Roland AE-20 Aerophone Owner's Manual

Using the Unit Safely

WARNING

Auto Off Function: The unit powers off automatically after a period of inactivity. This function can be disabled (see page 14).

Power Source: Use only the supplied AC adaptor and ensure the voltage matches the unit's requirements. Using incorrect adaptors may cause damage or electric shock.

CAUTION

Keep small items, such as the thumb hook cover, out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.

Important Notes

Power Supply:

• Low batteries may cause sound distortion; replace batteries or use the AC adaptor.
• Use Ni-MH batteries (AA).
• The unit powers off when connecting/disconnecting the power cord or AC adaptor, potentially losing unsaved data. Turn off the power before connecting/disconnecting.

Repairs and Data: Back up data before sending for repair. Roland is not liable for lost data.

Additional Precautions: Data loss can occur due to equipment failure or incorrect operation; regular backups are recommended. Avoid striking or applying strong pressure to the display. Use caution not to scratch surfaces when placing the instrument.

Using External Memories: Do not remove devices during read/write operations. Discharge static electricity before handling.

Caution Regarding Radio Frequency Emissions: Do not disassemble, modify, remove certification labels, or use the device in a country other than where purchased.

Medical Device Proximity: Do not use the product closer than 22 cm (8 11/16 inches) from a cardiac pacemaker, as it may affect its operation.

Intellectual Property Rights: Content copyright is reserved by Roland Corporation. Users may utilize content for creating original works but not for distribution or network availability. Mentions eParts, Bluetooth SIG, T-Kernel, MORISAWA SONG GB2312BMP12, Roland, SuperNATURAL, and other trademarks.

01 Introduction

Checking the Accessories

The AE-20 includes:

• Owner's Manual (this document)
• Leaflet "USING THE UNIT SAFELY"
• AC adaptor
• Band (prevents saliva from entering the unit)
• Water basin (collects water droplets from the water drain)
• USB cable (USB Type-C to Type A)
• Neck strap
• Dedicated handheld carry bag
• Mouthpiece cap (protects the mouthpiece)
• Thumb hook cover (2 types, for cushioning and thumb position adjustment)

Note: The AC adaptor and water basin are boxed separately.

02 Panel Descriptions

The AE-20 features various controls and connectors:

Main Controls

• Mouthpiece Cap: Protects the mouthpiece.
• Mouthpiece: Dedicated unit with a reed.
• Band: Attaches to prevent saliva ingress.
• Performance keys: For playing notes, with saxophone-like fingering. Side keys can be assigned functions.
• [S1] / [S2] button: Assignable function buttons.
• Octave keys: Control octave shifts (operated by left thumb).
• Thumb rest: For left thumb placement.
• Display: Shows scene name and parameters.
• [SCENE] ( ▲ / ▼ ) buttons: Select scenes (sounds).
• [-] [+] ( ▲ / ▼ ) buttons: Select menu items or edit values.
• [MENU] button: Access system, scene, assign, and MIDI settings. Long-press for user/favorite scene registration.
• Thumb lever: Adjusts pitch or assigned functions (operated by right thumb).
• [SCENE CATEGORY] knob: Switches scene categories, user banks, or favorite scenes.
• [VOLUME] knob: Adjusts overall volume.
• Battery case: For six AA Ni-MH batteries.
• Cord hook: Secures attached cords.
• Water drain: Where water droplets exit.
• Water basin: Collects water from the drain.
• Built-in speakers: For monitoring sound.
• Strap ring: For attaching the neck strap.
• Thumb hook: For right thumb placement; attach thumb hook cover here.
• [MIDI CONTROL] switch: Enables/disables MIDI control mode.
• Bluetooth LED: Indicates Bluetooth status (On, Blinking: connecting, Off).
• Power LED: Indicates power status (On, Blinking: low battery, Off).
• [ ▲ ] switch: Turns the power on/off.

Connectors

• A PHONES jack: For headphones (stereo mini).
• B DC IN jack: For AC adaptor.
• C OUTPUT jack: For external amplified speakers (stereo 1/4" phone type).
• D USB port (USB Type-C): For computer connection (MIDI/audio) or USB flash drive updates. Does not support USB power.

03 Getting Ready to Play

Holding the AE-20 (Posture)

Hold the instrument upright using the mouthpiece, neck strap, and thumb hook. Place your left thumb on the thumb rest. Rest fingers on performance keys. Adjust neck strap for comfortable mouthpiece positioning.

