A powerful 80s analog synth, reborn as a AAX/AU/CLAP/VST2/VST3 plugin, with modern enhancements
With four analog oscillators across two synth layers, unique modulation features, extended performance options, and an eight-module effects section, the Martinic AX73 unleashes the full power of the original synth and more – no menu diving required, and all perfectly modeled through our Advanced Circuitry Emulation (ACE) technology. Plus, it includes a generous lineup of 600 inspiring presets to get you started right away.
An interface for the 21st century
Settings View offers a clean, easy-to-use set of parameters for quick editing.
The Keys View, which emulates the look of the original hardware, has also been upgraded with many more functions – no menu-diving required.
The robust Preset Manager allows you to quickly save and sort your favorite presets into "collections" that you can easily export and share with friends.
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.
Something Borrowed
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.
Mod Power
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 a formidable 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.
The AX73 is part of the AX Bundle.
{See video at top of page}
I picked up the Martinic AX73 with all the expansions in a recent sale, a lot of the sounds have an inspirational vibe to them that almost forces me to want to make music, also the library system is very good, a nice touch is the tag section for quickly finding the category and type of sound you are looking for, this plugin is going to get plenty of use :-) my full respects to the developer for this vibrant sound tool, i give it 6 out of 5 stars.
Reviewed By Owl Cave Dreams [all]
February 21st, 2022
Version reviewed: 1.0 on Windows
My first review here. I owned an actual AX73 for 30 years. This sounds like the real thing. This is a fantastic emulation with the option to go beyond the original, adding new features. A real thrill to have this. TBH the only time I saw anyone else with this thing was Portishead miming on Pebble Mill on the BBC. I think its a very underrated synth. I also got great & fast support from the Martinic team. Thumbs Up.
Read ReviewThis is my first review, and I am by no means an experienced Plug-in expert when it comes to creating and manipulating sounds. So please read this purely as a User's review.
Having cleared that, the AX73 is a nice-priced plug-in for those who like the analog sounds.
I personally use it for my Nu Disco music and it contains a hell of a lot of great 80's sounds.
The AX73 comes with the full preset load of the original sounds of the actual AX-73 re-created by the developers (classic sound bank) plus a wagon load of new and custom presets, it also comes with 5 Dr Mix presets.
The new sounds contain a lot of modern sounds, layers, arp's and rhythm patterns, and (something I like very much) judged by the names of some of the sounds, and some of the funny presets (which I;m sure no one will ever use in a song, but I challenge you) the developers don't take themselves too seriously.
The UI is deliberately very 80's, clear, simple, and all the controls on the actual AX-73 keyboard shown on the main screen, are fully functioning.
The editing screen is extremely easy to use, and even for a 'preset guy' like me easy to use.
It gives the opportunity to create layers, arp's, etc., and naturally save them as your personal presets.
You can adjust the VCO1 VCO2, VCF, EG A F O and 4, Bend levels, LFO 1 thru 4, Split settings, ARP settings, and the Master appearance. And of course, you can save them with your own custom name.
Those are then easy to reach in the preset screen where you can choose the main set first (all, personal, Dr. Mix, or the classic bank), to then reach the bank with the presets alphabetically ordered.
If there is a point of criticism at all, it might be that I personally find the sounds not extremely in your face (not loud, phat, thick, or whatever you want to call it) but nothing that can't be solved with some compression and effects.
Conclusion:
- Is it a mind-blowing, epic plug-in? No.
- Is it a fairly priced, great addition to the plug-ins I will use for my music? Hell yeah.
PS. I had a question and my mail was answered within half an hour.
So it must be said the developers/help-desk is both reachable and helpful.
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