ALESIS AirFX
Mar 1, 2001 12:00 PM, By James Rotondi
A fun theremin-style effects processor.
It would be hard to out-cute the Alesis AirFX's really cool design. This small, lightweight, sci-fi-looking box features 50 preset effects. You can tweak the effect parameters in real time by moving your hand across the Axyz controller, an infrared light beam that responds to hand movement on three axes: left to right, front to back, and up and down (toward and away from the Axyz). To set an effect, you use the Program knob to dial to the desired effect number, press the knob, and begin the theremin-like hand motions required to produce the effect. If you like where a particular hand position settles the effect, push the Program knob again to hold that sound in place. Super neato cool.
The design may be exceptional, but the sounds themselves — though consistent in 24-bit clarity — vary in usefulness and appeal, and some have a faint whiff of cheese about them. Alesis chose not to include any reverbs or delays in the AirFX, but kudos go to the company for including a wide range of DJ-savvy options. The unit has many filtering patches: High Cut, Six-Pole Lowpass, Lowpass LFO, Notch, and Autowah. It also offers several phasers and flangers, tremolo and slicer effects, autopanning patches, pitch transposers, rotating speakers, vinylizers, modulators, distorters, and several synth tones, such as a bass slide and even a beatbox that seems more like a gimmick than a professional-quality effect (ah, the cheese is ripening). And sure enough, you can use the Axyz to adjust filter frequency and resonance as well as corresponding parameters for the other programs.
AXYZ POWERS?
Problem is, the Axyz simply isn't as intuitive as you might think. For one thing, you need to hold your hand very close to the beam. Alesis says you should hear some results when your hand comes within 6 inches of the Axyz, but I consistently had to hold my hand within 4 inches to produce anything. Moving your hand even tiny distances in either direction can change the sound considerably, so it's very hard to narrow in on exactly the sound you want. Though this is admittedly subjective, the filters especially seem to beg for some kind of tactile tweaking mechanism you can lay your hands on: a jog wheel, a knob, or even a pad like the Kaoss's.
Anyone who has tried to play a theremin knows that abstract hand motions in space can be a little dicey in practice. If you're a fan of Roland's D-Beam controller and you're looking for an affordable option, the AirFX may really appeal to you. After you spend some time practicing with this device, you may find it's just the kind of interface you've been looking for — but try before you buy to make sure it feels right. Considering its low price, fun factor, and novelty appeal, however, the AirFX is hard to beat.
PRODUCT SUMMARY
ALESIS AirFX
$249
PROS: Inexpensive and compact unit with 50 preset effects ranging from filters to phasers to autopans, with parameters controllable through the theremin-like Axyz interface.
CONS: Sound quality and appeal varies; some users may find the interface difficult, uncomfortable, or just plain odd. No reverbs or delays.
Overall Rating (1 through 5): 3
Contact: tel. (800) 525-3747
e-mail alecorp@alesis1.usa.com
Web www.alesis.com
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