TAETRO Lifts the ROLI Airwave to New Heights

22. November 2025

RILEY

TAETRO Lifts the ROLI Airwave to New Heights

, , , 

Imagine playing your synths like a Jedi, waving around an invisible baton – sounds fun, right? Well, TAETRO dives into the magical world of ROLI’s Airwave, an intriguing MIDI controller that’s as futuristic as they come. From sound tests to dynamic hand gestures, this video covers all you need to know about transforming your live performances. Whether you’re curious about third-party integrations or just itching for some creative MIDI mapping tricks, this episode’s got something for every synth enthusiast.

Waving the Magic Wand

Set your imagination free with the ROLI Airwave, a gadget that turns hand gestures into magic. Picture waving your hands like you’re conducting an invisible orchestra and actually manipulating sound in real-time. TAETRO kicks off his video exploring this gadget, highlighting how it tracks your hands for creating music without physical contact. The Airwave does more than look cool; it’s engineered for musicians wanting to add visual flair to their performances.

This looks like a really simple piece of gear, but what it does is actually a little bit magical.

"This looks like a really simple piece of gear, but what it does is actually a little bit magical."

© Screenshot/Quote: Taetro (YouTube)

Sounds of the Future

TAETRO doesn’t just scratch the surface; he dives right into a detailed sound test of the Airwave. You could almost feel the groove as he goes through various electronic music performances, showcasing just how versatile this controller is. Whether you’re making beats for a packed club or crafting ambient tunes for a chill evening, the Airwave plays well with all sorts. It’s a relief to see high-quality sound that doesn’t involve the mind-numbing setup hurdles usual with avant-garde gear. Testing both vocals and beats, TAETRO shows that this thing is no one-trick pony.


Hands in the Air: Gestures Galore

TAETRO walks us through the different gestures you can use with the Airwave – it’s like a choreography class for your fingertips. You can raise, tilt, glide, and grasp, each motion creating a unique twist on your sound. He explains the hand motion control over parameters, opening up a whole new creative universe. These aren’t just fancy poses; each gesture is tied to a specific control, showing that precision doesn’t need buttons or dials. With the ability to adjust and fine-tune the gestures, artists can create a truly personalized performance.


Collaboration Beyond Boundaries

That kind of never gets old.

"That kind of never gets old."

© Screenshot/Quote: Taetro (YouTube)

When it comes to gear flexibility, the Airwave doesn’t stop at its own front door. TAETRO makes it clear that this baby’s got wings, working smoothly with third-party MIDI controllers. From Novation Launchkey Mini to Akai MPK Mini IV, it dances with them all only requiring a quick calibration. It’s like a party where everyone is invited, just adjust the settings, and you’re good to go. The seamless integration into any setup makes the Airwave not just a piece but a peace-maker in your live rig, adapting itself to whatever gear you’ve got lying around.

Mad MIDI Mapping

TAETRO takes us through creative MIDI mapping possibilities with the Airwave. It’s like watching a beat magician at work—no rabbits or hats, just hands and air. He guides viewers through custom setups, using the Airwave to control performance effects and even synths directly. With the right mapping, performances can become something truly unique, showing the controller’s capacity to move beyond traditional limitations. His examples turn complex concepts into approachable chunks, making it obvious that TAETRO’s got a knack for teaching with clarity and style.


Keeping It Real

The Airwave might seem like a dream come true, but TAETRO reveals its quirks, especially in live settings. One significant issue could be gesture interference during looping sessions—a little glitch here and there can disrupt the flow. It turns out, you need to be almost zen-level calm to keep everything in sync. Despite these challenges, users willing to practice and nail their settings can take advantage of this tool to elevate their live sets. TAETRO’s honest take on the practical challenges makes the Airwave feel less like a toy and more like a serious instrument needing respect and rehearsal.

The Airwave might seem like a dream come true, but TAETRO reveals its quirks.

"The Airwave might seem like a dream come true, but TAETRO reveals its quirks."

© Screenshot/Quote: Taetro (YouTube)

A Niche Tool with Broad Potential

It's not the piece of gear that everybody needs, but I can guarantee if you've got your hands on it, you would have a lot of fun with it.

"It's not the piece of gear that everybody needs, but I can guarantee if you've got your hands on it, you would have a lot of fun with it."

© Screenshot/Quote: Taetro (YouTube)

To wrap it all up, TAETRO paints the Airwave as a niche product suited for those looking to mix things up in their performances. It’s not the everyday piece of gear for everyone, but for those who crave unique experiences, it’s a ticket to the future. While it might not find a spot in every studio, it certainly excels on stage. TAETRO’s deep dive encourages viewers to weigh in with their own thoughts on this unconventional musical tool, turning the comment section into a lively forum of synth discussions.

This article is also available in German. Read it here: https://synthmagazin.at/taetro-hebt-den-roli-airwave-auf-neue-hoehen/

Latest articles


Watch on YouTube:
Visit the channel:
https://www.youtube.com/Taetro

Links from Taetro: