Roland Unveils New Aira MX-1 Mix Performer

Published on Jan 21, 2015 RolandChannel

"What you see in this video was all recorded live, in one take, using AIRA gear, Even the laser robot was controlled from the TR-8 and TB-3 via SBX-1.

The MX-1 Mix Performer brings together your synths, drum machines, loops, DAW tracks, and more into a single performance-optimized mixing instrument. Combining elements of a mixer, control surface, audio interface, and step-based effector, the MX-1 is designed to be the nerve center of your electronic music rig. It’s a mixer you can play – and so much more."

And the press release:

"ROLAND UNVEILS MX-1 MIX PERFORMER

Performance-Ready Mixer for AIRA Instruments, DAWs, and Other Gear

Los Angeles, CA, January 22, 2015 — Roland is pleased to introduce the MX-1 Mix Performer, a performance-optimized mixing instrument for bringing together synths, drum machines, loops, DAW tracks, AIRA gear, and more. The MX-1 can mix up to 18 audio channels from a computer, and AIRA devices are able to communicate directly via USB alongside other analog and digital gear. With its versatile input selection, intuitive layout, and numerous tempo effects with step and real-time control, the MX-1 is a unique and powerful tool for delivering spontaneous, dynamic musical performances.

Designed to function as the nerve center for a modern electronic music rig, the MX-1 is perfect for working with AIRA devices such as the TR-8, TB-3, and SYSTEM-1, as well as other music equipment. Simple to use, the MX-1 provides high-quality sound at rates up to 96 kHz, plus a wealth of mixing features optimized for real-time creativity. Master tempo control (with fine and tap functions) synchronizes the MX-1’s effects with all connected devices via USB and/or MIDI.

Up to four AIRA devices can be connected to the MX-1 via standard USB cables, making setup simple and quick. The AIRA Link USB connection provides both 96 kHz audio transfer and MIDI tempo sync information over just one cable. The MX-1 is also equipped with multiple analog inputs for connecting gear such as synths, drum machines, smartphones, tablets, and other various gadgets. A coaxial digital jack can be configured as either an input or output, and stereo send/return jacks are provided for connecting external effects units.

Each input channel on the MX-1 features a smooth level fader with six selectable volume curves, a Tone/Filter knob with ten different settings, and quick-access mutes that work with the LED-lit faders to clearly show their status, even in dark environments.
Scene memories allow users to instantly recall different mixer states that include all settings and effects configurations. The DJ-style cue function can be used to monitor input sources without affecting the main mix outputs.

With its integrated tempo-based effects, the MX-1 lets users enhance performances with dramatic, pulsing effects. Beat FX (Filter, Side Chain, and Slicer) can be applied to each channel independently, and the effect tempo is automatically synced to the clock master. The 16 TR-style step sequencer buttons allow the processing to be triggered at specific steps to create all sorts of interesting grooves. Master FX such as Scatter, Roll, Bit Crush, and others are included as well, and these can be quickly turned on or off per channel as desired.

The MX-1 integrates seamlessly with Mac and Windows computers, functioning as a high-performance, 18-channel 24-bit/96 kHz USB audio interface. MIDI over USB is also supported, allowing the MX-1 to send or receive tempo information and provide control surface functionality for music production software. Audio outputs from the computer can be mixed in the MX-1 alongside external devices to create a powerful and versatile software/hardware music system.

For more information about the MX-1 Mix Performer, visit RolandUS.com."