Photo of Akai AX60 Analog Synthesizer in a synths, signal chain, and closeup

Akai AX60 Analog Synthesizer

$772.58 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (13)

3 Reviews

Find out who is using Akai AX60

2 community setups

5 wishlisted

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Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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Price

5.0 (5)

$772.58 7 available Used

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Average Price: $773

Standard/Professional

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

In the Synthesizers category, Akai AX60 Analog Synthesizer is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Standard

High-end

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Description

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The Akai AX60 Analog Synthesizer is a revered classic in the world of vintage synths, offering genuine analog warmth and an unmistakable sound that has stood the test of time. This 61-key instrument is perfect for musicians looking to explore the deep, rich tones that only analog synthesis can provide. The AX60 is equipped with a single VCO per voice, providing 6-voice polyphony, which allows for lush chords and dynamic melodies. Its intuitive interface and hands-on controls make it an excellent choice for both studio and live performances, enabling you to manipulate sound in real time with ease.

One of the standout features of the AX60 is its ability to connect with other analog gear through its proprietary Akai S-612 sampler interface, allowing for expanded sound design possibilities. Whether you're diving into the world of synthesis for the first time or adding a piece of history to your collection, the Akai AX60 offers a unique blend of flexibility and sonic depth. Its robust build and classic design provide both durability and a touch of nostalgia, making it a beloved choice for synth enthusiasts around the globe.

Key Features:

61-key analog synthesizer
6-voice polyphony with single VCO per voice
Built-in chorus effect for added depth
Proprietary Akai S-612 sampler interface
Flexible modulation options
Real-time control with intuitive interface
Compatible with other analog gear for expanded sound capabilities

Product specs

Brand	Akai
Model	AX60
Finish	Black
Year	1980s
Categories	Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital	Analog
Key Size	Full Size
Keyboard Action	Synth Action
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Number of Keys	61 Keys
Polyphony	6 Voices

FAQs

Is the Akai AX60 synthesizer polyphonic or monophonic?: The Akai AX60 is a polyphonic synthesizer with 6 voices, allowing you to play multiple notes simultaneously for rich, layered sounds.
What kind of sound capabilities does the Akai AX60 offer?: The Akai AX60 offers classic analog sound with a range of modulation options, including VCOs, VCAs, and a VCF, providing warm and expressive tones characteristic of 1980s synths.
Does the Akai AX60 have MIDI connectivity?: Yes, the Akai AX60 features MIDI Input, Output, and Through, enabling integration with other MIDI-compatible gear for expanded performance and recording options.
How many keys does the Akai AX60 have, and what is their size?: The Akai AX60 has a 61-key full-size keyboard with synth action, offering a familiar and comfortable playing experience for keyboardists.
What makes the Akai AX60 unique compared to other analog synthesizers from the 1980s?: The Akai AX60 stands out with its ability to connect with the Akai S612 sampler, allowing users to blend sampled sounds with analog synthesis for innovative sound design.

Videos

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Espen Kraft

Akai AX60 | The best and worst synthesizer Akai ever did

Espen Kraft

1986 AKAI AX 60 ANALOG VCO POLYPHONIC SYNTHESIZER by Distance Research

distanceresearch

Synth Party - Akai AX60

SYNTH PARTY

Akai AX60 // What Makes it So Unique? // Patch Walkthrough & Breakdown

Jorb

Synths That Time Forgot: Akai AX60 & AX80

Alamo Music Sound Lab

Uncovering the Secrets of this Rare, Vintage Analog Polysynth the AKAI AX60! (Scum Night Review)

Vulture Culture

KORG POLYSIX vs AKAI AX60: Vintage Analog Synthesizer Shoot-Out LIVE!

Vulture Culture

The Akai AX60: A Vintage 80's Oddball and Sleeper Synth!

