The Akai GX-9 is a nine-track digital recorder released in 1989 as part of Akai's Sampler Workshop series. Its key features include real-time sampling, multi-track recording, and built-in effects such as reverb, delay, and compression. Its compact form factor and user-friendly interface made it a popular choice for musicians and producers at the time. The GX-9 helped to bridge the gap between tape-based recording and the emerging digital recording technology, paving the way for the full-blown digital age in music production.