The Akai VX600 is a distinctive analog synthesizer released in 1986 that represents an unexpected entry into the synthesizer market from a company primarily known for tape machines, samplers (notably the S900), and recording studio equipment. This compact yet powerful instrument bridges the gap between vintage analog warmth and modern flexibility, offering musicians a unique platform for creative sound exploration.

At its core, the VX600 is a six-voice analog synthesizer featuring dual VCOs per voice (12 VCOs total), delivering thick, rich analog bass, lush pads, sweeping strings, and aggressive leads. The oscillator section allows all waveforms to play simultaneously without forcing users to choose between them, eliminating common sonic compromises. This architecture produces the warmth, bite, and grit characteristic of classic analog synthesis.

The synthesizer's heart is an extensive modulation matrix system similar to the legendary Oberheim Xpander, offering powerful routing options for complex and dynamic sound design. This matrix enables creative tricks such as assigning constants to LFO speed multiple times to progressively increase modulation rates. The VX600 features a multi-mode filter system including a resonant lowpass filter with an "evil crunchy" character and a highpass filter, plus filter FM capabilities. Three multiple-stage envelope generators provide detailed control over sound evolution.

Performance capabilities are comprehensive, with classic analog modes including unison (described as "ballsy"), stacked mono, and a six-part multitimbral mode that delivers exceptionally thick and full analog sounds. The synthesizer supports keyboard splits, layers, zones, and chord modes, making it versatile for both live performance and studio production.

Despite its powerful sound engine, the VX600 features minimal direct controls — just one parameter access knob—typical of mid-1980s design philosophy. Programming requires navigating through a 40-character × 8-line liquid crystal graphic display using cursor keys, ten keys, menu keys, and soft keys. While this parameter access approach may feel exhausting compared to modern standards, it belies the instrument's surprisingly sophisticated sound architecture.

The VX600's sleek, compact exterior (602mm wide) with its 37-key short keyboard might suggest limited capabilities, but the opposite proves true. The synthesizer produces beautiful, characterful sounds that range from warm and musical to obscure and experimental. Some users note the sound can occasionally feel constrained in the high frequencies with emphasized midrange compared to larger analog classics, and the oscillator FM can produce erratic, sometimes unmusical results. However, the instrument's unique sonic fingerprint — that vintage uncertainty spawned in a murky modulation matrix—sends shivers down the spine of those who connect with its character.

The synthesizer features comprehensive MIDI implementation for seamless integration into modern studios, along with extensive tuning options and velocity and key pressure (aftertouch) response. A dedicated connector jack allows direct connection to Akai's EWI1000 and EVI1000 wind synthesizers, while a 13-pin DIN connector provides six individual voice outputs for advanced routing possibilities. Two external sound inputs expand processing options.

Memory architecture is unconventional — the VX600 continuously remembers every change made, from filter cutoff adjustments to cursor positions, with no traditional STORE button. Upon powering up, the synthesizer returns to exactly how it was left. Battery-backed internal memory stores 10 banks of 20 programs (200 total), 50 library tones, 40 additional programs, and 20 chord patterns. External memory expansion via Akai BR-16 IC memory cards (16K bytes) doubles storage capacity.

Users report needing to allow approximately 40 minutes warm-up time for the analog circuitry to stabilize and maintain proper tuning — a reminder of the instrument's authentic analog nature. The experience of sitting before a warmed-up VX600, smelling the aroma of heated analog components through panel cracks, creates an irreplaceable connection between musician and machine.

While the VX600's larger sibling, the AX80, offers more keys, more buttons, and arguably more musical oscillators, the VX600 excels as an obscure mad-scientist tool for those seeking specific vintage character and experimental sound design possibilities. It's regarded as "the most synthy small vintage synth of all the unhyped synths", capable of inspiring goosebumps in players who connect with its unique personality.

Technical Specifications

Architecture

• Type: Programmable matrix analog synthesizer
• Polyphony: 6 voices
• Oscillators: 12 VCO total (2 VCO per voice, organized in groups)
• Oscillator Features: All waveforms play simultaneously

Filter Section

• Lowpass resonant filter
• Highpass filter
• Filter FM capability

Modulation

• Modulation Matrix: Extensive routing system (Oberheim Xpander-style)
• LFOs: 2
• Envelope Generators: 3 multiple-stage envelopes
• Oscillator FM: Available (with noted erratic behavior)

Keyboard

• Keys: 37-key (C-C scale)
• Dynamics: Velocity sensitive
• Key Pressure: Aftertouch (pressure sensitivity)
• Range: Short keyboard format

Performance Modes

• Unison mode
• Stacked mono mode
• Six-part multitimbral mode
• Keyboard splits
• Layers
• Zones
• Chord mode

Display & Interface

• Display: 40 characters × 8 lines liquid crystal graphic display
• Control Knob: 1 parameter access knob
• Cursor Keys: 4-way (△ ▽ ◁ ▷)
• Ten Key: Numeric keypad
• Menu Key
• Enter Key
• Soft Keys
• Power Switch
• Memory Protect Switch
• Contrast Control

Memory

• Type: Battery backup
• Internal Storage:
  • Packet: 10 banks × 20 programs (200 total)
  • Library: 50 tones
  • Program: 40 programs
  • Chord: 20 patterns
• External Storage: Compatible with Akai BR-16 IC memory cards (16K bytes)
  • Packet: 10 × 20 programs × 2 (400 total)
  • Library: 50 tones × 2 (100 total)
  • Program: 40 programs × 2 (80 total)
  • Chord: 20 patterns × 2 (40 total)
• Memory Behavior: Continuous auto-save (no STORE button)

Functions & Controls

• Bend Adjust/Width
• Glide Adjust/Time
• Breathe Adjust/Sense (for wind controller integration)
• Vibrato
• Volume

Connectivity

• INSTRUMENT: Special multi-connector for Akai EWI1000/EVI1000 wind synthesizers
• EXT IN: 2 × standard phone jacks (external audio inputs)
• LINE OUT: Standard phone jack
• PHONES: Standard stereo phone jack (monaural output)
• VOICE OUT: 13-pin DIN (6 individual voice outputs)
• PROGRAM UP/DOWN: Standard stereo phone jack (for foot switch)
• PEDAL 1: Standard phone jack (for pedal switch)
• PEDAL 2: Standard phone jack (for pedal volume)
• MIDI IN, OUT, THRU: 5-pin DIN connectors
• I/O PORT: Expansion port (currently covered)

Physical Specifications

• Dimensions: 602mm (W) × 116mm (H) × 350mm (D)
• Weight: 8.2 kg
• Power Consumption: 21W

Additional Features

• MIDI: Comprehensive MIDI implementation with versatile features
• Tuning: Powerful tuning options
• Warm-up Time: Approximately 30 minutes recommended for optimal tuning stability