Fairlight Series III

$179.99 Price Tier: Budget

5.0 (1)

1 Critic Review

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Page last updated Jul 01, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated May 7, 2026.

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Price

4.5 (67)

$179.99

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Average Price: $140

Budget/Beginner

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

In the Synthesizers category, Fairlight Series III 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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High-end

Price History

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

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Description

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Step into the world of cutting-edge sound design with the Fairlight Series III, a synthesizer that redefines what it means to be a music producer. This legendary piece of gear bridges the gap between vintage charm and modern innovation, offering a versatile sound palette that both seasoned professionals and budding musicians will appreciate. Designed with meticulous attention to detail, the Fairlight Series III delivers a robust combination of sampling, sequencing, and synthesis capabilities, all housed within an intuitive interface that encourages creativity.

At the heart of the Fairlight Series III lies its advanced digital sampling engine, renowned for its ability to capture and reproduce sounds with breathtaking accuracy. This synthesizer is equipped with a comprehensive suite of tools that allow you to manipulate and sculpt sounds with precision. Whether you're crafting lush soundscapes or punchy bass lines, the Fairlight Series III provides the flexibility you need to bring your musical visions to life.

With a user-friendly interface that emphasizes ease of use without sacrificing depth, this synth is perfect for both live performances and studio sessions. Its high-quality construction ensures durability, making it a reliable companion for any musical journey. Dive into a world of endless possibilities and let the Fairlight Series III be your trusted partner in sonic exploration.

Key Features:

Advanced digital sampling engine for unparalleled sound accuracy
Intuitive interface designed for seamless creativity
Comprehensive suite of sound manipulation tools
Robust construction suitable for live and studio use
Versatile sound palette for a variety of musical styles

Videos

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Python Blue

Fairlight Series III Factory Samples (Remake)

Python Blue

Fairlight CMI Series III demonstration video

DeftAudio

Fairlight Series III Demos (Extended Again)

Python Blue

Sonic TALK Special: Fairlight Series III Restoration

sonicstate

Putting a Fairlight Series III CMI quickly through its paces...

roger bolton

Jean-Michel Jarre Fairlight Series III overview

DeftAudio

Fairlight CMI - Series III - Playing with the Rhythm Sequencer

Cris Blyth

Exploring The Fairlight Series III - E1/Pilot: "The First Episode"

Studio G Dallas

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 Fairlight Series III.

Features and functionality

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The Fairlight Series III uses a clicky mechanical keyboard for interface navigation, which is noted for its satisfying tactile feedback.
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The Fairlight's sampling rate is up to 32 kHz at 8-bit, which contributes to its unique warm sound despite its limited specifications.
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The Fairlight Series III supports both mono and stereo samples, managing up to 16 samples across the keyboard.
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Setup and maintenance

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The light pen feature is considered cumbersome by some users, suggesting it may not be practical for modern use.
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User experience

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Owners appreciate the iconic 'ORCH05' sample, highlighting its legacy impact on music production.
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The Fairlight Series III introduced hard disk recording, expanding from 8 to 24 tracks with the CMI/MFX series, which was a precursor to modern DAWs like ProTools and Logic.
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Software and compatibility

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QasarBeach is a free emulator for the Fairlight CMI IIx, but users report issues with FX busses and external MIDI devices.
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UVI Darklight IIX, though visually similar to a Fairlight, lacks functional similarity, while QasarBeach IIz is recommended for closer emulation.
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Use cases and applications

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The Fairlight's bass sounds, especially slap bass, are highlighted for their warmth and distinct 80s character.
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The 1010music Blackbox and Bitbox Micro are cited as modern hardware samplers that can replicate much of the Fairlight’s functionality, with users resampling Fairlight sounds into them.
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Comparisons

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The Arturia CMI V is a very loose interpretation of the Fairlight, lacking many of its original features and adding non-original elements like the "spectral synth."
Source

Critic Reviews

Fairlight Series III (EMM Apr 86)

muzines.co.uk

The Fairlight Series III is a technological marvel, pushing the boundaries of sampling and sequencing capabilities. While its astronomical price tag makes it accessible only to the elite, it offers unparalleled sample quality, vast storage, and powerful multitasking features. The integrated MIDI and advanced sequencer make it a central hub for any production environment. However, its hefty cost and the requirement for a steep learning curve might deter some users. Overall, it's a cutting-edge instrument for those who can afford it, representing a significant leap forward in music technology.

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