I like the Roland company. They have a history of making great products. Roland Keyboards, Keyboard Amps, Sound modules, and of course the Roland V-Drums. However, their Aerophone is a rather questionable entry for the company. They are now doubling down on the Aerophone, introducing the Aerophone GO. I think this is their attempt to get into the “mobile space”. Or musician who is “on the go” and just has to have something to play or record when out and about. I’m not really convinced that is really what happens out in the real world but whatever.
Basically, this would be like the Akai USB EWI where you need to tether the device to some sort of computer or “mobile device”. It isn’t “soundless”, and comes with a whopping 11 preset sounds with more available if you pair it with a smart phone. The mobile app also allows you to take a song slow it down or loop it, which could be valuable for learning songs.
The most interesting thing is the addition of Bluetooth LE and the ability to do midi over it. The Roland Aerophone AE-10 does not have this. Akai’s EWIs do not have this. And do we even need to mention Yamaha at this point? Anyone……No?. Midi over Bluetooth is a huge plus for this device, making it a great potential device for controlling software synth rigs (think Omnisphere on a mini PC controlled by the Aerophone). Adding midi to something like an Akai 4000s using Wireless MIDI Interface mi.1 [Rev.3] is dodgy at best.