This video, via Roland, is a hands-on tutorial, demonstrating the Roland MX-1 Aira Mix Performer.
Roland describes the MX-1 Mix Performer as ‘a performance-oriented mixing instrument’. The MX-1 Mix Performer is designed to bring together your synths, drum machines, loops, DAW tracks and more, with a focus on live performance and interaction.
Features:
- 18 channel performance mixer with step-sequenced FX, transport, and tempo control
- Three kinds of step-sequenced Beat FX (Filter, Side Chain, Slicer) with TR-style buttons
- Six kinds of Master FX (48 variations) with large performance control knob
- Beat FX and Master FX can be applied to any or all inputs; Beat FX are per channel
- Combi mode rhythmically alternates the Master FX using the step-sequencer
- Four AIRA Link USB ports support audio, MIDI, sync, and bus power (on Port 3) for AIRA gear
- Mix mode provides six analog, one digital (stereo), four AIRA (stereo) , and two PC channels through mixer and FX
- External mode provides 18 channels from DAW through mixer and FX (all inputs direct to DAW)
- Control Surface mode for full DAW control via MIDI
- DJ-style cue monitoring, quick mutes, and six fader curves per channel
- Per-channel Tone/Filter knob with ten kinds of EQs, filters, and isolators
- Transport and tempo control with fine, shuffle, and tap-tempo functions
- Instantly save and recall complete setups including all FX configurations
The Roland MX-1 Mix Performer is available now for US $599. See the Roland site for more info.
I’ll take an Octatrack any day over a device like this. Maybe I’d feel differently if I was performing in a club.
You do realize this is kind of a different thing. Pardon me while I go sequence my tuba.
well… it tries to emulate a narrow band of the octatrack’s functionality, at an inferior level and price. the point is that anything the mx-1 does, you can do with an octatrack, except for the desktop-tethered stuff.
i’d certainly prefer a tuba over this any day.
A mackie mixer and cheap outboard fx beats this hands down. I like Aira gear and bought some but this is not really making any sense to me.
Brandon could you please elaborate on exactly why a mackie mixer and some cheap outboard fx is better than this?
There’s very little that this can do that you could do with a typical mixer – that’s obvious to anyone that reads the specs.
Maybe you just don’t like/need what this does?
I’m with Alex, had a choice between this and the octotrack, very. Pleased I chose the octotrack!
Don’t get all the hate on this. It seems like a pretty sensible setup, that’ll do duty as an audio interface, live mixer, midi control surface & FX unit. $599’s a bit steep, but when you compare it to the separate costs, (IE 18 mixer: ~$250, 18 channel audio interface: ~$300…) it doesn’t seem that bad, and has some interesting features. I won’t be buying one, as my budget’s more in the £0-30 mark, but I can see the use for it.
where do you see 18 channels on the mx-1? good luck with accessing/controlling those, haha.
If this setup is so revolutionary and self sufficient, then why is there a laptop on the table?
That’s so Noughties.
Aside from that, the Mx-1 would be a contender, if it had more analog inputs. The way it is, it’s just an AIRA hub.
I was under the impression that the MX1’s strength is that you could simultaneously mix Aira modules, DAW tracks and external gear and also have the bonus of sequencing effects and scaling down the Aira modules resolution from 96K to 44.1k or 48k. I would imagine for some users, these points would be quite useful
Glad to see a device like this finally show up. There’s definitely a market for “performance mixers,” however this one has missed the mark for me in a lot of ways. Really hoping Elektron puts out something like this.
I have it set up with Some submixers to further expand the inputs, so 3 volca’s on one channel and two teenage engineering drum and bass units in another. Off course the Aira link is great, no messing with drivers just plug in and play! My setup includes a bass station2 3 volcas 2 teenage engineering units, All the Aira stuff, a stereo connection for iPad or anything like that, outboard fx Pioneer rmx1000, and its All controlled with this one unit. So i disagree with the Notion that you cant connect enough synths, its just how you organise it All. The MX1 is a very versitile mix-fx-box that gives me back Some overview over my performance. I think its best seen as a live performance machine, and maybe less as a studio mixer.
Been using the MX1 for a while now and can say it’s a damn fine machine. I’m a 32 year synth veteran and know my stuff. I have 6 separate devices connected at the minute. Also have a cheap alto mixer going in on a stereo pair so I could have a lots more going in. The FX are great. Faders are great quality and the sound at 48k is crystal clear. It’s not an SSL G series and never will be so, bearing in mind I’m not writing global hits….? The Aira gear is high volume gear and is great fun. I have fun when I play music???
Being veteran of synths I bought the System1, 303 and TR8 and sold them all. When you sell the System 1 you cant transfer the sound modules you paid for. Keep that in mind.
I was excited about this and bought it the first day it came out. At first I was a bit underwhelmed. My main interest was live performance with other hardware units. BS2, TR8, ULTRANova, Boss rc 505, microbrute, new Electribe. After the first few days I was planning on sending it back but something made me keep it. That something is the fact that I was having so much fun just playing music. It is genuinely FUN! I’ve been making music for awhile and I can easily do everything in the box.
I started with crazy hardware setups and I’ve been missing it for awhile. It’s not to the point yet where I can make exactly what I want to make on this hardware as opposed to Ableton and Maschiene and plug-ins, but it’s definitely a lot more fun. I’m currently trying to figure out how to connect guitar fx pedals to the aux outs.
Anyway, I’m diggin it but I still feel like there’s something missing.
I bought my MX-1 as soon as it came out to the US and haven’t regretted the decision one bit. Being I’m a big Roland guy and that I had already purchased the entire AIRA line, it made sense to add this. To me, it’s like a additional instrument. The seamless way to jump into efx and filter every channel. Live, I’ve completely grooved a party to the point I had people asking me how I played those efx or how I was doing what I was doing. Connected to my MX1 in my home studio- TR8, TB3, VT3, SYS1, Roland GAIA, Korg Volca Bass, Korg Volca Keys, Korg Volca Sample, the new Korg Electribe, the 3 new Teenage Engineering Pocket Operators PO12,14,16, Dave Smith Poly Evolver Keys, Akai MPC 2000XL, Korg Kaossilator Pro, Korg Kaosspad 3, Doefper Dark Energy 1, Red Sound Darkstar, and a pair of Technics 1200MK2’s. I also have a Mackie ProFX 22. Everything but the Darkstar, Technics 1200’s, Korg Kaossilator/Kaosspad, is connected to the MX1. It has added so much to a live show. I would tell you, if you haven’t tried one out yet, you can’t really speak on it. Btw, I’m looking to add Elektron instruments as well. I want the A4 keys
Hi Paul,
Where do you plug the Volcas in the MX-1?
I just received my MX-1 and I am super excited about it. Just so people aren’t confused, this is not a sampler nor is it a sequencer. If you are looking for those types of machines, look elsewhere. (Octatrack is a great option)
As a performance mixer, this thing nails it. I have two aira pieces(tr8 and SYstem1), a microbrute, a mininova, and connected to Cakewalk. Using this I can mix all of those elements and apply the sequenced effects in real time. Freaking awesome.
In the studio, I have an entirely different setup. Recording is a different beast to performing or composing. This totally fits the bill for performing.