Brand

Akai

Akai, a Japanese company, made their biggest impact with the MPC series of samplers. The MPC revolutionised hip hop, R&B, and beat-driven music. Modern Akai still make powerful MPC units that combine standalone hardware with DAW integration. They also produce popular controllers like the MPK series. If sampling and beatmaking is your world, Akai’s legacy and present-day gear are second to none.

Category

Samplers

Browse hardware samplers and sample players for recording, importing, shaping, sequencing and performing with audio. The range includes compact sample players, pad-based production instruments and more complete standalone workstations. Useful differences include recording inputs, sample memory, editing depth, polyphony, storage, sequencing and MIDI connectivity, as well as whether the instrument can work independently of a computer.

Tags

Drum Machine

Hardware designed for creating and sequencing electronic drum and percussion patterns. Tagged products may generate sounds through analogue circuitry, digital synthesis, samples or a hybrid design, with different approaches to programming and performance.

MIDI

Products that send, receive or process Musical Instrument Digital Interface data. MIDI carries performance and control information rather than audio, allowing keyboards, synthesisers, sequencers, computers and other equipment to play and synchronise with one another.

Sampler

Products that record, load, manipulate or perform with sampled audio. This includes compact sample players and more advanced production instruments with editing, sequencing, effects and storage for creating kits, loops, textures and complete arrangements.

Sequencer

Products with dedicated note, rhythm, MIDI or control-voltage sequencing capabilities. A sequencer records or generates musical events and sends them to internal sounds or connected instruments, often providing step programming, pattern chaining and performance controls.