Vintage Synth Explorer

ARP • Axxe

The Axxe is basically a single VCO monophonic version of the popular Odyssey. The Axxe has a thinner sound than the Odyssey, but it is still angular and powerful. It's a very 'budget' type synth with limited potential. Not at all a very exciting synth that offers little more than cheap access to that ARP-like sound. Unfortunately it has no form of memory storage or external MIDI control. It came with a 155 page text book, overlay sheets, interface charts and a book of 50 patches.

There was an older version produced, too, which looks like the Odyssey II (aka 2810) with a black face. The Axxe has been used by 808 state, Jude Allen, Adrian Chase, Rick Davis, Baby Ford, Pascal Gabriel, Herbie Hancock, Paddy Kingsland (BBC Radiophonic Workshop), Howard Leese (Heart) and Eat Static.

VISITOR COMMENTS (19)

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ian

Posted 20 days ago

I don't think the axxe has a "thinner" sound compared to the Odyssey. It's pretty much the same synth but just one oscillator and a much simpler audio path. I've got the mk1 2313 which has the moog filter. It's FAT! To say it's not exciting is missing the point really. Sometimes simplicity is waht you need.

I think some of these reviews are a bit misguiding really. If I listened to this review I probably be put off buying what is actually one of my fave synths

Viking

Posted 38 days ago

I've had a MK I (2313) for about a week now, love it!
i cleaned the sliders and did a light wash of the board, but it still sounds a bit dusty.

there's a slight soft white or pink noise happening somewhere before the VCA (not the noise generator) whenever a key is pressed or the gain slider is up, can't figure it out.. that being said, this thing is capable of some very unique sounds.

i run mine through a Roland RE-301 and a maestro PS-1, sounds great!

Eric Rogers

Posted 68 days ago

I guess the textbook mentioned in the description is the one I mentioned? Must be.

Eric Rogers

Posted 68 days ago

I work at the House of Music in Springfield, Illinois and I recently ran across an entire box of books entitled "Lesson in Electronic Music" that was sent from ARP. The entire book teaches you the basics of synthesis using the ARP Axxe. So based on that, I think this was made to be a beginner synthesizer. One you can use to learn how synthesis works. It probably wasn't meant to be compared to the ARP Odyssey.

Tryptamine

Posted 83 days ago

This synth is awesome. Its FM capable with the LFO and can make some crazy sounds if you are creative with it. It also has an audio input that can be used to process external sounds through the filter. For added weirdness plug the audio output into the input!

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