Roland AX-Edge review

I got my hands on the brand new AX-Edge from Roland. Here I take you through the incredibly deep new synth engine and the amazing control you have over the sounds.
There’s well thought out design features that give you the freedom and confidence to truly express yourself.
I love this synth!
I can customise my sounds connecting to the AX-Edge editor app with Bluetooth MIDI and tweak my sounds wirelessly. Splits and layers let me take full advantage of the expansive, full-sized keyboard.
There’s a wealth of stunning new effects, including a master compressor and EQ, giving polished, studio-quality sounds. And thanks to the Tone Remain function, I can switch sounds seamlessly on stage without notes or effect tails being cut off prematurely. Very cool!
One more time …. I love this synth!
Mark Watson.

[@tygergray6750]

It can double as a synth AND an anime protag cosplay prop

[@CDBlackmage]

But can I give it an actual blade in case I want to jam while crushing my foes in combat?

[@Highfiber123]

Thanks for a very technical and pragmatic review. Its the most valuable review of the Ax Edge in youtube

[@MarkWatson1]

Highfiber123 thank you for your kind words. I’m glad you found this helpful.

[@shaynefernandez7145]

Thanks for sharing! looking forward to picking up one soon

[@zanecovington3438]

Great to have some the details finally!

[@MarkWatson1]

Zane Covington It’s an awesome instrument! I’m really really excited about it! I love the sound and the playability of the AX-Edge!

[@martysmagicalmusicmancave]

Great Demo. Recently purchased one of these

[@vanessajazp6341]

LOVED the guitar sound you opened with!

[@MarkWatson1]

Glad you like it Vanessa. It's a very powerful synth engine built into this Ax!

[@vanessajazp6341]

@@MarkWatson1 I want one. Granted, I don't actually NEED one, but that doesn't change the fact that I want one, LOL

[@mohitacoustic]

This keytar is amazing and my ears cannot literally get enough of hearing the basses and leads. The iOS is glitchy but it’s still a great plug and play unit with a band or as a solo artist. Need to dig into its Bluetooth midi capabilities though and I’m sure it has potential.

[@mileskintnermusic7349]

Mine's coming in a week. So stoked!!!

[@KeytarKris]

I need this in my life!😍

[@YAMAHADJX]

Thank you for this video!!!

[@HappisakVideos]

Is there a full ength version of that awesome intro and outro rock synth track you are playing it sounds amazing!

[@lyncboy]

every demo on youtube for the ax-edge, everyone keep using the same sounds . lets hear some acoustic instruments,horns, Rhodes,acoustic/elec guitars ....ETC !!!!!!!!!!!

[@MarkWatson1]

will do Scott, I'll do something up for you over the weekend!

[@hottownband]

I'm also wondering about the other sounds. could you drop a video with some other sounds plz?

[@Diablos199]

let's be realistic..you won't start shredding Rhodes on stage. xD

[@duhwolf]

We're still waiting! :)

[@cyruss3813]

Seriously!! Use some guitar sounds!! Lets be real here. Nobody is going to want to buy one of these for the 80s sounding crappy synthesizer sounds. Most people including myself want one of these for the acoustic and electric guitar sound effects it has. I heard what the guitar sound effects sound like and they are amazing on this thing.

[@sproutcentral]

Very impressive Mark :))

[@MarkWatson1]

sproutcentral thnx mate 😊👍

[@veemusic1347]

the price for it on google was $999 i thought about it and said nahh ill get it way in the future but after seeing this vid its worth it. its as if it is the ultimate instrument synth ,electric bass , electric guitar THATS 3 INSTRUMENTS IN 1 AND MORE!! DO WANT!

[@MarkWatson1]

VEE MUSIC thanks for your comments. You won’t be disappointed. It’s an amazing instrument.

[@lpmusic2903]

la verdad que no entiendo nada de lo que desis por que hablo español, pero que lindo estudio que tenes, y que buenos teclados! si en algun momento te sobra alguno bienvenido sea! saludos

[@GenuineHeather]

I just picked up one of these babies. Just wow. I can't wait to really dig in and see what she can do.

[@davidfrazier4358]

Wait till you get to the piano sound, you just might throw up, it's literally THAT bad!

