WNAMM09: Shoulder Synth

US Roland say strap it on and rock the stage 15/01/09

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Remember when they did it back in the 1980's with the SH-101? Well, Roland have introduced the AX-Synth, part of Roland's new generation of remote keyboards and one with a sound generator onboard. A Roland spokesperson told us, "It's self-contained and equipped with powerful, solo-oriented sounds from Roland's latest, greatest synths. Strap on an AX and steal the show."
Here's some details from the Roland press release...
Created with performance in mind, the AX-Synth allows keyboardists to connect with their audience as guitarists and singers do. Real-time controls such as the Ribbon, Modulation Bar, D BEAM, and Assignable Knob controllers give musicians the ability to perform memorable and expressive solos. When wearing the battery-powered and wireless AX-Synth, keyboardists can create kinetic musical performances, moving freely around the stage without any encumbering wires or cables.
The AX-Synth features 49 velocity-sensitive keys and is the first shoulder keyboard to include a 128-voice polyphonic sound engine with 256 distinct tones accessible from eight bank buttons. It can also send and receive standard MIDI messages for use with other keyboards or sound modules. The AX-Synth includes a dedicated V-LINK button to control visual elements, and an easy-to-use PC software editor for designing unique sounds and effects.
"We have been looking forward to bringing back the AX-Series in style, and the AX-Synth is it," says Sean Montgomery Senior Product Manager. "Not only will the keyboardist be able to get out from behind their rack onstage, they will also have the finest Roland sounds at their fingertips with the onboard sound engine."
Pricing and Availability:
The AX-Synth will be available in the first half of 2009. More information: