View source for Akai

{{Short description|Japanese electronics manufacturer}}
{{About||people named Akai|Akai (name)|||text=Not to be confused with [[Açaí]].}}
{{More citations needed|date=November 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2024|cs1-dates=y}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Akai Electric Company Ltd
| logo = Akai_brand_logo.svg
| logo_size = 200px
| type = [[Subsidiary]]
| foundation = {{start date and age|df=yes|1929}}, in [[Tokyo]], Japan
| founder = Masukichi Akai
| defunct = {{start date and age|df=yes|2000}}
| location = 
| parent = [[Mitsubishi Electric]] (c. 1987–1994)<br>[[International Semi-Tech Microsystems]] (c. 1994–1999)<br>[[Grande Holdings]] (1999–present; brand name)
| key_people = 
| industry = [[Electronics]]
| products = [[Hi-fi]] equipment
| revenue = 
| homepage = 
}}

'''Akai''' ({{langx|ja|赤井}}, {{IPA|ja|a̠ka̠i|pron}}) was a Japanese electronics manufacturer, established as Akai Electric Company Ltd in [[Tokyo]] in 1929. It was best known outside Japan for its [[tape recorders]] during the 1960s and 1970s. The company became bankrupt in 2000 and since then third-party products have been marketed under the Akai brand name, which has since been owned by [[Grande Holdings]] of [[Hong Kong]].

In its earlier history, Akai had made many innovations in the development of [[magnetic tape]]-based audio technology. Around 1980, the music division [[Akai Professional]] was founded, offering production and stage equipment for modern music. After the controversial collapse of the business in 2000,<ref name="DuceTan" /> the Akai brand came under the ownership of Hong Kong based [[Grande Holdings]]. The company now distributes a range of electronic products, including [[LED TV]]s, [[washing machines]], [[clothes dryers]], [[air conditioners]], and [[smartphones]]. These products are developed through collaborations with other electronics companies with relevant expertise. The Akai Professional electronic instrument division had already been spun off in 1999<ref name="akaipromi" /> and operated under separate ownership;<ref name="inmusic" /> this unit is now owned and operated by [[inMusic Brands]].

==Corporate history==
Akai was founded by Masukichi Akai and his son, Saburo Akai (who died in 1973<ref name=museum-msr/>), as {{nihongo|''Akai Electric Company Ltd.''|赤井電機株式会社|Akai Denki [[Kabushiki Gaisha]]}}, a [[Japan]]ese manufacturer, in 1929.<ref name=museum-msr>{{cite web  
 | title = Akai Electric Company Ltd.  
 | url = http://museumofmagneticsoundrecording.org/ManufacturersAkai.html  
 | work = Reel to Reel Tape Recorder Manufacturers  
 | publisher = Museum of Magnetic Sound Recording  
 | access-date = 2013-07-02  
}}</ref><ref name=akai.com>{{cite web  
 | title = About Akai  
 | url = http://akai.com/  
 | work = akai.com  
 | publisher = Akai  
 | access-date = 2013-07-02  
}}</ref><ref name=adt-digital>{{cite web  
 | title = Akai History  
 | url = http://adt-digital.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3&Itemid=2
 | work = adt-digital.com  
 | publisher = Akai  
 | access-date = 2013-07-02  
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130810022721/http://adt-digital.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3&Itemid=2  
 | archive-date = 10 August 2013  
 | url-status = usurped
}}</ref> Some sources, however, suggest the company was established in 1946.<ref group=note>
Although reliable sources are not yet found, according to several sources ([http://kotobank.jp/word/%E8%B5%A4%E4%BA%95%E9%9B%BB%E6%A9%9F%5B%E6%A0%AA%5D kotobank.jp], [[:ja:Akai Professional]]), Masukichi Akai established ''Akai Press Industry'' in 1923, and his son, Saburo Akai, founded ''Akai Electric Company Ltd.'' in 1946, with Masukichi serving as the president of both.  
</ref>

The company's business eventually became disorganized, and it exited the audio industry in 1991. At its peak in the late 1990s, Akai Holdings employed 100,000 workers and had annual sales of HK$40 billion (US$5.2 billion). The company filed for insolvency in November 2000, owing creditors US$1.1 billion.<ref name=DuceTan>{{cite web | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aWP18uiUC6dQ | publisher=Bloomberg | title=Akai Liquidator to Receive Payment in Settlement With Grande | first1=John | last1=Duce | first2=Andrea | last2=Tan | date=5 October 2009 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222154521/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aWP18uiUC6dQ | archive-date=22 February 2014}}</ref> It emerged that ownership of Akai Holdings had passed to [[Grande Holdings]] in 1999, a company founded by Akai's chairman [[James Ting]]. The liquidators claimed that Ting had stolen over US$800 million from the company with the assistance of accountants [[Ernst & Young]], who had tampered with audit documents dating back to 1994.<ref name=SCMP20090930>{{cite news | url=https://www.scmp.com/article/694025/raids-arrest-fraud-police-probe-akai-files | title=Raids, arrest as fraud police probe Akai files | first1=Naomi | last1=Rovnick | first2=Clifford | last2=Lo| date=30 September 2009 | newspaper=South China Morning Post}}</ref> Ting was imprisoned for false accounting in 2005,<ref name=SCMP20090930 /> and E&Y paid $200 million to settle the negligence case out of court in September 2009.<ref name=SCMP20100127>{{cite news | url=https://www.scmp.com/article/704741/ernst-young-pays-settle-negligence-claim | title=Ernst & Young pays up to settle negligence claim | first=Naomi | last=Rovnick | date=27 January 2010 | newspaper=South China Morning Post}}</ref> In a separate lawsuit, a former E&Y partner, Christopher Ho, made a "substantial payment" to Akai creditors in his role as chairman of Grande Holdings.<ref name=DuceTan />

