The input/output level controls let the Akai work with a wide range of different basses. The programmability makes it much more versatile; onstage, you can tap into 9 different settings, custom-tweaked for different occasions.

The synth sound is really clean, and the tracking works flawlessly, all the way down to the low B. (Input level LEDs help you set it for optimum note triggering.) The filter seep responds to the dynamic nuances of your playing, but you can turn the dynamic sensitivity up & down. You can also control the speed of the attack, the release, the depth of the envellope, the frequency, the resonance and the mix and overall level of each program.

The oscillators have 9 "preset" modes, some of which are more useful than others. A few of them sound kind of ridiculous, but you'll get a lot of mileage out of the useful ones.

The construction is reasonably solid, and the unit features passive bypass. If the power supply is disconnected, your signal still gets through. There's no battery compartment, by the way (which is fine by me-- I always use adaptors). The power supply is the standard 9V tip-negative. Super easy to replace.

Overall, I'm amazed at how well thought-out this pedal is. It's a fantastic idea for anyone wanting to explore analog synth effects.

Construction	95%
(Fully stage-worthy)
Sound	100%
(Way cool!)
Useability	100%
(Very user-friendly.)
Value	100%
(Extremely reasonably-priced for all the things it does.)
Overall	100%
(Thank you, Akai!)