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Aerophone Pro Puts Roland’s Zen-Core Synthesis Into A Digital Wind Instrument

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Roland has introduced the Aerophone Pro, a new digital wind instrument that brings the capabilities of Roland’s SuperNATURAL and ZEN-Core sound engines to wind players.

The Aerophone Pro is the latest instrument in the company’s Aerophone line, originally introduced in 2016. It’s designed to be a flagship model, with a polished aluminum exterior in high-touch areas and more expressive breath and bite sensors.

The Aerophone Pro features enhanced soprano, alto, and tenor saxes, new trumpet sounds and world instruments, like a new duduk. They say that their new controller options enable idiomatic performance techniques on a range of instrument sounds.

Aerophone Pro also features Roland’s ZEN-Core Synthesis System, the sound engine that powers their FANTOM and JUPITER-X synthesizers. A built-in speaker, battery operation and headphone jack lets you use the instrument standalone. It can also be used as a Bluetooth MIDI controller.

Pricing and Availability

Roland expects the Aerophone Pro to be available in January 2021, priced at about $1,500 USD.

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2021 NAMM Show Cancelled By Covid-19

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) organization has announced that, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, next year’s NAMM Show – normally held annually in January – is being cancelled.

The NAMM Show has long been the most important event for the introduction of new music gear, ranging from traditional instruments to synths, drum machines and software.

In its place, NAMM plans to launch an online event, Believe in Music Week. Scheduled for the week of January 18, 2021, the event will feature a mix of programming and professional education, as well as an interactive marketplace.

Joe Lamond, NAMM President and CEO, says, “

“While it remains unsafe for us to gather in person in January, Believe in Music week will use new, intuitive technology to connect us all to harness the incredible energy that happens when we come together,” notes NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond. “With a robust marketplace to launch new products and share your brand story, Believe in Music will also feature networking and matchmaking for our buyers and our sellers, education for all segments of the industry, and live music and concerts.”

Several related events will be held the same week:

  • The 36th TEC Awards will recognize the individuals, companies and technical innovations behind the sound of recordings, live performances, films, television, video games and multimedia. The TEC Awards call for entries is now open through August 31: www.TECAwards.org
  • The Top 100 Dealer Awards will also be celebrated during the week. Now in its 10th year, the annual awards honor music retailers who have demonstrated a commitment to best practices, creativity and innovation in retail. The submissions process is now open for NAMM retail members and will close on October 2, 2020.
  • Along with the award shows, music advocates will come together for The Grand Rally for Music Education. The annual event convenes music education advocates for a celebration of the benefits and pleasures of making music.

Additional details on the event plans are available at the event site.