Akai AX80 | demo by syntezatory.prv.pl

[theHackerOfMayhem]

08:02 _____!

[southdakotabully]

Specifications Polyphony - 8 voices Oscillators - 2 per voice + Sub Osc. (sawtooth or variable pulse width) Filter - 8 VCFs (1 per voice) VCA - 8 ADSRs (1 per voice) LFO - 3 LFOs controlling OSC 1, OSC 2, VCF Keyboard - 61 keys (velocity sensitive) Memory - 96 patches (64 user, 32 preset) Control - MIDI Date Produced - 1984 Est. Value - $300 - $500

[HSMHaterzhehe]

how much would 1 of these retro electro bad boys cost now?

[brofjw]

I'm having a very hard time finding out if the AX80 has velocity sensitivity or not? Could you possibly answer this?

[Dectheboner]

Is this guy a bit simple or something

[TotallyNuss]

The AX-80 uses DCOs. Enough already with this. Call Akai, look at the schematic, look at the tech forums. Stop spreading misinformation on this synth. It uses DCOs NOT VCOs.

[sounddoctorin]

@TotallyNuss hehe... yeah it's the same scheme most others were using in the '84 zone. I have the schematics now btw due to a strange issue on the last one :-). The 8253 is the source of all 'oscillations' on these things. There are sample and hold cells that hold the CV for each 'oscillator'. They are used to 1) give filter>keyboard slope and 2) to aid in creation of appropriate slopes on the op amp sawtooth converters basically.

[MrJonnybexar]

@sounddoctorin This would seem to just be Akai's answer to the JX-8P. Why do these fetch more money then?

[sounddoctorin]

@MrJonnybexar Good question. I think the retro look with the fluorescent display weighs in some..the editing i/f is cool. But the sound is more flexible I think also. I've programmed a lot on Jx10/mks70 and they are great for certain things. Everyone says slow envelopes on them and probably the akai has an edge on that as well. But you can do some real ethereal 'digital age' type sounds on akai that I don't hear as well on Roland I think :-)

[cubriktravel]

super synth and perform

[EGYPTIANHIPHOP]

nice one dude you've somehow made all synthesizers sound like the same one... right

[MrKnnknn]

Akai AX-80 or Roland JX-8P?

[900GTi]

@MrKnnknn the AX 80 has VCO's. THe JX-8P does not.

[Musikstudio24]

@MrKnnknn I have both, both are really great synths - you must decide !

[ish233]

I'm a fan of this one

[KodyBoy555]

This synthesizer has no portamento and white noise, right?

[MattTheHatt52]

@KodyBoy555 right

[boxnife]

@KodyBoy555 correct

[alphacode909]

hahaha zmiennicy !

[bjcsupertortoise]

Wow, 09:42 is epic!

[seanyyg]

@bjcsupertortoise It sucks he didnt do more with it... It was pretty epic =/

[Mooli]

I miss my AX80 so much, and so hold to get hold of another one.

[theHackerOfMayhem]

................  08:02 - 08:40 is a suicide part, perfect,perfect,perfectttttttt­t!!!

[TheCountaaron]

2:14 is absolutely terrifying sound.. amazing amazing..

[jonfredric1]

all these sounds hv a nice VHS filter to them :) sounds cool

[StreetLegendzEnt]

I have an ax80 for sale, 400 or best offer, hit me up at mcguffinbjm@yahoo.com for details.

[thismedia]

@StreetLegendzEnt : still available?

[Dentz55]

The more I listen to an AX-80, the more I want one! Damned, if I can find one that somebody is willing to sell!

[rouncer81]

nice.

[HappyProducer]

jx8p, ax80, polysix - if you could only keep one of these which would it be?

[kotep777]

@HappyProducer i have the jx3p, ax60 and the polysix......so not exactly the same 3 but i would definitely keep the polysix......its sound is amazing.....8p has factory midi which is really useful as does the akai's but both get murdered by the poly for the sound......

the akai ax 60 tho has an extemely evil filter.......self resonates OUT OF CONTROL



[DigitalStrings]

Hi love ALL your videos, I have an ax-80 (i bought it cause this video convinced me it was an awesome synth) can you tell me how to get the sound from the sequence at 9:45 ..I would like to use a similar sound for a video im making, any help would be greatly appreciated :)))) thanks

[cvgate100]

Awesome! Could you tell which pedal are you using on minute 8:54?

Thanks for sharing!

[DigitalStrings]

@cvgate100 Im pretty sure its a BOSS "DISTORTION" or "MEGA DISTORTION" pedal i used to have one :)

[FatSynthDude]

@cvgate100 It's a Boss Metal Zone.

[doctalee]

Man i have the AX-60 but this is awesome!

I'm sure boards of canada use one of these as well as many others

[Melloncollie1001]

@doctalee I love Boards of Canada! I read in an interview that they don't use too many synths, But to get their sound I think the Roland Sh-101 or MC-202 could do the job very well. If you were wondering.

[weatherkop]

Jex, you go to get the Akai 612 sampler to utilize the sampler input port on this synth. I did that with my AX73 and it is a great time. It is a little hard to obtain the cable though, it can be found on ebay. It is the same cable that car cd changers use to transmit audio to the head unit from the cd changer.

[kotep777]

@weatherkop man i got a ax 60 and always wanted to do that...passed on a bunch of samplers that didnt have the wire

whats it really like????

soo curious

[weatherkop]

@kotep777 Well I just kept in mind that the sound will be dirty of course but very interesting depending on the samples used. The chord cant be too long or it will trigger out on time. The S612 is fun just by itself but used with an analog synth it has a great hybrid ability that most pieces of gear cant recreate unless rigged the right way.

[grIMProducer]

i have,and absolutely love this board but before i get too into editing patches id like to get the "back up tape" i.e just the sounds that i play into the board that reset the original parameters so if i get too crazy i can reset it back to default. can any one get me the audio for that via like an mp3 or something . thanks.

[StudlyHero]

Great Vid Jex! I just picked up the Akai AX-80 and its full of analog goodness. This beast is built like a tank. I might try to post some vids in the future using this synth with other gear. Thanks for inspiring me to get this synth!

[Zygmunt3Fraza]

masakra

[psilogod]

that nirvana cover was SICK!

[arakno1]

Sounds like a thousands demons.

[jaybearOO7]

sounds like pokemon

[wegatech]

fkn dope jex , love the very ape part !! totally sik bro !!

[hypemike33]

just won one! cannot wait to see it in person...

[tomhikon]

I just got one of these in mint condition for free...I am very satisfied.

Nice thick basses like Skinny Puppy's Testure.

And Jexus my man as always great job!

Love to hear a full composition from the piece at 9:43...and more ladies shakin it lol.

[1981analog]

I really want one of these but have never seen one for sale anywhere. Love the sound on it, sounds so fat.

[narki86]

I saw one one these out sale several times from the same owner, apparently the interest wasn't that big, I wanted it so much though but every time it re-appeared on sale I never had the cash :/ Still want one though..

[MichaelBlue72]

I WILL own one of these. SOON. :)

[dancewitheleanor]

All Akai AX synths are beautiful and make sounds which no other synth can produce, they are really unique sounding, i believe the harshness of the resonance is as cult as by the tb303! Is there anybody to demo them attached to old Akai samplers? I really would like to hear them together.

[Gagare1952]

great

[intavent]

great demo, this synth has some awesome bass!

[dancingdebo]

killer tones i like you style...thinking of getting a ax-60. does anyone know how ax60 compares? WHOA, those movie clips are awesome. 5 Star production man!

[nobunnyatall]

@dancingdebo lots of similar tones as they both use curtis chips but the ax80 is way beefier due to 16 voices (24 if you count sub osc) instead of just 6. i kind of like the interface more for the ax60 as this one looks too much like a dx7 to me, but i haven't got a lot of face time in with an ax80. basically if you like the 80 but are on a budget, the 60 will probably suit you fine.

[adam872]

@dancingdebo The AX-60 was my first synth and I liked it quite a bit at the time. It's not as fat as the AX-80 due to the fact (from memory) that it only had one oscillator per note. It was very easy to use and programme though, which was a plus. It was in many respects the ideal first synth for me.

[penelo1185]

this synth sounds really nice. why do they not make synths like this anymore?

[brajtnerinjo]

What film are those inserts from?

[Bartnick81]

It's called "Zmiennicy" very strange Polish serial movie from middle 80'. Jexus plays themes from it.

[jota1995devil]

gret vid! mad demo of what sounds like a beast of a synth!

[WhackaWhacka]

There goes a perfectly good pair of pants.

[3z3three]

lol same here...

