Akai S1000 / S1100 samplers

Hey

Can you guys describe to me how the s1100 sounds?

Also, I'm trying to make my mind up about buying this sampler vs. the 
ASR-10, so if there are any of you out there who know how these two 
compare sound-wise or in any other non-obvious way, please let me know.

Thanks!

I agree with Ben. Additionally, having both the ASR
and the S1100, I use the ASR for "creative" sampling
and the S1100 for more of a sample bank as it is
easier to navigate through the directory structure.
Also, the S1100 supports 16 channel multitimbrality (
not sure if that's a real word or not ) while the ASR
only supports 8. If you will be dealing with large
banks the S1100 supports 32MB of sample ram while the
ASR only supports 16MB. Lastly, it's important to
mention that with the latest OS , the S1100 can also
work as a 2 track audio recorder.  

As far as sound goes, the S1100 seems to have more
true to life D/A converters while the ASR-10 seems to
sweeten the sound which give it a distinct presence in
a mix. Some of the efx on the ASR simply crank so you
better have a lot of headroom on your mixer.  


Mike 
--- Ben Clark Jr <benfclark@...> wrote:

> Hey
> 
> It depends on your application of the sampler and
> how you plan to use it.
> 
> From a standpoint of support and sample library the
> S1100 might be best.
> It should allow you to do SCSI Sample dumps from
> your PC or MAC. (Lot faster then the 4bit MIDI
> transfer rate). Editing features would probably be
> in favor of the S1100.
> 
> Support ?? Ensoniq was acquired by Creative Labs so
> you won't see any 
> additional products or updates.
> Now the ASR-10 comes in a keyboard format so that
> might be a plus for you.
> The ASR also comes with a built in 16 track
> sequencer and a 2 track audio
> recorder. The ASR will automatically span your
> sample across the keyboard.
> It may not have as many editng features as the AKAI
> but you might find it easier to use. The ASR has a
> phat factory set of basses.
> 
> In summary you can't go wrong with either one. If
> you are just starting out I would
> get the ASR because it gives you the sequencer,
> Sampler & recorder. If you already got a MPC then
> the S1100 might be all you need.
> 
> 
> Hope this helps
>  
> 
> brainztain <digitailslide@...> wrote:    Hey
>  
>  Can you guys describe to me how the s1100 sounds?
>  
>  Also, I'm trying to make my mind up about buying
> this sampler vs. the 
>  ASR-10, so if there are any of you out there who
> know how these two 
>  compare sound-wise or in any other non-obvious way,
> please let me know.
>  
>  Thanks!
>  
>  
>  
>  
>             
> 
>         SPONSORED LINKS   
>                                                    
> Sampler                                      
> Electronic instrument                               
>        Synthesizer music                            
>                                         Akai
> samplers                                      
> Electronic music                                    
>   Music sampler                                     
>                            
>       
> ---------------------------------
>    YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS 
>  
>     
>     Visit your group "akaiS1000S1100Samplers" on the
> web.
>     
>     To unsubscribe from this group, send an email
> to:
>  akaiS1000S1100Samplers-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>     
>     Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the
> Yahoo! Terms of Service. 
>  
>     
> ---------------------------------
>  
>  
>      
> 
> 
> Ben Clark 
> benfclark@... 
> phone: 919-672-7367
>  
>  
> 
> 
> 		
> ---------------------------------
> How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger\ufffds
low
>  PC-to-Phone call rates.

Thanks for the feedback.  I'll try to be more specific about how I plan to 
use the new sampler and maybe that way I can get more suggestions:

I will be sequencing on Sonar SX3.

I have an RME Multiface II as an audio interface, which has very good 
converters (so this way you know I'm not really shooting for precise audio 
duplication from a sampler, but warmth and character instead)

I will be strictly sampling into the sampler and not using any pre-made 
samples.

I will sample mostly from vinyl

As can probably tell from my setup, I'm mostly looking for a sampler that 
will add some character to my samples.  I personally think that the ASR-10 
is a little overrated and overpriced.  I know the ASR-10 definately colors 
your samples but I want to know if and how much the S1100 will color my 
samples and if it is a nice warm sound.