The "Akai Professional" division, specializing in electronic instruments, became a separate business in 1999.<ref name=akaipromi /> It was acquired in 2005 by businessman [[Jack O'Donnell (businessman)|Jack O'Donnell]] (later becoming a part of his [[inMusic Brands]] group)<ref name='inmusic'>{{cite web|url=https://www.inmusicbrands.com/about/|title=About inMusic and Jack O'Donnell|quote=In 2005 [..] O’Donnell purchased [..] Akai Professional, one of the world’s most influential manufacturers of music production gear|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326021149/https://www.inmusicbrands.com/about/|archivedate=2023-03-26|accessdate=2023-05-24}}</ref> and is no longer associated with the main "Akai" brand.

==History==

===Historical products===
[[File:AKAI stack.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Stack of historical AKAI machines]]  
Akai's products included [[Reel-to-reel audio tape recording|reel-to-reel]] audiotape recorders (such as the GX series), [[Tuner (radio)|tuners]] (top-level AT, mid-level TR and TT series), [[Compact audio cassette|audio cassette]] decks (top-level GX and TFL, mid-level TC, HX, and CS series), [[amplifier]]s (AM and TA series), [[microphone]]s, [[Receiver (radio)|receivers]], [[Phonograph|turntables]], [[Videocassette recorder|video recorders]], and [[loudspeaker]]s.

[[File:Tape recorder GX-6300.jpg|thumb|Tape recorder GX-630D]]  
Many Akai products were sold under the name '''Roberts''' in the U.S.,{{Citation needed|date=November 2024}} as well as '''A&D''' in Japan (from 1987, following a partnership with [[Mitsubishi Electric]]), '''Tensai''', and ''Transonic Strato'' in Western Europe.{{Citation needed|date=November 2024}} During the late 1960s, Akai adopted [[Tandberg]]'s [[cross-field head|cross-field recording]] technologies (using an extra tape head) to enhance high-frequency recording and later switched to the increasingly reliable Glass and Crystal (X'tal) (GX) ferrite heads.{{Citation needed|date=November 2024}} The company's most popular products{{Citation needed|date=November 2024}} included the GX-630D, GX-635D, GX-747/GX-747DBX, and GX-77 open-reel recorders (the latter featuring an auto-loading function), the three-head, closed-loop GX-F95, GX-90, GX-F91, GX-R99 cassette decks, and the AM-U61, AM-U7, and AM-93 stereo amplifiers.

Akai manufactured and badged most of its imported hi-fi products under the [[Tensai International|Tensai]] brand (named after the Swiss audio and electronics distributor '''Tensai International'''{{Citation needed|date=November 2024}}). Tensai International served as Akai's exclusive distributor for the Swiss and Western European markets until 1988.

Akai limited its consumer [[hi-fi]] product line in the United States and Europe toward the end of the 20th century.{{Citation needed|date=November 2024}}

====Introduction of the on-screen display====
Akai produced consumer [[video cassette recorder]]s (VCRs) during the mid-1980s. The Akai VS-2 was the first VCR to feature an [[on-screen display]],<ref>
{{cite news  
 | newspaper = The Sydney Morning Herald  
 | date = 24 Apr 1983  
 | title = Stylish Akai VS-2 appeal  
 | url = https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1301&dat=19830424&id=DI1WAAAAIBAJ&pg=6566,8245689  
}}</ref> originally named the Interactive Monitor System. By displaying information directly on the television screen, this innovation eliminated the need for the user to be physically near the VCR to program recordings, read the tape counter, or perform other common functions. Within a few years, all competing manufacturers had adopted on-screen display technology in their own products.

===Akai Professional<!--'Akai Professional' redirects here-->===
{{for|the present-day owners of the "Akai Professional" brand for music-related products (now under entirely separate ownership from the "Akai" consumer electronics brand)|inMusic Brands}}  
{{more citations needed section|date=November 2024}}  
In 1984,<ref name=akaipromi/> a new division of the company<ref name=kanagawa/> was formed to focus on the manufacture and sale of [[electronic instruments]], and was called '''Akai Professional'''<!--boldface per WP:R#PLA-->.

<div style="clear:right;float:right;margin:-1.65ex 0 -1.65ex auto;">
[[File:Akaimg1214.png|thumb|250px|right|Akai's portable studio, Akai MG-1214 unit]]</div>
The first product released by the new subsidiary was the MG1212, a 12-channel, 12-track recorder.<ref name=akaipromi-prod>
{{cite web  
 | title = Akai Professional / Akai Digital – Product History  
 | url = http://www.hollowsun.com/gagnon/about/prod_hist.html  
 | publisher = Akai Professional M.I.  
 | year = c. 1999  
 | url-status = dead  
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120130202811/http://www.hollowsun.com/gagnon/about/prod_hist.html  
 | archive-date = 30 January 2012  
}}</ref> This innovative device used a specialized VHS-like cartridge (the MK-20) and could record 10 minutes of continuous 12-track audio at 19&nbsp;cm per second or 20 minutes at half speed (9.5&nbsp;cm per second). One track (14) was permanently dedicated to recording absolute time, and another for synchronization such as [[SMPTE]] or [[MIDI timecode|MTC]]. Each channel strip included [[dbx (noise reduction)|dbx]] type-1 noise reduction and semi-parametric equalizers (with fixed bandwidths). The unit also featured innovations like an electronic 2-bus system, a 12-stereo channel patch bay, and automatic [[Punch in / out|punch in and out]] capabilities, among others. The unique transport design and noise reduction gave these units a recording quality that rivaled more expensive 16-track machines using 1" tape. The MG-1212 was later succeeded by the MG-1214, which improved the transport mechanism and overall performance.

