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Benefits of owning ALL AIRA modules?

Posted: 22:32, 7 May 2017
by flyingace
I own the TR-8, TB-3 and MX-1. I'm loving them and how well they work together so well. I'm about to buy the VT-3 and System-1. Are there benefits to using all AIRA products or should I invest my money elsewhere? I am also using the GAIA and Teenage Engineering OP-1 along with my Studio Live 16.0.2, Roland Juno Stage, Roland D-50, Roland SH-32 and a Mac with Logic Pro X and Ableton Live Intro. What do you guys think? Any advice?

Re: Benefits of owning ALL AIRA modules?

Posted: 17:51, 16 May 2017
by Tom_1970
I started with a TR-8 and TB-3.
I thought the System-1 had a very nice synth engine, but I hated the keybed and I also was starting with modular.
I was impressed by the MX-1, but with only two instruments with Aira Link I hesitated to purchase one.
In the end I did and then the System-1m was came out and also the modular FX units.
With some updates also my Jupiter-80 and FA-06 and boutiques could be plugged in via Aira Link and of course the System-8.

The initial overkill of USB channels of the MX-1 vanished and now I'm running short of Aira channels.

The big advantage of Aira stuff is how it all works together. One press on the start button of the MX-1 and the whole setup starts doing it's thing.
Sure there are other ways to accomplish this, but I like how easy and well it works with Aira.

For me that's not the main reason I got Aira stuff.
The most important thing for me is that they sound very good and are very nice to work with.
I love the sound of The system-8 and really am impressed by the interface.
The VT-3 for me isn't very interesting. The System-8 vocoder covers my needs for vocal processing.

So in the end for me it's all about sound and workflow.
I am not a particular fanboy when it comes to Roland, but I really like their recent instruments.

So my advice would be. Buy a VT-3 if that is what you need or want, but not because it's Aira.
On the System 1 I would advice the same, although Aira Link can be very handy together with the MX-1.
If you don't need the keys of the System-1 maybe a System-1m is interesting for you. The modular possibilities are very nice to my opinion.
If you have te money, the System-8 is a no brainer.

Re: Benefits of owning ALL AIRA modules?

Posted: 18:06, 16 May 2017
by flyingace
Thanks, I pulled the trigger and have the VT-3 and System-1 on the way. For the time being that will have to do. I'd LOVE to get the System-8 for sure. Sadly, I sold my Jupiter 80 last year and miss it constantly! Now that I own the MX-1, it would have been great.

I, too, love the way they work and sound over just wanting them because they match or are roland. I only wish my GAIA (which has USB Audio) was compatible but as you know, trying to get Roland to support older equipment is like pulling teeth. :( Even though, technically the GAIA is still in production, I think.

As of now, I am enjoying the TB-3 and TR-8 along with the MX-1 immensely and with MIDI, it's clocking my other gear (minus the OP-1). I'm using the Digital input using an A/D converter but channels 2 & 4 aren't available when using stereo. Now I"ll have all 4 USB channels filled and that just leaves the computer that I have yet to dig into hooking up. I'm currently using Logic Pro X for recording but also own the Intro version of Ableton Live, although I've never liked using it. With the MX-1 I'm going to give it another try.

Again, thanks for your perspective! If you have an tips... pLease! :)

Re: Benefits of owning ALL AIRA modules?

Posted: 05:53, 3 August 2017
by row111
System-8 versus System-1 might be a really great idea.

Either way, the multi-component idea is good because you get what you want -- and you can apply this idea to keyboard -- I don't have System-8, but as I have noted elsewhere, I easily connected a CME keyboard with a really nice feel to my S-1 - a bit of tech but best of both worlds.

So, maybe figure out the keyboard you really like, and add that in, regardless of other equipment.

Re: Benefits of owning ALL AIRA modules?

Posted: 06:03, 3 August 2017
by flyingace
Well, I shook things up since I posted this. I sold the TB-3 and JD-Xi, returned the VT-3 and bought the System-8 AND a JD-XA! I still have the System-1 but it's for sale. Unfortunately, my Reverb.com sales seem to have stalled out due to (likely) back to school spending time, but I'm still thinking of getting rid of it eventually. I also have the JD-XA back up for sale. It's immensely awesome but it's a bit much for my set up. After I got the System-8 and how incredible it is, I just haven't been digging into the JD-XA (and it's DEEP, requires a lot of time to work on, understand and use). We'll see, it sounds amazing... I guess I just need to get off my ass and start making music FFS!