Roland AX-Synth User Manual

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Owner’s Manual

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. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

— Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. — Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. — Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. — Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Unauthorized changes or modification to this system can void the users authority to operate this equipment. This equipment requires shielded interface cables in order to meet FCC class B Limit.

For Canada

NOTICE

This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.

AVIS

For C.A. US (Proposition 65

WARNING

This product contains chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects and other reproductive harm, including lead.

For the USA

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

Compliance Information Statement

Model Name :

Type of Equipment :

Responsible Party :

Address :

Telephone :

AX-Synth Shoulder Synthesizer

Roland Corporation U.S. 5100 S. Eastern Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90040-2938

(323) 890-3700

)

For the U.K.

IMPORTANT: THE WIRES IN THIS MAINS LEAD ARE COLOURED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING CODE.

BLUE: BROWN:

As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this apparatus may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows: The wire which is coloured BLUE must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter N or coloured BLACK. The wire which is coloured BROWN must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter L or coloured RED. Under no circumstances must either of the above wires be connected to the earth terminal of a three pin plug.

NEUTRAL LIVE

Shoulder Synthesizer

Owner’s Manual

ENGLISH

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. With its support for battery and wireless audio use and its stylish design, the AX-Synth allows keyboardists and other musicians to take center stage with mesmerizing keyboard solos, basslines, etc. In addition, the AX-Synth can be used to control MIDI sound modules, function as input device for your computer-based DAW, to control samplers, etc.

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-Synth’s keyboard.

• …use “sequencer” when referring to both hardware sequencers 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 explanations in this manual include illustrations that depict what should typically be shown by the display. Note, however, that your unit may incorporate a newer, enhanced version of the system (e.g., includes newer sounds), so what you actually see in the display may not always match what appears in the manual.

Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” on p. 4 and “Important notes” on p. 6. These sections provide important information concerning the proper operation of the unit. Additionally, in order to feel assured that you have gained a good grasp of every feature provided by your new unit, this owner’s manual should be read in its entirety. The manual should be saved and kept on hand as a convenient reference.

ENGLISH ENGLISH ENGLISH

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of Roland Europe s.p.a.

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.

• Do not open (or modify in any way) the instrument, and avoid damaging the AC adapter.

• Do not attempt to repair the instrument, or replace parts within it (except when this manual provides specific instructions directing you to do so). Refer all servicing to your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the “Information” page.

• If you do not use the AX-Synth as a shoulder keyboard, make sure you always have it placed so it is level and sure to remain stable. Never place it on stands that could wobble, or on inclined surfaces.

• Never use or store the AX-Synth in any of the following locations:

• 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

• Exposed to steam or smoke; or are

• Subject to salt exposure; or are

• Humid; or are

• Exposed to rain; or are

• Dusty; or are

• Subject to high levels of vibration.

•Make sure you always have the unit placed so it is level and sure to remain stable. Never place it on stands that could wobble, or on inclined surfaces.

• Be sure to use only the AC adaptor supplied with the unit. Also, make sure the line voltage at the installation matches the input voltage specified on the AC adaptor's body. Other AC adaptors may use a different polarity, or be designed for a different voltage, so their use could result in damage, malfunction, or electric shock.

• Use only the attached power-supply cord. Also, the supplied power cord must not be used with any other device.

• Do not excessively twist or bend the adaptor cord, nor place heavy objects on it. Doing so can damage the cord, producing severed elements and short circuits. Damaged cords are fire and shock hazards!

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.

• This instrument, either alone or in combination with an amplifier and headphones or speakers, may be capable of producing sound levels that could cause permanent hearing loss. Do not operate for a long period of time at a high volume level or at a level that is uncomfortable. If you experience any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should immediately stop using the AX-Synth and consult an audiologist.

• Do not allow any objects (e.g., flammable material, coins, pins); or liquids of any kind (water, soft drinks, etc.) to penetrate the AX-Synth.

•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:

• The AC adaptor, the power-supply cord, or the plug

has been damaged; or

•If smoke or unusual odor occurs

• Objects have fallen into, or liquid has been spilled onto

the unit; or

• The unit has been exposed to rain (or otherwise has become

wet); or

• The unit does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a

marked change in performance.

•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 AX-Synth from strong impact. Do not drop it!

• Do not force the unit's power-supply cord 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 AX-Synth in a foreign country, consult with your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the “Information” page.

AX-Synth Owner’s Manual

ENGLISH

• Batteries must never be heated, taken apart, or thrown into fire or water.

• DO NOT play a CD-ROM disc on a conventional audio CD player. The resulting sound may be of a level that could cause permanent hearing loss. Damage to speakers or other system components may result.

• Never expose Ni-MH batteries to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like.

• 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.

• At regular intervals, you should unplug the AC adaptor and clean it by using a dry cloth to wipe all dust and other accumulations away from its prongs. Also, disconnect the power plug from the power outlet whenever the unit is to remain unused for an extended period of time. Any accumulation of dust between the power plug and the power outlet can result in poor insulation and lead to fire.

• 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 AX-Synth.

• Never handle the AC adaptor or its plugs with wet hands when plugging into, or unplugging from, an outlet or this unit.

• Before moving the AX-Synth, disconnect the AC adaptor and all cords coming from external devices.

ENGLISH ENGLISH

• Before cleaning the unit, turn off the power and unplug the AC adaptor from the outlet (see p. 13).

•Whenever you suspect the possibility of lightning in your area, disconnect the AC adaptor from the outlet.

• If used improperly, batteries may explode or leak and cause damage or injury. In the interest of safety, please read and observe the following precautions.

• Carefully follow the installation instructions for batter-

ies, and make sure you observe the correct polarity.

• Avoid using new batteries together with used ones. In

addition, avoid mixing different types of batteries.

• Remove the batteries whenever the unit is to remain

unused for an extended period of time.

• If a battery has leaked, use a soft piece of cloth or paper towel

to wipe all remnants of the discharge from the battery compartment. Then install new batteries. To avoid inflammation of the skin, make sure that none of the battery discharge gets onto your hands or skin. Exercise the utmost caution so that none of the discharge gets near your eyes. Immediately rinse the affected area with running water if any of the discharge has entered the eyes.

• Never keep batteries together with metallic objects such as ball-

point pens, necklaces, hairpins, etc.

• Used batteries must be disposed of in compliance with whatever regulations for their safe disposal that may be observed in the region in which you live.

ENGLISH ENGLISH ENGLISH

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.

• Do not connect this unit to same electrical outlet that is being used by an electrical appliance that is controlled by an inverter (such as a refrigerator, washing machine, microwave oven, or air conditioner), or that contains a motor. Depending on the way in which the electrical appliance is used, power supply noise may cause this unit to malfunction or may produce audible noise. If it is not practical to use a separate electrical outlet, connect a power supply noise filter between this unit and the electrical outlet.

• The AC adaptor will begin to generate heat after long hours of consecutive use. This is normal, and is not a cause for concern.

• The use of an AC adaptor is recommended as the unit’s power consumption is relatively high. Should you prefer to use batteries, please use the rechargeable AA-type Ni-MH type.

•When installing or replacing batteries, always turn off the power on this unit and disconnect any other devices you may have connected. This way, you can prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other devices.

• Before connecting the AX-Synth to other devices, turn off the power to all units. This will help prevent malfunctions and/or damage to other devices.

Placement

• Using the unit near power amplifiers (or other equipment containing large power transformers) may induce hum. To alleviate the problem, change the orientation of this unit; or move it farther away from the source of interference.

• This device may interfere with radio and television reception. Do not use this device in the vicinity of such receivers.

• Noise may be produced if wireless communications devices, such as cell phones, are operated in the vicinity of this unit. Such noise could occur when receiving or initiating a call, or while conversing. Should you experience such problems, you should relocate such wireless devices so they are at a greater distance from this unit, or switch them off.

• Do not expose the AX-Synth 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.

•When moved from one location to another where the temperature and/or humidity is very different, water droplets (condensation) may form inside the AX-Synth. Damage or malfunction may result if you attempt to use the AX-Synth in this condition. Therefore, before using the AX-Synth, you must allow it to stand for several hours, until the condensation has completely evaporated.

• Do not allow objects to remain on top of the keyboard. This can be the cause of malfunction, such as keys ceasing to produce sound.

• Depending on the material and temperature of the surface on which you place the unit, its rubber feet may discolor or mar the surface. You can place a piece of felt or cloth under the rubber feet to prevent this from happening. If you do so, please make sure that the unit will not slip or move accidentally.

Maintenance

• For everyday cleaning wipe the AX-Synth 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 using the Bulk Dump function (see p. 29). 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 contents of memory can be irretrievably lost as a result of a malfunction, or the improper operation of the unit. To protect yourself against the risk of losing important data, we recommend that you periodically save a backup copy of important data you have stored in the unit's memory (see p. 29).

• Unfortunately, it may be impossible to restore the contents of data that was stored in the AX-Synth’s memory once it has been lost. Roland Europe assumes no liability concerning such loss of data.

• Use a reasonable amount of care when using the AX-Synth’s buttons, sliders, or other controls; and when using its jacks and connectors. Rough handling can lead to malfunctions.

•When connecting/disconnecting all 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.

• To avoid disturbing your neighbors, try to keep the AX-Synth’s volume at reasonable levels. You may prefer to use headphones, so you do not need to be concerned about those around you (especially when it is late at night).

•When you need to transport the unit, package it in the box (including padding) that it came in, if possible. Otherwise, you will need to use equivalent packaging materials.

• The usable range of D Beam controller will become extremely small when used under strong direct sunlight. Please be aware of this when using the D Beam controller outside.

• 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.

Handling CD-ROMs

• Avoid touching or scratching the shiny underside (encoded surface) of the CD-ROM. Damaged or dirty CD-ROM discs may not be read properly. Keep your discs clean using a commercially available CD cleaner.

Precautions for batteries

• Never use alkaline or zinc-carbon batteries.

• The temperature range for use of the batteries depends on the battery type being used. Please see the documentation that came with the batteries.

• Do not use or store batteries at high temperature, such as in strong direct sunlight, in cars during hot weather or directly in front of heaters. This may cause battery fluid leakage, impaired performance and shorten the batteries’ service life.

• Do not splash fresh or saltwater on a battery or allow the terminals to become damp. This may cause heat generation and formation of rust on the battery and its terminals.

•If newly purchased batteries exhibit rust, generate heat or seem abnormal in any other way, do not use them. Take them back to your dealer.

• Keep the batteries out of reach of babies or small children.

• 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. Doing so may melt the insulation, damage the gas release vents or protective devices, cause combustion through chemical reaction with generated hydrogen, ejection of battery fluid, bursting or fire.

• Do not use batteries with the positive (+) and negative (–) terminals reversed, as this may drain the batteries or cause abnormal chemical reactions.

• Do no strike or drop the batteries. Strong impact can cause leakage of battery fluid, heat generation, bursting or fire.

• Never try to connect several batteries in parallel as this may cause leakage of battery fluid, heat generation, bursting or fire.

• Do not alter or remove protective mechanisms or other parts. Never disassemble the batteries.

• If any fluid from a battery comes in contact with the eyes, flush the eyes immediately, washing them thoroughly with clean water from a tap or other source and consult a doctor. Strong alkaline fluid can damage the eyes and lead to permanent loss of eyesight.

• If skin or clothing comes in contact with any fluid from a battery, wash the area immediately with clean water from a tap. Battery fluid can cause skin damage.

•When a battery is no longer usable, dispose of it in accordance with all applicable local laws and regulations.

• If a battery leaks fluid, changes color or shape or changes in any other way, do not use it, otherwise it may cause heat generation, bursting or fire.

