Wow, great warm and powerful sounds. And great tune! I actually have one broken AX-73 (now collecting dust) that I bought used from a music store in the early 2000:s for nothing. The sound didn't work but Midi did. Oak, a there WAS a broken key or two near one of the ends of the keyboard too but the 73 keys meant I still had more than the standard 5 octave 61-keys to work with to start with and I was half promised that it could be repaired later by them(replacing the keys, not the audio/synth part), something that never happened. So I used it as a controller, since I also could put the computer keyboard on top of it to control my DAW (this was the early 2000:s) that solved the problem with having the computer keyboard/controller keyboard/Screen aligned in a comfortable way. The AX-73 was huge and that in combination with the lack of buttons and sliders made that possible. Now I wonder if it ever would be possible to repair this old behemoth to wake it up from it's "deep audio-sleep"? Midi would still work for it. Well, that is, if the dust collecting it has done over the years (retired in 2005 for another dirt-cheap used button-less keyboard that worked even better as a controller due to the great keybed-feel, the Yamaha DX7) in the basement hasn't destroyed that too!
Thank god for people like you, I just got me an AX73 and now you have just confirmed the future of another Bill Laswell inspired set of tunes will be created in my den
@@StephenLearson Video material is always tough but you can find stuff which is free to use & make something from that. I did so with my song The Traveller. :)
Thank you, Learson! A great video of a fantastic synthesizer. You have really put some time and energy in this video and it was a privilege to watch! I really enjoyed both the song and the video-editing in that as well! Again, thank you very much! Liked and subscribed! Greetings from the Netherlands! -Devin
I own one, fantastic synth. Did you know there’s a firmware update so you can control the parameters with an external controller? It’s insane. You can also make midi sys-ex dumps as well with the firmware. ( In stead of the horrible tape interface) Best to you from the Netherlands…
Yes my friend, a hidden gem. This synth has a very warm and deep end for only having one VCO per voice. You can compare this to an OB8 or OB6 and it actually has a warmer sound if you like that. Great video!! I also have a few AX-80's and owned the VX-90 and AX-60. Kept this unit because it is pretty amazing for what is under the hood. BTW, I own most of what is out there including a Moog One 16 voice which has a bit more harshness than this synth. That said, I've always been an Oberheim fan thanks to Rush..Cheers Rick
Great video and awesome song! I think it was one of the better looking synths at the time. The sounds where interesting and great. I always got that feeling like there was a soft silk touch over them.
I have never considered the AX60 and AX73 underrated and I own both. The Red Sound Dark Star (analog modeling) is underrated because of bad reviews. The Akai’s as far as I know were never used by big name synth pop and industrial bands and didn't get the exposure like the Junos. I like how aggressive and hard these boards can get if you know what you’re doing.. Basically I taught myself analog theory/concepts on the AX60. If anyone knows of bands that used these synths please do tell. I’d love to hear the sounds that were used.
I’ve had 2 AX-80’s since about 1990. I always wanted one of these and the 60. I passed on a 73 way back for way cheap. Curious about sound editing and creation on these vs the AX-80.
Owen Bush that’s a tough one. Worth what to whom is the question. I got mine for way less than the current prices on Reverb and eBay. I don’t think I would get it again unless it was a serious bargain.
I once bought an AX-73 dirt cheap at a flea market. The AX has a very bad keyboard and just a single oscillator per voice. The only way to make it sound fat is to use the unison mode. But then it becomes monophonic.
wow I have to say my AX60 really does not have anything near that low end. Also the voices seem to never be perfectly in tune... wish I could have it recalibrated or something.
Wow, great warm and powerful sounds. And great tune!
I actually have one broken AX-73 (now collecting dust) that I bought used from a music store in the early 2000:s for nothing. The sound didn't work but Midi did.
Oak, a there WAS a broken key or two near one of the ends of the keyboard too but the 73 keys meant I still had more than the standard 5 octave 61-keys to work with to start with and I was half promised that it could be repaired later by them(replacing the keys, not the audio/synth part), something that never happened.
So I used it as a controller, since I also could put the computer keyboard on top of it to control my DAW (this was the early 2000:s) that solved the problem with having the computer keyboard/controller keyboard/Screen aligned in a comfortable way.
The AX-73 was huge and that in combination with the lack of buttons and sliders made that possible.
Now I wonder if it ever would be possible to repair this old behemoth to wake it up from it's "deep audio-sleep"?
Midi would still work for it.
Well, that is, if the dust collecting it has done over the years (retired in 2005 for another dirt-cheap used button-less keyboard that worked even better as a controller due to the great keybed-feel, the Yamaha DX7) in the basement hasn't destroyed that too!
That was so dope, from the music, to the video editing, to the synth nerdiness.. subscribed
Man DeLorean thanks so much! More synth nerdiness coming every week
Don't forget that hair. Nothing quite like looking like you've just stepped out of a wind tunnel.
Thank god for people like you, I just got me an AX73 and now you have just confirmed the future of another Bill Laswell inspired set of tunes will be created in my den
Really great demo of a great synth. I have the AX60 myself and it is quite the beast
Thanks Stephen! And what a killer track!!
