Test: GForce Axxess
Axxess is modeled on the ARP Axxe, which came onto the market in 1976 as an affordable alternative to the ARP Odyssey. However, have GForce given the rather simple synthesizer some additional functions that make the Axxess more exciting than expected?
Although the ARP Axxe had the same powerful fundamental sound as its famous big brother, it had to make do with just one oscillator. This meant that many of the Odyssey‘s characteristic sound options such as Hardsync, ring modulation and duophony were no longer available. This is why the Axxe never achieved a comparable level of popularity. And at first glance, it is, therefore, surprising that GForce has taken on this model - after all, they already have a very successful Odyssey emulation in their catalog with Oddity.
Simple, but effective synthesis
After we took a closer look at the Axxess in the test, we quickly realized the advantages the Axxe presents. While the Odyssey can be rather confusing due to its extensive options, some of which are based on the semi-modular ARP 2600, the simple structure of the Axxe is easy to understand. Paired with its good basic sound, all kinds of sounds can be created without much effort, and the Axxe has a very large sweet spot. Similar to the Roland Juno series, which is also very popular for the same reasons, the oscillator generates both sawtooth and pulse waves (with adjustable and modulatable pulse width), which can be used together and supplemented by a sub oscillator and a noise generator. The result is fed into the resonant lowpass filter which, in combination with the powerful oscillator, delivers that typical 70s ARP sound. An ADSR envelope and an LFO with various waveforms are available for modulating pitch, PWM, filter frequency and volume.
X-Modifiers
However, GForce does not stop at the features of the original, but also offers the X-Modifiers, which may be familiar from other synthesizers from the English company, such as the MiniMonsta. Almost every parameter of the synthesizer can be modulated with its own envelope and LFO! This significantly expands the sonic possibilities and enables lively and constantly changing sounds that you wouldn‘t have expected from such a simple synthesizer.
Up to 6 voices
In contrast to the original, Axxess can also be played polyphonically with up to 6 voices. The 6 voices can also be distributed in the stereo panorama, detuned against each other and layered to create fat unison sounds! And a continuously adjustable vintage parameter provides random fluctuations of various parameters for a more „analog“sound. Finally, there are distortion, delay and reverb for refining or distorting the overall sound. A clearly laid out browser with lots of good presets provides additional inspiration.
Flexible step-sequencer
Another highlight is virtually hidden behind the virtual keyboard. In addition to an arpeggiator, Axxess also offers a fully-fledged step-sequencer with some interesting functions. The pitch and velocity of up to 16 steps can either be set manually using the faders provided for each step or played in, step-by-step, using the keyboard. Alternatively, Axxe can create random sequences at the touch of a button, even with a selectable key and adjustable octave range. The sequence can then run in sync with the DAW, whereby it can also be moved forwards or backwards using two buttons. Alternatively, you can also play the sequence directly from your keyboard or keyboard controller. Trigger and transpose notes from the DAW. In addition, the functions of the arpeggiator, such as different playback directions (up, down, up-down, random), swing and Speed/Divider are also available for the sequencer. Combined with the X-Modifiers described above and the Sample/ Hold circuit, we were able to create complex sequences without much effort.
Verdict
GForce Axxess offers the convincing character sound and the simple but effective sound generation of the ARP Axxe from the 70s. Thanks to the large sweet spot, typical leads and basses are created quickly; but thanks to having up to 6 voices, wide unison sounds, as well as pads, brass and strings are no problem. The complex modulation options of the X-Modifier also allow for wacky and experimental sounds, while the intuitive step-sequencer keeps things moving. This makes Axxess a surprisingly inspiring software synthesizer! ⸬