AX-Synth Owner’s Manual

•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 ENGLISH

Battery handling

• Incorrect handling of batteries, rechargeable batteries, or a battery charger can cause leakage, overheating, fire, or explosion. Before use, you must read and strictly observe all of the precautions that accompany the batteries, rechargeable batteries, or battery charger. When using rechargeable batteries and a charger, use only the combination of rechargeable batteries and charger specified by the battery manufacturer.

Strap holder precaution

• Never unscrew the strap pins to avoid damaging the AX-Synth’s plastic housing, which eventually compromises overall stability and safety.

• To avoid dropping the unit and damaging it or causing injuries to yourself or other people, be sure to double-check whether the supplied strap is securely attached to the two pins before using the AX-Synth.

• Roland Europe recommends installing commercially available strap locks for guitar to guard against damage and injuries caused by the strap coming loose while your are playing.

ENGLISH ENGLISH ENGLISH

Important notes

Contents

USING THE UNIT SAFELY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Important notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

1. The AX-Synth in a nutshell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

2. Panel descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Front panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Bottom panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Connection panel (rear) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

3. Making connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Connecting the AC adaptor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Inserting or replacing batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Connecting the AX-Synth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Using headphones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Powering up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

4. Playing the AX-Synth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Selecting ‘regular’ Tones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Selecting ‘SuperNATURAL’ and ‘SPECIAL’ Tones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Grouping frequently-used Tones (FAVORITE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

5. Using the AX-Synth’s performance functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Master Tune . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Transpose. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Shifting the keyboard pitch in octave steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Using the Modulation Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Using the Touch Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Aftertouch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Using the D Beam controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Portamento . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Sustaining notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

6. Editing Tone settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Editing the volume and Reverb Send levels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

7. Using the AX-Synth as MIDI controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

MIDI messages that can be transmitted/received . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Activating the AX-Synth’s MIDI transmission. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Setting the MIDI transmit channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Transmitting Program Change numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Using the Bulk Dump function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

8. Using the AX-Synth’s USB port. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

General considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Making the settings for the USB driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

9. About V-LINK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

How to use V-LINK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

10. Additional functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Battery-related functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Loading the factory settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Checking the AX-Synth’s firmware version. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

11. Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Control Change list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Tone list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

12. Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

13. MIDI implementation chart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

14. Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

1. The AX-Synth in a nutshell

AX-Synth Owner’s Manual

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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).

Cable-free live operation possible

The AX-Synth can be powered by 8 rechargeable AAtype Ni-MH batteries with a battery life of about 6 hours. If combined with a commercially available wireless system, it allows you to play wherever you like, to follow the singer or any other musician on stage, etc., with no cables to pay attention to.

It even provides an attenuator switch to adapt its output level to the input sensitivity of the wireless system you are using.

Convenient studio operation

An AC adaptor and the USB port allow the AX-Synth to be used with a computer. Dedicated editor and librarian software is also available. The “AX-Synth Editor” software, which includes librarian software, can be downloaded free of charge from Roland’s website: http://www.Roland.com.

All performance controls within reach

The AX-Synth provides control functions that are conveniently and ergonomically built into its neck. The AX-Synth puts you in control of your sound: key velocity sensitivity, a D Beam controller, an AFTERTOUCH knob, a modulation bar, a TOUCH CONTROLLER ribbon, a PORTAMENTO button, a HOLD button and a BENDER MODE button are built in.

The D Beam controller can be set to transmit almost any control change message (CC) you may ever need. Finally, the AX-Synth sports a FOOT PEDAL socket to which you can connect a DP-series hold pedal.

In-depth programming with the ‘AX-Synth editor’

The AX-Synth comes with dedicated editor and librarian software that allows you to modify (and save) all aspects of the internal sounds. Combined with this intuitive software, the AX-Synth becomes a fully-fledged synthesizer.

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Panel descriptions

2. Panel descriptions

Front panel

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).

TX ON button

This button is used to enable (button lights) or disable the transmission of MIDI messages. Pressing it while holding down the the keys in the highest octave (NUMERIC KEYPAD) and the keys in the lowest octave (TX MIDI CHANNELS) for numeric entry of program change or MIDI channel numbers.

C D

[SHIFT]

F G H I J

button allows you to use

A third, usually faster, way to select Tones is by holding down octave (NUMERIC KEYPAD).

FAVORITE A, B buttons

These buttons allow you to select the corresponding bank of “favorite” Tones.

WRITE button

The Tones to the 16 memories of FAVORITE banks “A” and “B” and to save all settings you change.

[SHIFT]

while using the keys in the highest

[WRITE]

button is used to assign the desired

TRANSPOSE button

Press this button to display the current transposition interval. Holding it while pressing the OCTAVE/VARIATION

[+]/[–]

buttons allows you to set the interval in

semi-tone steps.

V-LINK button

Press this button to activate the AX-Synth’s V-LINK control function (see p. 33).

SHIFT button

Pressing this button allows you to select the secondary (hidden) function of some of the other buttons.

Display

This three-character display keeps you posted about the selected Tone, mode or the parameter value you set.

TONE buttons

These buttons are used to select the desired Tone family, SuperNATURAL, SPECIAL or FAVORITE Tone (the button you press lights blue).

VARIATION DEC/– & INC/+ buttons

These buttons allow you to select a Tone from the active Tone family (see above) in a sequential fashion. This function can also be assigned to the OCTAVE/ VARIATION

[+]/[–]

buttons (page 18).

‘Neck’ (control) section

Front view

LNO

Rear view

VOLUME knob

This knob allows you to set the AX-Synth’s overall output volume.

AFTER TOUCH knob

This knob sends channel aftertouch messages for the notes you are playing (see p. 23).

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).

If you hold down these buttons, the pitch changes in semi-tone steps.

MODULATION BAR/TOUCH CONTROLLER

Press the modulation bar to add modulation to the notes you are playing. Behind the modulation bar lies the ribbon strip. Slide your finger towards the left or right on this ribbon to change the pitch of the notes.

[TRANSPOSE]

while pressing one of

P Q R

AX-Synth Owner’s Manual

D Beam controller & PITCH, FILTER & ASSIGNABLE buttons

This controller allows you to influence the pitch or timbre of the notes you play, or to create unique effects by moving one hand up/down or left/right above the two “eyes”.

The buttons to its left allow you to assign the desired function to the D Beam controller (see p. 24).

PORTAMENTO button

This button allows you to switch the Portamento function on and off.

BENDER MODE button

This button allows you to specify how the TOUCH CONTROLLER ribbon works.

Note:

This function is not available for the SuperNATURAL

Tones.

HOLD button

This button allows you to hold the notes you are playing (see p. 25).

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Bottom panel

S STS S

Strap pins

This is where you can attach the ends of the supplied strap. Choose any two pins.

Battery compartment

This is where you can insert AA-type Ni-MH batteries.

Panel descriptions

Connection panel (rear)

U V W X Y Z

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.

Note: Be sure to only use wireless transmitters that comply with local radio regulations.

POWER switch

Set this switch to the ON position to switch the AX-Synth on. Select the OFF position to power off your AX-Synth.

If you need to turn off the power completely (when using the supplied AC adapter), first turn off the power switch, then disconnect the AC adapter’s power from the wall outlet.

DC IN socket

This is where you can connect the supplied PSB-1U adaptor.

ATT ON/OFF switch

If you are using 1/4” cables to connect the AX-Synth to an amplifier, etc., slide this switch to the “OFF” position.

If you notice distortion while using a wireless system,

Cord hook (2)

If you connect the supplied adaptor to the DC IN socket, be sure to wind its cable around this hook as a safeguard against accidental disconnection.

slide this switch to the “ON” position to reduce the level of the AX-Synth’s audio output signal.

Note: Be sure to only use wireless transmitters that comply with local radio regulations.

PHONES socket

This is where you can connect a pair of optional headphones (Roland RH-25, RH-50, RH-200, RH-300, etc.).

Cord hook (1)

This hook is intended to secure the MIDI cable connected to the MIDI OUT socket when you are using the AX-Synth as a shoulder keyboard. This is a safeguard against accidental disconnection.

MIDI OUT, IN sockets

Connect the MIDI IN socket to the device that should transmit MIDI messages to the AX-Synth. Connect the MIDI OUT socket to the MIDI instrument you wish to control with your AX-Synth.

USB port

Connect this port to a free USB port on your computer using an “A—B”-type USB cable.

FOOT PEDAL socket

This is where you can connect an optional Roland DP-series pedal.

Note: Though you can also connect an expression pedal, any pedal you connect will act as Hold pedal.

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.

Connecting the AC adaptor

The AX-Synth can be powered either by 8 AA-type Ni-MH batteries or the supplied AC adaptor.

(1) Make sure that the [POWER] switch is in the “OFF”

position.

(2) Turn the [VOLUME] knob to the lowest setting to

minimize the volume.

Note: Be sure to use only the supplied AC adaptor. Using any other type may cause malfunction or electric shock.

Note: If the AX-Synth is to remain unused for an extended period of time, unplug the adaptor.

(3) Connect the included power cord to the AC adap-

tor.

The indicator will light when you plug the AC adaptor into an AC outlet.

AX-Synth Owner’s Manual

Inserting or replacing batteries

Eight AA batteries are required to run the AX-Synth on battery power. We recommend the use of rechargeable AA-type Ni-MH batteries. With these batteries you can expect about 6 hours of continuous operation, although this depends on how the AX-Synth is being used.

Note: If you plan to use batteries, please disconnect the AC adaptor from the AX-Synth.

Note: If batteries are installed, disconnecting or reconnecting the AC adaptor’s power cord or the adaptor plug from the AX-Synth’s DC IN socket while the power is on will cause the AX-Synth to turn off. You must turn off the power before connecting or disconnecting the power cord or AC adaptor.

Note: Avoid using new batteries together with old ones. In addition, avoid mixing different types of batteries (e.g. regular carbon and alkaline batteries).

Note: When replacing batteries, be sure to insert them correctly (ensure correct polarity).

Note: Remove the batteries whenever the AX-Synth is to remain unused for an extended period of time.

(1) Switch off the AX-Synth. (2) Remove the battery cover located on the bottom

of the instrument.

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AC adaptor Power cord

Indicator

to an AC outlet

Place the AC adaptor so the side with the indicator (see illustration) faces upwards and the side with textual information faces downwards.

Note: Depending on your region, the included power cord may differ from the one shown above.

(4) Connect the AC adaptor to the DC IN jack on the

AX-Synth’s rear panel, and then plug the AC adaptor into an electrical outlet.

To prevent inadvertent disruption of power to your unit (should the plug be pulled out accidentally), and to avoid applying undue stress to the AC adaptor jack, anchor the power cord using the cord hook, as shown in the illustration.

AX-Synth rear panel

Cord hook

(b) Lift up.

(a) Press the tabs forward.

Note: When turning the AX-Synth upside-down, get a bunch of newspapers or magazines, and place them under the four corners or at both ends to prevent damage to the buttons and controls. Also, you should try to orient the unit so no buttons or controls get damaged.

Note: When turning the AX-Synth upside-down, handle with care to avoid dropping it, or allowing it to fall or tip over.

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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.

(1) Connect the OUTPUT jacks on the AX-Synth’s rear

panel to the input jacks of your external device.

(4) Close the AX-Synth’s battery compartment.

Battery charge indication

If, while using batteries, three flashing dots appears in the display, the remaining battery power is low. Replace the batteries at your earliest convenience. Three constantly lit dots mean that you need to replace the batteries right away (or use the supplied adaptor).

Note: The AX-Synth cannot recharge your batteries. Note: The battery charge indication is only an approxima-

tion.

