Keyboard Magazine - March 2008 - (Page 70) AUDITION WAY OUT WARE KIKAXXE SOFTWARE SYNTHESIZER (MAC, PC) by Craig Anderton Easy mode reduces the front panel to basic macros. There are plenty of patterns for both the synth step sequencer and the drum machine. Click on the Drums button, and the 16step sequencer turns into a drum machine, with six sampled sound sets. Process audio tracks through KikAxxe’s engine by using the audio input and associated envelope follower. Assign the synth/drums crossfader to a MIDI hardware controller for some DJ-style fun. The synth section will be déjà vu to ARP Axxe owners, and the sonic character is spot-on authentic. Thoughtfully, the tool tips update values as you change a control. The Tape Delay processor doesn’t really sound like tape, but it is handy to have onboard. Virtual instruments keep getting better. Based on KikAxxe, I’d say they’re getting less expensive, too: If you’ve been looking for a virtual analog soft synth, you’d be hard-pressed to find better bang for the buck. But do you have to give up anything in return? Distributor M-Audio claims that KikAxxe is an accurate emulation of the ARP Axxe synthesizer. Much like Arturia, though, Way Out Ware has taken some liberties to bring KikAxxe into the 21st century, such as including a drum machine, processing, and more MIDI control. KikAxxe is also the only ARP Axxe emulation currently on the market. Let’s find out more. OVERVIEW There are four basic KikAxxe elements. The top features a 16-step sequencer (although you can have fewer steps, down to one if you want), with the user interface switchable between synth mode for driving the sound generators, or a separate drum machine mode (more on this later). Both sequencers can be active simultaneously, even though you can access only one interface at a time. Below the sequencer is a master control strip with master volume, synth volume, drum volume, a synth/drums crossfader, separate sends for the synth and drums to the onboard delay, and a return for the delay. Below these controls is the synth section itself. This mimics the real ARP Axxe’s front panel, with its colorful slider caps and 70 keyboard 03-2008 ARP Axxe analog synth emulation and drum machine. PROS The price is right. Separate 16-step sequencer for drums and synth. Integrated drum machine with six drum sound sets. Onboard delay processor. Useful presets with good patch management. Can serve as processor for audio tracks. CONS At press time, MIDI learn was broken with VST hosts. Mono output only. Drums and synth don’t have separate audio outs. $69.95 Way Out Ware www.wayoutware.com dist. by M-Audio www.m-audio.com http://www.wayoutware.com http://www.m-audio.com
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