AX-Synth_e2 Page 1 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM r® Owner’s Manual
AX-Synth_e2 Page 2 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM For EU Countries This product complies with the requirements of European Directive EMC 2004/108/EC. For the USA FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
AX-Synth_e2 Page 3 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM ENGLISH Shoulder Synthesizer ENGLISH r Owner’s Manual ENGLISH ENGLISH Thank you and congratulations on your choice of the Roland AX-Synth Shoulder Synthesizer. Fitted with a powerful sound engine, the AX-Synth represents the next generation of Roland’s legendary AX-series of shoulder keyboards, with sounds derived from Roland’s latest synthesizers.
AX-Synth_e2 Page 4 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM USING THE UNIT SAFELY Used for instructions intended to alert the user to the risk of death or severe injury should the unit be used improperly. Used for instructions intended to alert the user to the risk of injury or material damage should the unit be used improperly. * Material damage refers other adverse effects respect to the home furnishings, as well animals or pets.
AX-Synth_e2 Page 5 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM r AX-Synth Owner’s Manual ENGLISH • Batteries must never be heated, taken apart, or thrown into fire or water. • The AX-Synth and the AC adaptor should be located so that their location or position does not interfere with its proper ventilation. • Always grasp only the plug on the AC adaptor cord when plugging into, or unplugging from, an outlet or this unit. • DO NOT play a CD-ROM disc on a conventional audio CD player.
AX-Synth_e2 Page 6 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM Important notes Important notes In addition to the items listed under “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” on p. 4, please read and observe the following: Power supply • The AX-Synth can be operated using 8 rechargeable AA-type Ni-MH batteries or the supplied adaptor. Be careful to insert the batteries the right way around. If you prefer to use the adaptor, be sure to use the enclosed Roland PSB-1U model.
AX-Synth_e2 Page 7 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM r AX-Synth Owner’s Manual ENGLISH Copyright • Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. • Apple and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. • Mac OS is a trademark of Apple Inc. ENGLISH ENGLISH • Be sure to carefully instruct any person on the proper way of handling batteries. • Never dispose of the battery in a fire. Never heat it.
AX-Synth_e2 Page 8 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM Important notes Contents USING THE UNIT SAFELY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Important notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 1. The AX-Synth in a nutshell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 2. Panel descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AX-Synth_e2 Page 9 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM r AX-Synth Owner’s Manual ENGLISH 1. The AX-Synth in a nutshell High-quality Internal sound source A “shoulder synthesizer”, the AX-Synth comes with 256 high-quality sounds specially selected for solo performances, 4 SuperNATURAL™ sounds (Violin, Cello, Shakuhachi, Trombone) and 4 SPECIAL sounds (Trumpet, Sax, Strings and Jazz Scat). The AX-Synth can be powered by 8 rechargeable AAtype Ni-MH batteries with a battery life of about 6 hours.
AX-Synth_e2 Page 10 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM Panel descriptions 2. Panel descriptions Front panel A C D B E F A PGM CHANGE INC & DEC buttons These buttons are used to transmit program change messages on the selected MIDI channel. They work in a sequential fashion (incremental or decremental). Program change numbers can also be entered directly, however (see p. 28). B TX ON button This button is used to enable (button lights) or disable the transmission of MIDI messages.
AX-Synth_e2 Page 11 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM r AX-Synth Owner’s Manual ENGLISH ‘Neck’ (control) section Front view M K L N O ENGLISH Rear view P Q K VOLUME knob This knob allows you to set the AX-Synth’s overall output volume. M OCTAVE/VARIATION (TRANSPOSE) buttons These buttons are used to transpose the AX-Synth’s keyboard in steps of one octave (see p. 22). You can also use these buttons to select Tone variations (see p. 18).
AX-Synth_e2 Page 12 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM Panel descriptions Connection panel (rear) a U V U OUTPUT R & L/MONO sockets These 1/4” sockets need to be connected to the inputs of a keyboard amplifier, mixer, etc. To take advantage of the AX-Synth mobility factor, consider using a commercially available wireless system. Note: If you can/want to use only one channel on your external amplifier, connect the L/MONO socket to its input. For optimum sound quality, we recommend working in stereo, though.
