Martinic has introduced AX73, an third-party software emulation of the rare Akai AX73, a mid-’80s analog synth.
Here’s what they have to say about it:
“Martinic has taken what was great about the original AX73 and elevated it into a powerful, flexible software instrument that fits right into the modern producer’s lineup of go-to synths.
With four analog oscillators across two synth layers, unique modulation features, extended performance options, and an eight-module effects section, this plugin AX73 (VST/AU) unleashes the full power of the original hardware and more – no menu diving required, and all perfectly modeled through our Advanced Circuitry Emulation technology. And, it includes a generous lineup of 600+ inspiring presets to get you started right away.”
Martinic AX73 features a variety of enhancements over the original:
- New Effects Section
- Process the synth’s output with eight built-in effects units: Compressor, Phaser, Flanger, Chorus, Delay, Reverb, Distortion, and EQ
- ?These effects can be routed in any order you like – simply rearrange them by dragging and dropping them in the FX Chain.
- Expanded architecture – The best elements from other synths in the AX range have been distilled into a feature-rich reinterpretation of the AX73. Notable examples include: extra chorus settings and the arpeggiator from the AX60, a second VCO and sub-oscillator from the AX80, and an extended VCO octave range down to 32’, as seen in both the AX60 and 80.
- Expanded modulation options – The AX73 plugin also offers far greater modulation capabilities than the original. It features four envelopes per layer (three of which are assignable), and four assignable LFOs per layer. Taking both layers into account, this gives eight envelopes and eight LFOs.
- Split or Stack Layers to build your sound – Uniquely, the AX73 has two layers that can be split across the keyboard – allowing you to play two patches simultaneously – or stacked, providing an extra dimension of sound design. And, each layer has its own independent arpeggiator with 11 built-in modes – including some unusual modes such as Shuffle and Improv – that you can use to quickly create melodies.
Audio Demos:
Pricing and Availability
Martinic AX73 is available now for macOS & Windows with an intro price of $59.50 USD.
Akai AX-73 is the same as a Sequential Circuits Six-Trak minus the sequencer and 10 times the weight.
Interesting, fortunately this is a software emulation.
James’ comment is the kind of knowledgeable snark I come here for. 4 Stars.
This is a total “why bother” emulation. AX-73 was pretty much a flop back in the day. Second-rate in pretty much every way. Not sought-after. This is like doing a re-issue of a 1985 Korean Yamaha strat copy. Nobody asked for this.
The ‘A List’ synths have all been emulated by Arturia or Native Instruments.
The AX60 was this instrument’s smaller brother with a much more hands-on user interface. The AX73 and 60 had only a single VCO per voice because they were designed to hit an affordable price point, but this emulation fixes that problem by adding a second VCO and sub-osc… because price is no longer an object.
Is a hardware version of the AX73 worth buying today? Probably not. That said, an extended software emulation like this is definitely useable.
now do seiko ds.
Absolutely! Will Arturia make it first? A truly unique unit, DS101,202 and 250 with the programming unit 320 would be fantastic to have as VST instrument. There is a quite ok Kontakt lib called Castle Instrument DS-2500, but that’s all samples in there.
If it’s a software clone by a boutique company, it’s an “emulation of a rare/vintage instrument” to be celebrated, but if it’s a hardware clone by Behringer then it’s a “knockoff” to be denigrated.
Why do you think calling a software emulation an ‘emulation’ is somehow celebrating it?
And why do you think calling a knockoff a ‘knockoff’ is somehow denigrating it?
This story isn’t about Behringer and your comment sounds like more Behringer fanboy butthurt.
Umm. Behringer attempted to trademark Oberheim and Prophet.
Comments =This why I love my real hardware VX90 🙂
I owned a VX90 (rack mount version of the AX73) way back when. I managed to coax some sounds out of it that stood out from my main analog synths back then (Prophet5, Oberheim Matrix6R, Memorymoog) but programming it with that dinky 25-char single-line interface was painful in the extreme & I eventually dumped it. I am intrigued by this emulation, though the price seems steep, even on sale.
Can you get the same almost distorted sounding filter effects using filter FM as on the AX60, and is the resonance as agressive as on the AX60? I still have my AX60 that I bought in 1987 but I’d love to have a software equivalent.
UVI have alread emulated this synth.
not really an emulation, uvi are using samples. a bit of cheating isn’t it!? ^^