[@GenuineHeather]

@@davidfrazier4358 -- Well, no. It's not "literally" that bad. All you have to do is take off the effects and it's very decent piano. If you still don't like it, there are a number of high-quality Roland piano patches in memory. You just have to overwrite the existing preset with one of the better pianos and you're good to go.

[@davidfrazier4358]

@@GenuineHeather None of them have realistic sustain, which makes them (IMO) unusable. They're painful to the piano player's ears

[@GenuineHeather]

@@davidfrazier4358- They're the same piano patches you find in most Roland synths. Add a little sustain and a touch a reverb if you like. It's fine if you simply don't care for Roland piano patches. Everyone has their own tastes. It also depends on the style of music you're playing. This is a keytar, it's not meant to be a stage piano. If you need a great piano, get a piano. Or you could load up your favorite piano plug-in and use the Edge as a controller. Personally, I like the Roland pianos for live performance. They can be tweaked to taste.

[@davidfrazier4358]

@@GenuineHeather Thanks Heather, I really do appreciate your time and responses. This thing is a BEAST! Don't get me wrong. I have a Scarlet 2 midi interface, and Logic Pro. How can I set it up to play sounds from Logic?

[@erenaichinose6827]

amazing !

[@MarkWatson1]

Thank you Erena :-)

[@joaquinmorato8683]

Desde barranquilla colombiano ese es un instrumento que parece sacado de mis sueños.simple mente : wow amo los kitars

[@kaysamusic]

Thanks for the short but very informative review. I really need to buy this beast before my next show. Guess it's bread and water for the rest of the month again! :D

[@MarkWatson1]

Kaysa haha, but it will be worth it! I love this beast, and I’m only touching the surface with it! I can’t wait to dig deep into some serious programming of my own!

[@fabulousfireent]

Damn! I so wanna own this.

[@MarkWatson1]

Androgynous D.E.B. You’ll love it! It’s a beast!

[@MattyB3]

Hi Mark, Love It ... Great Sounds...are you still loving the AX-Edge, I'm looking into purchasing one. Would love your thoughts and any insight. Cheers

[@prezent1979]

Thanks for the video! What is the sound used in the intro??

[@antoashly4931]

I want to know which color is more attractive b/w??

[@20thanasi]

Does it have drum beats. I cant get to them on instrument. But see them in sound list I think

[@Wh33tbread]

Hey Mark. What was the microphone you used for the vocoder part?

[@shankpeterman]

Big question... does the bluetooth ONLY function to control on a computer or mobile device w/ the app... or can the bluetooth midi control a bluetooth receiver hooked up to another keyboard?

[@martysmagicalmusicmancave]

Bluetooth midi works with the App and I'm using it with a Macbook Pro running Ableton. Not sure about other bluetooth interfaces , but as long as you can pair it , it should work

[@clubboy4790]

great !

[@jessicadsilva9779]

What's a good beginner keytar? I've been playing the keyboard and melodica for over ten years. I know it isn't the same thing but regarding this what would be a good keytar for me?

[@giancarlobrunello1]

Hi! I have a question about ax edge. Does someone know will they release a new version of the Ax Edge soon? :) Some rumors? Thanks

[@yourfavoriteclaymationpeng2926]

Tell me, how hard is it to learn how to play this? Is it just like learning a bit of piano. I really wanna give this thing a go

[@devanesan14]

I just Purchased New AX Edge Keytar Previously and still I m using AX Synth Roland old version Just wants to check with you with the new Edge Synth is it Transpose Functions Available or not Kindly Advice me please. Deva Adelaide Australia

[@manuelosoriofernandez3817]

that has midi by Bluetooth means that you can work on a DAW with the keytar without wires? Has it worked on yours?

[@simonegiovannini92]

Can I found the split version?

[@phirewuffie6779]

i have no idea how to play this but i need one now.

[@MarkWatson1]

The Ax-Edge is a lot of fun to play as well as having an amazing synth engine!

[@geeman1293]

Can someone clear this up for me: I want to play my Ax-Edge wirelessly, and the Boss wl-20l wireless systems seems the answer, but what about Bluetooth MIDI my keytar to my Jupiter-50, instead? I just need to get in front for a couple of numbers, wirelessly, so could I “Bluetooth” a patch from my Jupiter-50?

