
DR16: the first affordable, stand-alone 16-track
disk recorder
As Akai looks to the future, we reaffirm our dedication to creating the
very best electronic instruments. We continue to strive to make products
that are ahead of their time, products that will help musicians expand their
creative horizons, products that will help facilitate the coming integration
of sound, graphics and picture into new realms of artistic expression.
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