AX73

This 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.