Note about rechargeable batteries

Certain batteries can be recharged several times before they need to be replaced with a new ones. Note that it is normal for the batteries to last increasingly shorter as time goes by. At the end of their life cycle, they may only last one hour, for example. But that is a gradual process.

INPUT L & R

Please choose unbalanced (mono) cables with 1/4” jacks at one end (for the AX-Synth). The connectors at the other end need to match the input sockets of the device to which you are connecting the AX-Synth.

Note: If your amplifier is monaural, you only need to connect the L/MONO socket.

(2) Set the ATT switch to the “OFF” position.

Note: You can also connect headphones to the PHONES socket, in which case you do not need to establish an audio connection.

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Using a wireless system to connect the AX-Synth to your amplifier, etc.

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.

Note: Be sure to only use wireless transmitters that comply with local radio regulations.

(1) Connect the wireless transmitters to the OUTPUT

jacks on the AX-Synth’s rear panel.

Wireless transmitters

Note: The shape of the wireless connectors depends on the model you are using.

Note: If your amplifier is monaural, you need only one transmitter. Connect it to the L/MONO socket.

(2) If the wireless receiver is intended for low-level

signals (high input sensitivity), set the [ATT] switch to the “ON” position to reduce the AX-Synth’s audio output level.

“ATT” is short for “attenuator”.

(3) Connect the wireless receiver’s audio output(s) to

the mixing console, amplifier, etc.

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

AX-Synth (transmits MIDI messages)

MIDI IN

Module, synthesizer, etc. (receives MIDI messages)

Note: Do not forget to connect the module, synthesizer, etc., to an amplifier. See its manual for details.

(2) Switch on the [TX¥ON] button.

Note: See page 27 for details about the AX-Synth’s MIDI functions.

Controlling the AX-Synth from an external MIDI device

The AX-Synth’s tone generator can also receive MIDI data and play the notes using the currently selected sound. The AX-Synth always receives on the MIDI channel that has the same number as the transmit channel you select (see p. 27).

(1) Connect the AX-Synth’s MIDI IN socket to the MIDI

OUT socket of the instrument that should control the AX-Synth.

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MIDI IN

AX-Synth (receives MIDI messages)

Synthesizer, stage piano, etc. (transmits MIDI messages)

MIDI OUT

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

AX-Synth (transmits MIDI messages)

Computer or sequencer (records and transmits MIDI messages)

Module, synthesizer, etc. (receives MIDI messages)

(Not necessary when you are using the “AX-Synth Editor” software.

Note: The AX-Synth is not multitimbral.

USB port

MIDI OUT

MIDI IN

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.

(1) Plug the headphones into the [PHONES] jack

located on the AX-Synth’s rear panel.

Note: Use stereo headphones. Please use only Roland headphones. Headphones from other manufacturers may be unable to provide sufficient volume.

(2) The headphone volume can be adjusted with the

[VOLUME] knob.

Some notes on using headphones

•To prevent damage to the cord, handle the headphones only by the headset or the plug.

• Connecting headphones when the volume of connected equipment is turned up may result in damage to the headphones. Lower the volume on the AX-Synth before plugging in the headphones.

• Listening at excessively high volume levels will not only damage the headphones, but may also cause hearing loss. Use the headphones at a moderate volume level.

AX-Synth Owner’s Manual

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Powering up

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 on the power, turn the [VOLUME]

knob to the lowest setting to minimize the volume.

(2) Slide the rear-panel [POWER] switch to the “ON”

position to turn on the power.

This unit is equipped with a protection circuit. A brief interval (a few seconds) after power up is required before it will operate normally.

Note: If the AX-Synth is connected to a keyboard amp or audio amp, turn on the power of the AX-Synth first, and then switch on your amp.

(3) Turn the [VOLUME] knob to adjust the volume of

the AX-Synth.

The AX-Synth has a “sleep” function for reduced power consumption when you are using batteries. After several minutes of inactivity, all LEDs go dark, and only a dot will scroll through the display. To “wake” the AX-Synth, simply press a key or button. (This function is not available while you are using the supplied AC adaptor.)

Note: See page 34 for how change the sleep interval.

Turning the power off

(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.

If the AX-Synth is connected to a keyboard amp or audio amp, switch off the amp first, then turn off the AX-Synth.

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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).

Selecting ‘regular’ Tones sequentially

The AX-Synth’s “regular” Tones are grouped into 8 families with 32 “variations” (sounds) each.

(1) Connect the AX-Synth to your amplifier (page 14)

and switch it on (page 17).

(2) If the [SuperNATURAL÷SPECIAL¥TONE], the FAVOR-

ITE [A] or [B] button lights, switch it off.

(3) Press one of the following buttons to select a Tone

family:

The family names of regular Tones are printed in white on the AX-Synth’s front panel. The family button you press lights blue.

When you press a family button, the AX-Synth automatically selects the last Tone you chose in this family since switching it on.

(4) Use the VARIATION [DEC÷–]/[INC÷+] buttons (whose

legends are also white) to select a Tone from the selected family.

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.

(a) Hold down the [SHIFT] button and press OCTAVE/

VARIATION [+] or [–] to select “Uar” (see the dis- play).

The [WRITE] button flashes.

(b) Keep holding the [SHIFT] button and press the

[WRITE] button to confirm your selection.

You only need to make this selection once: the AX-Synth will remember it until you change it again.

same way as VARIATION [DEC÷–]/[INC÷+].

Numeric selection of a ‘regular’ Tone

To save time, you can also specify the number of the desired Tone directly:

(1) Connect the AX-Synth to your amplifier (page 14)

and switch it on (page 17).

(2) Press one of the following buttons to select a Tone

family:

Press [INC÷+] to select the next Tone, or [DEC÷–] to select the previous one. You may have to press the selected button several times to call up the sound you need.

The display shows the number of the Tone you selected (1~32).

To scroll through the available Tones of the active family, you can hold down either VARIATION [INC÷+] or [DEC÷–]. To scroll even faster, press and hold the “other” VARIATION button.

(3) Press and hold the [SHIFT] button.

(4) Keep holding the [SHIFT] button and enter the

desired variation number with the keys in the highest octave (NUMERIC KEYPAD). Confirm by pressing the highest key (ENTER).

You can repeat this step to select other sounds at a later stage.

If you entered the wrong number, you can erase it by pressing the CANCEL key, then start again.

(5) Release the [SHIFT] button.

Selecting ‘SuperNATURAL’ and ‘SPECIAL’ Tones

There are four “SuperNATURAL” and four “SPECIAL” Tones for breathtakingly realistic solo performances.

Selecting ‘SuperNATURAL’ Tones

SuperNATURAL is Roland’s breakthrough sound-generating technology that enables a new level of realism and expression. SuperNATURAL reproduces the delicate, organic tonal changes and playing nuances of acoustic and electric musical instruments.

The AX-Synth contains four SuperNATURAL sounds: VIOLIN, CELLO, SHAKUHACHI and TROMBONE.

(1) Connect the AX-Synth to your amplifier (page 14)

and switch it on (page 17).

(2) Press the [SuperNATURAL÷SPECIAL¥TONE] button.

AX-Synth Owner’s Manual

Grouping frequently-used Tones (FAVORITE)

The AX-Synth provides 16 “FAVORITE” memories where you can “compile” the Tones you want to select at the press of two buttons during a live performance.

If you like, you can change the volume and Reverb Send levels of the Tones before assigning them to the FAVORITE memories (see p. 26).

Assigning a Tone to a FAVORITE memory

(1) Select the Tone you want to assign to a FAVORITE

memory.

See “Editing the volume and Reverb Send levels” on p. 26 if you want to change the Tone’s volume and/or Reverb Send level before saving it.

(2) Press the [WRITE] button (it flashes).

(3) Press the FAVORITE [A] or [B] button to select the

bank.

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(3) Press one of the first four TONE buttons to select

the corresponding SuperNATURAL Tone.

See the blue legends above the buttons.

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. These sounds are based on a different technology than 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.

(3) Press one of the last four TONE buttons to select

the corresponding SPECIAL Tone.

Note: Switch off the [SuperNATURAL÷SPECIAL¥TONE] button if you want to select a “regular” Tone again.

The FAVORITE button you press lights and the display shows “A -” (bank “A”) or “b -” (bank “B”).

(4) Press one of the eight TONE buttons to specify the

target memory (see the red numbers below the buttons).

The button you press lights and the [WRITE] button goes dark.

Note: To select a “regular” Tone again, press the [A] or [B] button that lights to switch it off.

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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.

You can also use the VARIATION [DEC÷–]/[INC÷+] buttons to select the FAVORITE memories sequentially, which may be handy for live performances.

This procedure does not allow you to change banks (from “A” to “B” and vice versa), however.

Note: When the “Uar” function is selected (see p. 18), you can also use the OCTAVE/VARIATION [+]/[–] buttons to select FAVORITE memories.

Note: To select a “regular” Tone again, press the [A] or [B] button that lights to switch it off.

AX-Synth Owner’s Manual

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.

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Master Tune

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.

(1) Hold down the [SHIFT] button and press the

[TRANPOSE] button.

The current tuning value flashes in the display and the [WRITE] button flashes.

(2) Keep holding the [SHIFT] button and set the desired

tuning value with the VARIATION [DEC÷–]/[INC÷+] buttons.

Transpose

Your AX-Synth comes with a TRANSPOSE function you may want to use for playing songs in other keys than the ones you are used to.

(1) Hold down the [TRANSPOSE] button and wait until

the current transposition interval flashes in the display.

(2) Keep holding the [TRANSPOSE] button and press

OCTAVE/VARIATION [+] or [–] to set the desired value.

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Press [INC÷+] to increase the value, or [DEC÷–] to select a lower one. You may have to press the selected button several times to select the desired value.

The setting range is 415.3~466.2Hz. The display only shows the last three digits (the initial “4” is therefore omitted).

To scroll through the available values, you can hold down either VARIATION [INC÷+] or [DEC÷–]. To scroll even faster, press and hold the “other” VARIATION button.

You can play on the keyboard to check whether you have selected the correct interval. Feel free to change it again before confirming you setting (see below).

(3) Press the [WRITE] button to confirm your setting.

(4) Release the [SHIFT] button.

The setting range is “–5” (five semi-tones down) to “6” (six semi-tones up).

(3) Release the [TRANPOSE] button and start playing.

If you selected a transposition interval other than “0”, the [TRANPOSE] button lights.

(4) To reset the transposition interval to “0”, hold

down [TRANSPOSE] and press OCTAVE/VARIATION [+] and [–] simultaneously.

The [TRANSPOSE] button goes dark.

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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.)

(1) Check whether the OCTAVE/VARIATION [+]/[–] but-

tons are assigned to the “OCS” function.

(a) Hold down the [SHIFT] button and press OCTAVE/

VARIATION [+] or [–].

(1) Check whether the OCTAVE/VARIATION [+]/[–] but-

tons are assigned to the “OCH” function.

(a) Hold down the [SHIFT] button and press OCTAVE/

VARIATION [+] or [–].

If the display reads “OCH”, there is nothing you need to do, so continue with step (2) below. If the display reads “OCS” or “Var”, however…

(b) Keep holding [SHIFT] and press OCTAVE/VARIATION

[+] or [–] to select “OCH”.

You only need to do this once: the AX-Synth will remember this setting until you change it again.

The [WRITE] button now flashes.

(2) Press the OCTAVE/VARIATION [+] button to tempo-

rarily transpose the keyboard’s pitch one octave up (”1”). Press [–] to temporarily transpose the keyboard’s pitch one octave down (“–1”).

(3) To return to standard pitch (“0”), release the

OCTAVE/VARIATION [+] or [–] button.

If the display reads “OCS”, there is nothing you need to do, so continue with step (2) below. If the display reads “OCH” or “Var”, however…

(b) Keep holding [SHIFT] and press OCTAVE/VARIATION

[+] or [–] to select “OCS”.

