Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $149

Budget/Beginner

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Fairlight IIx". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Fairlight IIx is a legendary synthesizer that transports you back to the golden era of '80s music production, offering a seamless fusion of nostalgia and cutting-edge technology. This iconic synth is a faithful recreation of the original that once defined the soundscapes for artists like Peter Gabriel and Herbie Hancock. Its intuitive interface invites both seasoned musicians and budding producers to explore a vast array of sonic possibilities.

At the heart of the Fairlight IIx is its distinctive Page R sequencer, a pioneering tool that changed the way music was composed and recorded. Coupled with a library of over 250 meticulously crafted presets, this synthesizer offers everything from lush pads and punchy basses to ethereal leads and intricate soundscapes. The Fairlight IIx doesn’t just replicate the past—it reimagines it, allowing you to craft unique sounds that push the boundaries of modern music production.

Whether you're looking to recreate the iconic sounds of yesteryear or blaze new trails in sound design, the Fairlight IIx provides an unparalleled platform. Its creative multi-phraser and flexible drum machine make it an indispensable tool in any musician's arsenal, perfect for crafting complex compositions or diving into spontaneous jam sessions.

Key Features:

  • Faithful recreation of the iconic '80s Fairlight CMI synthesizer
  • Over 250 ready-to-play presets
  • Distinctive Page R sequencer for unparalleled composition capabilities
  • Multi-phraser for advanced synthesis and sound design
  • Intuitive interface for easy navigation and creativity
  • Compatible with standalone, AAX, VST, and AU formats
  • Works on both Mac and PC systems

Product specs

Software Type 1980's synth emulation
Platform Mac, PC
Upgrade/Full Full
Download/Boxed Download
Bit Depth 32-bit, 64-bit
Format Standalone, AAX, VST, AU, AAX
Authorization Type iLok Account
Hardware Requirements - Mac Intel Processor, 7200 rpm/SSD hard drive recommended, 8GB RAM recommended
Hardware Requirements - PC Core Duo Processor or higher, 7200 rpm/SSD hard drive recommended, 8GB RAM recommended
OS Requirements - Mac OS X 10.14 or later
OS Requirements - PC Windows 7 or later

FAQs

What type of synthesis does the Fairlight IIx use?

The Fairlight IIx utilizes digital sampling synthesis, allowing users to record and manipulate audio samples, which was revolutionary in the 1980s.

Is the Fairlight IIx software compatible with modern DAWs?

Yes, the Fairlight IIx software is compatible with modern DAWs as it supports AAX, VST, and AU formats, making it versatile for integration into various digital audio workstations.

What are the system requirements for running the Fairlight IIx software on a Mac?

To run the Fairlight IIx software on a Mac, you need an Intel Processor, OS X 10.14 or later, and it's recommended to have a 7200 rpm/SSD hard drive and 8GB of RAM.

Does the Fairlight IIx require an iLok account for authorization?

Yes, the Fairlight IIx requires an iLok account for authorization, ensuring secure and easy management of your software license.

Can the Fairlight IIx software be used on both 32-bit and 64-bit systems?

Yes, the Fairlight IIx software is compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit systems, providing flexibility for different computer setups.

SynthMania

SynthMania

Fairlight IIx playing "ORCH5"

Video thumbnail for Fairlight IIx playing "ORCH5" by SynthMania

Fairlight IIx playing "ORCH5"

SynthMania

SynthMania

Video thumbnail for Fairlight IIx playing "ARR1" by SynthMania

Fairlight IIx playing "ARR1"

SynthMania

SynthMania

Video thumbnail for Fairlight IIx Page "R", and goodies... by Alkemiae Studio

Fairlight IIx Page "R", and goodies...

Alkemiae Studio

Alkemiae Studio

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Fairlight IIx uses dual 6809 processors, contributing to its advanced capabilities despite primitive tech, including MIDI support and a light pen interface that can be cumbersome.

    Source
  • The Fairlight IIx includes a Music Creation Language, offering precise control with 1ms increments for time position, though it can be labor-intensive to use.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners describe the Fairlight's mechanical keyboard as highly satisfying, providing a tactile and clicky response, which adds to the overall user experience.

    Source
  • The Fairlight IIx's interface relies heavily on key commands, which users find surprisingly intuitive for a device of its era, with logical layout and straightforward navigation.

    Source
  • Users report that the Fairlight IIx has a loud cooling system, contributing to its industrial tech vibe, which some find enhances the experience of using the hardware.

    Source
  • Users highlight that Arturia's presets often include post-processing effects, which can overshadow the raw sound of the synth, impacting creative workflows.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • QasarBeach is a free emulation of the CMI IIx, noted for its solid wave creation and sequencing capabilities, though it currently supports only stereo output.

    Source
  • QasarBeach is noted for its authentic emulation, closely mimicking the original Fairlight's software, but lacks direct DAW integration, unlike Arturia CMI V.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Fairlight IIx's bass sounds are often compared to those produced by the Yamaha DX7, with enhanced bite from string noise, creating a warm and distinctive tone.

    Source
  • Arturia CMI V provides a faithful recreation of the Fairlight's sounds with added convenience for DAW use, favored by users over QasarBeach for ease of integration.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Fairlight IIx's Page R sequencer was used extensively in the 80s, locking to 2" tape, and remains appreciated for its rock-solid performance during that era.

    Source
  • UVI Darklight IIx is praised for offering a comprehensive library of classic Fairlight sounds, allowing for both immediate use and further sound shaping.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
atonalmeasure

A legend, and for good reason

Just fabulous synth/sampler, gritty and fat and easy to use, especially with Page R which allows a very simple block recording and editing page, never found the light pen very useful. Was a bit of a repair nightmare and was very expensive to run and keep up. Miss it though, a very special musical instrument albeit very limited memory. Never used it on a recording ive released, but it's a definite studio dogs bucket lister. Would have one again in a shot !

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Freddie Mercury uses Fairlight IIx

Freddie Mercury

Singer, Keyboardist

Queen

...
Verified via Photo

Queen began using the Fairlight CMI starting in the 1984 album The Works. Freddie Mercury himself used it in his solo album Mr. Bad Guy in 1985 and again in 1986 in the A Kind Of Magic sessions as seen in this 1985 recording session for One Vision

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 Fairlight IIx, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Roland Jupiter-8
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1

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