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Average Price: $500
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$500
$1501+
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Description
Dive into the sonic adventure with the ARP Axxe, a marvel that channels the spirit of its legendary sibling, the Arp Odyssey, into a more compact and accessible format. While it might be considered the budget-friendly relative, don't let that tag fool you. The ARP Axxe boasts a sound that's distinct and rich, albeit with a characteristically thinner profile due to its single-oscillator setup. Perfect for those looking to explore the vintage synth sounds without breaking the bank or sacrificing quality. Whether you're crafting tracks in your bedroom studio or performing live, the ARP Axxe brings that classic ARP warmth right to your fingertips.
Key Features:
- Single Oscillator design for a distinct, thinner sound quality
- Comprehensive analog synthesis capabilities with VCO, VCF, VCA, ADSR, Noise generator, and LFO
- Inherits the classic sound and soul of the legendary Arp Odyssey
- Ideal for both studio recordings and live performances
- Accessible to musicians seeking vintage synth sounds at an affordable price
Product specs
| Brand | ARP |
| Model | Axxe Monophonic Analog Synthesizer |
| Finish | Black / Gold, Black / Orange |
| Year | 1975 - 1981 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Keyboard Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Analog |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Synth Action |
| Number of Keys | 37 Keys |
| Polyphony | 1 Voice |
FAQs
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Is the ARP Axxe synthesizer polyphonic or monophonic?
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The ARP Axxe is a monophonic analog synthesizer, meaning it can play only one note at a time, making it ideal for bass lines and lead melodies.
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What are the key features of the ARP Axxe's sound engine?
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The ARP Axxe features a single oscillator with a variety of waveforms, a resonant low-pass filter, and an ADSR envelope generator, allowing for a wide range of classic analog tones.
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How many keys does the ARP Axxe have and what is the key size?
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The ARP Axxe has 37 full-size keys with a synth action, providing a comfortable playing experience for musicians used to traditional keyboard layouts.
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What are the finish options available for the ARP Axxe?
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The ARP Axxe is available in two finish options: Black/Gold and Black/Orange, offering a choice between classic and vibrant aesthetics.
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During what years was the ARP Axxe produced?
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The ARP Axxe was produced from 1975 to 1981, marking it as a vintage synthesizer with a classic analog sound.
Videos
AnalogAudio1
ARP AXXE MKII Analog Synthesizer 1977 | HD DEMO
ARP AXXE MKII Analog Synthesizer 1977 | HD DEMO
AnalogAudio1
Arp Axxe Loose Jam
Andy Rehfeldt's Variety Show
Vintage Classics //ARP AXXE a budget synth with flagship sound
Starsky Carr
Arp Axxe
SyntheticMachines
ARP Axxe vs ARP Odyssey // Why some prefer the Axxe
Starsky Carr
ARP Axxe Repair & Restoration - Synthchaser #134
Synthchaser
ARP Axxe with Sub Oscillator
Lackan
ARP AXXE - Vintage Analog Synthesizer | DEMO
You Are The Robots
Reviews
PROS
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Deeper sound than expected with exploration
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Sound has more punch with just one oscillator
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Allows square and sawtooth waveforms simultaneously
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Rich, deep analog sound quality
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CV interfaces for external connectivity
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4075 4-pole filter preferred over ladder filter for richness
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More accessible and user-friendly than similar models
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Handy modulation expression with PPC
CONS
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Lacks second VCO, ring mod, and AR EG compared to Odyssey
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Keys protrude, prone to damage during transport
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ARP Axxe.
Comparisons
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The ARP Axxe shares its oscillator with the ARP 2600 and Odyssey, iconic for 70s soul and jazz sounds like Stevie Wonder and Herbie Hancock.
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Although the Yamaha CS-5 has a thicker basic sound and sample and hold feature, the ARP Axxe may offer more reliable long-term maintenance options.
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Use cases and applications
Value and pricing
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ARP Axxe synths are typically priced $200-$300 cheaper than the Roland SH-09, making them a more budget-friendly option.
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Features and functionality
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The ARP Axxe is favored for its sample and hold feature, which the CS-5 also possesses, but is often overlooked in discussions.
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Setup and maintenance
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Owners report that ARP Axxe oscillators may need frequent retuning over octaves, similar to the Dreadbox Erebus V2's known scaling issues.
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A tongue-in-cheek suggestion humorously noted that the hole might serve to vent smoke from blown tantalum capacitors, hinting at potential maintenance concerns.
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Build quality
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Even after decades, ARP Axxe faders can remain smooth and crackle-free, defying typical vintage synth wear.
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User experience
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ARP Axxe's filter reportedly sounds slightly nicer than the Karp Odyssey module, though the difference is subtle and mostly noticeable in intros.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 10 Ratings
673
Pure analog
Picked up a 70s Arp Axxe model 2310 with the Moog ladder filter. This can make some wild sounds. Super punchy and great for bass, especially when I run it through various modulation pedals.
Highly recommend before they go up in price!
236
Analog Classic
I know it is one oscillator but you can create the sounds of two using the resonant filter. Has some real oomph.
Artist usage
Add artist
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In this Instagram picture, deadmau5 says "Who doesn't love a good axxe?"
Moby is seen playing the ARP Axxe in a video post on his Instagram account, where he mentions "digging out some old equipment for an old school electro remix of Natural Blues."
At 2:17 in the video "Inside Real World Studios, Peter Gabriel's recording sanctuary" by The Vinyl Factory, an ARP Axxe synthesizer is visible, confirming its use in Peter Gabriel's studio.
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From instagram "Getting it together at #DullerRoarStudios !! More gear nerdery"
Taken from instagram picture of MusikExpress Magazine's upcoming article.
"Back then I was also using a Sequential Pro-One keyboard, a Roland RS-09 string synth, an ARP Odyssey and an ARP Axxe. And I had a Boss DR-55 and then an 808, obviously, when they first came out."
ARP Axxe is included in the gear list.
Phil Oakey is noted to have used the ARP Axxe synthesizer, as mentioned in the Human League's equipment list from the August 12, 1978 issue of Sounds, sourced from The-black-hit-of-space.
Presser Gábor is confirmed to use the ARP Axxe synthesizer, as evidenced by its appearance in a televised concert recording.
Album Usage
The ARP Axxe has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use ARP Axxe, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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Community setups
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Add recommendation2 alternative and related items for ARP Axxe, curated by the Equipboard community.
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Can do what the Axxe can and for a great price. Plus modern and reliable. The link is to a song featuring the Behringer Odyssey- it is the main growly voice.
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The Behringer Model D Cheaper, and you also get more VCOs.
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