You only need to do this once: the AX-Synth will remember this setting until you change it again.

The [WRITE] button now flashes.

(2) Press the OCTAVE/VARIATION [+] button to select a

higher octave (“1”~“3”), or use [–] to select a lower octave (“–1”~“–3”).

The button you pressed lights if the octave interval is different from “0”. The selected value briefly flashes in the display and the OCTAVE/VARIATION button you pressed lights.

(3) To return to standard pitch (“0”), press OCTAVE/

VARIATION [+] and [–] simultaneously.

The OCTAVE/VARIATION [+] and [–] go dark to indicate that the keyboard’s octave has returned to normal pitch.

Using the Modulation Bar

Press the Modulation Bar to generate MIDI Modulation messages (CC01).

Modulation bar

What happens now depends on the Modulation assignment of the Tone you are using. (This needs to be specified using the “AX-Synth Editor” software.)

In most cases, pressing this bar generates a vibrato effect. If you select a SuperNATURAL Tone (VIOLIN~ TROMBONE), however, it acts as “Dynamics” function.

Using the Touch Controller

The AX-Synth also provides a TOUCH CONTROLLER ribbon that allows you to change the sound by sliding a finger towards the left or right.

Octave Hold mode

This mode means that the keyboard’s pitch is only shifted one octave up or down while you press the OCTAVE/VARIATION [+] or [–] button. When you release the button, the keyboard’s pitch returns to normal. This can be used to quickly play a few notes in a higher or lower octave before returning to the keyboard’s normal pitch.

TOUCH CONTROLLER ribbon

What happens now depends on the assignment for the Tone you are using. (This needs to be specified using the “AX-Synth Editor” software.)

In most cases, the ribbon allows you to change the pitch of the notes you are playing (Pitch Bend).

Selecting the Bender Mode

The [BENDER¥MODE] button at the back of the neck can be used to select one of two modes for the TOUCH CONTROLLER ribbon:

[BENDER¥MODE] is off (Normal mode)

[BENDER¥MODE] lights (Catch + Last mode)

The ribbon works like any Pitch Bend device, i.e. it immediately affects the pitch of the notes you are playing.

If you place a finger somewhere off center on the Touch Controller (not in the middle) and then play a note, that note uses its normal pitch. To bend it at a later stage, keep holding the note and slide your finger past the Touch Controller’s center. If you first play a note and then slide a finger over the Touch Controller, the note’s pitch changes immediately. Subsequent notes you play while still touching the ribbon will use their normal pitch, however. Combining these two techniques allows you to simulate “double bendings” of electric guitarists.

Aftertouch

The [AFTER¥TOUCH] knob can be used to generate channel aftertouch messages for the notes you are playing. The AX-Synth’s keyboard does not transmit these messages (it is velocity sensitive, however).

AX-Synth Owner’s Manual

Using the D Beam controller

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.

The usable range of the D Beam controller

The diagram shows the usable range of the D Beam controller. Waving your hand outside this range will produce no effect.

Note: The usable range of the D Beam controller will become extremely small when used under strong light.

(1) Select the function you want the D Beam control-

ler to perform by pressing one of the following buttons:

PITCH Moving your hand over the D Beam con-

troller changes the pitch of the notes you are playing.

FILTER Moving your hand over the D Beam con-

troller changes the cutoff frequency (brightness).

ASSIGNABLE

(2) While you play the keyboard to produce sound,

place your hand above the D Beam controller and move it slowly up and down.

The button you pressed in step (1) above flashes.

(3) To turn off the D Beam controller, once again press

the button you pressed in step (1) so the indicator goes dark.

The D Beam transmits the selected Control Change message (see below).

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What happens now depends on the aftertouch assignment of the Tone you are using: the knob may change the Tone’s level or pitch, generate filter sweeps etc. (This needs to be specified using the “AX-Synth Editor” software.)

Note: The knob does not return to its minimum setting automatically. Do not forget to turn it back to zero if you no longer need the aftertouch functionality.

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.

(1) Hold down the [SHIFT] button while pressing the

[ASSIGNABLE] button.

The current assignment now flashes in the display.

C01

(This is only an example.) The [WRITE] button flashes.

(2) Keep holding the [SHIFT] button and select a differ-

ent assignment with the VARIATION [DEC÷–]/[INC÷+] buttons.

The setting range is “C01”~“C95” (“C32” is not avail- able). See the “MIDI implementation chart” on p. 40 to find out which control change numbers the AX-Synth understands. To control a specific parameter of an external instrument, see the manual for that instrument.

Note: You can hold down [DEC÷–] or [INC÷+] or hold one while pressing the other to speed up this operation.

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.

The speed of those pitch changes can be set for each Tone individually using the “AX-Synth Editor” software.

For “regular” Tones, Portamento can be switched on or off by pressing the [PORTAMENTO] button repeatedly: press it once to switch it on (the button lights), press it again to switch it off.

For the SuperNATURAL Tones (VIOLIN~TROMBONE), however, you can select one of two modes.

Selecting the Portamento mode

As stated above, this mode selection is only available for SuperNATURAL Tones. The other Tones do not support “Hld” mode. However, if you are sure that you always want to use “Hld” mode for SuperNATURAL Tones, switch it on now—it will be ignored by the remaining Tones but used whenever you select a SuperNATURAL Tone.

Here is how to select a different mode:

(1) Select a SuperNATURAL Tone (any of the four). (2) Press and hold the [SHIFT] button.

(3) Press the [WRITE] button to confirm your choice.

Note: This selection is remembered even after switching the AX-Synth off.

(4) Release the [SHIFT] button.

(3) Keep holding [SHIFT] and press [PORTAMENTO] once

or twice to select the desired mode:

Please use your thumb to avoid having to flip the AX-Synth over: you need to be able to see the display.

The [WRITE] button flashes. The display shows your selection:

Hld The Portamento effect will be applied while you

hold down the [PORTAMENTO] button. Releasing the button switches off the Portamento effect.

SUt Pressing the [PORTAMENTO] button once (it

lights) switches the effect on. Pressing it again switches it off.

(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.

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.

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Play a note or chord and press [HOLD] to sustain the note(s).

FOOT PEDAL socket

Also called “sustain” or “damper”, an optional footswitch you connect to the FOOT PEDAL socket allows you to hold the notes you play on the keyboard in much the same way as on an acoustic piano.

Optional footswitch

(Roland DP-series, BOSS FS-5U)

For obvious reasons, connecting a footswitch to the AX-Synth while using it to move around on stage seems impractical. In such cases, we recommend using the [HOLD] button.

Note: Please use a Roland DP-series or a BOSS FS-5U footswitch to ensure that it uses the correct polarity (on when pressed, off when released).

Note: The AX-Synth does not support expression pedals.

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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.

Note: All parameters of the AX-Synth can be edited using the dedicated “AX-Synth Editor” software. This software can be downloaded free of charge from Roland’s website (http:// www.Roland.com).

(1) Select the “regular” Tone whose volume and or

Reverb Send level you want to set (see p. 18).

Note: The “VOl” and “reU” parameters are not available for SuperNATURAL or SPECIAL Tones.

(2) Press and keep holding the [SHIFT] button.

(6) Press the TONE button used in step (3) again.

The “reU” message briefly flashes in the display:

reU

This message refers to the Tone’s Reverb Send parameter.

(7) Wait until the Reverb Send value is displayed. (8) Keep holding the [SHIFT] button and use VARIATION

[DEC÷–]/[INC÷+] to select the desired setting (0~127).

Note: You can hold down VARIATION [DEC÷–] or [INC÷+], or hold one while pressing the other to speed up this operation.

(9) Release the [SHIFT] button. (10) Start playing to check whether your settings corre-

spond to what you had in mind.

Note: Do not select other sounds at this stage, or switch off the AX-Synth, because that would cancel the settings you have made so far.

If you like your settings, continue with step (11). If you don’t, return to step (2).

(11) Press the [WRITE] button.

The display now shows “---”.

(3) Keep holding the [SHIFT] button and press the TONE

button of the sound you selected in step (1) above (i.e. the button that lights).

The “UOL” message briefly flashes in the display.

UOl

This message refers to the Tone’s volume parameter.

Note: Skip to step (6) if you only need to change the Reverb Send level.

(4) Wait until the volume value is displayed. (5) Keep holding the [SHIFT] button and use VARIATION

[DEC÷–]/[INC÷+] to select the desired setting (0~127).

Note: You can hold down VARIATION [DEC÷–] or [INC÷+], or hold one while pressing the other to speed up this operation.

Note: If you don’t need to change the Reverb Send level, skip to step (9).

The [WRITE] button now flashes.

(12) Press the FAVORITE [A] or [B] button to select the

bank and then choose

(13) Press one of the eight TONE buttons to select the

target memory.

AX-Synth Owner’s Manual

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.” It is a universal standard for exchanging musical performance data among electronic musical instruments and computers.

Please see page 15 for how to connect the AX-Synth to your MIDI rig.

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MIDI messages that can be transmitted/received

The most important MIDI messages the AX-Synth can transmit and receive are:

Message Remarks

Note On/Off Velocity

Aftertouch

Program Change

Bank Select

Pitch Bend

Modulation Hold/Sustain

CC01~31, CC33~95

a. The AX-Synth has no Local switch. To control a MIDI device without

hearing its internal sound source, set the [VOLUME] control to the mini- mum value, disconnect the AX-Synth’s OUTPUT sockets or turn down the volume on your amplifier, mixing console, etc.

b. The AX-Synth does not allow you to enter Bank Select messages (CC00

and CC32) for the Program Change numbers you transmit using the PGM CHANGE functionality. However, when you select an internal sound, its Bank Select address (CC00 and CC32, see also page 37) will be transmitted along with its program Change number.

Transmission: striking force of the AX-Synth’s keys

Transmission: channel aftertouch via [AFTER¥TOUCH] knob (not from the keyboard). Reception: polyphonic & channel aftertouch.

Transmission also without changing sounds on the AX-Synth

Transmission: cannot be specified on the

AX-Synth

Transmission: TOUCH CONTROLLER and/or D Beam

CC01, transmission: MODULATION BAR

CC64, [HOLD] button & optional footswitch connected to [FOOT¥PEDAL]

Transmission: the control change number assigned to the D BEAM [ASSIGNABLE] button.

Activating the AX-Synth’s MIDI transmission

If you want the AX-Synth to transmit MIDI messages, proceed as follows:

(1) Connect the AX-Synth’s MIDI OUT socket to the

MIDI IN socket of the device you wish to control.

(2) Switch on the [TX¥ON] button (it must light).

Note: Activating this button does not bypass the AX-Synth’s internal sound source.

Setting the MIDI transmit channel

The transmit (“TX”) channel can be set to match the reception channel of the instrument you want to control.

MIDI provides sixteen channels, numbered 1~16. Even if two MIDI devices are connected, you won’t be able to select or play sounds on the other device unless both devices are set to the same MIDI channel.

(1) Press and hold the [SHIFT] button.

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Please see the “MIDI implementation chart” on p. 40 for a complete overview of the supported MIDI messages.

About the AX-Synth’s receive channel

The AX-Synth always receives MIDI messages via its MIDI IN socket and USB port.

The receive channel (RX) always corresponds to the transmit channel you select (see the right column). As long as you don’t need to transmit MIDI messages, you can therefore “set” the receive channel by selecting the corresponding transmit channel.

(2) Keep holding the [SHIFT] button and press the

[TX¥ON] button. The [TX¥ON] button flashes.

(3) Keep holding the [SHIFT] button and press a key in

the TX MIDI CHANNELS section (left side of the keyboard) to select the desired transmit channel.

The display now shows the number of the selected MIDI transmit channel and the [WRITE] button flashes.

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.

If you want to select another sound on the receiving MIDI instrument without changing sounds on the AX-Synth, proceed as follows.

Note: The methods described here only allow you to transmit Program Change messages. Bank Select messages (CC00 and CC32) cannot be entered by hand. What you can do, however, is first select one of the AX-Synth’s internal Tones that uses the correct bank, and then proceed with the following.

Transmitting Program Change numbers sequentially

(1) Switch on the [TX¥ON] button (it must light).

(2) Press and hold the [SHIFT] button.

(3) Keep holding the [SHIFT] button and press the

[TX¥ON] button.

The [TX¥ON] button flashes.

(4) Keep holding the [SHIFT] button and enter the

desired Program Change number with the keys in the highest octave (NUMERIC KEYPAD). Confirm by pressing the highest key (ENTER).

(2) Use the PGM CHANGE [INC] and [DEC] buttons to

select the number you want to transmit (1~128).

The display briefly shows the number you selected and then reverts to the last internal Tone number you selected.

Press [INC] to select the next number, or [DEC] to select the previous one. You may have to press the selected button several times to call up the sound you need.

To scroll through the available Program Change numbers, you can hold down either PGM CHANGE [INC] or [DEC]. To scroll even faster, press and hold the “other” PGM CHANGE button.

Note: Be aware that the receiving MIDI instrument will select sounds/memories as you increase or decrease Program Change numbers.

If you entered the wrong number, you can erase it by pressing the CANCEL key, then start again.

(5) Release the [SHIFT] button.

Entering Program Change numbers directly

To save time, you can also enter the desired Program Change number numerically:

Using the Bulk Dump function

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.

Archiving the AX-Synth’s settings using a MIDI sequencer

This procedure transmits all of the AX-Synth’s settings— including the ones that can only be edited with the “AX-Synth Editor” software.

Note: The Bulk Dump procedure takes about 16 minutes. We therefore recommend connecting the AC adaptor to the AX-Synth.

(1) Connect the AX-Synth’s MIDI OUT socket to the

sequencer’s MIDI IN socket.

MIDI OUT

AX-Synth Owner’s Manual

You may also have to activate its reception of SysEx data. See the sequencer’s manual for details.

(4) Press the FAVORITE [B] button on the AX-Synth to

start transmitting its settings.

The display now shows the “Snd” (sending) message and the FAVORITE [WRITE] button flashes.

(5) Wait until “dNE” appears in the AX-Synth’s display

and the FAVORITE [WRITE] button goes dark, then stop the sequencer.

(6) Save your “song” (or data file) on the sequencer/

computer.

(7) Switch the AX-Synth off, wait a moment, then

switch it back on again.

Sending your settings back to the AX-Synth

Note: The Bulk Dump procedure takes about 16 minutes. We

therefore recommend connecting the AC adaptor to the AX-Synth.

(1) Connect the sequencer’s MIDI OUT socket to the

AX-Synth’s MIDI IN socket.

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AX-Synth

MIDI IN

MIDI sequencer

You can also connect the AX-Synth’s USB port to a USB port on your computer and use a sequencer program:

USB port

AX-Synth

USB port

Computer with sequencer software

(2) Hold down the VARIATION [DEC÷–] + [INC÷+] + TONE

[6] (STRINGS/PAD) buttons and switch on the

AX-Synth.

The display now shows the “dMP” message and the FAVORITE [A] and [B] buttons flash.

(3) Start recording on your sequencer.

MIDI OUT

MIDI sequencer

MIDI IN

AX-Synth

You can also connect the AX-Synth’s USB port to a USB port on your computer and use a sequencer program.

(2) Hold down the VARIATION [DEC÷–] + [INC÷+] + TONE

[6] (STRINGS/PAD) buttons and switch on the

AX-Synth.

The display now shows the “dMP” message and the FAVORITE [A] and [B] buttons flash.

(3) Press the FAVORITE [A] button on the AX-Synth to

enable its reception of SysEx data.

The display now shows the “RCU” (ready to receive) message and the FAVORITE [WRITE] button lights.

(4) On your sequencer, load the file containing your

settings and start playback.

You may also have to activate its transmission of SysEx messages. See the sequencer’s manual for details.

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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 flash- ing.

Note: If the “Err” message appears during the reception of bulk data, the AX-Synth was unable to process the data correctly, then stop the sequencer. The FAVORITE [WRITE] button will go dark at that time. In such a case, please repeat the entire procedure.

(6) Switch the AX-Synth off, wait a moment, then

switch it back on again.

Note: We recommend using the librarian software included in the “AX-Synth Editor” to transmit and receive the AX-Synth’s settings to your computer. This software is available for the Mac and PC platforms and can be downloaded from Roland’s website: www.Roland.com.

8. Using the AX-Synth’s USB port

The AX-Synth is equipped with a USB port for MIDI communication with a computer.

Refer to the Roland website for system requirements:

General considerations

Possible applications

If you connect the USB port located on the AX-Synth’s rear panel to a USB port of your computer, you’ll be able to do the following things.

•Take advantage of the “AX-Synth Editor” and librarian software to edit the internal sounds to your liking. This software is available for the Mac and PC platforms and can be downloaded from Roland’s website: http://www.Roland.com. Settings you change in this way can be stored inside the AX-Synth and used even when it is not connected to a computer.

• By transferring MIDI data between the AX-Synth and your sequencer software, you’ll be able to enjoy a wide range of possibilities for music production and editing.

Connection

Caution

•To avoid the risk of malfunction and/or speaker damage, always make sure to turn the volume all the way down and turn off the power on all equipment before you make any connections.

• Only MIDI data can be transmitted and received via USB.

•A USB cable is not included. If you need to obtain one, ask the dealer where you purchased the AX-Synth.

• Switch on the AX-Synth before you start up the MIDI application on your computer. Don’t turn the AX-Synth’s power on/off while your MIDI application is running.

http://www.Roland.com/

Note: Do not connect two or more AX-Synth units to one computer via USB. The system will not operate correctly with such connections.

If connection to your computer is unsuccessful…

Normally, you don’t need to install a driver in order to connect the AX-Synth to your computer. However, if a problem occurs, or if the performance is poor, using the Roland original driver may solve the problem.

For details on downloading and installing the Roland original driver, refer to the Roland website: http://www.roland.com/

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.

•A user name belonging to the Administrators group, such as Administrator

•A user name whose account type is a computer administrator

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Connect the AX-Synth to your computer as shown below.

Computer

To a USB port

USB cable

MIDI USB port

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.

(2) Keep holding the [SHIFT] button and press the PGM

CHANGE [INC] button to switch between “Gen” or “Uen”.

Uen Select this if you use the supplied driver. Gen Select this if you use a generic USB driver

included with the OS.

(3) Press the [WRITE] button to confirm your selection. (4) Release the [SHIFT] button. (5) Switch the AX-Synth off, wait a few seconds, then

switch it on again.

AX-Synth Owner’s Manual

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.

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How to use V-LINK

Activating V-LINK

(1) Connect the AX-Synth’s MIDI OUT socket to the

MIDI IN socket of your optional Edirol video device.

Note: V-LINK communication is not possible via the USB port.

(2) Press the [V-LINK] button (it lights).

Operations on the AX-Synth

V-LINK messages are transmitted on MIDI channel “10”. The following functions can be controlled from the AX-Synth:

•Video clip selection: the keys in the lowest octave allow you to switch clips on an optional Edirol device. (Those keys are temporarily unavailable for triggering notes.)

•Video playback speed control: Sliding your finger over the TOUCH CONTROLLER ribbon will speed up or slow down the video playback speed. (The ribbon still generates Pitch Bend messages, however.)

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Additional functions

10. Additional functions

Battery-related functions

Here are two functions that may come in handy when you are using the AX-Synth with batteries.

Checking the remaining battery charge

If you are not sure whether your AX-Synth contains fresh (or fully recharged) batteries, you may want to check how much power is left before going on stage.

(1) Hold down the [SHIFT] button and press the [V-LINK]

button.

The display now shows the remaining battery charge as a percentage value (between “0” and “100”).

(2) Release the [SHIFT] to leave this function.

Note: The battery charge indication is only an approximation.

Note: Do not use this function while the AC adaptor is connected, because the displayed value will always be “100”.

Loading the factory settings

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,. This may become a problem when you are using someone else’s AX-Synth.

This function returns all of the AX-Synth’s parameters to their factory settings.

Note: Consider archiving your settings using the Bulk Dump function (see p. 29) before loading the factory defaults.

Here is how to load the factory settings.

(1) Hold down the VARIATION [INC÷+] + [DEC÷–] + TONE

[7] (ORGAN/CLAVI) buttons and switch on the

AX-Synth.

The display shows the “FCt” message and the [WRITE] button flashes.

(2) Press the [WRITE] button to load the factory set-

tings.

All indicators flash.

(3) Wait until the “dne” message appears in the dis-

play, then switch the AX-Synth off, wait a few seconds, and switch it back on.

Note: Never switch off the AX-Synth while the [WRITE] button is still lit, because doing so may damage it.

Sleep mode setting

When the AX-Synth runs on batteries, it is programmed to go into sleep mode after a while. By default, this interval is set to “15” (minutes). But you can change it as follows:

(1) Hold down the [SHIFT] button and press the PGM

CHANGE [DEC] button.

The display shows the current setting and the [WRITE] button flashes.

(2) Keep holding the [SHIFT] button and press the PGM

CHANGE [DEC] button to select the desired sleep mode interval.

The possibilities are: “Off” (the sleep function is off), “15”, “30” and “60” (minutes).

(3) Press the [WRITE] button to confirm your selection. (4) Release the [SHIFT] button.

Checking the AX-Synth’s firmware version

In some cases, your Roland dealer or local Roland distributor may ask you which firmware version you are using when you report a problem. In other cases, you may need want to check whether the AX-Synth you are using contains the latest firmware version. In such cases, proceed as follows:

(1) Hold down the VARIATION [INC÷+] + [DEC÷–] + TONE

[8] (CHOIR/PIANO) buttons and switch on the

AX-Synth.

The display shows the version number of the firmware your AX-Synth is using.

(2) Switch the AX-Synth off, wait a few seconds, then

switch it back on again.

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.

Power does not turn on

Is the included AC adaptor/power cord correctly connected to an AC outlet and to the AX-Synth? → Do not use any AC adaptor or power cord other than the ones included. Doing so will cause malfunctions. See page 13.

Are you sure that the AX-Synth contains batteries that are not depleted? → Check the batteries. See page 13.

Were the batteries inserted correctly? → Open the battery compartment and check the batteries’ orientation. See page 13.

The AX-Synth suddenly turns off

If you are able to “wake it up” simply by pressing a button or key, this means that sleep mode had been activated. All settings are preserved in this state, so there is no need to worry.

There are three flashing dots in the display

This means that the remaining battery power is low. Replace the batteries at your earliest convenience.

The display only shows three dots

This means that the batteries are empty. → Please install new batteries. See page 13.

No sound from the AX-Synth

Could the [VOLUME] knob be turned down?

Did you select a FAVORITE memory for which the volume level was set to “0”? → Select a higher volume setting. See page 26.

The OCTAVE/VARIATION buttons do not allow me to select a different octave

Did you change the mode setting for these buttons? → Select “OCS” or ““OCH” mode. See page 22.

The OCTAVE/VARIATION buttons no longer allow me to select Tones

Did you change the mode setting for these buttons? → Select “Var” mode. See page 18.

No sound from a connected MIDI device

Are MIDI messages being transmitted? → The AX-Synth only transmits MIDI messages when the [TX¥ON] button lights. Please switch it on.

