Give your old stage keyboard rig the cold shoulder. The famous AX keytar is back, now with an internal sound generator and a host of expression controls.
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Free Roland ST-AX Stand included with new purchase for a limited time only. Must select New Roland AX-Synth, with Free Roland ST-AX Stand option.
Let's face it: it's tough to connect with your audience when you're stuck behind a wall of workstations. That's why the keytar was invented: to make playing keyboards look as good as it sounds. With the Roland AX-Synth Shoulder Synthesizer, the keytar is back in a big, bad way -- with a stellar internal sound engine derived from the Roland Fantom G, and a host of expression controls built right into the neck. And with six hours of battery power, you can now rock the stage unencumbered by MIDI cables or power adapters.
High-Quality Internal Sound Source
Roland's famous AX-1 and AX-7 keytars were MIDI controllers that produced no sound on their own. Keyboardists were required to bring racks of sound modules to make those now-discontinued instruments sing. But the new AX-Synth is called a "shoulder synthesizer" for a reason: the 128-note polyphonic internal sound engine means you don't have to connect to external MIDI modules. The AX-Synth comes loaded with 256 high-quality tones designed to cut through the mix on your keyboard solos: analog-style leads, basses, polysynths, pads, synth guitars, squawking saxophones, and more. Organs, pianos, and clavs round out the selection, while Roland's four SuperNATURAL tones (Violin, Cello, Shakuhachi, Trombone) and four SPECIAL tones (Trumpet, Sax, Strings and Jazz Scat) make the most of the AX-Synth's expression controls.
Express Yourself: D-Beam, Ribbon Strip, and More
Expression controls make the AX-Synth's 264 tones come alive. Play solos with your right hand while you use your left to manipulate the touch-sensitive modulation bar on the AX-Synth's neck. Slide your finger left or right on the ribbon strip to bend pitch, or press the bar to add vibrato. Activate Bender Mode to bend a single note while leaving others unaffected. Press the portamento button to glide from pitch to pitch without clearly defined steps. Press the hold button to simulate a sustain pedal (or even plug in an optional footswitch). Wave your hand over the invisible D-Beam controller to change pitch or filter a sound's cutoff frequency to control brightness. Playing a bass part? You can shift the keyboard up to three octaves up or down in Octave Switch mode, or hold the octave + or - buttons to quickly play a few notes in a higher or lower octave before returning to the keyboard's normal pitch. And of course, you can transpose the AX-Synth to any key.
Extreme Playability
Since the whole point of a wearable keyboard is to sound good and look good, you certainly don't want an instrument that feels awkward. If you've never played a keyboard tipped vertically, you'll find it's very comfortable. Keyboardists report that the well-balanced AX-Synth is natural and easy to play, and that it takes only a few minutes to adapt to the keytarist point of view. The AX-Synth's 49-note, 4-octave, velocity-sensitive C to E keyboard is playable at many angles, like a guitar. Roland has even made traditional two-handed playing a genuine option, with four different places to attach the included strap. If you're a keyboardist, you've probably got a horizontal board or two already in your rig -- so when 49 notes aren't enough, play leads with your right hand on the AX-Synth while filling in a left-hand part on your existing board. When it's time to rock out on your keyboard solo, leave the rig behind and take your rightful place on center stage.
Advanced Tone Programming
The AX-Synth Shoulder Synthesizer is clearly a blast to play live, but what about in the studio? After all, if you're spending upwards of four figures on a sweet new keyboard, you expect some production capabilities. This is where the AX-Synth shines as a fully-fledged synthesizer -- off the shoulder. Plug in the included AC adapter, connect your AX-Synth's USB port to your Mac or PC, and run Roland's free editing software to modify and save all aspects of the internal tones to your liking. You can store your new settings in the AX-Synth for use on stage, and of course, you can use the board as a MIDI controller with your sequencer software or any other MIDI gear.
Features:
- Built-in sound engine with 256 tones plus 8 SuperNATURAL/SPECIAL tones
- Ribbon controller, modulation bar, and D-Beam bring your tones to life
- Power adapter included
- Runs on 8 rechargeable AA Ni-MH batteries for up to 6 hours
- Easy-to-read display
- USB MIDI as well as standard MIDI I/O
- Dedicated V-LINK button for video/visual control
- Free AX-Synth Editor software available on Roland's website
- 128-note polyphony
- Two 1/4" output jacks (L/Mono, R)
- 1/4" stereo headphone output jack
- Foot pedal connector
- Shoulder strap included
See the AX-Synth kick out the jams with this video from Roland:
The Next Big Thing?