====AX series analog synthesizers====
<div style="clear:right;float:right;margin:-1.65ex 0 -1.65ex auto;">
[[Image:AKAI AX80.jpg|thumb|220px|AX80]]</div>
<!-- div style="clear:right;float:right;margin:-1.65ex 0 -1.65ex auto;">
[[Image:AKAI AX60.jpg|thumb|220px|AX60]]</div -->
{{main|Akai AX80|Akai AX60}}

Other early products included the Akai [[AX80]] 8-voice analog synthesizer in 1984,<ref name=akaipromi-prod/> followed by the [[Akai AX60|AX60]] and AX73 6-voice analog synthesizers around 1986.<ref name=vse-ax60>
{{cite web  
 | title = Akai AX60  
 | url = http://www.vintagesynth.com/akai/ax60.php  
 | publisher = Vintage Synth Explorer  
}}</ref><ref name=vse-ax73>
{{cite web  
 | title = Akai AX73  
 | url = http://www.vintagesynth.com/akai/ax73.php  
 | publisher = Vintage Synth Explorer  
}}</ref> The AX-60 borrowed many design elements from the [[Roland Juno-106|Roland Juno series]], but used voltage-controlled analog oscillators (VCO) as its sound source, unlike Roland's more common digitally controlled analog oscillators (DCO). It also allowed the performer to "split" the keyboard, assigning different timbres to different ranges of keys. The AX-60 featured the ability to interface with Akai's early samplers via a serial cable, using 12-bit samples as an additional oscillator.<ref name=akaipromiax73>
{{cite web  
 | title = Akai Professional AX73 / VX90 / AX60  
 | url = http://www.hollowsun.com/gagnon/products/archive/ax73/index.html  
 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20130728105502/http://www.hollowsun.com/gagnon/products/archive/ax73/index.html  
 | url-status = dead  
 | archive-date = 2013-07-28  
 | work = Archive Products  
 | publisher = Akai Professional M.I. Corp.  
 | year = 1999–2005  
}} (archived on HollowSun.com).  
 “''The AX73 was a simple analogue synthesiser based around the Curtis CEM 3394 chips ... Internally, the AX60 had the same voice architecture as the AX73 and VX90 ... Common to all models in the range, however, was a proprietary 13-pin DIN socket that allowed you to connect an S900 for processing through the synths' analogue filters. ...''”  
</ref>

====Digital Samplers (S, X, Z series)====
<div style="clear:right;float:right;margin:-1.65ex 0 -1.65ex auto;">
[[Image:AKAI S612.jpg|thumb|220px|S612]]</div>
{{See also|Sampler (musical instrument)#Akai}}

The S612 12-bit digital [[sampler (musical instrument)|sampler]] released in 1985 was the first in a series of relatively affordable samplers, designed in a 19-inch studio-rack format and finished in black.<ref name=akaipromi-prod/> It could hold only a single sample at a time, which was loaded into memory via a separate disk drive utilizing 2.8-inch Quick Disk [[floppy disk]]s. The maximum sample time at the highest quality sampling rate (32&nbsp;kHz) was one second.

<div style="clear:right; float:right; margin:-1.65ex 0;">
[[Image:AKAI S6000 remote.jpg|thumb|117px|S6000 remote]]</div>
<div style="float:right;margin-right:-1.5em;">
<div style="clear:right;float:right;margin:-1.65ex 0 -1.65ex auto;">
[[Image:AKAI S900.jpg|thumb|102px|S900]]</div>
<div style="clear:right;float:right;margin:-1.65ex 0 -1.65ex auto;">
[[Image:AKAI Z4.jpg|thumb|102px|Z4]]</div>
</div>
The introduction of a "professional" range of digital samplers began with the 12-bit S900 in 1986,<ref name=akaipromi-prod/> followed by the X7000 keyboard sampler in 1986,<ref name=vse-x7000>
{{cite web  
 | title = Akai X7000  
 | url = http://www.vintagesynth.com/akai/x7000.php  
 | publisher = Vintage Synth Explorer  
}}</ref> and the S700 rack-mount version in 1987.<ref name=akaipromi-prod/> Unlike the single-sample S612, these models allowed the use of up to six active samples simultaneously, featured a built-in disk drive, and could be extended with six individual outputs via cable. Additionally, a flash memory extension added another six samples to the memory for multisample playback. The S700/X7000 sampler series were light grey in color, a design choice that remained consistent throughout the entire "professional" range of Akai samplers.

The 16-bit [[Akai S1000]] series followed in 1988, introducing the ability to read [[CD-ROM]]s and write to hard disks via SCSI. This range was eventually superseded by the S3000 series in 1993, which offered an optional built-in CD-ROM drive, followed by the S5000 and S6000 models. Additional notable releases included the Z4 and Z8 24-bit 96&nbsp;kHz samplers.<ref name=akaipromi-prod/>

====MPC====
<div style="clear:right; float:right; margin:-1.65ex 0;">
[[Image:Akai MPC2000.jpg|thumb|121px|MPC2000]]</div>
<div style="float:right;margin:-1.65ex -1.5em -1.65ex auto;">
[[Image:Akai MPC60.jpg|thumb|98px|MPC60]]</div>
{{Main|Akai MPC}}
Akai also produced several Digital MIDI [[music sequencer|sequencers]] and [[digital synthesizer]]s such as the [[Akai MPC|MPC]] range, a line of integrated drum machines, MIDI sequencers, samplers and direct-to-disk recorders.

