Roland AX-7 User Manual
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AX-7
MIDI Keyboard Controller
Owner’s Manual
Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of the Roland AX-7 MIDI Keyboard Controller. The AX-7 is a
powerful, easy-to-operate, dedicated shoulder keyboard for MIDI sound modules (whether or not they are
GM2/GM/GS compatible). Please take the time to read through this Owner’s Manual. That way, you can feel
assured that you understand every feature the AX-7 offers, and will enjoy many years of trouble-free operation.
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The Roland AX-7 is a MIDI keyboard controller. It does not contain any sound-generating circuitry. It is
designed to transmit note messages, program changes, bank select messages as well as a variety of other
MIDI messages (such as Reverb and Chorus Send levels) to an external sound module.
To avoid confusion, let’s agree to…
• …use the word “button” for all keys on the front panel, and only use “key” when referring to the AX-7’s keyboard.
• …say “sequencer” when referring to both hardware sequencers (like the Roland MC-80) and computers with
sequencer software.
• …talk about “MIDI instruments” to signify both isolated (“monotimbral”) instruments and parts/timbres/voices/multi
channels of a multitimbral module or synth.
The contents of the illustrations appearing in this manual may differ slightly from what you see when you
start using your instrument.
Before using this instrument, carefully read the sections entitled “Using the unit safely” and “Important
notes”. These sections provide important information concerning the proper operation of the AX-7. Be sure
to keep this manual in a safe place for future reference.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of Roland Europe s.p.a.
Copyright ©2001 ROLAND EUROPE. All rights reserved.
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 to damage or
other adverse effects caused with
respect to the home and all its
furnishings, as well to domestic
animals or pets.
• Before using this instrument, make sure to read the
instructions below, and the Owner’s Manual.
• Do not open (or modify in any way) the instrument, and
avoid damaging an optional adapter.
• Do not attempt to repair the instrument, or replace parts
within it. Refer all servicing to your retailer, the nearest
Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the “Information” page.
• Never use or store the AX-7 in places that are:
• Subject to temperature extremes (e.g., direct sunlight
in an enclosed vehicle, near a heating duct, on top of
heat-generating equipment); or are
• Damp (e.g., baths, washrooms, on wet floors); or are
• Humid; or are
• Exposed to rain; or are
• Dusty; or are
• Subject to high levels of vibration.
The symbol alerts the user to important instructions
or warnings.The specific meaning of the symbol is
determined by the design contained within the
triangle. In the case of the symbol at left, it is used for
general cautions, warnings, or alerts to danger.
The symbol alerts the user to items that must never
be carried out (are forbidden). The specific thing that
must not be done is indicated by the design contained
within the circle. In the case of the symbol at left, it
means that the unit must never be disassembled.
The ● symbol alerts the user to things that must be
carried out. The specific thing that must be done is
indicated by the design contained within the circle. In
the case of the symbol at left, it means that the powercord plug must be unplugged from the outlet.
• In households with small children, an adult should provide supervision until the child is capable of following all
the rules essential for the safe operation of the unit.
• Protect the instrument from strong impact.
Do not drop it!
• When using an optional adaptor, do not force it to share
an outlet with an unreasonable number of other devices.
Be especially careful when using extension cords—the
total power used by all devices you have connected to the
extension cord’s outlet must never exceed the power rating (watts/amperes) for the extension cord. Excessive
loads can cause the insulation on the cord to heat up and
eventually melt through.
• Before using the instrument in a foreign country, consult
with your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center, or
an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the “Information” page.
• When using an optional adaptor, make sure the line voltage at the installation location matches the input voltage
specified on the name plate.
• Do not allow any objects (e.g., flammable material, coins,
pins); or liquids of any kind (water, soft drinks, etc.) to
penetrate the instrument.
• Immediately turn the power off, disconnect the adaptor
from the outlet, and request servicing by your retailer, the
nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland
distributor, as listed on the “Information” page when:
• Objects have fallen into, or liquid has been spilled onto
the instrument; or
• The instrument has been exposed to rain (or otherwise
has become wet); or
• The instrument does not appear to operate normally or
exhibits a marked change in performance.
• The instrument and the optional adaptor should be
located so their position does not interfere with their
proper ventilation.
• Whenever the instrument is to remain unused for an
extended period of time, disconnect the optional adaptor
if you have one.
• Try to prevent cords and cables from becoming entangled.
Also, all cords and cables should be placed so they are out
of the reach of children.
• Never climb on top of, nor place heavy objects on the
instrument.
• Never handle the batteries or optional adaptor with wet
hands when plugging into, or unplugging from, an outlet
or the AX-7.
