For Immediate Release

ROLAND UNVEILS AX-SYNTH SHOULDER KEYBOARD

Next-Generation Synthesizer for the Performing Keyboardist

Los Angeles, CA, January 15, 2009 — Roland Corporation is proud to announce the return of the shoulder keyboard with the AX-Synth, the first of the legendary AX-Series to offer an onboard sound engine featuring a collection of the best of Roland’s cutting-edge synth sounds.

Created with the art of 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 Vince LaDuca, Product Marketing 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.”

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About Roland Corporation
Roland Corporation is a leading manufacturer and distributor of electronic musical instruments, including keyboards and synthesizers, guitar products, electronic percussion, digital recording equipment, amplifiers, audio processors, and multimedia products. With over 35 years of musical instrument development, Roland sets the standard in music technology for the world to follow. For more information, visit http://www.RolandUS.com.