AX-Synth Owner’s Manual

Does the MIDI transmit channel of the AX-Synth match the MIDI receive channel of the connected MIDI device? → Set the MIDI channel of the connected external device to match the AX-Synth, or change the AX-Synth’s transmit channel. See page 27.

The AX-Synth no longer sounds and behaves like before

Did you, or someone else, load its factory settings? → If in doubt, please use the Bulk Dump function (see p. 29) to transmit your own settings to the AX-Synth.

Pitch Bend not obtained when the TOUCH CONTROLLER ribbon is used

Could the Pitch Bend Range be set to 0? → Set the Pitch Bend Range to a value other than “0”. This needs to be done in the “AX-Synth Editor” software after connecting the AX-Synth to your computer.

The Portamento function goes off when I release the button

You have selected a SuperNATURAL Tone after activating the [PORTAMENTO] button’s “Hld” mode. → Select “SUt” mode. See page 24.

Pitch is wrong

For some Tones, the pitch in certain ranges may sound different than other Tones.

Could the pitch have been changed by movements on the TOUCH CONTROLLER ribbon or by Pitch Bend messages received from an external MIDI device?

Notes are cut off

If you attempt to play more than 128 voices simultaneously, currently sounding notes may be cut off.

Standard MIDI Files played back with a sequencer sound strange

The AX-Synth is not GS/GM2 compatible and “monotimbral”.

Sound is distorted when using a wireless system

The AX-Synth’s output level is too high for your wireless system. → Set the [ATT] switch to the “ON” position. See page 15.

Note: Be sure to only use wireless transmitters that comply with local radio regulations.

Could you be applying an effect such as overdrive or distortion which intentionally distorts the sound? → Please check this in the “AX-Synth Editor” soft- ware.

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ENGLISH ENGLISH ENGLISH

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 . . . . . . . . . . Undefined

CC04 . . . . . . . . . . Foot controller

CC05 . . . . . . . . . . Portamento time

CC06 . . . . . . . . . . Data Entry MSB

CC07 . . . . . . . . . . Channel Volume

CC08 . . . . . . . . . . Balance

CC09 . . . . . . . . . . Undefined

CC10 . . . . . . . . . . Pan

CC11 . . . . . . . . . . Expression

CC12 . . . . . . . . . . Effect control 1

CC13 . . . . . . . . . . Effect control 2

CC14 . . . . . . . . . . Undefined

CC15 . . . . . . . . . . Undefined

CC16 . . . . . . . . . . General Purpose Controller #1

CC17 . . . . . . . . . . General Purpose Controller #2

CC18 . . . . . . . . . . General Purpose Controller #3

CC19 . . . . . . . . . . General Purpose Controller #4

CC20~CC31 . . . . Undefined

CC32 . . . . . . . . . . Bank Select LSB

CC33 . . . . . . . . . . Modulation wheel LSB

CC34 . . . . . . . . . . Breath control LSB

CC35 . . . . . . . . . . Undefined

CC36 . . . . . . . . . . Foot controller LSB

CC37 . . . . . . . . . . Portamento time LSB

CC38 . . . . . . . . . . Data entry LSB

CC39 . . . . . . . . . . Channel Volume LSB

CC40 . . . . . . . . . . Balance LSB

CC41 . . . . . . . . . . Undefined

CC42 . . . . . . . . . . Pan LSB

CC43 . . . . . . . . . . Expression Controller LSB

CC44 . . . . . . . . . . Effect control 1 LSB

CC45 . . . . . . . . . . Effect control 2 LSB

CC46 . . . . . . . . . . Undefined

CC47 . . . . . . . . . . Undefined

CC48 . . . . . . . . . . General Purpose Controller #1 LSB

CC49 . . . . . . . . . . General Purpose Controller #2 LSB

CC50 . . . . . . . . . . General Purpose Controller #3 LSB

CC51 . . . . . . . . . . General Purpose Controller #4 LSB

CC52~63. . . . . . . Undefined

CC64 . . . . . . . . . . Damper/Hold (Sustain)

CC65 . . . . . . . . . . Portamento on/off

CC66. . . . . . . . . . Sustenuto on/off

CC67. . . . . . . . . . Soft pedal on/off

CC68. . . . . . . . . . Legato Footswitch

CC69. . . . . . . . . . Hold 2

CC70. . . . . . . . . . Sound Controller 1

CC71. . . . . . . . . . Harmonic Content (Resonance)*

CC72. . . . . . . . . . Release Time*

CC73. . . . . . . . . . Attack Time*

CC74. . . . . . . . . . Brightness (Cutoff)*

CC75. . . . . . . . . . Decay Time*

CC76. . . . . . . . . . Vibrato Rate*

CC77. . . . . . . . . . Vibrato Depth*

CC78. . . . . . . . . . Vibrato Delay*

CC79. . . . . . . . . . Sound Controller 10

CC80. . . . . . . . . . General Purpose Controller #5

CC81. . . . . . . . . . General Purpose Controller #6

CC82. . . . . . . . . . General Purpose Controller #7

CC83. . . . . . . . . . General Purpose Controller #8

CC84. . . . . . . . . . Portamento Control (Source Note)

CC85~90 . . . . . . Undefined

CC91. . . . . . . . . . Effects 1 Depth

CC92. . . . . . . . . . Effects 2 Depth

CC93. . . . . . . . . . Effects 3 Depth

CC94. . . . . . . . . . Effects 4 Depth

CC95. . . . . . . . . . Effects 5 Depth

CC96. . . . . . . . . . Data entry +1

CC97. . . . . . . . . . Data entry -1

CC98. . . . . . . . . . NRPN LSB

CC99. . . . . . . . . . NRPN MSB

CC100. . . . . . . . . RPN LSB

CC101. . . . . . . . . RPN MSB

CC102~CC120 . Undefined

CC120. . . . . . . . . All Sound Off

CC121. . . . . . . . . Reset All Controllers

CC122. . . . . . . . . Local control on/off

CC123. . . . . . . . . All notes off

CC124. . . . . . . . . Omni mode off (+ all notes off)

CC125. . . . . . . . . Omni mode on (+ all notes off)

CC126. . . . . . . . . Poly mode on/off (+ all notes off)

CC127. . . . . . . . . Poly mode on (incl mono=off +all

notes off)

(*) Definition according to General MIDI System Level 2 (GM2)