====New ownership of Akai Professional====
In December 1999, one year before the application of the {{ill|Civil Rehabilitation Act|ja|民事再生法}} to Akai Electric Company Ltd., the brand of its musical instrument division, Akai Professional, was acquired by a company based in the United States. The new company was named "Akai Professional Musical Instrument Corporation".<ref name=akaipromi>
{{cite web  
 |title = Akai Professional / Akai Digital – Company History  
 |url = http://www.hollowsun.com/gagnon/about/index.html  
 |publisher = AKAI Professional M.I. Corp.  
 |year = c. 1999  
 |quote = ''Akai Professional entered the electronic musical instrument world in 1984 with one purpose – to give artists the tools they need to express and explore new musical ideas.''”, “''In 1999, Akai Professional Musical Instruments Corporation (APMI) was formed.''”  
 |url-status = dead  
 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130503082508/http://www.hollowsun.com/gagnon/about/index.html  
 |archive-date = 3 May 2013  
}}</ref> Akai Professional M.I. was established the same year, but it filed for bankruptcy in 2005.<ref name=kanagawa>
{{cite news  
 |newspaper = [[:ja:神奈川新聞|神奈川新聞]]  
 |date = 2005-12-07  
 |script-title = ja:アカイプロフェッショナルエムアイが破産手続き開始  
 |trans-title = Akai Professional M.I. entered bankruptcy proceedings.  
 |url = http://www.kanalog.jp/news/local/entry_16076.html  
 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060112023246/http://www.kanalog.jp/news/local/entry_16076.html  
 |archive-date = 12 January 2006  
 |language = ja  
 |quote = ''民間信用調査会社の帝国データバンク横浜支店によると、音響機器製造のアカイプロフェッショナルエムアイ（横浜市都筑区北山田、駿河道生社長、従業員十七人）は七日までに、東京地裁から破産手続き開始決定を受けた。...　同社は一九九九年十二月、赤井電機（東京都）の電子楽器部門のブランドを買収した米国系企業が、製造・販売目的で設立した。''  
 |url-status = dead}}  
[Abstract: according to the private credit research company, [[:ja:帝国データバンク|Teikoku Databank]] Yokohama branch, by the 7th (December 2005), Akai Professional M.I. received a bankruptcy proceedings decision by the Tokyo District Court. ... Akai Professional M.I. was established in December 1999 to focus on the manufacture and sale of electronic musical instruments, by a company of the United States who acquired the brand(s) of the musical instrument division of Akai Electric Company Ltd.]  
</ref>

In 2004, following a US distribution deal, the Akai Professional Musical Instrument division was acquired by Jack O'Donnell, owner of [[Numark Industries]] and [[Alesis]]. In 2012, [[inMusic Brands]] was formed as the parent company for O'Donnell's companies, including Akai Professional.

==Current Akai products==
In early 2003, [[Grande Holdings]] began reintroducing Akai's brands by marketing various audio-visual products manufactured by [[Samsung]]. In the same year, Grande started distributing Akai home appliances, including [[air conditioners]], [[vacuum cleaners]], and [[refrigerators]]. In the 2010s, it began distributing Akai [[smartphones]] in collaboration with Chinese smartphone manufacturers such as [[Gionee]], in India and other countries.

=== Video ===
* [[AV receiver]]s
* Portable DVD players
* [[DVD player]]s
* [[DVD recorder]]s
* Home theatre systems
* Home theatre [[loudspeaker|speakers]]
* VCD players
* [[VCR]]s

=== Mobile sound ===
* [[Amplifier]]s
* Cassette receivers
* [[Compact disc|CD]] changers
* CD receivers
* DVD changers
* DVD receivers
* Car audio – DVD players
* Car audio – speakers
* Car audio – [[Thin-film transistor|TFT]] monitors

=== Home appliances ===
* [[Air conditioner]]s
* Air coolers
* Air purifiers
* Chest freezers
* Dishwashers
* [[Heater]]s
* Ice makers
* [[Microwave oven]]s
* [[Refrigerator]]s
* Showcases
* [[Vacuum cleaner]]s
* [[Washing machine]]s
* Water dispensers
* [[Wine cellar]]s

=== Audio ===
* Stereo rack systems
* Mini systems
* Micro music <ref>Tape dec</ref>
* Retro radios
* Sound boxes
* Portable music players
* Tape decks
* Portable DAT recorder/player (Blue colored body, Webshop DirectOrder only, OEM from JVC/Victor)
* Portable MD recorder/player (Blue color body, Webshop DirectOrder only, OEM from JVC/Victor)

=== Digital ===
* [[Wireless]] surround sound systems
* [[Bluetooth]]
* [[Mobile digital media player|MP3 player]]
* [[Mobile phones]]
* [[Smart phones]]

=== Television ===
* [[CRT television|CRT color television sets]]
* [[Liquid crystal display|LCD televisions]]
* [[Plasma display|Plasma television]]
* [[Set-top box]]es

==Akai Professional products==
[[File:Akai Professional red logo.svg|thumb|200px|Logo of Akai Professional]]
[[File:Akai Synthstation 25.jpg|thumb|120px|right|Akai Synthstation 25]]

