iSaxTip 7 How to set the octave key range on the Roland Aerophone

[@threefoldcrossroads]

As a guitarist and bassist, the AE-30 has given me a foot in the door when it comes to "playing" wind/reed instruments and I can't thank it enough for helping me to explore the concepts of playing those instruments in a compact and affordable package, as well as yourself with your in depth videos and guides about the Roland AE line of instruments. Thank you for all you do, and I'm wanting to take lessons from you soon with the AE-30 so I can fully explore the musical possibilities open to me with this controller/synth!

[@isax.academy]

Thank you so much for your very kind comment. These videos take a huge amount of time to make and it’s very much appreciated when that effort is rewarded with such a thoughtful response.

[@johnjenkins2315]

I must admit that I hadn’t explored that particular setting yet but I certainly will now, thanks for posting 😊

[@isax.academy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@unclemick-synths]

Nicely explained Alistair

[@isax.academy]

Many thanks. 🙏

[@MatthewWaltonWalton]

Do you have any tips on how to get fluent with the octave keys on the AE-20? I'm gradually getting there but they're not the easiest things to coordinate. I wish they didn't have to be pressed down so far before they make contact!

[@threefoldcrossroads]

I"m finding you really have to finger the heck out of them to get them to register you're pushing on them. And that is with the AE-30, so I'm assuming they have the same buttons. Probably to prevent accidental pushes/triggers. Give it more pressure, in general and keep in mind that you might need more pressure than you'd think during playing/performances.

[@chrisliddiard725]

I just got my AE-20 but i miss the flexible EWI fingering mode. The AE-20 has its own E-wind mode but it not nearly as flexible. Is there any way to set this up to work like the EWI-mode? Could you speak to Roland about having this mode added for their next firmware update? This needs an algorithmic programmed solution where the 'pinky' keys can modify any of the selected primary notes, rather than keys/notes additions to a look-up table.

[@isax.academy]

Hi there. Did you have a look at the key function settings in the menu? It’s totally possible to set the pinky keys to act as raising or lowering any note by a semitone or tone. I agree the Ewind fingering system does need improvement but you can get pretty close with the options for user fingerings and Key Function settings. I’ve ended up with my own hybrid system which works extremely well for me.

[@chrisliddiard725]

@@isax.academyFantastic! This is just what i needed to hear. I'll download the app and take a look at that. I was over on the Patchman forum but couldn't get an answer there. I found an interesting app on Reddit 'EWI (EI) Fingering Chart (with interactive filtering)', suggesting there were over 384 variations using the pinky keys, which i thought would be too many to key in manually, however, it seems Roland has anticipated this. ;0) thanks again. It might be worth doing a video on this extra flexible EWI mode.. Pros and Cons.

[@isax.academy]

@chrisliddiard725 Hi. Just to be clear the key function settings are done on the Aerophone itself not on the app. Yes, I’ve done lesson videos and a live webinar on this in my iSax.Academy. Folks have found them very helpful.

[@derylhunt4494]

Hello any ideas on a stand for ae-30 pro?

[@isax.academy]

This is the one I have. It’s not great but is foldable and reasonably safe on stage. amzn.eu/d/isVjCpx

[@kenneths1585]

I watched but was disappointed that these settings are only described for the higher end aerophone, the info did not relate to my aerophone AE 10. I presume that this setting is not available on my model.

[@isax.academy]

It certainly is 😃. Press MENU and then the right arrow until you get to Oct Key. Press MENU again and select the octave range there that you'd like. Enjoy!