The sound I'm shooting for can best be described as a Warm Hi-Fi 
representation of my Lo-Fi vynil samples and the effects I will also add to 
them.

So, what do you guys think?

>From: Mike Wolak <mikewolak@...>
>Reply-To: akaiS1000S1100Samplers@yahoogroups.com
>To: akaiS1000S1100Samplers@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: Re: [akaiS1000S1100Samplers] Tell me how the S1100 sounds
>Date: Wed, 10 May 2006 07:30:23 -0700 (PDT)
>
>I agree with Ben. Additionally, having both the ASR
>and the S1100, I use the ASR for "creative" sampling
>and the S1100 for more of a sample bank as it is
>easier to navigate through the directory structure.
>Also, the S1100 supports 16 channel multitimbrality (
>not sure if that's a real word or not ) while the ASR
>only supports 8. If you will be dealing with large
>banks the S1100 supports 32MB of sample ram while the
>ASR only supports 16MB. Lastly, it's important to
>mention that with the latest OS , the S1100 can also
>work as a 2 track audio recorder.
>
>As far as sound goes, the S1100 seems to have more
>true to life D/A converters while the ASR-10 seems to
>sweeten the sound which give it a distinct presence in
>a mix. Some of the efx on the ASR simply crank so you
>better have a lot of headroom on your mixer.
>
>
>Mike
>--- Ben Clark Jr <benfclark@...> wrote:
>
> > Hey
> >
> > It depends on your application of the sampler and
> > how you plan to use it.
> >
> > From a standpoint of support and sample library the
> > S1100 might be best.
> > It should allow you to do SCSI Sample dumps from
> > your PC or MAC. (Lot faster then the 4bit MIDI
> > transfer rate). Editing features would probably be
> > in favor of the S1100.
> >
> > Support ?? Ensoniq was acquired by Creative Labs so
> > you won't see any
> > additional products or updates.
> > Now the ASR-10 comes in a keyboard format so that
> > might be a plus for you.
> > The ASR also comes with a built in 16 track
> > sequencer and a 2 track audio
> > recorder. The ASR will automatically span your
> > sample across the keyboard.
> > It may not have as many editng features as the AKAI
> > but you might find it easier to use. The ASR has a
> > phat factory set of basses.
> >
> > In summary you can't go wrong with either one. If
> > you are just starting out I would
> > get the ASR because it gives you the sequencer,
> > Sampler & recorder. If you already got a MPC then
> > the S1100 might be all you need.
> >
> >
> > Hope this helps
> >
> >
> > brainztain <digitailslide@...> wrote:    Hey
> >
> >  Can you guys describe to me how the s1100 sounds?
> >
> >  Also, I'm trying to make my mind up about buying
> > this sampler vs. the
> >  ASR-10, so if there are any of you out there who
> > know how these two
> >  compare sound-wise or in any other non-obvious way,
> > please let me know.
> >
> >  Thanks!
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >         SPONSORED LINKS
> >
> > Sampler
> > Electronic instrument
> >        Synthesizer music
> >                                         Akai
> > samplers
> > Electronic music
> >   Music sampler
> >
> >
> > ---------------------------------
> >    YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
> >
> >
> >     Visit your group "akaiS1000S1100Samplers" on the
> > web.
> >
> >     To unsubscribe from this group, send an email
> > to:
> >  akaiS1000S1100Samplers-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> >
> >     Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the
> > Yahoo! Terms of Service.
> >
> >
> > ---------------------------------
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Ben Clark
> > benfclark@...
> > phone: 919-672-7367
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ---------------------------------
> > How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger\ufffds
>low
> >  PC-to-Phone call rates.
>

In that case get an Akai S950, you can dial in the
character with variable sample rates. The S1100 will
basically give you back exactly what you put in. 