=== Synthesizers ===
* [[Akai AX60|AX60]] (1986) – discontinued
* [[Akai AX73|AX73]] (1986) – discontinued
* [[Akai AX80|AX80]] (1984) – discontinued
* [[Akai VX90|VX90]] (1986) – rack-mount version of AX73, discontinued
* [[Akai VX600|VX600]] (1988) – 3-octave keyboard synthesizer with EWI connection jack, discontinued
* [[Akai SG01v]] (1995) – desktop sound module,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1996_articles/feb96/akaisg01.html|title=Akai SG01v|work=Sound On Sound|date=February 1996|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150606081142/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1996_articles/feb96/akaisg01.html|archive-date=6 June 2015}}</ref> discontinued
* [[Akai MINIAK|MINIAK]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/may10/articles/akaiminiak.htm|title=Akai Miniak|work=Sound On Sound|date=May 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150607013720/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/may10/articles/akaiminiak.htm|archive-date=7 June 2015}}</ref> – discontinued

===Samplers===
* [[Akai S612|S612]]<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/sampling-the-japanese-way/1271|title=Sampling The Japanese Way|magazine=Sound on Sound|date=December 1985|pages=34–8|issn=0951-6816|oclc=925234032}}</ref> (1985) – discontinued
* [[Akai S900|S900]]<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/akai-s900-revisited/2520|title=Akai S900 – Revisited|magazine=Sound on Sound|date=October 1987|page=40|issn=0951-6816|oclc=925234032}}</ref> (1986) – discontinued
* [[Akai X3700|X3700]] (1986) – discontinued
* [[Akai X7000|X7000]]<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/akai-x7000-sampling-keyboard/1493|title=Akai X7000 Sampling Keyboard|magazine=Sound on Sound|date=January 1987|issn=0951-6816|oclc=925234032}}</ref> (1986) – discontinued
* [[Akai S700|S700]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/mar01/articles/retroakais700.asp|title=Akai S700|work=Sound on Sound|date=March 2001|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017191405/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/mar01/articles/retroakais700.asp|archive-date=17 October 2015}}</ref> (1987) – discontinued
* [[Akai S950|S950]] (1988)<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/akai-s950-digital-sampler/16|title=Akai S950 Digital Sampler|magazine=Music Technology|date=January 1989|pages=50–52|issn=0957-6606|oclc=24835173}}</ref> – discontinued
* [[Akai S1000|S1000]] (1988)<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Akai S1000|magazine=Sound on Sound|date=November 1988|issn=0951-6816|oclc=925234032}}</ref> – discontinued
* [[Akai S1100|S1100]]<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Akai S1100|magazine=Sound on Sound|date=December 1990|issn=0951-6816|oclc=925234032}}</ref> (1990) – discontinued
* [[Akai S01|S01]]<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Akai S01 Sampler|magazine=Sound on Sound|date=November 1992|issn=0951-6816|oclc=925234032}}</ref> (1992) – discontinued
* [[Akai S2800|S2800]]<ref name="SOSmar93">{{cite magazine|title=Akai S3000 and S2800 Samplers|magazine=Sound on Sound|date=March 1993|issn=0951-6816|oclc=925234032}}</ref> (1992) – discontinued
* [[Akai S3000|S3000]]<ref name="SOSmar93" /> (1993) – discontinued
* [[Akai S3200|S3200]] (1993) – discontinued
* [[Akai CD3000|CD3000]]<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Akai CD3000|magazine=Sound on Sound|date=September 1993|issn=0951-6816|oclc=925234032}}</ref> (1993) – discontinued
* [[Akai REMIX16|REMIX16]] (1995) – table-top phrase sampler, discontinued
* [[Akai S2000|S2000]] (1995)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1995_articles/nov95/akais2000.html|title=Akai S2000|work=Sound on Sound|date=November 1995|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150608005310/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1995_articles/nov95/akais2000.html|archive-date=8 June 2015}}</ref> – discontinued
* [[Akai S3000XL|S3000XL]] (1995) – discontinued
* [[Akai S3200XL|S3200XL]] (1995) – discontinued
* [[Akai S20|S20]] (c.1997)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1997_articles/jul97/akais20.html|title=Akai S20|work=Sound on Sound|date=July 1997|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919151142/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1997_articles/jul97/akais20.html|archive-date=19 September 2015}}</ref> – discontinued
* CD3000XL (c.1996/1997)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1997_articles/jan97/akaicd3000xl.htm|title=Akai CD3000XL|work=Sound on Sound|date=January 1997|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150608013404/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1997_articles/jan97/akaicd3000xl.htm|archive-date=8 June 2015}}</ref> – discontinued
* [[Akai S5000|S5000]] (1999)<ref name=s5000/> – discontinued
* [[Akai S6000|S6000]] (1999)<ref name=s5000>
  {{cite web
   | first	= Paul
   | last       = White
   | title	= Akai S5000 & S6000
   | url	= http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jan99/articles/akais5000.325.htm
   | magazine   = Sound on Sound
   | date       = January 1999
   | access-date	= 16 May 2011
   | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060523091422/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jan99/articles/akais5000.325.htm
   | archive-date= 23 May 2006
  }}</ref> – discontinued
* [[Akai Z4|Z4]]<ref name="Z4Z8">{{cite web|url=http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jul02/articles/akaiz8.asp|title=Akai Z-Series|work=Sound on Sound|date=July 2002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017191340/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jul02/articles/akaiz8.asp|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 October 2015}}</ref> (2002) – discontinued
* [[Akai Z8|Z8]]<ref name="Z4Z8" /> (2002) – discontinued
* MPX8
* MPX16<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/akai-mpx16|title=Akai MPX16|work=Sound on Sound|date=May 2015|access-date=26 June 2018}}</ref>

