Martinic AX73 Brings Back Rare Akai AX73
Martinic has introduced AX73, software emulation of the rare Akai AX73, a mid-’80s analog synth.
The developer mentioned that the AX73 had a lot going for it, but was hindered by a “less is more” interface that made it difficult to program. So, it has taken the best elements of the instrument, added some new features and controls, and brought it back.
The Settings view offers instant access to all of the synth’s controls. You can also choose the Keys view, which gives you a hardware-style interface with 19 sliders and some additional buttons. Effects have been added, including compressor, phaser, flanger, chorus, distortion, reverb and EQ – and these can be rearranged by dragging and dropping in the FX chain.
In addition, there are also features from other instruments in the AX range: the arpeggiator and a keyboard split mode from the AX60; and a second VCO and a sub-oscillator from the AX80. The four chorus modes are inspired by both of these synths, as is the extended VCO range, which goes down to 32’ octave.
Throw in additional modulation capabilities – four envelopes per layer and four LFOs per layer, plus a step LFO function – and you’ve got an instrument with plenty of modern technology.
Audio Demos:
Here’s what they 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.
Find out more on the Martinic website.
Martinic AX73 is available now for macOS & Windows with an intro price of $59.50
