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Roland AEROPHONE AE-20

Description

Key Information About the Roland Aerophone AE-20 Aerophone



  • Playability of the high-end model Aerophone Pro AE-30 in a more compact format, with a sleek and premium design.

  • Ultra-responsive sensors (breath and "bite") with low latency for expressive playing, from subtle legato to sharp attacks.

  • Selectable fingerings: saxophone, clarinet, flute, recorder, or brass, to retain familiar references.

  • Over 250 sounds acoustic and electronic, featuring SuperNATURAL for authenticity and ZEN-Core for synthesizer sound creation.



An Aerophone Designed for the Modern Stage in the Roland Range


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.



For Whom and Which Styles?


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.



Sound and Design


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.



Technology and Features


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.



Recommended Compatible Accessories


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.



Technical Specifications



Body



  • Type: aerophone (digital wind instrument)

  • Design: compact format, sleek design with premium details

  • Screen: OLED

  • Controls: ergonomic controls

  • Sensors: breath sensor, bite sensor (low latency)

  • Fingerings: saxophone, clarinet, flute, recorder, brass



Electronics



  • Sound engines: SuperNATURAL (acoustic sounds), ZEN-Core (advanced synthesis)

  • Editing: editor app for visual control and in-depth editing on mobile devices

  • Learning: Lesson app to develop skills and track progress



Connectivity



  • Bluetooth: audio and MIDI via Bluetooth

  • USB: audio and MIDI via USB

  • Listening: headphone jack



Sounds



  • Number of sounds: over 250 acoustic and electronic sounds

  • Sound families: soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones

  • Other sounds: orchestral and world instruments

  • Synthesis: synthesizer voices (vintage and modern) via ZEN-Core

  • Expansion: custom sounds available via Roland Cloud



Included Accessories



  • User manual

  • "USING THE UNIT SAFELY" leaflet

  • Power adapter

  • Mouthpiece cap

  • Neck strap

  • USB cable (type C - type A)

  • Thumb hook caps (2 types)

  • Water trap

  • Dedicated hand carry bag



Miscellaneous



  • Portable playing: built-in speaker

  • Quiet playing: headphone compatible via headphone jack

  • Battery life: battery-powered operation

Brand reference number: AE-20

Testimony

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Quality product with very extensive possibilities. Handling is a bit complex. To be seen over time
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Posted on 29/09/2023
By M guyard
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Lacks a bit of precision in written documents.
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Posted on 28/09/2023
By YVES STINDEL
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