With the Roland AX-Synth's onboard sounds, expression controls, and eye-popping design, it's a small wonder that artists like Imogen Heap, the Black Eyed Peas, and even Lady Gaga are now strapping on keytars. It just may be time to give your old keyboard rig the cold shoulder. But watch out: this is one keyboard so stylish, your guitarist might want to switch instruments.
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Specifications - Keyboard: 49 Keys (with velocity) - Maximum Polyphony: 128 voices - Tones: 256 Tones + 8 Special Tones (including SuperNATURAL) - Controllers: D-Beam, Ribbon Touch, Modulation Bar, Volume Knob Controller, Aftertouch Knob Controller, Portamento On/Off, Hold button On/Off, Bender Mode: Normal/Catch+Last - Connectors: Output Jacks: 2 x 1/4 inch phone type (L/MONO, R), Headphones (Stereo 1/4 inch phone type), Foot Pedal, USB connector (USB MIDI), MIDI connector (IN/OUT), AC Adaptor - Battery: 8 x Ni-MH rechargeable Batteries - Display: (3 x 7) segment LED - Accessories Included: Owner's Manual, Shoulder strap, AC Adaptor (PSB-1U) - Width: 1,142 mm, 45 in. - Depth: 266 mm, 10-1/2 in. - Height: 87 mm, 3-7/16 in. - Weight (excluding batteries): 3.9 kg, 8 lbs. 10 oz.
In the interest of product improvement, the specifications and/or appearance of this unit are subject to change without prior notice.
Power Supply: Can be powered either by 8 AA-type Ni-MH batteries (Not Included) or PSB-1U AC Adapter (Included)
Escape the keyboard rig once again with the new black sparkle AX-Synth. Representing Roland's new generation of remote keyboards, the AX-Synth is the first of the legendary AX-Series to offer an onboard sound engine featuring a collection of the best of Roland's cutting-edge synth sounds.
All In One
Plug in and play - what could be more convenient? The Roland AX-Synth has everything you need to steal the show. Unlike most remote synths of yesteryear, the AX-Synth is self-contained and loaded with hundreds of Roland's greatest sounds. External MIDI devices are not required. Everything is built-in and ready to rock.
Be a Control Freak
The Roland AX-Synth is packed with cool controllers for expressive live performance. Glide your fingers over the Ribbon Controller for ultra-smooth pitch bends. A Modulation Bar and dedicated control knobs are also provided for real-time sound shaping. Wave your hand over the invisible D Beam for attention-getting effects.
USB MIDI
While the Roland AX-Synth is completely self-contained, it's also capable of driving external instruments via MIDI. Plug into a MIDI device, and enjoy an unlimited world of sounds and textures, all controllable from the AX-Synth.
Custom Programming
The AX-Synth has a vault of great solo sounds onboard, but if you want to customize your sounds, you can download the dedicated PC software editor/librarian application. The AX-Synth's USB/MIDI connector makes communication to and from your computer fast and convenient.
Specifications
- Built-in sound engine with voices from Roland's latest synthesizers
- Ribbon controller, D Beam, modulation bar, knobs, and easy to see display for stage
- USB MIDI for easy connection to PC
- Dedicated V-LINK button for video/visual control
- Long battery operation (approx. 6 hours)
Features
- Equipped with powerful, solo-oriented sounds from Roland's latest synths
- Ribbon controller, D BEAM, modulation bar, knobs, and easy-to-see display for the stage
- USB MIDI for easy connection to a PC
- Long battery operation (approx. 6 hours)
- Dedicated V-LINK button for video/visual control
- Gorgeous optional Black Sparkle glass-particle UV finish which reacts to various lighting conditions
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This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
"Effect Master's Dream!"
Sound:
The built in sounds could do with some work, ESPECIALLY the guitar tones; pressing any notes that aren't in a power chord form creates a TON of dissonance, but it's only a problem on the electric guitar channels. Some of the instrumental tones (i.e. violin and saxophone) are actually pretty good for a synth. The built in synth tones are pretty great, but if you have the money to buy this, you're probably investing in a nice midi box, which I would recommend in the highest if you want a lot of sound control. Output can be really low volume depending on what you're amping through. I recommend anything Roland or Peavy for that.