AX-Synth_e2 Page 13 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM r AX-Synth Owner’s Manual ENGLISH 3. Making connections Note: To prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other devices, always turn down the volume, and turn off the power on all devices before making any connections. Note: When audio cables with resistors are used, the AX-Synth’s volume level may be low. If this happens, use connection cables that do not contain resistors.
AX-Synth_e2 Page 14 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM Making connections (3) Insert 8 rechargeable AA-type Ni-MH batteries into the compartment (4 on either side), taking care to orient them in accordance with the “+” and “–” indications. Connecting the AX-Synth Connecting the AX-Synth to an amplifier, mixer, etc., using cables The AX-Synth needs to be connected to audio equipment, such as a keyboard amplifier, a mixing console, active speakers, etc.
AX-Synth_e2 Page 15 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM r AX-Synth Owner’s Manual Using a commercially available wireless system and batteries has the advantage that you are free in your movements on stage—with no cables to worry about. Controlling a MIDI-compatible sound source (1) Connect the AX-Synth’s MIDI OUT socket to the MIDI IN socket of the module or synthesizer you want to control. MIDI OUT Note: Be sure to only use wireless transmitters that comply with local radio regulations.
AX-Synth_e2 Page 16 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM Making connections Working with a computer or sequencer If you want to use the AX-Synth as Master keyboard for recording applications that involve a computer with sequencing software, or take advantage of the “AX-Synth Editor” software, here is the most useful connection system: USB port Using headphones The AX-Synth has one jack for plugging in headphones. This allows you to play without having to worry about bothering others around you, even at night.
AX-Synth_e2 Page 17 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM r AX-Synth Owner’s Manual Once the connections have been completed (page 14), turn on the power to your various devices in the order specified. By turning on devices in the wrong order, you risk causing malfunction and/or damage to speakers and other devices. (1) Before you turn off the power, turn the [VOLUME] knob to the lowest setting. (2) Slide the [POWER] switch to the “OFF” position to turn off the power.
AX-Synth_e2 Page 18 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM Playing the AX-Synth 4. Playing the AX-Synth Selecting ‘regular’ Tones The AX-Synth contains 256 Tones derived from Roland’s cutting-edge synthesizers, 4 “SuperNATURAL™” Tones, and 4 “SPECIAL” Tones. These sounds can be played via the 49 velocity-sensitive keys (or via MIDI). You can also use the OCTAVE/VARIATION [+]/[–] buttons on the neck to select Tones. To do so, you first need to assign them the “Uar” function.
AX-Synth_e2 Page 19 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM r AX-Synth Owner’s Manual Selecting ‘SuperNATURAL’ and ‘SPECIAL’ Tones Selecting ‘SuperNATURAL’ Tones (1) Connect the AX-Synth to your amplifier (page 14) and switch it on (page 17). (2) Press the [SuperNATURAL÷SPECIAL¥TONE] button. Note: Switch off the [SuperNATURAL÷SPECIAL¥TONE] button if you want to select a “regular” Tone again. Selecting ‘SPECIAL’ Tones There are four “special” Tones: TRUMPET, SAX, STRINGS and JAZZ SCAT.
AX-Synth_e2 Page 20 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM Playing the AX-Synth Recalling FAVORITE memories To select the Tones assigned to the FAVORITE memories, proceed as follows. (1) Press the FAVORITE [A] or [B] button to select the bank. The FAVORITE button you press lights and the display shows “A -” (bank “A”) or “b -” (bank “B”). (2) Press one of the eight TONE buttons to select the desired FAVORITE memory in the currently selected bank.
AX-Synth_e2 Page 21 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM r AX-Synth Owner’s Manual ENGLISH 5. Using the AX-Synth’s performance functions The AX-Synth provides several functions that allow you to add expression to your music, change the pitch/key, etc. Master Tune Transpose This parameter allows you to change the AX-Synth’s overall tuning. The factory default, 440Hz, represents the reference pitch used by most electronic musical instruments.
AX-Synth_e2 Page 22 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM Using the AX-Synth’s performance functions Shifting the keyboard pitch in octave steps You can shift the pitch of the currently selected Tone upward or downward in steps of an octave, over a maximum of three octaves up or down. Octave Switch mode This mode means that the octave transposition you set is used until you change this setting again. (Choose this setting to play a bass part, for instance.