• Before cleaning the AX-7, turn off the power and unplug
the optional adaptor from the outlet.
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AX-7 Owner’s Manual
Important notes
In addition to the items listed under “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” (page 2), please read and observe the following:
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Power supply
• The AX-7 can be operated using batteries or an optional adaptor.
Be careful to insert the batteries the right way around. If you prefer to use an adaptor, be sure to purchase a Roland ACA model.
• Before connecting the AX-7 to other devices, turn off the power to
all units. This will help prevent malfunctions and/or damage to
other devices.
Placement
• Using the AX-7 near power amplifiers (or other equipment containing large power transformers) may induce hum. To alleviate
the problem, change the orientation of this instrument; or move it
farther away from the source of interference.
• This instrument may interfere with radio and television reception.
Do not use it in the vicinity of such receivers.
• Do not expose the AX-7 to direct sunlight, place it near devices
that radiate heat, leave it inside an enclosed vehicle, or otherwise
subject it to temperature extremes. Excessive heat can deform or
discolor the instrument.
Maintenance
• For everyday cleaning wipe the AX-7 with a soft, dry cloth or one
that has been slightly dampened with water. To remove stubborn
dirt, use a mild, non-abrasive detergent. Afterwards, be sure to
wipe the instrument thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth.
• Never use benzene, thinners, alcohol or solvents of any kind, to
avoid the possibility of discoloration and/or deformation.
Repairs and data
• Please be aware that all data contained in the instrument’s memory may be lost when it is sent for repairs. Important data should
always be backed up via MIDI (see p. 15). In certain cases (such as
when circuitry related to memory itself is out of order), we regret
that it may not be possible to restore the data. Roland assumes no
liability concerning such loss of data.
Additional precautions
• Please be aware that the memory contents can be irretrievably lost
as a result of a malfunction, or the improper operation of the
instrument. To protect yourself against the risk of losing important
data, we recommend that you periodically save a backup copy of
important data in the instrument’s memory.
• Use a reasonable amount of care when using the instrument’s buttons, other controls, and jacks/connectors. Rough handling can
lead to malfunctions.
• Never strike or apply strong pressure to the display.
• When connecting/disconnecting MIDI cables, grasp the connector
itself—never pull on the cable. This way you will avoid causing
shorts, or damage to the cable’s internal elements.
• A small amount of heat will radiate from the instrument during
normal operation. This is perfectly normal.
• When you need to transport the instrument, package it in the box
(including padding) that it came in. Otherwise, you will need to use
equivalent packaging materials, or a flightcase.
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Contents
1. The AX-7 in a nutshell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
2. Panel descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
‘Neck’ (control) section. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Bottom panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Connection panel (rear) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3. The basics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Inserting or replacing the batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Connecting the AX-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Powering up. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4. Keyboard modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
5. Configuring the AX-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Selecting the parameter to be edited . . . . . . . . . . 10
CONTROL parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
DATA parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
PRG CHG parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
6. Miscellaneous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Transpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
About MIDI Merge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Working with Patches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Restoring the factory settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
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7. Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
MIDI implementation chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Factory settings (based on the GM Tone Map) . 110
Blank Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Control Change list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
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The AX-7 in a nutshell
1. The AX-7 in a nutshell
Four keyboard modes
The AX-7’s 45-note keyboard can be used in Layer,
Split, and Whole modes.
Perfect control
The AX-7 puts you in control of all things MIDI in
your keyboard rig. Velocity sensitivity, D Beam Controller, Expression Bar, and Touch Controller are built
in – and can be set for the Upper and Lower sections
independently. Then there is also a DATA ENTRY knob
that can be assigned to any control change number
between CC00 and CC119.
Of course, you can also transpose the Upper and
Lower sections – either in octave or semitone steps.
You can also set the tempo for an external sequencer
and store that value in a Patch.
128 Patch memories
The AX-7 comes with 128 (2 x 64) Patch memories
where you can save almost all settings, plus the MIDI
channels for the Upper and Lower sections, and Bank
Select/Program Change numbers to be transmitted
on both section channels (where applicable) whenever you select the Patch in question.
Once you have used up all 128 internal Patch memories and need even more setups, you can archive your
existing settings via MIDI (Bulk Dump function).
Supports Roland’s GS Format
The GS Format is a standardized set of specifications
for Roland’s sound sources which defines the manner
in which multitimbral sound modules will respond to
MIDI messages. All devices compatible with the GS
Format bear the GS logo. Every module or instrument
bearing the GS logo will respond in the same way to
the MIDI messages sent from the AX-7.
