In 1985 the first public sampler to be affordable - at around $1995 - was the 8-voice polyphonic Ensoniq Mirage. Akai were also releasing their first sampler with the optional Quick Disk 2 Rack unit - the S-612 which would allow endless overdubbing of sample recordings.
I have two samplers from the 80's today, still inspiring machines; the Ensoniq EPS and the Akai S1000KB.
Which were your first favourite tracks with sampling?