--- Marco Barcena <digitailslide@...> wrote:

> Thanks for the feedback.  I'll try to be more
> specific about how I plan to 
> use the new sampler and maybe that way I can get
> more suggestions:
> 
> I will be sequencing on Sonar SX3.
> 
> I have an RME Multiface II as an audio interface,
> which has very good 
> converters (so this way you know I'm not really
> shooting for precise audio 
> duplication from a sampler, but warmth and character
> instead)
> 
> I will be strictly sampling into the sampler and not
> using any pre-made 
> samples.
> 
> I will sample mostly from vinyl
> 
> As can probably tell from my setup, I'm mostly
> looking for a sampler that 
> will add some character to my samples.  I personally
> think that the ASR-10 
> is a little overrated and overpriced.  I know the
> ASR-10 definately colors 
> your samples but I want to know if and how much the
> S1100 will color my 
> samples and if it is a nice warm sound.
> 
> The sound I'm shooting for can best be described as
> a Warm Hi-Fi 
> representation of my Lo-Fi vynil samples and the
> effects I will also add to 
> them.
> 
> So, what do you guys think?
> 
> 
> 
> >From: Mike Wolak <mikewolak@...>
> >Reply-To: akaiS1000S1100Samplers@yahoogroups.com
> >To: akaiS1000S1100Samplers@yahoogroups.com
> >Subject: Re: [akaiS1000S1100Samplers] Tell me how
> the S1100 sounds
> >Date: Wed, 10 May 2006 07:30:23 -0700 (PDT)
> >
> >I agree with Ben. Additionally, having both the ASR
> >and the S1100, I use the ASR for "creative"
> sampling
> >and the S1100 for more of a sample bank as it is
> >easier to navigate through the directory structure.
> >Also, the S1100 supports 16 channel multitimbrality
> (
> >not sure if that's a real word or not ) while the
> ASR
> >only supports 8. If you will be dealing with large
> >banks the S1100 supports 32MB of sample ram while
> the
> >ASR only supports 16MB. Lastly, it's important to
> >mention that with the latest OS , the S1100 can
> also
> >work as a 2 track audio recorder.
> >
> >As far as sound goes, the S1100 seems to have more
> >true to life D/A converters while the ASR-10 seems
> to
> >sweeten the sound which give it a distinct presence
> in
> >a mix. Some of the efx on the ASR simply crank so
> you
> >better have a lot of headroom on your mixer.
> >
> >
> >Mike
> >--- Ben Clark Jr <benfclark@...> wrote:
> >
> > > Hey
> > >
> > > It depends on your application of the sampler
> and
> > > how you plan to use it.
> > >
> > > From a standpoint of support and sample library
> the
> > > S1100 might be best.
> > > It should allow you to do SCSI Sample dumps from
> > > your PC or MAC. (Lot faster then the 4bit MIDI
> > > transfer rate). Editing features would probably
> be
> > > in favor of the S1100.
> > >
> > > Support ?? Ensoniq was acquired by Creative Labs
> so
> > > you won't see any
> > > additional products or updates.
> > > Now the ASR-10 comes in a keyboard format so
> that
> > > might be a plus for you.
> > > The ASR also comes with a built in 16 track
> > > sequencer and a 2 track audio
> > > recorder. The ASR will automatically span your
> > > sample across the keyboard.
> > > It may not have as many editng features as the
> AKAI
> > > but you might find it easier to use. The ASR has
> a
> > > phat factory set of basses.
> > >
> > > In summary you can't go wrong with either one.
> If
> > > you are just starting out I would
> > > get the ASR because it gives you the sequencer,
> > > Sampler & recorder. If you already got a MPC
> then
> > > the S1100 might be all you need.
> > >
> > >
> > > Hope this helps
> > >
> > >
> > > brainztain <digitailslide@...> wrote:   
> Hey
> > >
> > >  Can you guys describe to me how the s1100
> sounds?
> > >
> > >  Also, I'm trying to make my mind up about
> buying
> > > this sampler vs. the
> > >  ASR-10, so if there are any of you out there
> who
> > > know how these two
> > >  compare sound-wise or in any other non-obvious
> way,
> > > please let me know.
> > >
> > >  Thanks!
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >         SPONSORED LINKS
> > >
> > > Sampler
> > > Electronic instrument
> > >        Synthesizer music
> > >                                         Akai
> > > samplers
> > > Electronic music
> > >   Music sampler
> > >
> > >
> > > ---------------------------------
> > >    YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
> > >
> > >
> > >     Visit your group "akaiS1000S1100Samplers" on
> the
> > > web.
> > >
> > >     To unsubscribe from this group, send an
> email
> > > to:
> > > 
> akaiS1000S1100Samplers-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> > >
> > >     Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the
> > > Yahoo! Terms of Service.
> > >
> > >
> > > ---------------------------------
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Ben Clark
> > > benfclark@...
> > > phone: 919-672-7367
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > ---------------------------------
> > > How low will we go? Check out Yahoo!
> Messenger\ufffds
> >low
> > >  PC-to-Phone call rates.
> >
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
> --------------------~--> 
> Protect your PC from spy ware with award winning
> anti spy technology. It's free.
> 
=== message truncated ===