Nicolas Cage you got it. Anything for the Cage
The AX73 was the master synth in my 1990's studio. Loved it. Thanks for the memories. Great video
You're one funky dude! It was cool enough in the beginning, but that tune was amazing. True musician! Subbed.
Your track, skills, and use of the synth is amazing. Thanks for sharing,
Dropped in by chance...what a find. Subscribed!
Niceeee rundown of the AX-73 and uber-cool tinkling at the end. Great job! :)
Thanx mate i received today my AKAI AX73 and is great, thanks to your video.
Great composition, & impressive editing!
I’m discovering Learson & AX73,,, A wonderfull day !!
Great prod . Funky spirits moment !!
Thanks
I’ve been looking this or the AX60, they sound a bit industrial to me at times . Which I love . So many synths , so little cash .
Jarrod Charlifue it’s hard to find a synth with an inherent industrial sound. This whole Akai series delivers
@@StephenLearson came back a year later to listen to this demo again . Great channel by the way . Thanks for all the effort you put into your demos
Great video and great music. Thx
Cool jazzy vibes - do a music video on the side?
bitleyTM I’m working on a music video for a new track as we speak. Got an idea?
@@StephenLearson Video material is always tough but you can find stuff which is free to use & make something from that. I did so with my song The Traveller. :)
@@bitley Cool Video. Where did you find the footage?
Learson Peak I just googled, there are lots of sites with video material that can be reused if used creatively, "creative commons" is their license.
Thank you, Learson! A great video of a fantastic synthesizer. You have really put some time and energy in this video and it was a privilege to watch! I really enjoyed both the song and the video-editing in that as well! Again, thank you very much! Liked and subscribed! Greetings from the Netherlands! -Devin
I own one, fantastic synth. Did you know there’s a firmware update so you can control the parameters with an external controller? It’s insane. You can also make midi sys-ex dumps as well with the firmware. ( In stead of the horrible tape interface) Best to you from the Netherlands…
Came for the review. Stayed for the electropop / Synthwave montage.
Need to get my hands one one of these! Thanks for the vid
Just discovered your vids....noice. I'm a subscriber. Please keep up the great work! :o)
Brian Hintze thanks for watching!
Yes my friend, a hidden gem. This synth has a very warm and deep end for only having one VCO per voice. You can compare this to an OB8 or OB6 and it actually has a warmer sound if you like that. Great video!! I also have a few AX-80's and owned the VX-90 and AX-60. Kept this unit because it is pretty amazing for what is under the hood. BTW, I own most of what is out there including a Moog One 16 voice which has a bit more harshness than this synth. That said, I've always been an Oberheim fan thanks to Rush..Cheers Rick
Great video and awesome song! I think it was one of the better looking synths at the time. The sounds where interesting and great. I always got that feeling like there was a soft silk touch over them.
I have never considered the AX60 and AX73 underrated and I own both. The Red Sound Dark Star (analog modeling) is underrated because of bad reviews. The Akai’s as far as I know were never used by big name synth pop and industrial bands and didn't get the exposure like the Junos. I like how aggressive and hard these boards can get if you know what you’re doing.. Basically I taught myself analog theory/concepts on the AX60. If anyone knows of bands that used these synths please do tell. I’d love to hear the sounds that were used.
Oneohtrix point never uses one, not sure on which recordings. I love the ax60, stupidly sold mine and looking for a replacement :-)
Brilliant - thx!!
Thank You - great demo!
Thanks for checking it out!
Love how the piano morphs into a rusty slight distorted string piano at 7:58, just the right amount PMW right?
Damn that bass!!!! Phenomenal
It's a shame there's no ctrlr or software support. Has a great sound.
The beat at 3:49 is so cool.
I used to have that keyboard.
I’ve had 2 AX-80’s since about 1990. I always wanted one of these and the 60. I passed on a 73 way back for way cheap. Curious about sound editing and creation on these vs the AX-80.
KarzenX the 73 is definitely a total pain to program. But I can’t complain about the tone
How much would you estimate these are worth?
Owen Bush that’s a tough one. Worth what to whom is the question. I got mine for way less than the current prices on Reverb and eBay. I don’t think I would get it again unless it was a serious bargain.
What a perfekt Song for a futuristic Buck Rogers space opera.
Shut up human - robots want to dance !🎹🤖🕺🏻
Is there a programmer for this thing?
ingoodmusic not that I know of
@@StephenLearson Got it.
Any chance I can download this track anywhere?
Timberwolf in sheep’s clothing haha! Nice
TheWriter86 i think you’re the first person to like that joke
Who knew "The Cage" has great taste !!! LOL Seriously if your willing to work on your programming, it can yield excellent sounds.
Da Beagle for sure! Although I don’t think I”kk be taking that deep dive for a while
I once bought an AX-73 dirt cheap at a flea market. The AX has a very bad keyboard and just a single oscillator per voice. The only way to make it sound fat is to use the unison mode. But then it becomes monophonic.
kurzweil or Ensoniq
Fave videos are when someone makes one track from one source. The AX series is very capable. The 73 tougher with all the deep menu diving.
wow I have to say my AX60 really does not have anything near that low end. Also the voices seem to never be perfectly in tune... wish I could have it recalibrated or something.
Synth porn!
with his good old synth, you just created bad taste 87's music : well, it's not BillLaswell's... not really