Alesis airSynth

4.5 (8)

1 Critic Review

2 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Alesis airSynth

1 community setup

3 wishlisted

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Page last updated Oct 04, 2025

Pricing and availability

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Price

Average Price: $179

Budget/Beginner

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

In the Synthesizers category, Alesis airSynth is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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Description

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Unleash your creative potential with the Alesis airSynth, a unique instrument in the world of synthesizers that invites you to explore sound without boundaries. This innovative device uses motion-sensing technology to transform your hand movements into dynamic sonic expressions. The airSynth operates on a proprietary AXYZ controller, allowing you to manipulate sound effortlessly in three-dimensional space, making it not just an instrument but an experience.

Ideal for studio experimentation or live performance, the airSynth offers a wide range of customizable soundscapes. Its intuitive interface features an array of preset sounds, from ethereal pads to gritty basslines, enabling you to shape your sonic environment with precision. Whether you’re a seasoned synth enthusiast or a newcomer embracing new technology, the airSynth's hands-on approach will inspire fresh musical ideas.

Perfect for those who dare to venture beyond the traditional keyboard setup, the Alesis airSynth stands out with its motion-controlled interface, encouraging spontaneous creativity. Connect it to your setup and watch as your movements bring your music to life. The airSynth is not just an instrument; it's an extension of your artistic vision.

Key Features:

Motion-sensing technology for hands-free sound control
Proprietary AXYZ controller for three-dimensional sound manipulation
Wide range of preset sounds and effects
Intuitive interface designed for both beginners and professionals
Compact design for easy integration into any setup
Suitable for both live performances and studio use

Product specs

Brand	Alesis
Model	AirSynth
Finish	Orange
Year	2000s
Made In	Taiwan
Categories	Desktop Synths, Digital Synthesizers
Analog / Digital	Digital
Polyphony	1 Voice

FAQs

What type of synthesis does the Alesis airSynth utilize?: The Alesis airSynth is a digital synthesizer that uses a variety of pre-programmed sounds and effects, controlled through infrared sensing technology.
How does the Alesis airSynth detect motion?: The airSynth uses infrared sensors to detect hand movements, allowing users to manipulate sound parameters without physical contact.
Is the Alesis airSynth suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Alesis airSynth is designed for live performance, offering unique, gestural control over sound effects and synthesis.
What is the primary use case for the Alesis airSynth?: The airSynth is primarily used for creating dynamic soundscapes and effects in live settings, offering a tactile and visual element to performances.
Can the Alesis airSynth be integrated with other music equipment?: While it is a standalone device, the airSynth can be integrated into a setup with other synthesizers and audio equipment via its audio outputs.

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Alesis airSynth.

Features and functionality

0 0

The AirSynth generates sound effects and musical sounds, while the AirFX primarily processes and alters external sound sources.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

The AirSynth and AirFX are played like a theremin, adding a unique performance aspect to live setups.
Source

Comparisons

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Owners suggest the AirFX for more versatility as it can layer sounds and alter incoming audio, unlike the AirSynth which does not modify external signals.
Source

Critic Reviews

Alesis Air Synth

soundonsound.com

The Alesis Air Synth offers a unique and fun approach to sound creation with its motion-controlled interface. It excels in generating a wide array of intriguing sounds and effects, from pads to percussion, with an intuitive learning curve. However, its reliance on presets limits customization, and the lack of MIDI Out restricts its use as a MIDI controller. While not a traditional instrument, it is ideal for adding sonic and visual interest, particularly in electronic music and live performances. Despite missed opportunities for deeper integration, its instant gratification at an affordable price makes it a worthwhile addition to any setup.

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Full Review

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 8 Ratings

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dickdutch

9 months ago

Perfect for my Dub Reggae needs.

I had the synth and FX unit in my multi mixer and effect dub delivery system. The synth ran through a numark mixer with kaos pad built in and the tunes ran through another Numark Kaos mixer, which then ran out through the air FX unit and onto a third mixer to mix the two mixers together. The Alessi units were brilliant both sonically and performance wise. It’s all in storage now but one day soon I’ll reassemble the set up.

Roles:

Genres:

Reggae Dub Roots reggae

jp_belanger

619

about 3 years ago

Fun for days, limited real world utility

The "Air" series from Alesis made quite a few waves when it first came out. There's AirFX (effects unit), Photon X25 and X49 (MIDI controllers) and AirSynth, all of which features the AXYZ dome infrared controller. It was Alesis best effort at making a modern age theremin with more sounds and possibilities.

AirSynth has some interesting sounds. It's a fun instrument to get creative and spontaenous playing, making it perfect for DJ rise-ups. Its ease of use is basically foolproof so even the non-iniated will get how it works in a matter of minutes.

But there are a handful of cons that comes with its use. First, it's infrared. And like all infrared-based devices it does not goes well with any kind of hard light source directed at it. This also causes uneven performance: you cannot "master" the airSynth unless you use it under the exact same lighting conditions every time. So I always saw it as more of a percussion instrument rather than a synthesizer per se. Also the unability to set sensibiity you are forever stuck with this limitation.

Yet, it's still super fun to play!