Tone list

SuperNATURAL Tones

Tone CC00 CC32 PC

Position

Violin 66 0 1

Cello 66 0 2

Shakuhachi 66 0 3

Trombone 66 0 4

SPECIAL Tones

Tone CC00 CC32 PC

Position

Trumpet 87 64 1

Sax 87 64 2

Strings 87 64 3

Jazz Scat 87 64 4

Regular Tones

Synth Lead 1 CC00 CC32 PC

Synth Lead 2 CC00 CC32 PC

AX Saw Lead 87 0 1

AX Sync Lead 87 0 2

GR300 Lead 1 87 0 3

JupiterLead1 87 0 4

JupiterLead2 87 0 5

Saw Lead 1 87 0 6

Saw Lead 2 87 0 7

Saw Lead 3 87 0 8

Saw Lead 4 87 0 9

Saw Lead 5 87 0 10

Classic Ld 87 0 11

Delayed Lead 87 0 12

GR300 Lead 2 87 0 13

Alpha Spit 87 0 14

Pro Fat Ld 87 0 15

Fat GR Lead 87 0 16

Bright Pls 87 0 17

Octa Juice 87 0 18

Octa Saw 87 0 19

Octa Sync 87 0 20

Phase Lead 87 0 21

Waspy Lead 87 0 22

Follow Me 87 0 23

Digi Lead 1 87 0 24

Digi Lead 2 87 0 25

Hot Coffee 87 0 26

Hot Sync 87 0 27

Sync Tank 87 0 28

2krazy Brite 87 0 29

Juicy Lead 87 0 30

Vintager 87 0 31

BagShakuLead 87 0 32

ResoSawLead 87 0 33

Theramax 1 87 0 34

AX Sqr Lead 87 0 35

Pulse Lead 1 87 0 36

Pulse Lead 2 87 0 37

Mid Saw Ld 87 0 38

On Air 87 0 39

2krazy Soft 87 0 40

Soft Lead 87 0 41

Tri Lead 1 87 0 42

Tri Lead 2 87 0 43

Sine Lead 1 87 0 44

Sine Lead 2 87 0 45

Simple Sine 87 0 46

Simple Tri 87 0 47

Simple Sqr 87 0 48

Spooky Lead 87 0 49

Ramp Lead 87 0 50

Air Lead 87 0 51

Growl Lead 87 0 52

Pulstar Ld 87 0 53

Mini Growl 87 0 54

Round SQR 87 0 55

Brite Square 87 0 56

Octa Square 87 0 57

Square SAW 87 0 58

Soft Squ Ld 87 0 59

Wormy Lead 87 0 60

Theramax 2 87 0 61

SoloNzPeaker 87 0 62

Mlt Pipes 87 0 63

5th SawLead 87 0 64

Bass CC00 CC32 PC

Lead Guitar CC00 CC32 PC

Reso Bs 1 87 0 65

Round Bs 87 0 66

Moogue Bs1 87 0 67

Monster Bass 87 0 68

Moogue Bs2 87 0 69

Triangle Bs 87 0 70

Punch MG 87 0 71

Acdg Bass 87 0 72

Alpha Bs 87 0 73

Reso Bs 2 87 0 74

Reso Bs 3 87 0 75

MKS-50 SBs 87 0 76

TB Dist Bs 87 0 77

TB Bs 87 0 78

Fat Analog 87 0 79

Compu SBs 87 0 80

Modular Bs1 87 0 81

Modular Bs2 87 0 82

Garage Bass 87 0 83

Spike Bs 87 0 84

FatMG Bs 87 0 85

JunoSqu Bs 87 0 86

Acoustic Bs1 87 0 87

Acoustic Bs2 87 0 88

Finger EBs 1 87 0 89

Finger EBs 2 87 0 90

Finger EBs 3 87 0 91

Finger EBs 4 87 0 92

Pick Bs 1 87 0 93

Pick Bs 2 87 0 94

Fretnot Bs 87 0 95

Slap Bass 87 0 96

SearingGtr 1 87 0 97

SearingGtr 2 87 0 98

SearingGtr 3 87 0 99

SearingGtr 4 87 0 100

OctSearingGt 87 0 101

Dist.Fingerz 87 0 102

AX DistGt 87 0 103

Digi DistGt 87 0 104

Fuzz 87 0 105

Nice Dist Gt 87 0 106

Guitar Rip 87 0 107

Twi n 87 0 108

MS1959 I 87 0 109

MS1959 II 87 0 110

Metal Lead 87 0 111

OD-2 Turbo 87 0 112

Jazz EGtr 87 0 113

Clean EGtr 87 0 114

Pick EGtr 87 0 115

Funk EGtr 87 0 116

Strat EGtr 87 0 117

Nylon Gtr 1 87 0 118

Nylon Gtr 2 87 0 119

Nylon Gtr 3 87 0 120

Folk Gtr 1 87 0 121

Folk Gtr 2 87 0 122

Folk Gtr 3 87 0 123

Harp 87 0 124

Aerial Harp 87 0 125

AX-Synth Owner’s Manual

LostParadise 87 0 126

Sitar 87 0 127

Santur Stack 87 0 128

Brass/Poly Synth CC00 CC32 PC

Strings/Pad CC00 CC32 PC

80s Brass 1 87 1 1

80s Brass 2 87 1 2

Soft SynBrs 87 1 3

Brite SynBrs 87 1 4

Wide SynBrs 87 1 5

Analog Brass 87 1 6

Juno Brass 87 1 7

Poly Brass 87 1 8

106 Brass 87 1 9

Octa Brass 87 1 10

AX BrassSect 87 1 11

Trumpeter 87 1 12

Soft Brass 87 1 13

Sax Sect 1 87 1 14

Sax Sect 2 87 1 15

Breathy Sax 87 1 16

Soprano Sax 87 1 17

Alto Sax 87 1 18

Tenor Sax 87 1 19

Baritone Sax 87 1 20

Pan Pipes 87 1 21

Harmonica 87 1 22

Ox Synth 87 1 23

Poly Synth 1 87 1 24

Poly Synth 2 87 1 25

Poly Synth 3 87 1 26

Poly Synth 4 87 1 27

Juno SAW 87 1 28

Super Saw 87 1 29

Touchy 87 1 30

Euro Express 87 1 31

Analog Dream 87 1 32

AX Strings 1 87 1 33

AX Strings 2 87 1 34

Tape Strings 87 1 35

PhaserPad 87 1 36

Cosmic Rays 87 1 37

Soft Pad 1 87 1 38

Soft Pad 2 87 1 39

Synth Str 1 87 1 40

Synth Str 2 87 1 41

JX Strings 87 1 42

JP Strings 87 1 43

106 Strings 87 1 44

Sawtooth Str 87 1 45

Chorus Pad 87 1 46

5th DLA Pad 87 1 47

Hollow Pad 87 1 48

Nu Epic Pad 87 1 49

Angelis Pad 87 1 50

TrnsSweepPad 87 1 51

Heaven Pad 87 1 52

Voyager 87 1 53

OB Strings 87 1 54

Shimmer Pad 87 1 55

Xadecimal 87 1 56

World X 87 1 57

Sliced Pad 87 1 58

Trance Synth 87 1 59

Major 7 87 1 60

Freeze Synth 87 1 61

Bustranza 87 1 62

SuperSaw Pad 87 1 63

Digitaless 87 1 64

ENGLISH

ENGLISH ENGLISH

ENGLISH ENGLISH ENGLISH

Appendix

Organ/Clavi CC00 CC32 PC

Choir/Piano CC00 CC32 PC

Lord Organ 1 87 1 65

Lord Organ 2 87 1 66

Rotary Org 1 87 1 67

Rotary Org 2 87 1 68

Vintage Org 1 87 1 69

Vintage Org 2 87 1 70

VK Organ 1 87 1 71

VK Organ 2 87 1 72

D-Bars 1 87 1 73

D-Bars 2 87 1 74

D-Bars 3 87 1 75

D-Bars 4 87 1 76

D-Bars 5 87 1 77

AX Dist Org1 87 1 78

AX Dist Org2 87 1 79

Technorgan 87 1 80

Old Fashion 87 1 81

Posit/Mod 87 1 82

Grand Pipes 87 1 83

Musette 87 1 84

Amped D6 87 1 85

AX Clav 1 87 1 86

AX Clav 2 87 1 87

Pulse Clav 1 87 1 88

Pulse Clav 2 87 1 89

Phase Clavi 87 1 90

Sweepin Clav 87 1 91

AX Vibe 87 1 92

Marimba 87 1 93

Xylophone 87 1 94

Steel Drums 87 1 95

Ethno Keys 87 1 96

Angels Choir 87 1 97

Aerial Choir 87 1 98

Humming 87 1 99

Gospel Hum 87 1 100

Vox Pad 1 87 1 101

Vox Pad 2 87 1 102

80s Vox 87 1 103

SynVox 1 87 1 104

SynVox 2 87 1 105

Sample Opera 87 1 106

Jazz Dooos 87 1 107

AX Grand 87 1 108

AX Mono Pno 87 1 109

E-Grand 87 1 110

JD-800 Piano 87 1 111

Honky Tonk 87 1 112

Blend Piano 87 1 113

Harpsichord 87 1 114

Phase Stage 87 1 115

PhaseEP 87 1 116

Stage EP 87 1 117

Dyno EP 87 1 118

SA EP 87 1 119

Wurly EP 87 1 120

Dist Wurly 87 1 121

FM EP 1 87 1 122

FM EP 2 87 1 123

Psycho EP 87 1 124

D-50 Fantsia 87 1 125

FM Sparkles 87 1 126

Dreaming Box 87 1 127

Sweet Keys 87 1 128

12. Specifications

Roland AX-Synth Shoulder Synthesizer

AX-Synth Owner’s Manual

ENGLISH

Keyboard

Sound Generator

Maximum polyphony 128 voices Sounds 4 SuperNATURAL Tones

Memories 8 x 2 FAVORITE memories (Tone assignments + Volume and Reverb Send levels)

Real-time controllers

Connectors

Others

Display 7 segments x 3 (LED) Power supply Batteries (AA-type, rechargeable Ni-MH x8)

Current draw 320mA Dimensions: 1142 (W) x 266 (D) x 87 (H) mm Weight: 3.9kg Supplied accessories: Owner’s Manual,

Options: Roland DP-series footswitch

49 keys, velocity sensitive

4 SPECIAL Tones 256 Tones (8 families x 32 sounds)

D Beam controller, MODULATION BAR, TOUCH CONTROLLER ribbon, VOLUME knob, AFTER TOUCH knob, PORTAMENTO button (2 modes for SuperNATURAL Tones), BENDER MODE button (2 modes), HOLD button, OCTAVE/VARIATION buttons

OUTPUT L/MONO, R: 1/4” phone jacks x2 PHONES: 1/4” TRS phone jack x1 FOOT PEDAL: for Roland DP-series or BOSS FS-5U footswitch USB port: COMPUTER (supports USB–MIDI)

* See http://www.Roland.com for the supported operating systems

MIDI: IN, OUT DC IN: For supplied PSB-1U adaptor

Supplied PSB-1U adaptor

Shoulder strap

ENGLISH ENGLISH

ENGLISH ENGLISH ENGLISH

Note: In the interest of product improvement, the specifications and/or appearance of this unit are subject to change without prior notice.

MIDI implementation chart

13. MIDI implementation chart

[Shoulder Synthesizer] Date: March 2009 Model: AX-Synth Version: 1.00

Function... Transmitted Recognized Remarks

Basic Channel

Mode Default

Note Number True Voice

Velocity Note ON

After Touch

Pitch Bend O O

Control Change

Program Change True #

System Exclusive O O

System Common

System Real Time

Aux Messages

Notes

Mode 1: OMNI ON, POLY Mode 3: OMNI OFF, POLY

Default Changed

Message Altered

Note OFF

Key’s Ch’s

1~31, 33~95

100, 101

Song Position Pointer Song Sel Tune

Clock Commands

All Sounds Off Local On/Off All Notes Off Active Sensing Reset

1 1~16, Off

Mode 3 Mono, Poly *****

0~127 *****

O O

X O

0,32

O*1

6, 38

O*1

O (Reverb) *1

O (Chorus) *1 O*1 X*1

O *****

X X X

X X

X X X O X*1

*1 O X is selectable *2 Recognized as M=1 even if M≠1

Mode 2: OMNI ON, MONO Mode 4: OMNI OFF, MONO

1 1~16

Mode 3 Mode 3, 4 (M= 1) X

0~127 0~127

O O

O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O X O

O O~127 Program no. 1~128

X X X

X X

O X O (123~127) O X

Memorized

Bank Select Modulation Portamento Time Data entry Vol um e Panpot Expression Breath type Hold 1 Portamento SW Sostenuto Harm. Content (Reso) Release Time Attack Time Brightness (Cutoff) Sound Control Portamento Control Effect 1 Depth Effect 3 Depth D Beam RPN LSB, MSB

O: Yes X: No

14. Index

AX-Synth Owner’s Manual

ENGLISH

Aftertouch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Archiving settings. . . . . . . . . . . . 29

ATT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Attenuation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Bank Select . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Batteries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6, 13

Indication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Bender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Bulk Dump. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

CANCEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

CC01. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

D Beam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Damper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

DC IN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Different key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Dmp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

dne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Dynamics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

ENTER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Err. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Receive channel . . . . . . . . . . . .27

TX Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Modulation Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Numeric Keypad . . . . . . . . . 18, 28

OCH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

OCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Octave. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

OCTAVE/VARIATION. . . . . . . . . . .18

Pedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

PGM CHANGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

PHONES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Pitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Bend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

D Beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Portamento . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

POWER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Program Change . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

rCV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Receive channel. . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Rev . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Reverb Send . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

RX channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

ON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

USB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Driver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Var . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

VARIATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18, 21

Ven. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Vibrato . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

V-LINK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Vol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17, 26

Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

WRITE . . . . . . . . . . . . 18, 19, 21, 22

Wrt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

ENGLISH ENGLISH

ENGLISH ENGLISH ENGLISH

Factory settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Favorite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Assigning Tones. . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Recalling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Fct. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Filter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Foot Pedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Gen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Headphones. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Hld . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Hold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Initialize . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

MIDI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Channels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Program Change . . . . . . . . . . .28

Sleep function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Sleep mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Snd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Sounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Special . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

SuperNATURAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Sustain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Sut. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Switching on/off . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

SysEx. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Tone

Numeric selection . . . . . . . . . .18

Regular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Selection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Special. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

SuperNATURAL. . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Touch Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Transmit Channel. . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Transpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

MIDI Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Information When you need repair service, call your nearest Roland Service Center or authorized Roland

distributor in your country as shown below.

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.

Royal Cape Park, Unit 24 Londonderry Road, Ottery 7800 Cape Town, SOUTH AFRICA TEL: (021) 799 4900

ASIA

CHINA

Roland Shanghai Electronics Co.,Ltd.

5F. No.1500 Pingliang Road Shanghai 200090, CHINA TEL: (021) 5580-0800

Roland Shanghai Electronics Co.,Ltd. (BEIJING OFFICE)

10F. No.18 3 Section Anhuaxili Chaoyang District Beijing 100011 CHINA TEL: (010) 6426-5050

HONG KONG

Tom Lee Music Co., Ltd. Service Division

22-32 Pun Shan Street, Tsuen Wan, New Territories, HONG KONG TEL: 2415 0911

Parsons Music Ltd.

8th Floor, Railway Plaza, 39 Chatham Road South, T.S.T, Kowloon, HONG KONG TEL: 2333 1863

INDIA

Rivera Digitec (India) Pvt. Ltd.

411, Nirman Kendra Mahalaxmi Flats Compound Off. Dr. Edwin Moses Road, Mumbai-400011, INDIA TEL: (022) 2493 9051

INDONESIA

PT Citra IntiRama

Jl. Cideng Timur No. 15J-15O Jakarta Pusat INDONESIA TEL: (021) 6324170

KOREA

Cosmos Corporation

1461-9, Seocho-Dong, Seocho Ku, Seoul, KOREA TEL: (02) 3486-8855

MALAYSIA

Roland Asia Pacific Sdn. Bhd.

45-1, Block C2, Jalan PJU 1/39, Dataran Prima, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, MALAYSIA TEL: (03) 7805-3263

VIET NAM

VIET THUONG CORPORATION

386 CACH MANG THANG TAM ST. DIST.3, HO CHI MINH CITY VIET NAM TEL: 9316540

PHILIPPINES

G.A. Yupangco & Co. Inc.

339 Gil J. Puyat Avenue Makati, Metro Manila 1200, PHILIPPINES TEL: (02) 899 9801

SINGAPORE

SWEE LEE MUSIC COMPANY PTE. LTD.

150 Sims Drive, SINGAPORE 387381 TEL: 6846-3676

TAIWAN

ROLAND TAIWAN ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

Room 5, 9fl. No. 112 Chung Shan N.Road Sec.2, Taipei, TAIWAN, R.O.C. TEL: (02) 2561 3339

THAILAND

Theera Music Co. , Ltd.

