Roland AX-7 User Manual

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AX-7
MIDI Keyboard Controller
Owner’s Manual
ENGLISH ENGLISH
ENGLISH ENGLISH ENGLISH
ENGLISH
Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of the Roland AX-7 MIDI Keyboard Controller. The AX-7 is a
powerful, easy-to-operate, dedicated shoulder keyboard for MIDI sound modules (whether or not they are
GM2/GM/GS compatible). Please take the time to read through this Owner’s Manual. That way, you can feel
assured that you understand every feature the AX-7 offers, and will enjoy many years of trouble-free opera-
tion.
The Roland AX-7 is a MIDI keyboard controller. It does not contain any sound-generating circuitry. It is
designed to transmit note messages, program changes, bank select messages as well as a variety of other
MIDI messages (such as Reverb and Chorus Send levels) to an external sound module.
To avoid confusion, let’s agree to…
• …use the word “button” for all keys on the front panel, and only use “key” when referring to the AX-7’s keyboard.
• …say “sequencer” when referring to both hardware sequencers (like the Roland MC-80) and computers with
sequencer software.
• …talk about “MIDI instruments” to signify both isolated (“monotimbral”) instruments and parts/timbres/voices/multi
channels of a multitimbral module or synth.
The contents of the illustrations appearing in this manual may differ slightly from what you see when you
start using your instrument.
Before using this instrument, carefully read the sections entitled “Using the unit safely” and “Important
notes”. These sections provide important information concerning the proper operation of the AX-7. Be sure
to keep this manual in a safe place for future reference.
Copyright ©2001 ROLAND EUROPE. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of Roland Europe s.p.a.
AX-7_UK Page 1 Sunday, October 21, 2001 2:12 PM

Roland AX-7 Specifications

Power

power supply	Batteries, AC/DC adaptor (DC 9V)
power supply option	Roland ACA adaptor (9V, 200mA)
connectors	DC IN (adaptor)

Keyboard and Display

keyboard	45 keys, velocity sensitive
display	3 x 7 segments
realtime controllers	Data Entry knob, Expression Bar/Touch Controller, D Beam Controller, Sustain button

Weight and Dimensions

width	1010 mm
depth	195 mm
height	102 mm
weight	3 kg

Summary

Using the Unit Safely

Warning and Caution Notices

Describes the purpose and meaning of WARNING and CAUTION labels used in the manual for user guidance.

Safety Symbols Explained

Explains the various symbols used throughout the manual to convey important safety warnings and instructions.

General Safety Precautions

Covers essential safety rules for operating and maintaining the instrument to prevent fire, shock, or injury.

Panel Descriptions: Neck Controls

Panel Descriptions: Additional Controls

Bottom Panel Features

Rear Connection Panel

Connecting and Operating the AX-7

MIDI Connections Explained

Sequencer and Computer Integration

Configuring AX-7 Parameters

Accessing Edit Parameters

How to navigate and select parameters using the CONTROL, DATA, and PRG CHG buttons.

Setting Parameter Values

Details on using buttons, the data entry knob, and confirming settings for various parameters.

AX-7 Control Parameter Settings

Data Entry and Hold Functions

Touch Control and Expression Bar

Velocity Curve Settings

AX-7 Control Parameter Details

D Beam Controller Assignments

Assigning functions like arpeggios, chords, or CC messages to the D Beam controller.

D Beam Note Assignment

Specifying the note number for sounds triggered by the D Beam controller.

AX-7 Control Parameter Functions

D Beam 'Freeze' and Note Triggering

AX-7 Data Parameter Settings

MIDI Channel and Volume Control

Setting the MIDI channel (1-16) and Volume (CC07) for each keyboard section.

Panning and Expression

Configuring Pan (CC10) and Expression (CC11) parameters for stereo imaging and dynamics.

Effects Send Levels

Setting Reverb (CC91), Chorus (CC93), and Delay (CC94) send levels for external effects.

Portamento Settings

AX-7 Data and System Functions

MIDI Mode and Portamento Effect

Archiving Settings via Bulk Dump

Step-by-step guide to backing up all AX-7 settings to an external sequencer using SysEx data.

AX-7 PRG CHG Parameter Settings

Bank Select and Program Change

Configuring Bank Select (CC00, CC32) and Program Change messages for memory selection.

MIDI Clock and Tempo Control

Setting MIDI Clock transmission and tempo (BPM) for synchronizing with external sequencers.

Miscellaneous AX-7 Functions

Storing and Selecting Patches

Instructions for saving custom settings into Patch memories and recalling them.