Roland AE-05 Aerophone GO is a wind controller with saxophone fingering. Thanks to internal sound generation with SuperNATURAL modeling technology, 11 different sounds are offered, which can be integrated into many music genres. Built-in speakers and battery-powered operation pave the way for mobile applications and easy integration into a DAW.
The numerous timbres cover the saxophone models soprano, alto, tenor and baritone and wind instruments such as clarinet and trumpet. Even strings and synthesizer sounds can now be played with the familiar saxophone fingering, which all have a fine-resolution dynamic range and articulation. You can add 50 more sounds to the instrument via the free Aerophone GO Plus app available in the App Store.
Many digital wind instruments available on the market require a completely different fingering, which many wind instruments feel as a restriction. The Roland AE-10 Aerophone is built up to the octave key for the left hand, like an acoustic saxophone. In addition, the mouthpiece of the AE-10 contains an extremely sensitive blowing sensor, which also allows biting the reed for vibrato techniques and changing the pitch. So even beginners will find their way around this instrument within a very short time.
With the Aerophone GO Ensemble app, up to seven Aerophone GO players can work together wirelessly. Once you're connected to this free app, every group member on your phone can access 19 sounds and every musician can choose a different sound. The sound of the group is mixed in the smartphone, and by connecting a small monitor speaker, everyone can hear the resulting ensemble and react to it. This makes it perfect for street performances, jam sessions or learning units in the classroom.
Although the AE-05 works well as a wind controller, especially when you factor in the bite pressure sensor, I feel it really comes into its own as a practice tool for the sax player that has issues with noise. The sax is a naturally loud instrument especially in the hands of a beginner and no matter what mute method you use, there is still a noise issue in a quiet environment. The AE-05 has very similar fingering to a sax and can really help the beginner to develop the muscle memory, and blow power needed to play saxophone. The on the negative for me is the onboard sounds which are usable but a bit basic, but more sounds are available though the app, and you can also hook the AE-05 up to your computer or keyboard/sound modules play much more advanced sounding instruments.
The AE-05 feels solid and well built and I’m very pleased I bought it, and I have found it as a sax player much more useful that the Akai wind controllers I’ve tried in the past, I would have no hesitation in recommending it to sax players that need to practise in a quiet environment.
Firstly, shipping was excellent, it arrived from Germany to me (Spain) in three days!
I’m enjoying learning to make music on this instrument , the sounds are so extensive, especially with the free downloadable App. I’m hoping that I’ll be able to play a tune competently within weeks! 😃