Sampling vinyl is already inherently "warmer" than say sampling cd's.
Glass bottles - tubes, that's what you're looking for.
Maybe rusty strips of plastic - tape.
Add them in the mix somewhere or do it in Sonar with plugins.
You won't get that sort of thing from a digital sampler, afaik, at least
that's not their fort\ufffd.
That said pick the sampler that has an interface you're comfortable working
with.
"Character" and "Warmth" are nice names for what is basically distortion or
poor reproduction.
If you can get a "clean" "accurate" recording, you can add to it, or
subtract from it,
and have a "better" end product.

-daddio-
www.tapewarm.com

__________________________________________________________
I will be sequencing on Sonar SX3.

I have an RME Multiface II

I will be strictly sampling into the sampler and not using any pre-made
samples.

I will sample mostly from vinyl

As can probably tell from my setup, I'm mostly looking for a sampler that
will add some character to my samples.

The sound I'm shooting for can best be described as a Warm Hi-Fi
representation of my Lo-Fi vynil samples and the effects I will also add to
them.

So, what do you guys think?

I agree with you in that using tubes will add warmth to the mix and 
also that warmth and character are other words for some sort of 
distortion...

However, tubes aren't the only source of distortion in hardware 
samplers.  Every sampler that is not entirely software-based will add 
some "distortion" to the sound which comes from all of its elctronic 
components.  This is the reason why even some of the best audio 
producers still use "outdated gear"... the ones that like the 
character, ofcorse.  

Samplers like the Emu sp-1200 and akai s950 are very hard to 
reproduce with software preciesely because of what goes on inside the 
sampler itself.  First the sample is converted to 12-bit through its 
a/d converters and then ran through actual analogue parts of the 
smapler. Even if it's a digial sampler, only the conversion itself is 
digital but much of the rest remains analogue (like sometimes 
filtering amplifying etc).

I'm basically trying to find a middle ground in sound coloration.. 
nothing as "grimmy and raw" as s950 or sp1200... I actually already 
have something to take care of that type of sound (the emu Emax).  I 
read somewhere else that the s1100 gives your samples a very musical 
quality...whatever that means.  They said that if you would listen to 
fine instrument like a flute and other clean samples you would "know" 
it was sampled with a 1100... this could be total b.s. for all I 
know, but there might also be some kind of validity in the opinion.

Other questions I have are:

Are the effects any good?  How would they stand against some of the 
top VST sftware effects?

When using the digital optical outputs, can the sound that is being 
inputed be ran through the sampler and out the digital outputs in 
real time?

Does the digital output contain audio divided in tracks or is it just 
a stereo signal?

Thanks!



--- In akaiS1000S1100Samplers@yahoogroups.com, "daddio" <mrmarz2@...> 
wrote:
>
> Sampling vinyl is already inherently "warmer" than say sampling 
cd's.
> Glass bottles - tubes, that's what you're looking for.
> Maybe rusty strips of plastic - tape.
> Add them in the mix somewhere or do it in Sonar with plugins.
> You won't get that sort of thing from a digital sampler, afaik, at 
least
> that's not their forté.
> That said pick the sampler that has an interface you're comfortable 
working
> with.
> "Character" and "Warmth" are nice names for what is basically 
distortion or
> poor reproduction.
> If you can get a "clean" "accurate" recording, you can add to it, or
> subtract from it,
> and have a "better" end product.
> 
> -daddio-
> www.tapewarm.com
> 
> __________________________________________________________
> I will be sequencing on Sonar SX3.
> 
> I have an RME Multiface II
> 
> I will be strictly sampling into the sampler and not using any pre-
made
> samples.
> 
> I will sample mostly from vinyl
> 
> As can probably tell from my setup, I'm mostly looking for a 
sampler that
> will add some character to my samples.
> 
> The sound I'm shooting for can best be described as a Warm Hi-Fi
> representation of my Lo-Fi vynil samples and the effects I will 
also add to

> them.
> 
> So, what do you guys think?
>

interesting... I wish I could just listen to one of these things 
because it's kianda frustraiting.  Some people say it does give the 
sound slight coloring, but you're saying it doesn't.  