[tionik06]

omg 9:43 is beautiful!

[tionik06]

Thanks man, I think i contracted GAS from you. I really appreciate the videos.

[yohppoy]

thanx for this demo.

it shows many sounds of this machine.

useful.

cheers

[ZeeKat]

Another things that proves that most of this audiophile-style bollocks about "sound" of instruments is bogus - looks like the thing is as good as the person who's using it. This synth is on obscure side and commenters on VSE call it "average", yet sounds here are fantastic. Yay for creative people who don't give a shit :)

[MrCruz07]

sympa

[kekenalii]

ax-80's are SICK!!!!!!

[GanEdenAustralia]

@kekenalii noob

[kekenalii]

fuck you GAY EDEN AUSTRALIA

I own one, they are fuckin sick synths. I'd never sell it, how the fuck am I a "noob"?

new to what? fag

[GanEdenAustralia]

@kekenalii LOL

[GanEdenAustralia]

@kekenalii LOL

[theoriginalmrsm]

Uh, you just used noob... just saying.

Crap, I just used it too.

[kekenalii]

@theoriginalmrsm

I know, but i had to quote him somehow.

i just dont understand that term at all, or why the hell he decided to call me that. its retarded.

I've only heard nerdy little kids use that word before, but on his page hes a full grown older middle age man. Its just retarded.

[ec101dm]

WOW!!!!! 4:40!!!

[spyder2099]

Anyone know where I can get an AX-80 service manual? I managed to fry mine within the first day of owning it. :-(

[ossilation]

Have you tried checking the fuse?

[spyder2099]

I ended up buying a second one for parts. I replaced the power supply and now everything works. Thanks for the help anyway.

[Laura041974]

I have seen one on ebay. The seller says that the "cicle switch" is missing and this needs "bridging". What does that mean? Is this a standard part or specific to that synth? Is it impossible to replace or easily available? I'm asking you because you might know. It was in his loft unwrapped and "stacked". Is it likely to have sustained internal damage under these circumstances?

[xnonsuchx]

@Laura041974 - That sounds oddly worded to me, but it sounds like maybe not all 8 voices are voicing, causing them to cut out (since most polyphonic synths cycle through the voices as needed to avoid previously played voices having their release terminated). i..e if you played a single bass note over and over, it wourld trigger voices 1 through 8 in order and start over at 1 again, but a few presses wouldn't play anything because the voice cards are either dead or otherwise not being triggered.

[Laura041974]

Thanks. I didn't bid, it sold for £113. They said it didn't power up because the voltage switch on the side was broken. I don't want to waste money, better to buy a working one. There's no repairer near me and not many secondhand. Most nice ones are London way and as I can't drive it would have to be posted or someone would need to take me. I would be safer with places that sell restored ones but they're all far away. I'm readind old manuals to learn more. The Prophet 5 one is the best so far.

[xnonsuchx]

@Laura041974 - I bought an AX80 off eBay for US$280 (including shipping) that only had 2 minor problems: 1) a key was broken and glued back together (found a replacement online for US$15); 2) using the pitch bend wheel and releasing it tends to 'wander' a bit before stabilizing (not fixed...I don't normally use that anyway). It's a nice synth...even though it has membrane button controls and no glide/portamento (and limited MIDI...note ON/OFF info and channel only).

[HappyProducer]

@xnonsuchx Doesn't have membrane buttons, that's just a plastic cover ala JX-8P, underneath are real quality tact switches just like any synth. Membrane switches are very different and if they wear out it's terrible. :)

[xnonsuchx]

@HappyProducer - I guess I hadn't thought about it...there IS an actual switch there w/ tactile feedback. I'd heard elsewhere that they are often bad on a lot of used AX-80's, though...luckily not MINE, though! ;-)

[HappyProducer]

@xnonsuchx also these plastic covers, often mistaken for membrane switches, are actually a GOOD thing. I've had many synths with 'normal' buttons that suffer far more from dust intrusion than these 'sealed off' synths like Alpha Juno, JX-8P and AX80. None of those are true membrane, they are real switches with a DUST cover made to resemble a DX7 for the fashion of the time, but are actually some of the most reliable (easy to clean/change). JX-10 buttons (for ex) are far worse/prone to dust.

