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Roland AX-Synth
The Roland AX-Synth is a remote keyboards that can be connected through any other synthesizer over module through Midi. However, the AZ-Synth has also its own sound generator on-board with some impressive sounds.
The AX-Synth is has many controllers for live performance. The Ribbon Controller for ultra-smooth pitch bends but also a a modulation Bar and dedicated control knobs are provided for real-time sound shaping. It also comprises the D Beam.
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
The Roland AX-Synth is powered by batteries or an external power supply. Using batteries allows to become completely wireless on stage. In this case you would either need a wireless sender/receiver for the audio outputs of the AX-Synth or a wireless Midi device, which I used to connect to any of the other synthesizers (e.g. the Yamaha Motif ES7) I own or to a virtual synthesizer on my computer. I used the Widi X8 to remotely connect over Midi.
Image: Wireless Midi. Widi-X8.
When connected to my computer I mostly use it with RealStrat (version 4) from MusicLab, and Amplitube 4 from IK MultiMedia. RealStrat is a sample-based virtual instrument faithfully reproduces the Stratocaster sound from both the sonic and playability perspectives. This instrument gives the possibility to create everything from simple strumming techniques to the most sophisticated solos. Amplitube 4 is basically an guitar-amp simulator but also contains my virtual stompboxes and effect racks.
Image: User interface of RealStrat. A a virtual instrument with an innovative approach to modeling guitar sound and guitar emulation methods on the standard and MIDI keyboard.
Image: User interface of Amplitube 4. AmpliTube 4 is a guitar and bass tone studio for the computer that works as a standalone application and as a plug-in for any DAW (e.g., CUbase). AmpliTube recreates the entire guitar/bass signal chain from instrument to recording device, and does so in a very realistic and intuitive way.
Manual
Roland AX-Synth Editor (Manual) (pdf) 39.21 KB 191 downloads
Roland AX-Synth Editor See also: Roland AX-Synth All keyboards ...
Roland AX-Synth (MIDI Implementation) (pdf) 561.27 KB 185 downloads
Midi Implementation of the Roland AX-Synth See also: Roland AX-Synth All keyboards ...
Roland AX-Synth (User Manual) (pdf) 4.10 MB 139 downloads
User Manual of the Roland AX-Synth See also: Roland AX-Synth All keyboards ...
Why did I get enthusiastic?
Check out Keytar Jeff with demo’s of the MusicLab software (he doesn’t use the AX-Synth). For example:
How does it sound?
How does it sound play by me?
….I will let you know later….
Nice synth
Is it possible to run real strat and amplitute together without having to run them through a DAW?
Yes, but then you need to use a virtual cable or voicemeeter. See https://vb-audio.com/Cable/index.htm
Hi Antoine, I’ve been playing the AX Synth for a long time. Do you know how to determine what CC Controllers affect which parameters of an AX patch? That might be handy when using the Assignable D-Beam controller. If I can get an older Mac that can run the AX-Synth Editor, I could create a Numbers spreadsheet to track all the exposed parameters. Alas the software is out of date.
Hi Paul,
I neverever looked into it. But in the AX synth editor in the menu “Common+Controller” you can assigned the D Beam to any CC. Then, in the Matrix Control you should be able to assign the ‘destination’ of the CC.
A