How do you use the s1100?  Could you tell me about the kind of music 
you make and what your set up is like, i'm just curious to see what 
kind of musicians out there are using the s1100.

Thanks


--- In akaiS1000S1100Samplers@yahoogroups.com, Mike Wolak 
<mikewolak@...> wrote:

>
> In that case get an Akai S950, you can dial in the
> character with variable sample rates. The S1100 will
> basically give you back exactly what you put in. 
> 
> --- Marco Barcena <digitailslide@...> wrote:
> 
> > Thanks for the feedback.  I'll try to be more
> > specific about how I plan to 
> > use the new sampler and maybe that way I can get
> > more suggestions:
> > 
> > I will be sequencing on Sonar SX3.
> > 
> > I have an RME Multiface II as an audio interface,
> > which has very good 
> > converters (so this way you know I'm not really
> > shooting for precise audio 
> > duplication from a sampler, but warmth and character
> > instead)
> > 
> > I will be strictly sampling into the sampler and not
> > using any pre-made 
> > samples.
> > 
> > I will sample mostly from vinyl
> > 
> > As can probably tell from my setup, I'm mostly
> > looking for a sampler that 
> > will add some character to my samples.  I personally
> > think that the ASR-10 
> > is a little overrated and overpriced.  I know the
> > ASR-10 definately colors 
> > your samples but I want to know if and how much the
> > S1100 will color my 
> > samples and if it is a nice warm sound.
> > 
> > The sound I'm shooting for can best be described as
> > a Warm Hi-Fi 
> > representation of my Lo-Fi vynil samples and the
> > effects I will also add to 
> > them.
> > 
> > So, what do you guys think?
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > >From: Mike Wolak <mikewolak@...>
> > >Reply-To: akaiS1000S1100Samplers@yahoogroups.com
> > >To: akaiS1000S1100Samplers@yahoogroups.com
> > >Subject: Re: [akaiS1000S1100Samplers] Tell me how
> > the S1100 sounds
> > >Date: Wed, 10 May 2006 07:30:23 -0700 (PDT)
> > >
> > >I agree with Ben. Additionally, having both the ASR
> > >and the S1100, I use the ASR for "creative"
> > sampling
> > >and the S1100 for more of a sample bank as it is
> > >easier to navigate through the directory structure.
> > >Also, the S1100 supports 16 channel multitimbrality
> > (
> > >not sure if that's a real word or not ) while the
> > ASR
> > >only supports 8. If you will be dealing with large
> > >banks the S1100 supports 32MB of sample ram while
> > the
> > >ASR only supports 16MB. Lastly, it's important to
> > >mention that with the latest OS , the S1100 can
> > also
> > >work as a 2 track audio recorder.
> > >
> > >As far as sound goes, the S1100 seems to have more
> > >true to life D/A converters while the ASR-10 seems
> > to
> > >sweeten the sound which give it a distinct presence
> > in
> > >a mix. Some of the efx on the ASR simply crank so
> > you
> > >better have a lot of headroom on your mixer.
> > >
> > >
> > >Mike
> > >--- Ben Clark Jr <benfclark@...> wrote:
> > >
> > > > Hey
> > > >
> > > > It depends on your application of the sampler
> > and
> > > > how you plan to use it.
> > > >
> > > > From a standpoint of support and sample library
> > the
> > > > S1100 might be best.
> > > > It should allow you to do SCSI Sample dumps from
> > > > your PC or MAC. (Lot faster then the 4bit MIDI
> > > > transfer rate). Editing features would probably
> > be
> > > > in favor of the S1100.
> > > >
> > > > Support ?? Ensoniq was acquired by Creative Labs
> > so
> > > > you won't see any
> > > > additional products or updates.
> > > > Now the ASR-10 comes in a keyboard format so
> > that
> > > > might be a plus for you.
> > > > The ASR also comes with a built in 16 track
> > > > sequencer and a 2 track audio
> > > > recorder. The ASR will automatically span your
> > > > sample across the keyboard.
> > > > It may not have as many editng features as the
> > AKAI
> > > > but you might find it easier to use. The ASR has
> > a
> > > > phat factory set of basses.
> > > >
> > > > In summary you can't go wrong with either one.
> > If
> > > > you are just starting out I would
> > > > get the ASR because it gives you the sequencer,
> > > > Sampler & recorder. If you already got a MPC
> > then
> > > > the S1100 might be all you need.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Hope this helps
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > brainztain <digitailslide@...> wrote:   
> > Hey
> > > >
> > > >  Can you guys describe to me how the s1100
> > sounds?
> > > >
> > > >  Also, I'm trying to make my mind up about
> > buying
> > > > this sampler vs. the
> > > >  ASR-10, so if there are any of you out there
> > who
> > > > know how these two
> > > >  compare sound-wise or in any other non-obvious
> > way,
> > > > please let me know.
> > > >
> > > >  Thanks!
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >         SPONSORED LINKS
> > > >
> > > > Sampler
> > > > Electronic instrument
> > > >        Synthesizer music
> > > >                                         Akai
> > > > samplers
> > > > Electronic music
> > > >   Music sampler
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > ---------------------------------
> > > >    YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >     Visit your group "akaiS1000S1100Samplers" on
> > the
> > > > web.
> > > >
> > > >     To unsubscribe from this group, send an
> > email
> > > > to:
> > > > 
> > akaiS1000S1100Samplers-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> > > >
> > > >     Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the
> > > > Yahoo! Terms of Service.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > ---------------------------------
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Ben Clark
> > > > benfclark@...
> > > > phone: 919-672-7367
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > ---------------------------------
> > > > How low will we go? Check out Yahoo!
> > Messenger�s
> > >low
> > > >  PC-to-Phone call rates.
> > >
> > 
> > 
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... I wish I could just listen to one of these things
because it's kianda frustraiting.

