With the Aerophone series, Roland has created a family of modern wind instruments that combine the breath and reflexes of a player with the flexibility of digital technology. The AE-20 captures the "flagship" spirit of the range (advanced sound engines, expressive control, refined finish) while focusing on essentials: a more compact instrument, more straightforward to handle, and designed to integrate easily into a studio, rehearsal, or stage setup.
Its positioning is clear: to offer a level of detail and response close to high-end models, while maintaining simple ergonomics thanks to an OLED screen and accessible controls. The result: you spend less time in menus and more time playing, recording, arranging, or improvising.
The Roland Aerophone AE-20 is aimed at intermediate to professional players who want "air column" control without the constraints of an acoustic instrument (volume, transport, conditions). It is also well suited for saxophonists, clarinetists, or flutists curious to expand their palette, thanks to selectable fingerings that preserve your muscle memory.
Regarding repertoire, its versatility covers a wide range: jazz, pop, funk, film music, electro, variety, brass band, and orchestral arrangements. Acoustic sounds (soprano, alto, tenor, baritone saxophones, orchestral and world instruments) facilitate realistic parts, while synthesizer voices and electronic textures invite sound design and hybrid performances.
The AE-20 focuses on an organic response thanks to its breath sensors (which translate air pressure into dynamics and timbre) and its bite sensor (lip pressure on the mouthpiece), essential for controlling vibrato, attacks, stability, and expressiveness. The low latency enhances the feeling of immediacy: the sound "sticks" to the gesture, improving rhythmic precision and nuance control.
For acoustic sounds, the SuperNATURAL technology aims for credible articulation and natural reaction to breath variations (attack, sustain, release, intensity). For electronic sounds, the ZEN-Core engine opens a universe ranging from vintage colors to modern timbres, with extensive customization possibilities. The sleek design, premium details, and ergonomics (OLED screen, well-placed controls) promote quick handling, even in live conditions.
A modern aerophone by definition, the AE-20 is designed as an autonomous and connected instrument. It offers audio and MIDI via Bluetooth and USB, convenient for controlling virtual instruments, recording ideas, or integrating the Aerophone into a DAW environment without complicated setup. The instrument is also designed for playing anywhere, with a built-in speaker, headphone jack, and battery power to practice silently or improvise without heavy installation.
To go further, an editor app allows full visual control and in-depth editing on mobile devices, to adapt response, assignments, and sounds to your playing. A Lesson app is also provided to develop technique and track progress. Finally, you can expand your palette with custom sounds from Roland Cloud, ideal for refreshing your sound set throughout projects.
The Roland Aerophone AE-20 comes with a dedicated hand carry bag and essential accessories. To avoid compatibility errors (connector type, dimensions, stands), it is advisable to choose additional accessories after verifying your needs (headphone playing, stand, connectivity) and your setup specifications.