AX-Synth_e2 Page 23 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM r AX-Synth Owner’s Manual Using the D Beam controller Selecting the Bender Mode The D Beam controller can be used simply by waving your hand over it. Depending on the function you select, the D Beam controller can be used to apply various effects and to modify the sounds.
AX-Synth_e2 Page 24 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM Using the AX-Synth’s performance functions Assigning a different function to the D Beam controller While the functions of the D BEAM [PITCH] and [FILTER] buttons are fixed, you can assign a MIDI control change number (CC) to the [ASSIGNABLE] button to control the desired parameter in real-time. Portamento “Portamento” means that the pitch of the notes you play doesn’t change in clearly defined steps: it glides from one note to the next.
AX-Synth_e2 Page 25 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM r AX-Synth Owner’s Manual ENGLISH (4) Confirm your selection by pressing the [WRITE] button. Note: This selection is remembered even after switching the AX-Synth off. (5) Release the [SHIFT] button Sustaining notes The AX-Synth provides two controls for holding the notes you are currently playing. ENGLISH HOLD button This button allows you to hold the notes you play on the keyboard in much the same way as on an acoustic piano.
AX-Synth_e2 Page 26 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM Editing Tone settings 6. Editing Tone settings Editing the volume and Reverb Send levels Though most sound parameter can only be edited using the dedicated “AX-Synth Editor” software and a computer, you can change the volume and Reverb Send levels of the Tones on the AX-Synth itself and save those changes to a FAVORITE memory. Note: The two parameters discussed here are not available for SuperNATURAL or SPECIAL Tones.
AX-Synth_e2 Page 27 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM r AX-Synth Owner’s Manual ENGLISH 7. Using the AX-Synth as MIDI controller The AX-Synth can transmit and receive performance data when connected to an external MIDI device, which enables the two devices to control each other’s performance. For example, one device can play or switch sounds on the other device. MIDI stands for “Musical Instrument Digital Interface.
AX-Synth_e2 Page 28 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM Using the AX-Synth as MIDI controller (4) Press the [WRITE] button to confirm your setting. (5) Release the [SHIFT] button. Transmitting Program Change numbers The AX-Synth automatically transmits the Program Change numbers of the sounds you select in the TONE section. The messages sent in this way also include the Bank Select address (CC00 and CC32). See the “Tone list” on p. 37.
AX-Synth_e2 Page 29 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM r AX-Synth Owner’s Manual The AX-Synth provides a Bulk Dump function that allows you to archive its settings by transmitting them to a MIDI sequencer, and to send them back to the AX-Synth at a later stage. (4) (5) Archiving the AX-Synth’s settings using a MIDI sequencer Note: The Bulk Dump procedure takes about 16 minutes. We therefore recommend connecting the AC adaptor to the AX-Synth.
AX-Synth_e2 Page 30 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM Using the AX-Synth as MIDI controller The AX-Synth’s FAVORITE [WRITE] button flashes to indicate that SysEx data are being received. When all data blocks have been received, the display changes to “Urt” (writing data) and the FAVORITE [WRITE] button lights. (5) Wait until “dne” appears in the AX-Synth’s display and until the FAVORITE [WRITE] button starts flashing.
AX-Synth_e2 Page 31 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM r AX-Synth Owner’s Manual ENGLISH 8. Using the AX-Synth’s USB port The AX-Synth is equipped with a USB port for MIDI communication with a computer. General considerations Refer to the Roland website for system requirements: http://www.Roland.com/ Possible applications If you are using Windows XP/Windows Vista, you must log onto Windows as one of the following users in order to complete the USB connection correctly.
AX-Synth_e2 Page 32 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM Using the AX-Synth’s USB port Making the settings for the USB driver For successful USB communication, you need to specify the USB driver you want to use, and then activate that driver. (1) Hold down the [SHIFT] button and press PGM CHANGE [INC]. The display now shows the name of the driver that is currently active (“Gen” or “Uen”) and the [WRITE] button flashes.
AX-Synth_e2 Page 33 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM r AX-Synth Owner’s Manual ENGLISH 9. About V-LINK V-LINK ( ) is a function that allows music and images to be performed together. By using MIDI to connect two or more V-LINK compatible devices, you can easily enjoy performing a wide range of visual effects that are linked to the expressive elements of a music performance. How to use V-LINK Activating V-LINK Note: V-LINK communication is not possible via the USB port.