=== Music Production Center ===
{{Main|Akai MPC}}
* [[Akai MPC60|MPC60]] (1987) – MIDI Production Centre,<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/akai-mpc60/1079|title=Akai MPC60|magazine=Music Technology|date=April 1988|pages=40–44|issn=0957-6606|oclc=24835173}}</ref> discontinued
* MPC60II – (1991) – discontinued
* [[Akai MPC3000|MPC3000]] (1993) – discontinued
* MPC3000LE (1999) – discontinued
* MPC2000<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1997_articles/apr97/akaimcp2000.html|title=Akai MPC2000|work=Sound on Sound|date=April 1997|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150607055654/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/1997_articles/apr97/akaimcp2000.html|archive-date=7 June 2015}}</ref> (1997) – discontinued
* MPC2000XL (2000) – discontinued
* MPC4000 (2002)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/Sep02/articles/akaimpc4000.asp|title=Akai MPC 4000|work=Sound on Sound|date=September 2002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150405232643/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/Sep02/articles/akaimpc4000.asp|archive-date=5 April 2015}}</ref> – discontinued
* MPC1000 (2003) – discontinued
* MPC500<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/may07/articles/mpc500.htm|title=Akai MPC500|work=Sound on Sound|date=May 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150607080043/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/may07/articles/mpc500.htm|archive-date=7 June 2015}}</ref> (2006) – discontinued
* MPC2500<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jan07/articles/akaimpc2500.htm|title=Akai MPC2500|work=Sound on Sound|date=January 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150613122550/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jan07/articles/akaimpc2500.htm|archive-date=13 June 2015}}</ref> (2005) – discontinued
* MPC5000<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Akai MPC5000|magazine=[[Future Music]]|issue=203|publisher=Future Publishing|issn=0967-0378|oclc=1032779031}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/dec08/articles/akaimpc5000.htm|title=Akai MPC5000|work=Sound on Sound|date=December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150606091121/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/dec08/articles/akaimpc5000.htm|archive-date=6 June 2015}}</ref> (2008) – discontinued
* MPC Renaissance<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/feb13/articles/akai-mpc-renaissance.htm|title=Akai MPC Renaissance|work=Sound on Sound|date=February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150405235635/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/feb13/articles/akai-mpc-renaissance.htm|archive-date=5 April 2015}}</ref> (2012) – discontinued
* MPC Studio<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jun13/articles/akai-mpc-studio.htm|title=Akai MPC Studio|work=Sound on Sound|date=June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150607061058/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jun13/articles/akai-mpc-studio.htm|archive-date=7 June 2015}}</ref> (2012) – Discontinued
* MPC Element (2013) – Discontinued
* MPC Touch<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/akai-mpc-touch|title=Akai MPC Touch|work=Sound on Sound|date=September 2016|access-date=26 June 2018}}</ref> (2015)
* MPC Studio Black (2016)
* MPC Live<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/akai-mpc-live|title=Akai MPC Live|work=Sound on Sound|date=April 2017|access-date=26 June 2018}}</ref> (2017)
* MPC X<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/akai-mpcx|title=Akai MPCX|work=Sound on Sound|date=September 2017|access-date=26 June 2018}}</ref> (2017)
* MPC Force (2019)
* MPC One (2020)
* MPC Live ll (2020)
* MPC Studio II (2021)
* MPC Key 61 (2022)
* MPC One+ (2023)
* MPC Live III (2025)

=== Computer audio interfaces ===
* [[Akai EIE|EIE]] (2011)
* [[Akai EIE PRO|EIE PRO]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/may12/articles/akai-eie-pro.htm|title=Akai EIE Pro|work=Sound on Sound|date=May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150608202458/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/may12/articles/akai-eie-pro.htm|archive-date=8 June 2015}}</ref> (2011)

=== Drum machines ===
* [[Akai MR16|MR16]] (1985)
* [[Akai XE-8|XE-8]] 1U rack mounted,<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/akai-xe8-drum-box/4029|title=Akai XE8 Drum Box|magazine=Sound on Sound|date=December 1988|pages=42–4|issn=0951-6816|oclc=925234032}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=Akai XE8|page=84|magazine=Music Technology|date=April 1989|volume=3|issue=5|issn=0957-6606|oclc=24835173}}</ref> Acoustic drum sound from S-1000 library, discontinued
* [[Akai XR10|XR10]],<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/akai-xr10/387|title=Akai XR10|magazine=Music Technology|date=June 1990|pages=42–6|issn=0957-6606|oclc=24835173}}</ref> discontinued Table Top Playback Sampler incl XE-8 Sound with Dance Sample Sounds 16-bit, discontinued
* [[Akai XR20|XR20]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jul08/articles/akaixr20.htm|title=Akai XR20|work=Sound on Sound|date=July 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150608204238/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jul08/articles/akaixr20.htm|archive-date=8 June 2015}}</ref> (2008) Made by Alesis
* Rhythm Wolf (2015) Tabletop analogue drum machine with bass synth<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/akai-rhythm-wolf|title=Akai Rhythm Wolf|work=Sound on Sound|date=March 2015|access-date=26 June 2018}}</ref>
* Tom Cat

=== Electronic wind instruments ===
* [[Akai EVI1000|EVI1000]] (1987) – Electronic Valve Instruments, discontinued
* [[Akai EWI1000|EWI1000]]<ref name="MTapr88">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/akai-ewi-2000-ewv-2000/1077|title=Akai EWI-2000 & EWV-2000|magazine=Music Technology|date=April 1988|pages=33–5|issn=0957-6606|oclc=24835173}}</ref> (1987) – Electronic Wind Instrument, discontinued
* [[Akai EWV2000|EWV2000]]<ref name="MTapr88" /> – Electronic Wind Instrument sound module, discontinued
* [[Akai EWI4000S|EWI4000S]] (2005)
* [[Akai EWI-USB|EWI-USB]] (2008)
* [[Akai EWI5000|EWI5000]] (2014)
* [[Akai EWI SOLO|EWI SOLO]] (2020)