Embouchure: Touch the mouthpiece with upper front teeth about 1 cm from the tip. Let the back of your lower lip touch your lower front teeth. Close your mouth to prevent air leaks. Bite strength affects pitch.

Pressing the Performance Keys: Use keys for pitch control. Side keys can be used with the inside of the hand. Refer to the "Fingering Chart" for details.

Note: Lay the unit down with performance keys upward when not in use to prevent issues.

Attaching the Band

Attach the band to prevent saliva from entering the instrument's internal mechanisms, which could cause malfunctions.

Selecting the Power Source

The AE-20 can be powered by batteries or the AC adaptor.

• Batteries: Use six AA Ni-MH batteries for approximately 6 hours of play. The power LED blinks when batteries are low. Do not use alkaline or carbon-zinc batteries.
• AC Adaptor: Connect the included AC adaptor to the DC IN jack for continuous play. Use the cord hook to secure the cable.

Note: The unit does not charge batteries; use a separate charger.

Connecting Headphones or External Speakers

Connect headphones to the PHONES jack or external speakers to the OUTPUT jack. Ensure volume is turned down before connecting.

Output Mode can be set to Mono or Stereo (refer to Parameter Guide PDF).

Turning the Power On/Off

• Turning On: Turn the volume down on the AE-20 and any connected devices. Turn the unit's [POWER] switch ON. Power on external devices and adjust volume.
• Turning Off: Turn off connected external devices. Turn the unit's [POWER] switch OFF.

Note: The Auto Off function may turn the unit off automatically. Unsaved data is lost when power is turned off.

Adjusting the Volume

Use the [VOLUME] knob to adjust the overall volume for speakers and headphones. Fine control can be achieved with breath pressure while playing.

Playing the Internal Sounds

Sounds are called "scenes." Use the [SCENE CATEGORY] knob to select categories (Synth, Woodwinds, Brass, Ethnic, etc.) and the [SCENE] buttons to select specific sounds within a category.

Note: Long-pressing [SCENE] buttons cycles through scenes within a category.

04 Playing the Instrument

How to Make Sound

Blow into the mouthpiece. Breath strength controls volume. Biting the mouthpiece affects pitch. Tonguing and breath articulation influence note attack and tone. Performance keys and octave keys control pitch and scale.

Embouchure: Similar to previous description.

Playing Techniques: Breath strength (volume/strength), tonguing/legato (attack/release speed), bite strength (pitch bend/vibrato), performance keys/octave keys (pitch, tone, vibrato).

Playing Songs

The manual includes musical notation examples for learning songs, such as Dvorak's "New World" Symphony. It provides guidance on playing style, breath control, and key articulation.

Example excerpt:

"Try playing this with an enjoyable tone (P05 Woodwinds)."

Musical notation for C4, D4, E4, F4, G4...

Musical notation for G4, A4, B4, C5...

Advice: "If the sound you make isn't stable or if you can't breathe long enough, take a deep abdominal breath."

05 Caring for the Mouthpiece

Remove and wash the mouthpiece with water after use.

1. Pull the mouthpiece straight out.
2. Wipe the outside with a soft cloth; use a cotton swab for the inside, being careful not to scratch.
3. Wipe off water drops thoroughly with a soft cloth.
4. Dry thoroughly.
5. When attaching, ensure no gap between the mouthpiece and the main unit body. Applying recorder cream can ease attachment/removal.
6. Lean the AE-20 upright (mouthpiece up) to allow internal moisture to drain from the water drain. Wipe away moisture.

Notes: Ensure correct mouthpiece orientation. Be careful of the screw projection inside. Do not bend the bite bar when removing/attaching the mouthpiece.

Other Settings

Editing the Settings of the AE-20 (Menu Screen)

Press the [MENU] button to access settings for System, Scene, Assign, and MIDI. Use [-]/[+] buttons to navigate and edit parameters. Press [MENU] to confirm changes or move to the next parameter. Press [SCENE] or turn [SCENE CATEGORY] knob to return to the scene screen.

Note: Changes can be saved or discarded before switching scenes.

Breath Resistance (Breath Settings)

Adjusts how the sound responds to breath force. Options include "Breath Curve" (sensitivity) and "Breath Adjust" (sound start threshold).

Mouthpiece Bite Strength (Bite Settings)

Controls pitch bend and vibrato based on bite pressure. Options include "Bite Ctrl Mode" (Sax, E-Wind, Off), "Bite Center" (for Sax mode), and "Bite Sense" (for E-Wind mode).