Feature:
AWESOME effect control, and is basically the the only reason to get this, and what a great reason it is! the touch pad is superbly sensitive, the modulation bar generally adds exactly what you're looking for, and the D-beam is unbelievably versatile. the program changes are pretty intuitive, so switching sounds and
Ease of Use:
There is a learning curve. There are a lot of effect available and not all of them are easy to find or access. the manual is pretty general stuff, so you really have to teach yourself how to make the effects work for your music. The sound editor is kind of a pain in the butt, but if you're well versed in that kind of thing, it's pretty good.
Quality:
Top notch quality, though as with all electronics, treat it with care. I HIGHLY recommend the SKB case for the Ax-Synth; it's really well built and solid, and makes travel really fast and painless.
Value:
REALLY EXPENSIVE. Kinda obvious. but if you know what you're doing, this is worth every penny EVER.
Manufacturer Support:
No need; gotta love Roland products!
The Wow Factor:
Very sexy compared to being stuck behind a keyboard rig, And it's a riot at shows if only for the novelty. It is a pretty instrument though, so you won't be let down in that respect.
Overall:
If you're going to buy this thing, buy it for the effects, the effects, the effects. the sheer volume of control you have over the sound is stunning, though the built in tones are sometimes below par.
Style of Music: Experimental Pop
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"At least it's good for beginners."
Sound:
The preset sounds are fun to mess around with, and after learning how to work the components, like D-Beam and pitch-bend, it's really easy to personalize the music you play. By itself, the AX synth doesn't sound that impressive. it is designed to be a lead instrument, and as such, has no sequencers or beats, but with just a small bank of keyboards, there's no limit to what this thing can do. I'm just getting started on learning how to use it as a MIDI controller, but I've found it really easy to match its own sounds with those of other keyboards, creating a wide variety of polyphony. with no on-board amp, the sound quality of the AX depends entirely on the amp you use, and I use a Honeytone 9V mini amp, or an Altec Lansing InMotion iPod dock to practice with. the honeytone is adequate, but it has little bass response, so a lot of the tones don't transfer, but the Altec Dock has an amazing range of sound reproduction for its small size, and can amplify the sound to compete with or dominate my other keyboards.
my favourite thing about this synth is that it's really easy to mimic the leads in some of my favourite songs. My least favourite thing is that there's no real documentation on how to work the synth editor software. This being my first Synthesizer, I don't know what the controls do, and everything in the manual seems to assume that you know what's going on.
Feature:
the only accessories provided with the AXS synth is the synth editor software and a DC converter to power the keyboard. The cord on the dc line is extremely small, so be prepared to stand in one place while using it. it was probably intended only to be used when hooking it up to the computer to modify the sounds, though. I reccomend the following accessories: 8x Energizer rechargeable batteries, Energizer 15 minute quick recharger, AX synth gig bag.
Ease of Use:
after a few hours of fiddling around, I quickly got the hang of how to work the setting and what they can do. the manual makes it seem really hard to change the settings, but it's just the way it was written. it's easier in real life. I had figured out most of the MIDI controller properties in a matter of minutes without even using the manual. As I said before, my main difficulty is modifying the synth sounds, but that will change after a bit of experience.
Quality:
Very sturdy construction. my synth has been knocked over, dropped and hiked over long distances with no apparent defect added to the product (all within the gig bag). shallow cosmetic scuffs come naturally to the keys, and fingerprints and other light marks buff off easily with a microfiber rag. The very tip of the neck has sustained a few paint transfers, but they have faded away with time. The manual spent a lot of time telling you to keep it steady, not drop it, etc., but from what I've seen, it's very durable.
Value:
I purchased this mostly because of the on-board synthesizer. the previous models would force you to buy an external sound unit, which adds heavily to the deceptively low price tag, but this comes with a powerful synthesizer with decent presets.
The Wow Factor:
its black. heck yeah, it's sexy. the smooth curves of the AX synth is what really convinced me to get it over the newer Lucina model. the necks are comfortable to hold, there are multiple pegs for the strap, so it can be held for easier access to different octaves, and overall, it's just plain beautiful.
Overall:
This sucker should last at least five years. if it breaks, I'd definitely replace it with the same model, unless Roland goes back to its style with the next model (being a keytar, it's about looks almost as much as it is about practicality).
Style of Music: electronica
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