Roland Aira MX-1

senor-bling · 2022-09-12T23:15:26.200Z

For the folks with no Virus, another tip to expand the channels of an MX-1 is to get a used Focusrite 6i6 or 8i6. Sometimes people sell them for cheap with a broken headphone port, which you probably won’t need anyway for this use case. Those have digital I/O and work standalone once configured. Set them to the sample rate the MX-1 is using, connect via SPDIF and now you’ve got a bunch of additional channels, albeit down mixed to 2. Not necessarily a problem if you chose the instruments wisely. And the Focusrites have preamps better suited for guitar or vocals than the digital preamps of the MX-1. Win.

Oxenholme · 2022-10-09T12:10:43.196Z

As this is the most recent thread concerning the og AIRA’s, I just saw a second hand System-1 pop up for 600 euros with the decription that it’s supposed to be ‘rare’ now and I was like, uhhh?
So after a tiny bit of investigation it seems the whole V1 line is discontinued now. MX-1, TR-8, System-1, TB-3 and VT-3. I still own all of them, so I’ll defo keep a hold of them now

1m is still available btw.

captain8 · 2022-10-10T00:11:42.912Z

what is the 1m?

senor-bling · 2022-10-10T00:48:18.684Z

System-1M, the module/rack version.

ddiamond84 · 2022-12-08T06:31:13.778Z

Man I hope they release another version one day.

This is probably my favorite piece of gear I own. I love the effects, how easy it is to use, how playable it is, it’s just perfect for me.

The tx-6 and bluebox are really fun but so far this is still my favorite.

Anyone have any other mixer suggestions that are fun and playable?

CCMP · 2022-12-08T08:05:18.836Z

ddiamond84:

Anyone have any other mixer suggestions that are fun and playable?

First off, I still think the MX-1 is unique and unparalleled, and really good value.

A 1010 Bluebox controlled by a Novation Launch Control XL takes up less space than the MX-1. That can be configured to be really performative and fun, but takes a bit of set up.

The best fun/performative mixer I’ve had/got is the Allen and Heath Xone DB4.
Live looping, beat matching, 4 fully-fledged multi-fx engines, great filters, superb routing matrix. More money than an MX-1, but worth it IMO.

ddiamond84 · 2022-12-08T08:25:33.840Z

Wow, that’s high praise! Gonna look into it right now!

Bourn · 2022-12-08T09:18:13.662Z

It’s frustrating the lack of modern usb compliant performance mixers on the market excluding dj mixers. Guess there’s not enough market for it. But you see lots of requests for it on numerous forums.

Towly · 2022-12-08T09:33:13.178Z

ddiamond84:

Man I hope they release another version one day.

yep. thinking about buying one but since they are out of stock in many shops i have hopes for a new version in the future…

CCMP · 2022-12-08T09:43:39.272Z

I’d love a less ‘Roland’ version of the MX-1… you know the quirkiness that comes with all the ‘shortcuts’ and the aesthetic that they never seem to do well, and the toy-like quality, and the 60mm faders.

Who could do it though?
Elektron seem to have a lot of the tech, think about the Octatrack and Digis mix facilities… bigger box, some faders.

Think of it in these terms;
Roland=TR8S
Elektron=Syntakt (or Rytm)

Roland=MX-1
Elektron=??

What would that look like?

Who else?
Novation?
Tascam?

I wish someone would step up.

darenager · 2022-12-08T10:08:55.190Z

Bourn:

But you see lots of requests for it on numerous forums.

Yes and for at least 10 years now….

Behringer could easily make one, BRC build quality and at a reasonable price point, they have the technology and facilities.

ddiamond84 · 2022-12-09T01:40:09.155Z

Could you talk about any more specifics that make the db4 more fun than the mx-1? I’m very close to pulling the trigger on one, it gets such high praise and the idea of it being super playable sounds great to me.

Would love any more feedback!

Starscream · 2022-12-09T01:50:51.301Z

I think there is some overlap between MC-707 and MX-1 so I’d take the former if I had to pick a first. That said a new MX wouldn’t level up the appeal unless some new functions or features are introduced. Come on you Rolands.

Bourn · 2022-12-09T02:17:41.546Z

I don’t believe there’s not a single company that doesn’t see the potential on this type of product. We see you Elektron.

Jacob · 2022-12-09T03:10:55.408Z

The response I’ve come across is that the Octatrack is Elektron’s performance mixer but I’m with you, there’s a huge gap in the market especially considering the hardware explosion over the past decade…

senor-bling · 2022-12-09T05:27:33.113Z

Jacob:

[…] but I’m with you, there’s a huge gap in the market especially considering the hardware explosion over the past decade…

Yeah, right? I’m wondering about this as well. I mean, it’s taken a while to get modern midi routers after the Great Hardware Extinction. Also “serious” multitrack hardware sequencers were basically the unobtainable Circlon and not much else. Maybe desktop line/performance mixers are next.

Probably hard to get the feature list right and solve the USB nightmare* since having a bunch of USB audio channels seems like a must have.

*(buggy client implementations, sample rates, latency, power via USB, “ground loops”, Midi pass through).

CCMP · 2022-12-09T12:54:16.922Z

ddiamond84:

Could you talk about any more specifics that make the db4 more fun than the mx-1?

It’s hard to know where to begin tbh… and it probably depends on what you want to connect to it.

You have four (stereo) channels, each with its own looper, eq/filter section and multi-fx section… so the possibilities of these are vast straight away.
But, the inputs are routable, so say so you have Digitakt plugged into Ch 1 of the DB4, you can get a pattern going and loop it, then a flick of a switch routes the DT to Ch 2 where you can do something else… get that looping, move to Ch 3 with it, etc.
Not forgetting it’s a DJ mixer, so you can cue mix your next parts away from the main mix and bring it in how you want to.

I’d watch some YouTube videos on it to get an idea… it’ll seem daunting without one in front of you, but, honestly, it’s really intuitive when you get your hands on it.

The main issue with the DB4 to be aware of though is that it won’t run after a certain MacOS (I think it’s Catalina), so if you’re looking to use it’s USB audio side, bare that in mind. But, just as a standalone mixer, filter bank, 4x fx processor, it’s worth it.

ddiamond84 · 2022-12-12T07:04:33.973Z

Thank you! This makes a lot of sense and sounds super unique. I can see why that’s special…they’re pretty expensive now huh?

ddiamond84 · 2022-12-16T06:04:50.755Z

I bought one new, it was the only new one I was able to find. Cost a lot!! But I’m paying it over time. It arrived today and I haven’t opened it yet.

I’m really excited, you did a great job of explaining it and selling me on it. I’ll let you know what I think after using it, I’m pretty excited considering how much I love the mx-1!

ddiamond84 · 2022-12-16T06:06:16.490Z

This video blows my mind, it seems like it’s ALL the mixer and only the mixer. What it does to this one beat is pretty mind blowing!!

@DaveMech your videos have been a big inspiration as well! Do you still use/love the db4?