The AX60 is among some of the last true analog polysynths of the mid-eighties. It was Akai's answer to the hugely successful Roland Juno series and Yamaha's new digital DX-series. The AX60 is a programmable six-voice synth with a nice LFO, lowpass (VCF) filter, envelope sections, and more. An eight-voice version, the AX80, was already available.

Programming this synth is easy using dedicated sliders, knobs and/or buttons for its parameters. It also has a useful noise generator and some other cool functions that include auto-tuning, chorus, a multi-mode arpeggiator and a keyboard that can be split into two key-zones, making it somewhat bi-timbral. All six voices can be stacked in unison mode for a powerful and thick lead sound. Its features and sound make the AX60 a worthy alternative to Roland's Juno 106. The AX60 may have been used by Bjork.

Johannes

August 2, 2011 @ 10:12 pm

I gotta be honest, My AX-60 lasted all of two weeks on my rack before I sold it recently for $375.
Just a little too weak for my taste and reminded me of a sort of poormans Jupiter 6 although not quite as clean sounding. Yeah, easy to create interesting patchs and a nice Arpeggiator + split / layer which was really cool. Keybed and sliders were uncommonly cheaply made however. Kawai SX-210, 240, K3, Juno 1, 2, 60, 106, DW-8000, Prophet 600, JX-3p, JX-8p , ESQ-1 etc would easily rate above this one.
Never tried it with the sampler though, that sounds pretty fun!

Rob Ocelot

June 16, 2011 @ 2:47 pm

@jamonit

I believe the S900 and S950 can also be used as a second oscillator like the S612. Cool stuff.

It's funny that the current incarnation of Akai (aka Numark/Alesis) seems to think that Akai never made synths before the MiniAK. :-)

Aaron

May 18, 2011 @ 11:17 pm

It's just perfect for when you need to drag your recording through the mud. Sounds too clean? Just push up that "VCF VCO mod" slider, and fasten your seatbelt! I have no idea why the review above doesn't mention it, it's a unique feature that makes for absolutely filthy sounds.

Jamonit

March 10, 2011 @ 9:18 am

Interestingly no mention of the synths ability to use the Akai S612 as a second OSC is made here. its a very important feature putting this beast in a league of its own. I currently have this setup, awesome combo! sample a note with the touch of one button that automatically loops it as well. then detune slightly. makes for some huge unique sounds. This is not a one trick pony but a sonic power house.

olvus

February 17, 2011 @ 11:53 am

I've got one that I want to sell. What should I put the opening bid at?

<1098765432>

 

Post Comment!

Your Name: (Required.)

Email Address: (Required, not published.)

Image verification: (required)

Message:

 

Posting Rules:
Please keep your comments relevant! Do not post requests for help, do not use for sales, do not post unless you have something interesting to say about this instrument, or we may delete your post.

I have read and understand the posting rules.