[Laura041974]

This is only easy for clever people like you and synthpro! Where do you learn how to do this? I would have to have taken it somewhere and there's no synth menders near to go to or buy a restored one from. I'm wondering if they're safer than ebay or ads because I don't have a clue about electronics and am worried about paying too much or buying a heap. I looked at this because it was local usually the ones I like are in London, I can't drive to view/collect either.

[Laura041974]

I don't find much local pickup, that was one of the few. I've tried searching for local adverts but haven't found many that way either. Everything I like would be quite a journey to view then I might feel obliged to buy because of the trouble to get there. At least ads allow time to arrange this but I don't like that Ad sites have no feedback so you can't tell anything about sellers. Some people have sent money for non existant items which are photos and sounds found on the net.

[Leoscaraxx]

Trés bonne vidéo ! impressionant de maitrise ! Sinon je recherche ce clavier, si qqun en vend un me contacter, merci !

[DJ17Nario]

So good.

[hackabusa]

DO WANT.

[PolymoogFred]

You've proven it! A great musician with a great ear can make anything sound great!!!

[Xenonroom]

i feel it too, good job!

[davo171]

Its like watching old shows you "taped" as a kid.

Great job on that synth! Id love to hear it live.

[guigolazo]

5:35 AWESOME!!!

[odakueffect]

Yeah I like all his videos he makes with the demos.

[Tayl0NP]

Sounds like you have a really fun life... must be nice.

[FreitagFahrer]

doskonałe, poprostu doskonałe..

[AnalogCustomSynth]

Increíble sintetizador!!!

[nine1funk]

you do some of the best demos I've ever heard. nice job! :  )

[douro20]

This thing is very sophisticated...8 voices and 16 VCOs, all controlled digitally...and 96 memory locations, 64 of them being user definable. And IIRC all parameters are controllable via MIDI.

[douro20]

Does that thing have enough VFDs?

[narki86]

The sound from 02:15 and onwards is seriously creepy, I'm keeping an eye open for one of these for sale, I really like the raw and gritty sound it has.

[diablo22900]

I'm trying to track down another AX 60, I miss that board!!

[pandapanzer]

10:02 is amazing!

[sanshuz]

Yes. Raw power.

[layzer80]

The fantastic thing about this machine is its powerful bottom end. and RAWness. if you listen

to the output on most new synths its all compressed and flat. this thing has such a huge dynamic range, thats why people are paying

more for it.

[sanshuz]

sure is powerful.

[Olorintube]

Just found one in my area for 500 USD. Do you think it is worth it?

[aaasamaaa]

no, people really need to stop buying these things at this price and let them fall down to what they should cost.

[onezeroeightzero]

hehe, they are worth what you want to pay for them.  You either hear the difference or don't.

[aaasamaaa]

I hear the difference, but I visualize inflation.

[onezeroeightzero]

What was the cost new? Consider that inflation from 1985 to now is somewhere around a multiple of 3.5 - 4.5 and £500 is actually very reasonable.

Is a Moog Voyager worth $3000? And how else do you get that sound?

Admittedly some ebay folk are really pushing the prices way up, but money makes the world go round no matter how much you or me may not like it.

There will be bargains to be had over the next few years, keep your eyes open and you will be lucky.

[scott93257]

definitely worth 500...

[KarzenX]

I have 2 and ready to buy a 3rd.

Nothing like it. Bass sounds are insane.

[funkymirko]

And....the recording is real 80s...like video 2000 or something..

[onezeroeightzero]

Why do I want one? I've already got too many synths, now after watching all Jexus's video's I want all of them!

[synsei1]

Love the dirty acid feel, (mostly at the end) i saw yuksek last weekend it sounded close to that.

I don't like that this one doesn't have many rotative buttons.

[AwakeAudio]

Editing patches is so easy on it - every parameter has a flourescent bar graph display. Just press a button and turn the big wheel.

[escobarstatus]

Im that familiar with this synth...I have a chance to pick one up for 75$ is that a good ideal neone???

[maninshack]

use your noggin sailor

[escobarstatus]

was that comment worth your time?

[maninshack]

i lost my job

[maninshack]

but yes, if its working, $75 is an amazing deal. they sell for $300 usually

[nanotrax]

Ich liebe den Sound von alten synth, besonderst die sythis die so unheimlich klingen.

der AX80 is echt nice

[5Zylinder]

Das denk ich mir bei jedem Video vhon ihm.

