The Akai S900 is a digital sampler released in 1986, known for its ability to record and manipulate audio samples. It features 12-bit sampling, which gives it a distinct sound quality that many musicians appreciate. The device allows users to sample sounds from various sources and play them back using MIDI, making it popular in music production. With a maximum sampling time of 2.5 seconds, the S900 can be expanded with additional memory for longer samples. Its user-friendly interface includes a simple LCD screen and various controls for editing sounds, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced producers in the music industry.