Ghostfeeder

Quick Test AKAI AX 60 ANALOG POLYPHONIC SYNTH

Ulises Lozano El Licenciado

Reviews

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PROS

Unique sound capabilities, from warm to aggressive tones
Pulse width modulation on various waveforms
Capable of playing 6 voices of Akai S612 sampler through its architecture
Built-in BBD chorus praised for its quality
Versatile tonal options with low pass and high pass filters
FM-like filter texture modulation adds depth
Offers split and stacked unison modes for creative play
Durable metal construction with robust controls
Rare and affordable compared to similar vintage synths
Simple to program, great for learning subtractive synthesis

CONS

Comparatively rare, making it hard to find
Some may find its sound palette too aggressive
Requires pairing with specific older Akai samplers for full feature use
Limited MIDI capabilities by modern standards
May require repairs or maintenance due to age

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Akai AX60 Analog Synthesizer.

Mods and upgrades

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The Tauntek upgrade for the AX60 is mentioned, with positive experiences noted for its effect on related models like the AX80.
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An LED slider modification is a popular enhancement for the AX60, improving usability and aesthetics.
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User experience

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Some owners recommend the AX60 as a unique addition to a collection but not as a sole analog poly synth due to its distinctive sound.
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The AX60 emits a distinct "80s circuits" scent after warming up, adding to its vintage charm.
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Owners describe initial disappointment with the AX60's harsh tone, but appreciate its unique sound after learning to make precise fader adjustments.
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Use cases and applications

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The AX60 pairs well with Akai's S700 sampler, providing complementary functionality for users who own both devices.
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The AX60 excels in creating textures with its noise setting and S&H LFO > filter, offering extreme bass frequencies.
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Comparisons

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The Prophet 600's 3372 filter is often considered superior to the AX60's 3394 filter, particularly in tonal quality.
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The Prophet 600 is noted for using two 3340 VCOs, offering cross-modulation and sync, whereas the AX60 uses a single 3394 chip with a fixed architecture.
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The AX60 is described as sitting between a Juno and a Korg Polysix in terms of character.
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The AX60 is compared to a mix of Polivoks and vintage Roland, offering a unique raw and rebellious character.
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The AX60 shares the same voice chip as the Sequential Sixtrak but offers a unique, dirtier character distinct from the Juno series.
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Features and functionality

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The AX60 can be challenging to dial in due to its wide sound palette, often sounding harsh until the sweet spot is found.
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The AX60 offers a completely hands-on interface with sliders for every function, avoiding any menu diving, providing a tactile user experience.
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The resonance slider on the Akai AX60 is exponential, significantly altering sound character at halfway, unlike typical linear sliders.
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The AX60 includes a rare parameter where oscillators can modulate the filter, typically found in semi-modular or modular synths.
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Value and pricing

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It's suggested that the AX60 remains cheaper than a Juno but offers its own distinct character.
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The AX60's price has risen significantly, now comparable to the Juno 106, with recent sales in Canada around $1100.
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Setup and maintenance

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Owners note the AX60 will likely require costly maintenance due to its age.
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 13 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

antimoon

105

over 1 year ago

Best bang for your buck VCO polysynth

Underrated analog poly. Capable of bread and butter sounds as well as some out there stuff thanks to the bizarre filter implementation. Really benefits from the tauntek firmware upgrade to add midi control. There aren't a ton of VCO-based polysynths that can be had for the price these can.

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Composer

Genres:

Electronic Techno Electronica

method_one

269

about 11 years ago

Akai made proper analog synths? Oh yes they did!

Very few people seem to know that Akai made some pretty excellent synths back in the day, and not just samplers and MPCs. They didn't produce many, which makes them rare; and they don't have the status of competitors like the Roland Junos, which makes them affordable. If you find one, definitely take a look. What you'll find is a 6 voice analog poly synth with actual VCOs, lots of sliders, and arpeggiator and built-in chorus, basic MIDI capabilities and some pretty unique features. You can "split" two separate patches on the keyboard, and old Akai samplers (such as the s612) can be patched in to use as an additional oscillator. The sound is a bit more cutting than a Juno, closer to the sound of something like a Sequential Prophet 600 or Six Trax. You can make pads with it, but the synth shines in leads and weird effects, and can sound huge when all six voices are stacked in unison mode. Well worth searching out, and you can likely find one for under $500.

mvrasicci

289

about 7 years ago

The Akai AX-60 is a great board...

I loved playing this board throughout the 1980's. I used the Akai S612 sampler with it when it was on the top tier of my rig. It has been repaired once and needs repaired again, so it sits. I so miss playing this one.