I haven't had it long enough to write a thorough review. However, it would've been great if there was a spare sound bank or two which would allow you, via their app, to add a preferred sound/tone to the instrument. Playing different sounds via the app using Bluetooth works but is laggy as hell, which would make it very difficult indeed to use as a gigging instrument.I don't know why the mouthpiece had to be like a reed when the instrument plays just by blowing into it. I have caught my lip on the imitation reed a few times - which wasn't pleasant. I would have preferred the mouth piece being similar to that of a penny whistle or recorder.I'll probably get to grips with it more after about a week.The instrument doesn't come with any case - which is a bit of a ... MoreI haven't had it long enough to write a thorough review. However, it would've been great if there was a spare sound bank or two which would allow you, via their app, to add a preferred sound/tone to the instrument. Playing different sounds via the app using Bluetooth works but is laggy as hell, which would make it very difficult indeed to use as a gigging instrument.I don't know why the mouthpiece had to be like a reed when the instrument plays just by blowing into it. I have caught my lip on the imitation reed a few times - which wasn't pleasant. I would have preferred the mouth piece being similar to that of a penny whistle or recorder.I'll probably get to grips with it more after about a week.The instrument doesn't come with any case - which is a bit of a bummer. Even a cheap plastic zip bag with a strap would've been appreciated.

87% satisfied especially at new price point!

I'm not super impressed with the onboard samples, but the included reverb helps 100%! No 2 or 3 Octave shift is a bummer! Not a deal killer for the price. I did find that some of the 6 sampled instruments did not reach as high a range as they should. This is not a problem when controlling external gear as DAW's allow MIDI register changes. Oh, and don't expect to execute any fast passages connecting bluetooth. It's fun but not as latency free as the Aerophone's direct usb in/out! I found the Aerophone much easier to play than my Akai EWI-1000. It's as easy to playand convient to hold as the old, innovative Casio DH100 (What took you so long Roland?). Great,as I write this, it would have even been better at its' latest 'lower price'. At this new price point, it's a ... MoreI'm not super impressed with the onboard samples, but the included reverb helps 100%! No 2 or 3 Octave shift is a bummer! Not a deal killer for the price. I did find that some of the 6 sampled instruments did not reach as high a range as they should. This is not a problem when controlling external gear as DAW's allow MIDI register changes. Oh, and don't expect to execute any fast passages connecting bluetooth. It's fun but not as latency free as the Aerophone's direct usb in/out! I found the Aerophone much easier to play than my Akai EWI-1000. It's as easy to playand convient to hold as the old, innovative Casio DH100 (What took you so long Roland?). Great,as I write this, it would have even been better at its' latest 'lower price'. At this new price point, it's a no-brainer. Buy it, you'll really like it!

Easiest Instrument to Learn

As someone that plays an Alto Saxophone, Guitar, Bass, and Keyboard, this product lives up to the claim of one of the easiest instruments to play. If you can play basic notes on a Recorder, this will be even easier as the notes are synthesized and you don’t have to worry about intonation. Would like to note that this is a standalone unit that can make sounds on its own and not need auxiliary software to run (compare to an Akai EWIFGThe mouthpiece that came with the product is the updated “straw” type mouthpiece and not the synthetic reed familiar to those that play reed instruments. The mouthpiece is initially a tight fit, so I recommend some silicone oil to ease removal for cleaning.Three negatives: First, there is no way to clean the drain tube within the ... MoreAs someone that plays an Alto Saxophone, Guitar, Bass, and Keyboard, this product lives up to the claim of one of the easiest instruments to play. If you can play basic notes on a Recorder, this will be even easier as the notes are synthesized and you don’t have to worry about intonation. Would like to note that this is a standalone unit that can make sounds on its own and not need auxiliary software to run (compare to an Akai EWIFGThe mouthpiece that came with the product is the updated “straw” type mouthpiece and not the synthetic reed familiar to those that play reed instruments. The mouthpiece is initially a tight fit, so I recommend some silicone oil to ease removal for cleaning.Three negatives: First, there is no way to clean the drain tube within the instrument without taking the instrument apart (one website has shown how to do this-not recommended that you do it), so make sure you brush your teeth or rinse out your mouth before playing. Second, the mechanism exposed when the mouthpiece is removed appears fragile, so take care when you air out the instrument after play. Last, the speaker, while clear, is just a small speaker, so don’t hold any high expectations of it (it also has a very slight hum out of the box, but none when plugged in to an external speaker).Would highly recommend as a first instrument to aspiring wind players for ease of play, as a writing/composing tool for more advanced players (easy to transpose the key), and for anyone looking for a portable wind instrument you can tailor to whatever you usually play.

Good Intro to Wind Instruments

I'm a synth player who bought this to try wind instruments for the first time since the recorder in middle school 40 years ago. It actually is as easy to play as everyone claims and, with the tutorial app, I could hack out a song or improvise something. It also works well with my synth to play synth sounds and chords using MIDI over USB and routing through the DAW, which is something I wanted to experiment with.After two weeks, there are two things I don't love. First is the reliance on the app to cut out the built-in sound. This means an extra step to use it with MIDI and not have sound coming out of the Aerophone speaker. You have to pair it with the app and switch to app sounds to cut off the internal speaker, even if you have no intention of playing through ... MoreI'm a synth player who bought this to try wind instruments for the first time since the recorder in middle school 40 years ago. It actually is as easy to play as everyone claims and, with the tutorial app, I could hack out a song or improvise something. It also works well with my synth to play synth sounds and chords using MIDI over USB and routing through the DAW, which is something I wanted to experiment with.After two weeks, there are two things I don't love. First is the reliance on the app to cut out the built-in sound. This means an extra step to use it with MIDI and not have sound coming out of the Aerophone speaker. You have to pair it with the app and switch to app sounds to cut off the internal speaker, even if you have no intention of playing through the app. There is no volume off on the device. (Alternatively, you could plug-in a dummy headphone connector but to me that looks stupid hanging out of the side.)The second problem is that Roland went a tiny bit cheap here and didn't include any display -- so the device beeps every time you change a setting like volume or instrument voice. This seems like a very bad design decision for a musical instrument, which should not make any noises unless I'm playing and mars the otherwise excellent build quality.I've been a huge Roland fan for years and if you like this gear and want to learn wind instruments (or already know them), I'm sure this will add variety and enjoyment to your repertoire.