[@Swanlord05]

As Palpatine said Doo It!!

[@MT-iq7ul]

How are the sound engine pads? Like the trance kind? Awesome playing

[@davidfrazier4358]

They are great, except for the piano sound, which is just sad! 2 thumbs down

[@bambino0703]

hi sir. did you make that guitar sound??

[@leewightman8619]

Used to think keytars where gimmicky but this things a monster

[@taysuse]

Hey man. Could you please inform me on what the Bluetooth midi is used for and how to set it up. I have yet to find an in depth explanation on how to use it and what other devices Bluetooth midi are compatible with and what kind of equipment is needed.

[@Swanlord05]

Midi is a control protocol between all pro synths You hook up a midi cable to another synth now you control that synth.... Or stack sound on top of this keytar

[@Swanlord05]

Can you load sample?

[@raphaelo7593]

What are differences between Ax Synth and Ax Edge sir ?

[@jeromypollitt8638]

The edge is much much newer

[@transforminggravity15626]

Cool 💯💯💯💯💯💯✌️😎

[@owlmatrix6794]

does has its own sounds like does it have a sound button like trumpet sound or something like that

[@MarkWatson1]

Ronnie Roddy Jr. yes it does Ronnie. It has a very good trumpet plus a selection of other brass and “real” instruments too.

[@owlmatrix6794]

Did u get it for free from Roland

[@2thess278]

It feels super lightweight, like a kids toy.😃😃👍❤❤❤

[@caludaj]

Where is the "UNISON" button? It is mentioned in the manual but don't see it. Thanks!

[@PrimeAspect]

It's on the back side, along with the portamento and hold buttons, meant to be pressed with the thumb.

[@caludaj]

Thanks! Can't believe I didn't see it. :)

[@heatherrochellelux6935]

How much does this weigh?

[@cupidscut3258]

Hey Mark! Just wondering if you offer online training?

[@Mrshengshengbuxi]

Does this keytar has transpose function? I read over the owner’s manual. But could not find it

[@Mrshengshengbuxi]

I am confused because the pervious Ax version has a “transpose “ button, but ax-edge does not have it. The manual only mentions the octaves shifting. So just wondering if Ax edge can transpose or not? I Really want to buy one Ax edge

[@jareksw]

I hope it will be possible by assigning Transpose function eg. for programmable S1, S2, S3 buttons. We have to wait until "AX-Edge Parameter Guide" is posted.

[@GlenJevon]

I’ve just had a go on one. It definitely transposes, but it’s down a couple of menu levels - as mentioned above, hopefully it can be mapped to an assignable function for ease. Definitely purchasing now though! 😀

[@PrimeAspect]

Th parameter guide is posted now You can assign transpose up or down to any S button. Increments of 1 semitone, range of -5/+6

[@GlenJevon]

Chris Oates I’ve owned one a week or so now and actually it’s way easier than that.. You just press the SHIFT button and the Octave buttons become transpose. Weirdly there’s NO mention of it in the manual!! 😂

[@joel3730]

Does this plug into an amp?

[@MarkWatson1]

Hi Joel, the Ax Edge produces it’s own sound with its built in synthesizer but you do need to plug it into some form of powered speaker, or you can use headphones with it.

[@MR-jd1yo]

midi out?

[@MarkWatson1]

M R yes via USB and Bluetooth

[@MikeeHollMartz]

Is it me, or does this synth have the same engine as the JD-Xi?

[@MarkWatson1]

Mikee Holl Martz not at all. It’s a completely new engine, a lot bigger, with way more options.

[@MikeeHollMartz]

Awesome!!! So this could be a great addition to my setup, since I already won the JD-Xi. Thanks for the video and your response. :)

[@mileskintnermusic7349]

@@MikeeHollMartz I'm running a Juno DS, and the older AX Synth keytar. Can't wait to throw this thing into the mix!

[@davidfrazier4358]

@@MarkWatson1 Yet somehow this "new engine" came with an old sounding piano?!! Makes no sense why they would gaff off the piano sound on a "keyboard"!