AX-Synth_e2 Page 34 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM Additional functions 10. Additional functions Battery-related functions Loading the factory settings Here are two functions that may come in handy when you are using the AX-Synth with batteries. The AX-Synth allows you to change and store certain settings, thereby overwriting its original settings. Furthermore, in-depth editing using the “AX-Synth Editor” software may cause one AX-Synth to sound and behave radically different from another,.
AX-Synth_e2 Page 35 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM r AX-Synth Owner’s Manual ENGLISH 11. Appendix Troubleshooting This section provides points to check and actions to take when the AX-Synth does not function as you expect. Refer to the appropriate section for the problem you are experiencing. There are three flashing dots in the display This means that the remaining battery power is low. Replace the batteries at your earliest convenience.
AX-Synth_e2 Page 36 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM Appendix Control Change list Here are the official or frequently-used functions of Control Change numbers CC00~127. Not all MIDI instruments support all Control Changes, while some instruments may use certain numbers for different purposes. Be sure to check the MIDI implementation chart of the external instrument. CC00 . . . . . . . . . . Bank Select MSB CC01 . . . . . . . . . . Modulation wheel CC02 . . . . . . . . . . Breath control CC03 . . . . . . . . .
AX-Synth_e2 Page 37 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM r AX-Synth Owner’s Manual SuperNATURAL Tones Position 1 2 3 4 Tone Violin Cello Shakuhachi Trombone CC00 CC32 PC 66 0 1 66 0 2 66 0 3 66 0 4 SPECIAL Tones Tone Trumpet Sax Strings Jazz Scat CC00 CC32 PC 87 64 1 87 64 2 87 64 3 87 64 4 Regular Tones SearingGtr 1 SearingGtr 2 SearingGtr 3 SearingGtr 4 OctSearingGt Dist.
AX-Synth_e2 Page 38 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM Appendix Organ/Clavi 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 Lord Organ 1 Lord Organ 2 Rotary Org 1 Rotary Org 2 Vintage Org 1 Vintage Org 2 VK Organ 1 VK Organ 2 D-Bars 1 D-Bars 2 D-Bars 3 D-Bars 4 D-Bars 5 AX Dist Org1 AX Dist Org2 Technorgan Old Fashion Posit/Mod Grand Pipes Musette Amped D6 AX Clav 1 AX Clav 2 Pulse Clav 1 Pulse Clav 2 Phase Clavi Sweepin Clav AX Vibe Marimba Xylophone Steel Drums Ethno Ke
AX-Synth_e2 Page 39 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM r AX-Synth Owner’s Manual ENGLISH 12.
AX-Synth_e2 Page 40 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM MIDI implementation chart 13. MIDI implementation chart [Shoulder Synthesizer] Model: AX-Synth Date: March 2009 Version: 1.00 Function...
AX-Synth_e2 Page 41 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM r AX-Synth Owner’s Manual ENGLISH 14. Index A Aftertouch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Archiving settings . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 ATT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Attenuation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 C CANCEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 CC01. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 F Factory settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Favorite .
AX-Synth_e2 Page 42 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM Information AFRICA EGYPT Al Fanny Trading Office 9, EBN Hagar Al Askalany Street, ARD E1 Golf, Heliopolis, Cairo 11341, EGYPT TEL: (022)-417-1828 REUNION Maison FO - YAM Marcel 25 Rue Jules Hermann, Chaudron - BP79 97 491 Ste Clotilde Cedex, REUNION ISLAND TEL: (0262) 218-429 SOUTH AFRICA T.O.M.S. Sound & Music (Pty)Ltd. 2 ASTRON ROAD DENVER JOHANNESBURG ZA 2195, SOUTH AFRICA TEL: (011)417 3400 Paul Bothner(PTY)Ltd.
AX-Synth_e2 Page 43 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM r AX-Synth Owner’s Manual ENGLISH ENGLISH ENGLISH For China ENGLISH ENGLISH ENGLISH 43
AX-Synth_e2 Page 44 Friday, May 22, 2009 4:38 PM R® 602.00.0354.
