1963

MELLOTRON MK.I

Using analog tape, it and the Chamberlin were the first keyboards to play recorded sounds of real instruments.

 

 

 

 

1976

COMPUTER MUSIC MELODIAN

Based on a DEC PDP-8 computer, it had then-unheard-of 12-bit/22kHz resolution.

 

 

 

 

1979

FAIRLIGHT CMI

First sampling workstation. Created signature sounds for Kate Bush (shown), Thomas Dolby, and many others.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1981

E-MU EMULATOR

First “affordable” ($8,000) sampler you could easily throw on a keyboard stand.

 

 

1984

LINN 9000

First integrated drum machine/ sequencer/sampler. Ancestor of Akai MPC series.

 

 

 

1985

ENSONIQ MIRAGE

First actually affordable (approx. $1,500) sampler for the weekendgigging masses.

 

 

 

 

1986

AKAI S900

First affordable, mass-produced sampler to up audio resolution to 12 bits.

 

 

 

1987

E-MU SP1200

Its crunchy, grimy sound and oddball swing/shuffle propelled countless rap tracks.

 

 

 

 

 

1988

AKAI MPC60

Designed by Roger Linn. Arguably the single most important beatbox after the Roland TR-808.

 

 

 

 

 

 

1989

BITHEADZ UNITY DS-1

First soft sampler to offer many of the features of today’s plug-ins.

 

 

 

 

 

 

1998

NEMESYS GIGASAMPLER

First soft sampler to stream samples directly from hard disk.

 

 

 

 

 

2001

ABLETON LIVE

First clip-oriented soft sampler you could truly play like an instrument.