So the economic crisis is no doubt affecting just about everyone, especially all the gear junkies worldwide. Some prices have fallen on gear, but not really on anything that is in high demand. So if you’re looking to get that crunchy 12-bit sound at a fraction of the price, there are a few options available.

An MPC-60, even with the stock OS and ram will run you between $400 and $600 if you can find one. So what else is there?

Budget Gear

Well, most people by now probably already know all about the Akai S-950, but it’s worth mentioning, as well as it’s less popular red-headed step-dad, the Akai S-900.

The s-900 goes for as little as $50 on ebay, but more likely somewhere in the $100 – $250 range, an s-950 goes for around $150 – $300 on ebay. Either way, you can’t beat it for the price. You get a beautiful 12-bit sound, with tons of sample time at a fraction of the price. The s-900 could hold up to 63 seconds of sample time which is more than enough. Most likely you’ll need a good 10 seconds just for drums…which brings us to your REAL budget options.

RECESSION GEAR

Akai S-700 and Akai S-612

Each has about 8 seconds of sampling time maximum, and each uses the impossible to find quick disk (QD). The S-612 had an external QD drive that I’ve always seen attached. These machines are more for sampling into and then back out into your main sampler. If you happen to find a stockpile of QD’s, then you may be in business.

These things are TRUE 12-bit samplers. A gritty sound that the MPC-60 would be envious of. These are by far the most economical units to get that famous MPC-60 crunch to your drums, and they could cost you anywhere between $0 and $100. Just keep your eyes peeled to eBay and your local craigslist for them.

Let’s review, when you want to get that classic sound, here are your pay grades:

Classic Sound with a Classic Price: Akai MPC-60 / II  $400 – $800

Budget and functionality: Akai S-950 / S-900 $100 – $300

Recession Gear: Akai S-700 / Akai S-612 $0 – $100

That’s it for this version of recession gear, next up:  E-mu’s SP-1200

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