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Roland AX-Synth (No Longer Available)

49-key Shoulder Synthesizer and USB MIDI Controller with 128-voice Polyphony, 264 Onboard Sounds, D Beam, Ribbon Touch, Modulation Bar, V-Link, and Optional Battery Power

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Item ID: AXSynthd

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Condition: Scratches/scuffs/smudges/marks on chassis, missing MIDI cable and batteries, photocopied manual. Rough box and packaging. What does Demo mean? The image(s) shown do not necessarily represent the condition of this particular Demo item.

Sorry, the Roland AX-Synth is no longer available. We've left this page up for reference only. Check out the great alternatives on this page or call toll-free (800) 222-4700 to speak with a Sweetwater Sales Engineer about similar products.

A Show-stopping Shoulder Synth!

Roland's ultra-rad AX-Synth gives new life to a classic design. Empowering keyboardists everywhere to step out from behind a cockpit of keyboard gear and take center stage, the 49-key AX-Synth offers up a powerful built-in sound engine packed with solo-oriented sounds. And, thanks to its pitch-bend ribbon controller, D Beam, and modulation bar, you have a ton of expressive control when this guy's strapped onto your shoulder. Feeling really inventive? You can also connect it to your computer via USB and perform killer virtual instruments onstage with the AX-Synth.

Roland AX-Synth Shoulder Synthesizer at a Glance:
  • Strap it on and play - this remote synth is loaded with sweet sounds
  • Packed with controllers for expressive live performances
  • Connect it to your computer via USB for virtual-instrument performances
  • Downloadable PC software for customizing your AX-Synth sounds
  • Battery-powered for untethered performances
  • V-Link button for video control

Strap it on and play - this remote synth is loaded with sweet sounds
This is one piece of gear that's sure to steal the show. Just strap Roland's AX-Synth onto your shoulder and start rocking out - unlike shoulder synthesizers of yesteryear, the Roland AX-Synth features a ton of onboard sounds, so it's one self-contained instrument. Onboard are an onslaught of Roland's best solo-oriented synthesizer tones - all easily navigable onstage via a bright display.

Packed with controllers for expressive live performances
Roland's AX-Synth is loaded with the right kind of sounds - and expressive controls - for show-stopping performances. Also onboard are a pitch-bend ribbon controller, a D beam controller, and a modulation bar, so you can play each passage with expression.

Connect it to your computer via USB for virtual-instrument performances
While you can use the AX-Synth by itself for killer sounds, you can also pair it up with your computer via its USB connection, then use the AX-Synth to play your favorite virtual instruments onstage.

Downloadable PC software for customizing your AX-Synth sounds
While the AX-Synth features a ton of great solo sounds, you can also use the included PC software editor/librarian application to customize your sounds. The AX-Synth's USB/MIDI connector makes tweaking then loading your new sounds a breeze.

Battery-powered for untethered performances
The AX-Synth can function off of AC power, for practicing - or performing. But, for the ultimate in freedom, you can take advantage of its six hours of potential battery life. Just connect it up to your wireless instrument body pack system and really take your keyboard performances wire-free.

V-Link button for video control
Not only can you use the AX-Synth for center-stage-worthy synthesizer performances - but using its handy V-Link button, you can also use it for video and visual control.

Roland AX-Synth Shoulder Synthesizer Features:
  • Built-in sound engine with voices from Roland's latest synthesizers
  • Ribbon controller, D Beam, modulation bar, knobs, and easy-to-see display
  • USB MIDI for easy connection to PC, plus onboard MIDI I/O
  • Dedicated V-LINK button for video/visual control
  • Long battery operation (approx. 6 hours)
  • Can also powered by included AC adapter
  • 128-voice polyphony
  • 256 tones plus 8 SuperNATURAL tones
  • 2 x 1/4" output jacks (L/Mono, R)
  • 1/4" stereo headphone output jack
  • Foot pedal connector
  • Includes a shoulder strap

Burn up center stage with the Roland AX-Synth shoulder synthesizer!
Specification Detail
Analog Inputs Foot pedal (TRS)
Analog Outputs L/Mono, Right (TS), Headphone (TRS)
Keys 49 with velocity
MIDI I/O In, Out
Piano or Synth Action Synth
Polyphony 128 notes
Power Requirements 8 AA batteries or PSB-1U (included)
USB MIDI & data transfer

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Reviews
based on 6 customer reviews

Sweetwater Advice

Carson McClain
I have been researching guitar-style synth controllers for years. I found that I loved the AX-1s that came before this. The AX-Synth has way more than any of its predecessors. The fact that this has built-in sounds, battery power, V-Link, ribbon mod, and D-Beam make this an absolute monster. I guarantee you will love this controller. Just watch, this will be all over late night televsion, festival tour videos, and in the hands of the best synth players on this planet. You need the AX-Synth if you are serious about live synth performance.
Daniel Fisher
I've been using strap-on keyboards since 1983 starting with the Korg Poly-800 (with reverse color keys), then a Yamaha KX5and DX-100, and in the '90s I used the Roland AX-1 and finally the AX-7. It is very liberating to be able to play anywhere on stage without having to set up a keyboard rig. The problem has always been that you'd have to bring a lot of other "stuff" if you wanted to have hi-quality sounds. And then you'd have to wire it all up. The Roland AX-Synth finally delivers a one-piece solution with the convenience of a "wearable" keyboard with the sound quality of a workstation. It makes going to a local jam at a club or friend's house as easy it is for guitar players: "One bag with your ax and a patch cord inside." If you've never played keys tipped vertically you'll be pleased to find that it's very natural and even more comfortable than playing normally as your wrist is straight.

great for bands

by Erica from Hartford, CT
April 13, 2010
Music Background: pro musician
I bought the AX-Synth about a month ago and just got back from touring with it. I cannot recommend this piece of equipment highly enough. Not only does is sound fantastic, it\'s comfortable and easy... read more [+] to play without being too heavy. And the internal sound engine is clutch, I was able to leave my other MIDI equipment at home and just plug into an DI on stage. The fans loved it, the other bands loved it, and I love it! close [-]

AWESOME

by Timothy Paul from Naples, FL
September 2, 2009
Music Background: too much to list
This thing is a blast. Received mine today, plugged into my Traynor K4 keyboard amp and this was just plain fun!!!

Put on some blues background tracks and just played for hours. I was... read more [+] having so much fun, I didn't even critique most of the sounds.

Playing keys for 40 years now, and picked up the guitar 20 years ago to get out from behind my keyboard stack. Now I have the best of both worlds.

Can't wait to show it to my band tomorrow.

If you are a keyboardist - you just got to get one of these. The only thing better is playing a Les Paul or a Yamaha C7!!! close [-]

Feel like a guitar Player

by Alec Fuhrman/Chopping Broccoli-80\'s Hits Live from Petaluma, CA
August 29, 2010
Music Background: Guitarist/Singer, Songwriter, Music Teacher, (and now) Synthist
Having played guitar all my life I am glad to hace gotten the AX just as I began playing keys in an 80\'s cover band. Very free feeling when used with a wireless. Very decent tones, however, Rock sty... read more [+]le Organ not there... Also some nice square wave tones and short sequencer syle tones would make this even better...that said fans and everyone in the band love it. Get one if you are interested, you won\'t be dissapointed :-) close [-]
Read more reviews

Roland AX-Synth

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