[synthcraft]

syntezatory is turning the gear demo into a real artform! you are amazing! i'm a huge fan!

[sneakyalien]

Hi,how much should you pay for one of these synths?

They are great.LOve the vid.

[smellyjonnie]

sounds like what Fad Gadget might of used

this syth has some wonderful sounds all in one synth

[skillzflux]

07:31 to 08:01 = Pure Genius

[NelSonOfABitch]

mamo chce ten sprzent na gwiastke

[thenewrapstyle]

some old legend of zelda shit

[audiotrax2000]

I remember the ads for this. I always thought it was one of the coolest looking keyboards with all those blue bar-graph lights.  Thanks for sharing this.

[johnvonmunster]

whats a better buy? the Akai ax-80 or the Akai ax-60? I love the sounds on the ax80! but tell me what you all think.

thanks.

[Gazdatronik]

The 60. It looks more limited at first, but it is true VCO the whole way through-You can get I bit more done and it sounds a little better.

[skillzflux]

I like the way you think

[danilo303]

LOVE IT!

[davedagreat69]

Another great video particularly 8.40 onwards. Jexus has the best synth vids on youtube, best sounds and most imaginative imagery. 5*

[layzer80]

I have one and use it for BASS and PADS.

nothing sounds like it

[Dogboy73]

Never heard of this before. I didn't know Akai made synths! First I heard of them was the samplers of the early 90's.

[sonicfire1980]

that video scares the shit outta me :-O

[mekanopsis1]

Agree.. but it's also awesome! Thanks Polish dude! Wonder what equipment is used for editing.. looks authentically analogue and not digital FX

[sonicfire1980]

i smell depeche mode here ^^

[eddiefa]

at 2:55 is sick

[soundmanhaven]

Ah the Jexus sound again :)

[vinyljunkie07]

Is this synth VCO or DCO? Nice vid by the way :-)

[nightcabbie]

The unit is mono-tambral eight voice with two DCO's (plus a sub-osc) per voice.

[Synthomania]

I read in the net that it has VCOs. I have one, and it sounds more unstable and dirty than my juno2. Bought i because of this vid! I dont understand why this synth doesent cost the same as like Junpiter6 or juno 60.. Its an awesome synth.

[motoboy6666]

These videos arent just exelent synth demos but really entertaining .. really laugh like hell to those weird clips in there:)

[Synthomania]

I have this synth also, its truly awesome, but ofcoarse mine has all the problems with dead buttons etc..the midi interface just triggers random notes:( im opening it upp now, to try fix it:) but damn it sounds sick!

[gilwe]

Sounds very similar to the Teisco/Kawai SX210.

[theau61]

the best is closing your eyes while imaging yourself thinking about the bubble coming out of your mouth, like in a cartoon. LIVE AND LET BUBBLE.

[biedaznendzy]

Świetne urzadzenie ! a od 4:11 chłopie więcej takich udanych akordów proszę !

[GrubeMasterFlex]

That part at :41 is ATROCIOUS

[eightballpl]

krashan rządzi!

[devmiles]

fucking dark stuff!! wonderfull!!! respect!!

when you play synths i always hear some eastern europe melancholy in the tunes .. i get very attracted by it .. superb! greetings from holland!

[elektrogeist]

i've one of these sweet machines myself, recommend the ax-60 as well ;)

[microkorgboy]

very good. it would be cool to see you play

a prophet or a crumar bit 1

[tomkingsays]

i just got an ax-80 and I love it!!! easy to program and a ton of fun. its got sucha dirty sound

[giddygavin]

What a fantastic video,of an awesome synth!!

I have been transported to a sci-fi wonderland watching this,love the edits and the style of the video.The synth is so beautiful too.

[ahazzamylady10]

dang! niice keyboard :D

[ElasticMinds]

Awesome demo Jexus, you really show how fat that Akai can be. btw, whats the one band you reference around 8:59, it sounds like you were replicating the keyboard from that song. Awesome sound!

[mutepg58]

nirvana

[GCom67]

Nice midi analog synth!!

[d4nial]

WC Olo Garb, ... is there any chance of you making a tape load of your patches and sending it via email? if possible. damn. let me know. if i could get these patches for my AX80, it would keep me from selling it! -Danial

[toomanykittens]

i wish i could find one of these

[pdautg]

Good one again Jexus!

Nice to see one on youtube.

I've got this instrument but it bites the dust now , some keys from the