It gets the job done

I’ve been in the tech industry for many years. As a piece of tech the AE-01 works very well. It sends MIDI to my Mac, iPad, and iPhone, both wirelessly and via USB. USB to iOS needs an adapter from Apple. The iOS app works well. The AE-01 works as a MIDI controller with GarageBand and other apps. It also receives Bluetooth audio from Mac, iPad, and iPhone. It looks well built, like it will last a while.I am a beginner at wind instruments, with only a little bit of trumpet experience in elementary school. As an instrument the AE-01 works. I can play this thing a little bit, and from my trumpet experience I understand I will need a lot of practice to become competent. I can practice with headphones and not disturb my neighbors. The tutorial on the iPad app is ... MoreI’ve been in the tech industry for many years. As a piece of tech the AE-01 works very well. It sends MIDI to my Mac, iPad, and iPhone, both wirelessly and via USB. USB to iOS needs an adapter from Apple. The iOS app works well. The AE-01 works as a MIDI controller with GarageBand and other apps. It also receives Bluetooth audio from Mac, iPad, and iPhone. It looks well built, like it will last a while.I am a beginner at wind instruments, with only a little bit of trumpet experience in elementary school. As an instrument the AE-01 works. I can play this thing a little bit, and from my trumpet experience I understand I will need a lot of practice to become competent. I can practice with headphones and not disturb my neighbors. The tutorial on the iPad app is helpful.One complaint I have is with the mouthpiece. Buying the simpler OP-AE01MP mouthpiece solved that complaint. The AE-01 comes with a mouthpiece like a clarinet or saxophone mouthpiece. It has a plastic “reed” that you can bite down on. Biting the “reed” controls the sound in more expensive models, but does nothing in the AE-01. Using the simple mouthpiece without a reed is much easier for me, and I don’t lose any functionality.

Latency they don't tell you about.

As a stand alone instrument it's pretty basic and expensive but, with the free app there is much more to the AE-01. However, there is an issue with latency while using the app which makes it useless as an instrument for live situations. Fine for playing at home once you get use to it but an expensive toy.

Part of this product don't match with the product photo

The photos of this product are not accurate.On the photos you see aerophone with the mouthpiece model OP-AE05MPH and that exactly what I wanted to buy.But I received an aerophone with mouthpiece model OP-AE01MP.I don't know how it was mixed up, because there is only one model AEROPHONE MINI DIGITAL WIND INSTRUMENT. And the description doesn't say what mouthpiece you will receive. But it can be clearly seen in the photos.The customer service is terrible, can't answer my questions and solve this problem. I just want the right mouthpiece (the one that's on the photo), but they can't send this part to me. And if I'll make an exchange of whole product I can receive the same problem because they can't guarantee that this aerophone with mouthpiece OP-AE05MPH as on ... MoreThe photos of this product are not accurate.On the photos you see aerophone with the mouthpiece model OP-AE05MPH and that exactly what I wanted to buy.But I received an aerophone with mouthpiece model OP-AE01MP.I don't know how it was mixed up, because there is only one model AEROPHONE MINI DIGITAL WIND INSTRUMENT. And the description doesn't say what mouthpiece you will receive. But it can be clearly seen in the photos.The customer service is terrible, can't answer my questions and solve this problem. I just want the right mouthpiece (the one that's on the photo), but they can't send this part to me. And if I'll make an exchange of whole product I can receive the same problem because they can't guarantee that this aerophone with mouthpiece OP-AE05MPH as on the photo.

Really good for relearning the

Really good for relearning the recorder fingerings for old guy (80 yrs) with arthritis . The onboard loudspeaker a bit tinny but using speakers or earphones sounds very authentic in the various modes. I particularly like the trumpet mode and have bought a book of trumpet music to enjoy on it. A real pleasure to enjoy playing music and also good for coordination of brain, eyes and fingers and keeping fingers supple.

Review of Roland Aerophone Mini Digital Wind Synthesizer

I can't really fault the Aerophone Mini as it is. However. I recommend listening to the tones via decent headphones or, better still, through a 'clean' amplifier.There is one major fault and that is with the manual. It does not state that you can use the USB cable to play instruments via a tablet or computer. The manual tells the user to use Bluetooth. This is not always possible.Roland UK pointed out that the cable can be used instead of Bluetooth. You may need to purchase a female usb to micro usb connector. Mine cost less than £2.

The booklet provided is too

The booklet provided is too small to use easily and the necessity of having to download an app on a device that I don't possess is frustrating. I should be able to access a teaching video on my computer. The keys make a lot of noise when being played. The notation is easy and once you get used to playing up or down an octave by using the left hand thumb it really is a pretty easy instrument to play. Wish it had the oboe sound on the instrument rather than the saw lead.