[@alexanderpavlov2026]

Do you like this sharp design? I think ax synth is better. This new is like that heavy metal fly guitars.

[@philippedebourg]

Hello Mark. Is there a possibility to make a demo video with guitar pedals like Big Muff, Micro Pog, Line 6 DL4, Hall of Fame reverb, Cry Baby Wah Wah or other big hit pedals? Thanks!

[@ronaldodelima5122]

Wow

[@sametustun4749]

haklısın beyendım tsk

[@user-tv8sm7yx4l]

Да,мощная машина.

[@yumi21195]

anybody else get a gorillaz vibe when he changes the key sounds when playing it

[@MarkWatson1]

Chelzy Rose 🙏🏼😊🎹

[@adamgh0]

Meh.. Put a strap on your Juno-Di. Done (and with more keys). As for the Blutooth MIDI, try walking more than 15 feet from a Bluetooth anything and see what happens.

[@ratnasamuel5141]

Sir

[@prod.ilybrandon7387]

hey mark! are you a kiwi?? :)

[@MarkWatson1]

Waterboi BT no I’m not but I lived in Auckland for a couple of years.

[@ratnasamuel5141]

@@MarkWatson1 hey sir can u tell me which lead patch was it in intro u played and ending

[@davidfrazier4358]

Got my hands on one, and it truly is a beast! HOWEVER (a big however too!).... They build something incredibly powerful like this but when they got to the piano, they decided to go "Casio" on us. What an absolutely atrocious piano this thing has! Virtually zero sustain, the timbre is generic, and no matter how you try and "customize it" internally, it just still sounds, well, atrocious! I cant believe Roland put a piano sound out like this!

[@Ninoworld810]

How to Tranpose kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2aYpIahjpxjm7c

[@DocHollidayGames]

Is this a review or an advertisement?

[@jm6734]

This looks a bit cheap and plasticy and is too bulky IMO. Besides, non rechargable battery = fail! But still, fun move by Roland making a new Keytar. Yey, Keytars!!! Fingers crossed for a Yamaha relauch of the 'Jan Hammer' Keytar with a nice synth engine this time. The Korg-RK is a great design, but it sounds shit and they know it! Stick a new exiting synth in there Korg and and some snazzy bright colours - Boom! instant winner.

[@mikehydropneumatic2583]

Just get an Alesis Vortex or RK100s and plug it into your Moog Subsequent 37, now we're blasting!

[@jm6734]

Mike Hydropneumatic They clearly don’t take Keytars seriously seeing the novelty approach. Korgs weak RK was a let down and they’ve already discontinued it(!) while the MiniKorg is still going.. This one is as plasticky as the Alesis. Disappointing.

[@jm6734]

Mike Hydropneumatic ..and Moogs are for millionaires

[@mikehydropneumatic2583]

By far I am a millionaire and own two Moogs (M32 & Subsequent 37). There is also the €1000 Roland AX Edge, but it is too heavy and bulky. Speaking of bulky, I once had the chance to play a Moog Liberation, ouch!

[@jm6734]

Break your mama's back! :D www.clubdevo.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/b5632518d9b8cb91d6ddf29b0018a2ac_XL.jpg

[@ErraticFaith]

Amazing heh. Rk-100s was amazing. This is oversized and overcompensating junk for people with zero clue about sound or engine.

[@MarkWatson1]

Sorry that you feel that way. The Ax-Edge engine is very deep and the new tech that’s in the new Roland products such as the Fantom with the multi step LFOs and a big choice of oscillators that can be used together in a sound.

[@vince14120]

Bof

[@JosephCsikos]

That's a toy for 60+

[@mikehydropneumatic2583]

When you play a sax and try make a point on how much control you got let hear a sax. Then there is the crappy vocoder demo.. Hey, this is old VA tech been around since the System was introduced. Don't play guitar on a keytar, you will thank me later.

[@tomboyraider1015]

Too much talking. Play more.

[@jml19221]

Never been the type that plays Keytars. And this one in particular seems massive, pretentious, cheaply built and not ergonomic at all.

[@beatz04]

This thing is so unbelievable ugly, i'm still not sure if this is not just a marketing prank from Roland.