For the aspiring musician, one of the most tricky aspects of learning an instrument is finding a place to practice. Guitarists have previously found solace by plugging headphones into their amps and pedals. However, wind instrument players have not been so fortunate.
At the virtual CES 2021 event, noted manufacturer Roland showcased the continuation of its digital wind instrument range with the Aerophone Pro.
What Is the Aerophone Pro?
Wind instruments, like trumpets, trombones, clarinets, and saxophones, are traditionally quite loud. This can be a source of friction when learning to play or even just when practicing. There are some manual ways to mute them, like adding a cloth into a saxophone's body tube, but these still have limited success.
Roland's Aerophone Pro makes this a concern of the past while also bringing woodwind and brass instruments into the digital age. The slim device initially looks like a tech-based combination of a clarinet and saxophone. A strap allows you to hang the Aerophone Pro around your neck.
The instrument hangs downwards, with a mouthpiece at the top. Despite being a digital product, equipped with Roland's synthesizer tech, you still blow into the mouthpiece to play the Aerophone Pro. The keys are arranged in the same way as an acoustic saxophone, although you can adjust these to suit your playing style.
Aerophone Pro Features
The Aerophone Pro comes equipped with Roland's ZEN-Core and SuperNATURAL acoustic sound generators. The ZEN-Core tech allows you to switch between instruments seamlessly. This offers up many possibilities for live musicians and recording artists, with most woodwind and brass instruments represented.
The built-in OLED display helps you adjust settings, switch between instrumentation, and customize your experience. You can also personalize the Aerophone Pro with the companion iOS and Android apps. The device comes equipped with Bluetooth, MIDI, and headphone outputs. There's even a built-in speaker for performances while on the go.
Meanwhile, the SuperNATURAL generator digitizes your physical inputs, like breath and key presses. Combined with the ZEN-Core generator, the Aerophone Pro is capable of an authentic output in the style of a wide range of instruments from just a single device. It comes with a rechargeable battery, a USB-C port, and a slot for expandable memory for on-device recordings.
Where Can You Buy the Roland Aerophone Pro?
The Aerophone Pro was initially announced in December 2020, although CES 2021 marks its first significant outing. The instrument is expected to be available in late January 2021 and will retail for $1,499.
This might sound like a high price, but it's also worth keeping in mind that a mid-range saxophone costs around $500. Given the convenience, impressive specs, range of instruments, and portability, the Aerophone Pro seems to represent excellent value.