TBS189 ©2003 Roland Corporation U.S.
www.RolandUS.com
Faxback #20222 Page 1
It’s a Fact…
The AX-7 is a versatile 45-note portable keyboard
controller that combines user-friendly operation with a
host of realtime controllers. Features include:
• Stage-oriented shoulder keyboard in attractive
pearl white body
• 45-note velocity-sensitive keyboard—perfect for
solos and bass lines
• Intuitive operation via new 7-segment LED
display
• 5 realtime controllers: DATA ENTRY knob,
TOUCH CONTROLLER, EXPRESSION BAR,
HOLD button and light-sensing D Beam
• 2 MIDI zones for independent control of Upper
and Lower parts
• GM2/GS-compatible
• Battery- or AC-powered
Selecting Patches
The AX-7 has 128 patches in two banks, A11-88 and
B11-88. These store controller and zone settings
—MIDI channels, program changes, etc.—for quick
recall. Use the following procedure to connect the
AX-7 to a sound module and select patches:
1. Use a MIDI cable to connect the MIDI OUT of
the AX-7 to the MIDI IN of a sound module.
2. Press the A/B button to select the desired bank
and use the PATCH buttons to select Patches
11-88. (The patch numbers are labeled above
the buttons.) For instance, to select Patch #15,
press 1 followed by 5.
Note: You can use the PATCH DOWN/UP buttons on
the neck to step through the patches sequentially.
Selecting Tones with Program Change
Messages
Use the following procedure to select a sound in a
MIDI sound module from the AX-7:
1. Press the PRG CHG button so it’s lit. While the
display is flashing, use the DOWN and UP
buttons to select Pc.
2. Press the KEYBOARD MODE LOWER or
UPPER button to select the desired zone.
3. Use the buttons numbered 0-9, followed by
ENTER, to select the desired program change
number. For example, to select 114, press 1, 1
and 4, followed by ENTER.
Note: The AX-7 defaults to General MIDI settings, so
if you have a GM-compatible sound module, the AX-7
will select its GM sounds without any special setup.
Transposing the Keyboard
You can raise or lower the pitch of your playing
without having to change your keyboard
performance. When you "transpose," each key on the
keyboard from the F# below to the F above the
Middle C key represents one semitone step of
transposition. The Middle C key leaves the A-37s
pitch unchanged. Here's how to transpose.
1. Hold down TRANSPOSE so it blinks, and then
press the key that’s the desired number of
semitone steps below or above the Middle C
key.
2. Release the TRANSPOSE button.
3. To turn off transposition, press TRANSPOSE
again so it’s not lit.
Setting Up a Layer or a Split
Use the following procedure to set up a layer or split
on the AX-7:
1. Select Patch A-11. The KEYBOARD MODE
UPPER button lights and a Program Change 001
message is transmitted on MIDI Channel 1. If
you’re using a General MIDI compatible sound
module, this selects a piano sound.
2. Press the KEYBOARD MODE LOWER button
and the A-37 plays a GM pad sound on MIDI
Channel 2.
3. You’re now ready to create a split or layer. To:
• create a layer—press UPPER and LOWER
simultaneously. Both buttons light.
• split the keyboard—press SPLIT button so it’s lit.
The keyboard is split at Middle C.
Changing the Split Point
Use the following procedure to change the split point:
1. Hold down the SPLIT button.
2. When the SPLIT button begins to blink, press the
key at which you want the split point. (C4 is
default split point.)
The display shows the split point you’ve selected
for as long as you hold down the SPLIT button.
