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From: ewa@sdcc3.UUCP (Eric Anderson)
Newsgroups: net.music.synth
Subject: Re: Akai AX80 info wanted
Message-ID: <3071@sdcc3.UUCP>
Date: Sat, 9-Nov-85 03:54:06 EST
Article-I.D.: sdcc3.3071
Posted: Sat Nov  9 03:54:06 1985
Date-Received: Mon, 11-Nov-85 06:46:27 EST
References: <10716@ucbvax.ARPA> <146@mcrware.UUCP>
Reply-To: ewa@sdcc3.UUCP (Eric Anderson)
Distribution: net
Organization: U.C. San Diego, Academic Computer Center
Lines: 50

>> I am very interested in upgrading from my Juno-106 to the Akai AX80.
>
>	I, too, have been looking at the Akai AX80....
>                    ....  Unfortunately, I haven't seen the manual for the
>AX80 so I can't answer your question, but I like to see listings in this
>newsgroup.

To start on a negative note (-1 in midi?) the manual for the AX80 is pretty
bad.  That aside, though, it is a wonderful machine for the price.  Features
include:

	o  8 voice polyphonic.  Unless you like to use all ten fingers at a
	   time this eliminates the popping or note drop-outs associated
	   with 6-voice machines.

	o  24 oscillators. Each voice has two oscillators, plus a sub-osc
	   which functions one octave lower. Waveforms are square, rising
	   sawtooth, and mixed. The two oscs can be detuned up to three
	   octaves apart, by cent (!). The two oscs can also modulate each
	   other in a couple of ways.

	o  VCA, VCF, LFO (square, saw-up, saw-down, saw-up&down)

	o  ADSR Envelope generators (VCA/VCF/both)

	o  Hardware features include: 61 keys (5 octaves) with velocity
	   sensitivity. One key (or two if switching banks) patch changes.
	   One key parameter select (45 parameters). Big knob for coarse
	   adjustments to parameters, plus fine tuning. 35x12 segment
	   flourescent display showing all parameters at once. Key transpose,
	   chord memory, midi select (ch 1-16). Also pitch bend +/- 1 octave
	   or tunable for more sensitivity over a smaller range (down to
	   one note for full travel). Modulation wheel, for OSC or VCF or
	   both. Also with adjustable range. Master tuning control (in case
	   everyone else is out of tune)

	o  32 ROM patches, 64 EEPROM. Write protect switch.
	   Good patches for: Harpsichord, Brass, Strings, Woodwind, Bass,
	   Organ (incl church), Synth, Banjo, Harmonica, Etc, Effects like
	   Helicopters (or is it chickens?) and clock tower bells.

     Obviously, I like it.  It's very easy to use, with one or two key
sequences for all operations, and the large knob for editing.  Velocity
sensitivity, 8-note poly and the 5 octave keyboard really help playability.
Also goes nicely with the 612(?) Sampler.

Questions, flames, midi-dumps-of-your-5-year-old-playing to:

Eric Anderson, UC San Diego         {elsewhere}!ihnp4!ucbvax!sdcsvax!sdcc3!ewa
Home: (619)453-7315       Work: (619)586-1201       White House: (202)456-1414