=== Effects units / Utilities ===
* EX90R – Reverb,<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/akai-ex90r/1054|title=Akai EX90R|magazine=Music Technology|date=March 1988|pages=32–3|issn=0957-6606|oclc=24835173}}</ref> discontinued
* ME10D – MIDI digital delay,<ref name="SOSfeb86">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/akai-midi-effects/1542|title=Akai MIDI Effects|magazine=Sound on Sound|date=February 1986|pages=14–15|issn=0951-6816|oclc=925234032}}</ref> discontinued
* ME15F – MIDI dynamic controller,<ref name="SOSfeb86" /> discontinued
* ME20A – MIDI sequencer arpeggiator,<ref name="SOSfeb86" /> discontinued
* ME25S – MIDI note separator,<ref name="MTsep86">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/taking-notes/1839|title=Taking Notes|magazine=Music Technology|date=September 1986|pages=32–6|issn=0957-6606|oclc=24835173}}</ref> discontinued
* ME30P – MIDI 4×8 patchbay,<ref name="MTsep86" /><ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/patching-up/1618|title=Patching Up|magazine=Sound on Sound|date=July 1986|pages=30–1|issn=0951-6816|oclc=925234032}}</ref> discontinued
* ME35T – Audio/MIDI trigger, discontinued
* ME80P – MIDI 8×10 patchbay, discontinued
* MB76 – Programmable mix bay,<ref name="SOSmar88">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/effective-automators/3483|title=Effective Automators|magazine=Sound on Sound|date=March 1988|pages=14–15, 64|issn=0951-6816|oclc=925234032}}</ref> discontinued
* PEQ6 – Programmable equaliser,<ref name="SOSmar88" /> discontinued
* [[Akai DP88|DP88]] (1993) – digital audio patchbay, discontinued
* [[Akai AR900|AR900]] (1986–89) – 16-bit MIDI Digital Reverb, discontinued
* [[Akai MFC42|MFC42]] (2001) – filter bank, discontinued
* [[Akai HV10 Harmony generator|HV10 Harmony generator]] (2002)
* VST Plug-ins (2002)

=== Guitar pedals ===
* [[Akai Analog Delay|Analog Delay]]
* [[Akai Blues Overdrive|Blues Overdrive]]
* [[Akai Chorus|Chorus]]
* [[Akai Compressor|Compressor]]
* [[Akai Deep Impact Synth|Deep Impact Synth]]
* [[Akai Deluxe Distortion|Deluxe Distortion]]
* [[Akai Drive3 Distortion|Drive3 Distortion]]
* [[Akai Drive3 Fuzz|Drive3 Fuzz]]
* [[Akai Drive3 Overdrive|Drive3 Overdrive]]
* [[Akai E2 Head Rush|E2 Head Rush]]
* [[Akai Flanger|Flanger]]
* [[Akai Phase Shifter|Phase Shifter]]
* Akai Shred-o-Matic D1tube driven distortion pedal

=== iPod/iPad Keyboard Controllers ===
* [[Akai SynthStation25|SynthStation25]]
* [[Akai SynthStation49|SynthStation49]]
* [[AkaiMPC Fly]] (2012)

=== MIDI Sequencers ===
* [[Akai MS08|MS08]] (c.1985) – discontinued
* [[Akai ASQ10|ASQ10]]<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/akai-asq-10-sequencer/3525|title=Akai ASQ 10 Sequencer|magazine=Sound on Sound|date=May 1988|pages=49–53|issn=0951-6816|oclc=925234032}}</ref> (c.1986/7) – discontinued

=== Standalone Multi-track Audio Recorders ===
* [[Akai MG614|MG614]] (1983?) – discontinued
* [[Akai MG1212|MG1212]] (1984) – discontinued
* [[Akai MG1214|MG1214]] (1985) – discontinued
* [[Akai DR1200|DR1200]]/DL1200 (1988) – discontinued
* [[Akai DD1000|DD1000]] (1990) – discontinued
* [[Akai DD/DL1500|DD/DL1500]] (1994) – 16-track [[Digital audio workstation|DAW]], discontinued
* [[Akai DD8|DD8]] (1996) – discontinued
* [[Akai DD8plus|DD8plus]] (1998) – discontinued
* [[Akai DR4D|DR4D]] (1993) – discontinued
* [[Akai DR8|DR8]] (1994) – discontinued
* [[Akai DR16|DR16]] (1995) – discontinued
* [[Akai DPS12|DPS12]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/mar98/articles/akaidps12.html|title=Akai DPS12|work=Sound on Sound|date=March 1998|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150607011457/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/mar98/articles/akaidps12.html|archive-date=7 June 2015}}</ref> (1997) – discontinued
* [[Akai DPS16|DPS16]] (1999) – discontinued
* [[Akai DPS24|DPS24]] (2002)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/may02/articles/akaidps24.asp|title=Akai DPS24|work=Sound on Sound|date=May 2002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140914194104/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/may02/articles/akaidps24.asp|archive-date=14 September 2014}}</ref> – discontinued
* [[Akai DPS24MKII|DPS24MKII]] – discontinued
* [[Akai RE32|RE32]] (1999) – controller for DD/DR series, discontinued

=== Studio Monitor Speakers ===
* [[Akai RPM3|RPM3]]
* [[Akai RPM8|RPM8]] – discontinued
* [[Akai 50x|50x]]

