The AX73 is a surprisingly good analog synthesizer that is still considered to be widely underrated and deserving of some recognition. It's a six voice analog synthesizer with an almost identical architecture to Akai's AX60 keyboard. It also came in a rack-mount form as the VX90. It has one oscillator (VCO) per voice and allows for 3 playing modes: Poly mode uses one VCO per voice for six voice polyphonic pads, chords and strings. Dual-VCO mode stacks 2 VCOs per voice for a thicker three-voice sound. Unison mode stacks all six VCOs onto one monophonic voice for a screamin' lead!

The AX73 has a simple 24 dB/oct VCF (filter) and it has an interesting feature that allows the cutoff to be modulated by the VCO. It also has a flexible LFO with many variable waveforms, chorus, portamento, and a standard ADSR VCA envelope generator. But unlike many other analog synths, this machine is MIDI equipped for easy integration and use in today's modern studios. The sounds are quite nice and are adequate for use in any style of music production. It also had special inputs for use with Akai's S-612, S-900 and S-950 samplers, allowing you to run those samples through the AX73's analog filters and envelopes.

ady

October 20, 2012 @ 8:33 am

Wow John, you're the true player in this story. Don't spend that roll all in one place.

John Bishop

September 14, 2012 @ 5:18 pm

Got the Akai AX73 off Craigslist for $30.00 cash from a desprate and unemployed gangster rapper who's dreams of stardom were bigger than his EBT welfare benefits. Resold it on eBay for $131.52+ shipping, an easy $100.00 bucks in my pocket all in under 48 hours!

Aaron

July 23, 2012 @ 12:15 pm

Thanks for the details about the 73. I'd bought mine from a friend for $50 and used it on some recordings; now that I'm selling mine, it's a nice surprise to learn it's worth much more.

audioxtra

June 28, 2012 @ 12:58 pm

Great master keyboard, and killer for treating sounds through the VCF. The source of the authentic Bjork bass! I have one for sale in UK, never gigged, complete with sturdy flight case, original manual and original sounds. £350
audioxtra@tiscali.co.uk

Preston

May 26, 2012 @ 4:58 am

Love mine, it's seriously an awesome poly synth for the price range. I've recently moved to more of a digital setup so I'm going to sell mine! If anyone is interested - MelodicDreamerPDX@gmail.com

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