Adjusting (Calibrating) the Bite Sensor

Select "Bite Calibration" from the menu. Hold the reed, press [+] to select "YES," then press [MENU] to save. This recalibrates the bite sensor.

Changing the Fingering Settings (Fingering Mode)

Select "Fingering Mode" to choose between Sax, Recorder, E-Wind, Trumpet, Left Hand, Right Hand, Flute, and Clarinet fingerings. Refer to the "Fingering Chart" for details.

Disabling the Auto-Off Function (Auto Off)

Set "Auto Off" to "Always On" to prevent the unit from powering off automatically, or choose other intervals (5min, 30min).

Setting the Display Language (Language)

Change the display language (English, Japanese, Chinese).

Assigning Other Functions to the [VOLUME] Knob (Volume Knob Mode)

Reassign the [VOLUME] knob to control System Transpose, Speaker Volume, Output Volume, or Speaker & Output volume.

Using the AE-20 with a Smartphone

Connect via Bluetooth to play along with songs or use the dedicated "Aerophone Pro Editor" app for scene editing and remote control.

Pairing

Separate pairing is required for audio playback and app usage.

Enabling Bluetooth Functionality:

Navigate to "Bluetooth" in the menu and set it to "On."

Performing Along with a Song from Your Smartphone:

1. Enable Bluetooth on the AE-20 and smartphone.

2. On AE-20, select "BT Audio Pairing" from the menu and choose "Yes."

3. On the smartphone, select "AE-20 AUDIO" from Bluetooth devices.

Note: Bluetooth audio supports input only. Once paired, subsequent connections are automatic.

Using the AE-20 with an App:

1. Enable Bluetooth on the AE-20 and smartphone.

2. Start the "Aerophone Pro Editor" app on the smartphone.

3. Initiate pairing from within the app.

Note: Do not tap "AE-20" in the smartphone's general Bluetooth settings if connecting via the app; use the app's pairing function.

Connecting to Your Computer

Connect via USB cable for MIDI/audio transfer. Install the USB driver from the Roland website (roland.com/support) for communication.

Note: Use data transfer USB cables, not charging-only cables.

Restoring the Factory Settings

Select "Factory Reset" from the menu to return all settings to their original factory state. Confirm the action.

Storing a User Scene

Edit a preset scene using the "Aerophone Pro Editor" app and save it as a user scene. Up to 600 user scenes can be stored across 12 banks. Long-press [MENU] to access "Write Scene," select "User," choose a bank and scene number, and confirm saving.

Selecting a User Scene

Hold [SCENE](▲) and turn [SCENE CATEGORY] knob to select a user bank, then use [SCENE] buttons to choose a scene.

Clearing All User Scenes

Select "User Scene Clear" from the menu and confirm to reset all user scenes to factory defaults.

Arranging and Recalling Scenes in Order (Favorite Scene)

Register up to 12 favorite scenes (preset or user) for instant recall during performances. Refer to the "Parameter Guide" PDF for registration details.

Backing Up/Restoring the Settings

Settings and scene data can be backed up or restored. Refer to the "Parameter Guide" PDF for instructions.

Troubleshooting

Main Specifications

Note: Specifications are subject to change. Refer to the Roland website for the latest information.

Fingering Charts

The AE-20 offers various fingering modes for different playing styles and instruments:

Sax Fingering

Standard saxophone fingering. Covers notes from A3 to G5/G#5. Key combinations vary for each note.

Recorder Fingering

Uses standard recorder fingering. Side keys are disabled to prevent accidental note changes. Covers notes from A3 to E5/F5.

Electronic Wind Fingering

Custom fingering for the AE-20, utilizing keys 1-6, C, Tc, G#, C#, Ta, Tf, Eb, B, Bb. Covers notes from A3 to G5/G#5.

Trumpet Fingering

Corresponds to trumpet piston keys (1, 2, 3). Right-hand keys 4, 5, and 6 map to pistons 1, 2, and 3 respectively. Covers notes from F#3 to G5.

Left Hand Fingering

Fingering utilizing only the left hand. Covers notes from C4 to F5.

Right Hand Fingering

Fingering utilizing only the right hand. Covers notes from C4 to F5.

Flute Fingering

Standard flute fingering. Covers notes from C4 to C6/C#6.

Clarinet Fingering

Standard clarinet fingering. Covers notes from E3 to F6/F#6.