Roland AX-Edge (2018)

Name: Roland AX-Edge
Brand: Roland

A keytar synthesizer introduced in September 2018, with 49 full-sized keys and a built-in sound engine for standalone performance.

Overview

The Roland AX-Edge is a keytar synthesizer released by Roland Corporation in September 2018. It's built for live performance and works as a standalone instrument with its own sound engine, so no computer is needed. It has 49 full-sized keys with velocity and channel aftertouch, a ribbon controller, and a 1/4" mic input with vocoder. It supports Bluetooth MIDI and offers over 500 preset patches across four parts. The customizable edge blades are there for looks. It comes in black and white, and the body is lightweight molded plastic, made for moving around on stage.

Specifications

Introduced	September 2018
Keys	49 full-sized with velocity and channel aftertouch
Polyphony	256 voices
Preset Sounds	Over 500 patches
Features	4 parts + Vocoder, ribbon controller, customizable edge blades
Connectivity	Bluetooth MIDI, 1/4" Mic Input with Vocoder
Weight	9 lbs. 5 oz. (4.2 kg) without batteries or strap
Finishes	Black, White

Design

The AX-Edge has a lightweight molded plastic body, built for portability and stage mobility. The neck controls were refined over years of development and artist feedback, and they are highly intuitive. The performance controls let you shape the sound while you play. The customizable edge blades are cosmetic.

Market

The AX-Edge turns up on the secondhand market, with current prices observed between $839.00 and $1,799.99. Known issues include a "false" cold start, where the lights turn on but the screen stays blank. Some units shut down unexpectedly and display "Charge Battery!" even with charged Ni-MH batteries. Others fail to power on with batteries. Users have reported seeking repair support for these power problems.