Ah, there's the rub. Not only would you want to listen but A/B them as well.

And if you have several to choose from, your alphabet gets tediously long.

;How do you use the s1100? Could you tell me about the kind of music
you make and what your set up is like, i'm just curious to see what
kind of musicians out there are using the s1100. ;

I only use it to play sample cd's. I do not record with it, nor use it's editing/fx features.

I find those unused features cumbersome compared to software.

I use Ableton Live 5, WaveLab and Nuendo. RME Fireface handles the ADA conversion.

I usually go straight into the Fireface from the s1100, although I have gone through a Speck mixer and a Sebatron pre on occasion, to add slight "color" and "punch". Depends on the samples.

------------------

... tubes aren't the only source of distortion in hardware
samplers. Every sampler that is not entirely software-based will add
some "distortion" to the sound which comes from all of its elctronic
components. This is the reason why even some of the best audio
producers still use "outdated gear"... the ones that like the
character, ofcorse.

As you may have guessed from my sig link, I can relate!

But, I wouldn't put the s1100 in that class, personally.

My Echoplex and Revox's would qualify.

I prefer to work with things that are "clean" and "accurate" out of the box, and add "spice" as needed.

That's why I usually take the shortest route to the hard drive.

I like the s1100 because it doesn't add or subtract significantly from the source material.

To my ears anyway.

I read somewhere else that the s1100 gives your samples a very musical
quality...whatever that means. They said that if you would listen to
fine instrument like a flute and other clean samples you would "know"
it was sampled with a 1100... this could be total b.s. for all I
know, but there might also be some kind of validity in the opinion.

I too have heard this and it was a minor factor in my decision to get my s1100.

But this is all VERY subjective. Your ears may hear things mine don't.

A lot depends on what's between them too. ;-)

If you can't find one to listen to, just get one, they're not that expensive anymore.

It is, after all, a classic.

You should be able to get roughly what you paid for it if things don't work out.

You're asking for opinions that may not match your own once you've heard the thing.

www.tapewarm.com