All Roland GS sound modules also fully support Level
1 of the General MIDI System. The AX-7 is also GM2compatible.
Important note
When using an AC adaptor, use only the specified
device (Roland ACA series). Use of any other AC
adaptor could result in damage, malfunction or electric shock.
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2. Panel descriptions
‘Neck’ (control) section
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AX-7 Owner’s Manual
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A
B
E
A
START/STOP button
This button allows you to transmit MIDI Start and
Stop messages to start or halt playback of an external
sequencer.
B
DOWN/UP PATCH buttons
These buttons can be used for selecting the preceding
(DOWN) or next (UP) Patch memory, EDIT parameters,
or entering parameter values. In certain cases, pressing them simultaneously will switch the selected
parameter on and off. In other cases, pressing them
simultaneously recalls the default value of the
selected parameter.
C
D
C
EXPRESSION BAR/TOUCH CONTROLLER
Press the Expression Bar to generate Modulation
messages (CC01) and/or Aftertouch. Behind the
Expression Bar (the “big switch”), you will find a ribbon strip. That is the Touch Controller. Slide your finger towards the left or right on this ribbon to transmit Pitch Bend messages.
D
KEYBOARD MODE buttons
Press one of these buttons to select a Whole mode,
the Layer, or Split mode. See page 9.
E
DATA ENTRY knob
This knob (located behind the [START/STOP] button)
can be used to transmit the assigned MIDI messages
in realtime.
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F G I
F
D Beam sensors
Move your hand over these two sensors to generate
the assigned messages.
G
D Beam ON/OFF switch
Press this switch to activate (indicator lights) or
switch off (indicator dark) the D Beam Controller.
Note: Be sure to select the OFF position whenever you are not
using the D Beam Controller (to save battery life).
H
EDIT buttons
Press one of these buttons ([CONTROL], [DATA], or
[PRG≈CHG]) to select the corresponding EDIT level.
You can then use the numeric keypad to call up the
parameter you wish to set.
I
WRITE button
Press this button to save the current settings to one
of the AX-7’s Patch memories. Writing a Patch also
involves pressing other buttons (see p. 17).
H
J K L
N O
M
J
Display
This three-character display keeps you posted about
the selected Patch memory, the tempo, or the parameter value you set.
K
PATCH SELECT buttons
If none of the EDIT buttons lights, the buttons [A/B]
and [1]~[8] allow you to enter the number of the
desired Patch memory (two banks of 64 memories
each). After pressing one of the EDIT buttons, the
buttons [A/B], [1]~[8] and [TRANSPOSE] (which then
functions as [9]) can be used for selecting the desired
parameter (see p. 10).
L
TRANSPOSE button
Usually, this button allows you to switch the AX-7’s
keyboard transposition on and off and to set the
transposition interval. When [CONTROL], [DATA], or
[PRG≈CHG] lights, however, this buttons can be used
for selecting a parameter (in which case it functions
as [9]).
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P
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Panel descriptions
M
ENTER button
Press this button to confirm a setting or a selection.
N
EXIT button
Press this button to leave the currently selected EDIT
level, or to ignore the value you just set (thus returning to the previously set value).
Bottom panel
QERTSR
Q
Sustain button
This button has the same function as a Hold/Sustain
pedal connected to a synthesizer or stage piano:
press it to hold the notes you are playing.
R
Strap pins
This is where you need to attach the other end of the
supplied strap.
O
DOWN/UP buttons
These buttons duplicate the DOWN/UP PATCH buttons.
P
Strap pin
This is where you need to attach one end of the supplied strap. (The other end needs to be attached to
one of the pins on the bottom panel.)
S
Battery compartment
This is where you need to insert the supplied (or
replacement) batteries.
T
Function overview
These lists provide at-a-glance information about the
available Edit and D Beam functions.
Connection panel (rear)
U
U
MIDI IN, OUT sockets
Connect the MIDI IN socket to the device that should
transmit MIDI messages to the AX-7. Connect the
MIDI OUT socket to the MIDI instrument you wish to
control with your AX-7.
The AX-7 is capable of merging the MIDI messages
received via MIDI IN with the messages you generate
by playing on the AX-7.
V
DC IN socket
This is where you can connect an optional ACA adaptor.
V W X
W
Cord hook
If you connect an optional ACA adaptor to the DC IN
socket, be sure to wind the cable around this hook as
a safeguard against accidental disconnection.
X
POWER switch
Set this switch to the ON position to switch the AX-7
on. Select the OFF position to power off your AX-7.
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