My old Akai S950 sampler just died. We'll it's have a few health scares lately but I fear this time could be terminal. I have more advanced technology waiting to take over this once cutting edge machine but this would involve several hours setting up and I just need to switch on and go to bring some projects in on time(ish)

Don't let the removed cover fool you, I know only two possible methods of fixing this kind of gear.

1 Switch it off and on again (didn't work)
2 Gently push down all the chips as the heat sometimes lifts them loose.

Hurray !!! technique number two worked.

I've just lately been working up a theory of life on this planet and this episode is more evidence that I'm probably right (plus the fact that I've taken the time out to blog this instead of pressing on with my work)

The theory: - we're all just arseholes in this life, bumbling along the best we can, that includes the politicians and the scientists. We aint got a clue, just some folks hide it better than others.