=== MIDI Controllers ===
* [[Akai APC20|APC20]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/aug10/articles/akai-apc20.htm|title=Akai APC20|work=Sound on Sound|date=August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140915133412/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/aug10/articles/akai-apc20.htm|archive-date=15 September 2014}}</ref>
* [[Akai APC40|APC40]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/sep09/articles/akaiapc40.htm|title=Akai APC40|work=Sound on Sound|date=September 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150606075730/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/sep09/articles/akaiapc40.htm|archive-date=6 June 2015}}</ref>
* APC40 MkII<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/akai-apc40-mkii|title=Akai APC40 MkII|work=Sound on Sound|date=April 2015|access-date=26 June 2018}}</ref>
* [[Akai EWI-USB|EWI-USB]]
* [[Akai LPD8|LPD8]] (2009)<ref name="SOSmar10">{{cite web|url=http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/mar10/articles/akailpd8lpk25.htm|title=Akai LPD8 & LPK25|work=Sound on Sound|date=March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150608161941/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/mar10/articles/akailpd8lpk25.htm|archive-date=8 June 2015}}</ref>
* [[Akai LPK25|LPK25]] (2009)<ref name="SOSmar10" />
* [[Akai MPD16|MPD16]] (2002) – discontinued
* [[Akai MPD18|MPD18]] – discontinued
* [[Akai MPD24|MPD24]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/sep07/articles/akaimpd24.htm|title=Akai MPD24|work=Sound on Sound|date=September 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140915034125/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/sep07/articles/akaimpd24.htm|archive-date=15 September 2014}}</ref> (2006) – discontinued
* [[Akai MPD26|MPD26]] (2010)
* [[Akai MPD32|MPD32]] (2008)
* [[Akai MPK25|MPK25]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/oct09/articles/akaimpk25.htm|title=Akai MPK25|work=Sound on Sound|date=October 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150608204422/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/oct09/articles/akaimpk25.htm|archive-date=8 June 2015}}</ref> (2009)
* [[Akai MPK49|MPK49]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/feb08/articles/akaimpk49.htm|title=Akai MPK49|work=Sound on Sound|date=February 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150607005442/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/feb08/articles/akaimpk49.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 June 2015}}</ref> (2007)
* [[Akai MPK49|MPK49 V2]] (2007)
* [[Akai MPK61|MPK61]] (2009)
* [[Akai MPK88|MPK88]] (2009)
* [[Akai MPK Mini|MPK Mini]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/mar11/articles/akai-mpk-mini.htm|title=Akai MPK Mini|work=Sound on Sound|date=March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150606112314/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/mar11/articles/akai-mpk-mini.htm|archive-date=6 June 2015}}</ref>
* {{ill|MPK Mini Play|fr|Akai MPK Mini Play}}<ref>[https://www.akaipro.com/mpk-mini-play-mpkminiplay MPK Mini Play]</ref>
* [[Akai MPK Mini MK II|MPK Mini MK II]] (2014)
* [[Akai MPK Mini MK III|MPK Mini MK III]] (2020)
* [[Akai MPK25|MPK225]] (2014)
* [[Akai MPK49|MPK249]] (2014)
* [[Akai MPK61|MPK261]] (2014)
* [[Akai MAX25|MAX25]] (2014)
* [[Akai MAX49|MAX49]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jul13/articles/akai-max49.htm|title=Akai Max49|work=Sound on Sound|date=July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150606093215/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jul13/articles/akai-max49.htm|archive-date=6 June 2015}}</ref> (2014)
* MX73 MIDI Master Keyboard<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/akai-mx73/199|title=Akai MX73|magazine=Music Technology|date=December 1986|page=30|issn=0957-6606|oclc=24835173}}</ref> – discontinued
* [[Akai MX76|MX76]] MIDI Master Keyboard<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/akai-mx76/70|title=Akai MX76|magazine=Music Technology|date=May 1989|pages=82–3|issn=0957-6606|oclc=24835173}}</ref> (1987) – discontinued

==See also==
{{Portal|Companies|Technology}}
* [[1/4-inch Akai]] VTRs
* [[Akai VK (videocassette format)]] VTRs
* [[List of phonograph manufacturers]]

== Notes ==
<references group="note"/>

== References ==
{{reflist|30em}}

== Further reading ==
*{{cite magazine|title=Akai S20 sampler|page=20|magazine=[[Future Music]]|issue=56|date=May 1997|publisher=Future Publishing|issn=0967-0378|oclc=1032779031}}

== External links ==
* {{URL|https://akai.com|Current global website of Akai (Grande Holdings)}}
* {{URL|https://akaiindia.in|Current website of Akai India}}
* {{URL|https://akaipro.com|Current website of Akai Professional}}
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/*/https://akai.com}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20061105012808/http://www.vintagecassette.com/akai Vintage Cassette Decks] Collection of Akai Vintage Cassette decks and other brands

{{Japanese Electronics Industry}}
{{Akai}}

[[Category:Audio equipment manufacturers of Japan]]
[[Category:Manufacturing companies established in 1929]]
[[Category:Consumer electronics brands]]
[[Category:Home appliance manufacturers of Japan]]
[[Category:In-car entertainment]]
[[Category:Mobile phone manufacturers]]
[[Category:Musical instrument manufacturing companies of Japan]]
[[Category:Synthesizer manufacturing companies of Japan]]
[[Category:Guitar effects manufacturing companies]]
[[Category:Film and video technology]]
[[Category:Phonograph manufacturers]]
[[Category:Japanese companies established in 1929]]
[[Category:Companies formerly listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange]]
[[Category:Companies that have filed for bankruptcy in Japan]]
[[Category:Japanese brands]]