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Roland AX-Synth £810
The keytar is back, and in fine style
Future Music, Mon 11 May 2009, 10:30 am UTC
Summary
We really like the AX-Synth - it delivers the goods on almost every level. The only question mark hanging over it is the price. At over £800 you have to ask yourself how much of that money is going on the onboard synth, and if you really want it.
That said, the new feature set and great-looking design makes this a much more complete instrument than previous AX models. It sounds and looks great and, although it's a tad expensive, it puts Roland firmly back at the top of the keytar tree.
Listen to just a few of the AX-Synth's built-in sounds:
Verdict
The AX-Synth is great fun to use, it looks fantastic and the onboard sounds are a welcome addition. We want one!
MusicRadar rating:
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User comments (5)
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I just got mine as well. I agree that the sounds are very playable. I like the convenience if I am going to go to a jam or studio session. I also got the soft case that roland sells. The case is nice with three pockets to hold the power supply, cables, strap and whatever. I also have Two AX-1s, and the AX-7. I started with the Korg RK-100, then I had the AXIS, I sold those when I got my first AX-1. I use an old NADY WML-50 Wireless MIDI that still works (Had it since 1993) It was designed by MIDIMAN (who now is M-Audio) It converts MIDI to audio and then you use a regular GTR wireless. I use a Shure UHF wireless and it works great.
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I just got mine as well. I agree that the sounds are very playable. I like the convenience if I am going to go to a jam or studio session. I also got the soft case that roland sells. The case is nice with three pockets to hold the power supply, cables, strap and whatever. I also have Two AX-1s, and the AX-7. I started with the Korg RK-100, then I had the AXIS, I sold those when I got my first AX-1. I use an old NADY WML-50 Wireless MIDI that still works (Had it since 1993) It was designed by MIDIMAN (who now is M-Audio) It converts MIDI to audio and then you use a regular GTR wireless. I use a Shure UHF wireless and it works great.
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Just got it!! I already have two AX-1s for my Muse Reseach Receptor so I was not sure I really needed another keytar or another sound source, but after a few mins of playing it, I'm very happy!! Onboard sounds are awesome! Keyboard and controllers are expressive. Now all I need is a wireless guitar system to add with my M-Audio wireless MIDI... my leash will be off and this badass dog is gonna tear up the stage!
-
Just got it!! I already have two AX-1s for my Muse Reseach Receptor so I was not sure I really needed another keytar or another sound source, but after a few mins of playing it, I'm very happy!! Onboard sounds are awesome! Keyboard and controllers are expressive. Now all I need is a wireless guitar system to add with my M-Audio wireless MIDI... my leash will be off and this badass dog is gonna tear up the stage!
-
Just got it!! I already have two AX-1s for my Muse Reseach Receptor so I was not sure I really needed another keytar or another sound source, but after a few mins of playing it, I'm very happy!! Onboard sounds are awesome! Keyboard and controllers are expressive. Now all I need is a wireless guitar system to add with my M-Audio wireless MIDI... my leash will be off and this badass dog is gonna tear up the stage!
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MusicRadar rating
Pros
Looks great and feels nicely balanced. Very playable, easy to control and simple to navigate. Onboard sounds are a real bonus and are generally very useable.
Cons
Expensive. More hardware control would have been nice. Neck a little thick under the touch controller.
Verdict
The AX-Synth is great fun to use, it looks fantastic and the onboard sounds are a welcome addition. We want one!
Review Policy
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Specification Show
AX-Synth
- Price:
- £810
- Dimensions (mm (w x h x d)):
- 1142 x 87 x 266
- Number of Keys:
- 49
- Presets:
- 256
- Polyphony (Notes):
- 128
- Weight (kg) (kg):
- 3.9
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Rockitman
9 weeks ago.
User rating 5 of 5