100-108 Soi Verng Nakornkasem, New Road,Sumpantawongse, Bangkok 10100 THAILAND TEL: (02) 224-8821

OCEANIA

AUSTRALIA/ NEW ZEALAND

Roland Corporation Australia Pty.,Ltd.

38 Campbell Avenue Dee Why West. NSW 2099 AUSTRALIA

For Australia Tel: (02) 9982 8266 For New Zealand Tel: (09) 3098 715

CENTRAL/LATIN AMERICA

ARGENTINA

Instrumentos Musicales S.A.

Av.Santa Fe 2055 (1123) Buenos Aires ARGENTINA TEL: (011) 4508-2700

BARBADOS

A&B Music Supplies LTD

12 Webster Industrial Park Wildey, St.Michael, Barbados TEL: (246)430-1100

BRAZIL

Roland Brasil Ltda.

Rua San Jose, 211 Parque Industrial San Jose Cotia - Sao Paulo - SP, BRAZIL TEL: (011) 4615 5666

CHILE

Comercial Fancy II S.A.

Rut.: 96.919.420-1 Nataniel Cox #739, 4th Floor Santiago - Centro, CHILE TEL: (02) 688-9540

COLOMBIA

Centro Musical Ltda.

Cra 43 B No 25 A 41 Bododega 9 Medellin, Colombia TEL: (574)3812529

COSTA RICA

JUAN Bansbach Instrumentos Musicales

Ave.1. Calle 11, Apartado 10237, San Jose, COSTA RICA TEL: 258-0211

CURACAO

Zeelandia Music Center Inc.

Orionweg 30 Curacao, Netherland Antilles TEL:(305)5926866

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Instrumentos Fernando Giraldez

Calle Proyecto Central No.3 Ens.La Esperilla Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic TEL:(809) 683 0305

ECUADOR

Mas Musika

Rumichaca 822 y Zaruma Guayaquil - Ecuador TEL:(593-4)2302364

EL SALVADOR

OMNI MUSIC

75 Avenida Norte y Final Alameda Juan Pablo II, Edificio No.4010 San Salvador, EL SALVADOR TEL: 262-0788

GUATEMALA

Casa Instrumental

Calzada Roosevelt 34-01,zona 11 Ciudad de Guatemala Guatemala TEL:(502) 599-2888

HONDURAS

Almacen Pajaro Azul S.A. de C.V.

BO.Paz Barahona 3 Ave.11 Calle S.O San Pedro Sula, Honduras TEL: (504) 553-2029

MARTINIQUE

Musique & Son

Z.I.Les Mangle 97232 Le Lamantin Martinique F.W.I. TEL: 596 596 426860

Gigamusic SARL

10 Rte De La Folie 97200 Fort De France Martinique F.W.I. TEL: 596 596 715222

MEXICO

Casa Veerkamp, s.a. de c.v.

Av. Toluca No. 323, Col. Olivar de los Padres 01780 Mexico D.F. MEXICO TEL: (55) 5668-6699

NICARAGUA

Bansbach Instrumentos Musicales Nicaragua

Altamira D'Este Calle Principal de la Farmacia 5ta.Avenida 1 Cuadra al Lago.#503 Managua, Nicaragua TEL: (505)277-2557

PANAMA

SUPRO MUNDIAL, S.A.

Boulevard Andrews, Albrook, Panama City, REP. DE PANAMA TEL: 315-0101

PARAGUAY

Distribuidora De Instrumentos Musicales

J.E. Olear y ESQ. Manduvira Asuncion PARAGUAY TEL: (595) 21 492147

PERU

Audionet

Distribuciones Musicales SAC Juan Fanning 530 Miraflores Lima - Peru TEL: (511) 4461388

TRINIDAD

AMR Ltd

Ground Floor Maritime Plaza Barataria Trinidad W.I. TEL: (868) 638 6385

URUGUAY

Todo Musica S.A.

Francisco Acuna de Figueroa 1771 C.P.: 11.800 Montevideo, URUGUAY TEL: (02) 924-2335

VENEZUELA

Instrumentos Musicales Allegro,C.A.

Av.las industrias edf.Guitar import #7 zona Industrial de Turumo Caracas, Venezuela TEL: (212) 244-1122

EUROPE

AUSTRIA

Roland Elektronische Musikinstrumente HmbH. Austrian Office

Eduard-Bodem-Gasse 8, A-6020 Innsbruck, AUSTRIA TEL: (0512) 26 44 260

BELGIUM/FRANCE/ HOLLAND/ LUXEMBOURG

Roland Central Europe N.V.

Houtstraat 3, B-2260, Oevel (Westerlo) BELGIUM TEL: (014) 575811

CROATIA

ART-CENTAR

Degenova 3. HR - 10000 Zagreb TEL: (1) 466 8493

CZECH REP.

CZECH REPUBLIC DISTRIBUTOR s.r.o

Voctárova 247/16 CZ - 180 00 PRAHA 8, CZECH REP. TEL: (2) 830 20270

DENMARK

Roland Scandinavia A/S

Nordhavnsvej 7, Postbox 880, DK-2100 Copenhagen DENMARK TEL: 3916 6200

FINLAND

Roland Scandinavia As, Filial Finland

Elannontie 5 FIN-01510 Vantaa, FINLAND TEL: (0)9 68 24 020

GERMANY

Roland Elektronische Musikinstrumente HmbH.

Oststrasse 96, 22844 Norderstedt, GERMANY TEL: (040) 52 60090

GREECE/CYPRUS

STOLLAS S.A. Music Sound Light

155, New National Road Patras 26442, GREECE TEL: 2610 435400

HUNGARY

Roland East Europe Ltd.

Warehouse Area ‘DEPO’ Pf.83 H-2046 Torokbalint, HUNGARY TEL: (23) 511011

IRELAND

Roland Ireland

G2 Calmount Park, Calmount Avenue, Dublin 12 Republic of IRELAND TEL: (01) 4294444

ITALY

Roland Italy S. p. A.

Viale delle Industrie 8, 20020 Arese, Milano, ITALY TEL: (02) 937-78300

NORWAY

Roland Scandinavia Avd. Kontor Norge

Lilleakerveien 2 Postboks 95 Lilleaker N-0216 Oslo NORWAY TEL: 2273 0074

POLAND

ROLAND POLSKA SP. Z O.O.

ul. Kty Grodziskie 16B 03-289 Warszawa, POLAND TEL: (022) 678 9512

PORTUGAL

Roland Iberia, S.L. Portugal Office

Cais das Pedras, 8/9-1 Dto 4050-465, Porto, PORTUGAL TEL: 22 608 00 60

ROMANIA

FBS LINES

Piata Libertatii 1, 535500 Gheorgheni, ROMANIA TEL: (266) 364 609

RUSSIA

MuTek

Dorozhnaya ul.3,korp.6 117 545 Moscow, RUSSIA TEL: (095) 981-4967

SLOVAKIA

DAN Acoustic s.r.o.

Povazská 18. SK - 940 01 Nové Zámky TEL: (035) 6424 330

SPAIN

Roland Iberia, S.L.

Paseo García Faria, 33-35 08005 Barcelona SPAIN TEL: 93 493 91 00

SWEDEN

Roland Scandinavia A/S SWEDISH SALES OFFICE

Danvik Center 28, 2 tr. S-131 30 Nacka SWEDEN TEL: (0)8 702 00 20

SWITZERLAND

Roland (Switzerland) AG

Landstrasse 5, Postfach, CH-4452 Itingen, SWITZERLAND TEL:(061)975-9987

UKRAINE

EURHYTHMICS Ltd.

P.O.Box: 37-a. Nedecey Str. 30 UA - 89600 Mukachevo, UKRAINE TEL: (03131) 414-40

UNITED KINGDOM

Roland (U.K.) Ltd.

Atlantic Close, Swansea Enterprise Park, SWANSEA SA7 9FJ, UNITED KINGDOM TEL: (01792) 702701

MIDDLE EAST

BAHRAIN

Moon Stores

No.1231&1249 Rumaytha Building Road 3931, Manama 339 BAHRAIN TEL: 17 813 942

IRAN

MOCO INC.

No.41 Nike St., Dr.Shariyati Ave., Roberoye Cerahe Mirdamad Tehran, IRAN TEL: (021)-2285-4169

ISRAEL

Halilit P. Greenspoon & Sons Ltd.

8 Retzif Ha'alia Hashnia St. Tel-Aviv-Yafo ISRAEL TEL: (03) 6823666

As of Jan. 1, 2009 (ROLAND)

JORDAN

MUSIC HOUSE CO. LTD. FREDDY FOR MUSIC

P. O. Box 922846 Amman 11192 JORDAN TEL: (06) 5692696

KUWAIT

EASA HUSAIN AL-YOUSIFI & SONS CO.

Al-Yousifi Service Center P.O.Box 126 (Safat) 13002 KUWAIT TEL: 00 965 802929

LEBANON

Chahine S.A.L.

George Zeidan St., Chahine Bldg., Achrafieh, P.O.Box: 165857 Beirut, LEBANON TEL: (01) 20-1441

OMAN

TALENTZ CENTRE L.L.C.

Malatan House No.1 Al Noor Street, Ruwi SULTANATE OF OMAN TEL: 2478 3443

QATAR

Al Emadi Co. (Badie Studio & Stores)

P.O. Box 62, Doha, QATAR TEL: 4423-554

SAUDI ARABIA

aDawliah Universal Electronics APL

Behind Pizza Inn Prince Turkey Street aDawliah Building, PO BOX 2154, Alkhobar 31952 SAUDI ARABIA TEL: (03) 8643601

SYRIA

Technical Light & Sound Center

PO BOX 13520 BLDG No.17 ABDUL WAHAB KANAWATI.ST RAWDA DAMASCUS, SYRIA TEL: (011) 223-5384

TURKEY

ZUHAL DIS TICARET A.S.

Galip Dede Cad. No.37 Beyoglu - Istanbul / TURKEY TEL: (0212) 249 85 10

U.A.E.

Zak Electronics & Musical Instruments Co. L.L.C.

Zabeel Road, Al Sherooq Bldg., No. 14, Ground Floor, Dubai, U.A.E. TEL: (04) 3360715

NORTH AMERICA

CANADA

Roland Canada Ltd. (Head Office)

5480 Parkwood Way Richmond B. C., V6V 2M4 CANADA TEL: (604) 270 6626

Roland Canada Ltd. (Toronto Office)

170 Admiral Boulevard Mississauga On L5T 2N6 CANADA TEL: (905) 362 9707

U. S. A.

Roland Corporation U.S.

5100 S. Eastern Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90040-2938, U. S. A. TEL: (323) 890 3700

AX-Synth Owner’s Manual

ENGLISH

ENGLISH ENGLISH

For China

ENGLISH ENGLISH ENGLISH

R®

602.00.0354.02 RES 750-09 AX-Synth Owner's Manual - E

Roland AX-Synth User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

USING THE UNIT SAFELY

Important notes

2. Panel descriptions

Bottom panel

Connection panel (rear)

3. Making connections

Connecting the AC adaptor

Using headphones

Powering up

Selecting ‘regular’ Tones

Grouping frequently-used Tones (FAVORITE)

Master Tune

Transpose

Shifting the keyboard pitch in octave steps

Using the Modulation Bar

Using the Touch Controller

Aftertouch

Using the D Beam controller

Portamento

Sustaining notes

6. Editing Tone settings

Editing the volume and Reverb Send levels

Setting the MIDI transmit channel

Transmitting Program Change numbers

Using the Bulk Dump function

General considerations

Making the settings for the USB driver

9. About V-LINK

How to use V-LINK

10. Additional functions

Battery-related functions

Loading the factory settings

11. Appendix

Troubleshooting

Control Change list

Tone list

12. Specifications

13. MIDI implementation chart

14. Index