Roland J-6 AIRA Compact: Serious Musical Instrument OR Expensive Toy?

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  • Опубліковано 14 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 111

  • @sjpachica3
    @sjpachica3 2 роки тому +89

    Imagine how many people are going to get into the synth/music making game because Roland made a budget friendly, portable, unintimidating synth and drum machine. People can hate it all they want, but there's a market and a purpose for these. The AIRA Compact line is gonna sell very well.

    • @jumpingman8160
      @jumpingman8160 2 роки тому +6

      Just wait for the Behringer mini synths. Some will sell at 99 bucks.

    • @BSpazTs
      @BSpazTs 2 роки тому +1

      Im anticipating this lil beast chord monster . Not a toy at all when used in tandum with all my poly synths .

    • @shaft9000
      @shaft9000 2 роки тому +1

      People don't get into something and stick with it because a corporation makes it cheap.
      Time is money. It's why an instrumentalist will gladly pay 10x for a custom instrument that is only 1-10% better than a mass-produced one - because of all the time they will spend with it(!!!)

    • @jumpingman8160
      @jumpingman8160 2 роки тому +10

      @@shaft9000 that's some serious BS that needs evidence

    • @sjpachica3
      @sjpachica3 2 роки тому +9

      @@shaft9000 You're an absolute genius. Yes the majority of beginners start out buying a thousand+ dollar synth. Your family must be proud of how smart you are.. 🤣🤣

  • @donparkison4617
    @donparkison4617 2 роки тому +36

    You missed the entire point of that machine. The sound engine is secondary to the chord progression and arpeggio possibilities. Combine that with the fact that you can drive software synths with it, you are really getting a songwriting tool that happens to have some Juno sounds onboard.

    • @e-conrecords4665
      @e-conrecords4665 2 роки тому +10

      Exactly. I'm driving my Virus & Hydrasynth with it. Freaking amazing!

    • @MeeperDude45
      @MeeperDude45 2 роки тому +5

      the sound engine isn't that bad. it sounds great.

    • @hairyhunk44
      @hairyhunk44 2 роки тому +3

      Right on!

    • @donparkison4617
      @donparkison4617 2 роки тому +5

      @@MeeperDude45 Im sure it sounds great (I havent gotten mine yet due to backorder). The criticism is that you cant control it at the granular level. Understandable, but if you need that level of sound design, just drive another polysynth with it. :-)

    • @craigtracy4396
      @craigtracy4396 2 роки тому +7

      100% agree. The reviewer seems like a nice fella, but entirely missed the fact that this is a compositional tool 1st (think Conductive Labs NDLR), with a pithy but half-useful synth 2nd. The power of the synth engine is clearly not the selling point. The ‘power’ is in the compositional tools (chord sequencer & quirky arps) that make it unique and a must-have for some. Yeah, poor review. Entirely missed the point of it.

  • @dachanist
    @dachanist 2 роки тому +16

    I got a j6 today to go with my reface cp and yc. The eventual goal for the refaces was to have a left hand comping instrument to go with my trumpet which is my instrument of most proficiency. For that reason, a chord/arp synth is the perfect left hand only ambient box. The simplicity and sound are why I bought it. Not everything has to be on hard mode all the time.

  • @synthetic24
    @synthetic24 2 роки тому +30

    Just because everything is getting smaller these days doesn't mean it's all toys. Welcome to the modern world.

    • @piercegauge5800
      @piercegauge5800 Рік тому

      True. I just bought the drum machine and sequencer. They work well and I'm able to get practical use out of it. I wish they were sturdier though. A thicker plastic would easy my mind a bit.

    • @piercegauge5800
      @piercegauge5800 Рік тому

      That's what makes it feel like a toy.

  • @alexwestconsulting
    @alexwestconsulting 2 роки тому +20

    The thing about the J6 is that not a single reviewer uses it as a sound module, way too engrossed in its arpeggiator. As a stand -alone arpeggiator, it fills a needed hole in the market. Even my NDLR doesn’t quite fill it. The acb is just a very nice addition. But I’d want one even without the acb.

    • @jmoffitt36
      @jmoffitt36 2 роки тому +3

      Already pre ordered along with new volca fm 2. They should play nice together. Really like the flow Super simple to make harmonies/progressions on the fly. . Really can't wait to use it to control other gear. Especially for my compact dawless setup.

    • @StevenSclafani
      @StevenSclafani Рік тому +1

      Appreciate your comment. My Squarp Pyramid already handles sequencing and arpeggiating for me. I just want to know if the J6 can be used as a 4 octave velocity sensitive Juno tone generator. But as you pointed out every reviewer focuses on the arp and the chord sequencer.

  • @Gold_Music_Vault
    @Gold_Music_Vault Місяць тому +1

    I’m very late to the party, but I’m stoked to have just ordered my J-6

  • @RYKYvonRYKY
    @RYKYvonRYKY Рік тому +7

    I am a big synthwave/vaporwave/retrowave enjoyer and I recently bought a PO-33. Cant wait to sync it and just start jammin anywhere :D I dont really care about professionals hating it bcs I am not a professional. I just play for fun and this instrument looks like its easy to play and sound nice = fun for me :D

    • @digitalninjatools5670
      @digitalninjatools5670 Рік тому +1

      100 % this :) :)

    • @phillytnoize
      @phillytnoize Рік тому +1

      Watch how the "professionals" who are hating change their tune when an actual professional writes a hit or a great record with it ot they see it on a stage or studio of actual pro. I've seen it with the SP samplers. Those things were considered a joke before Madlib, MF Doom, and Dilla made them legit.

  • @lo-firobotboy7112
    @lo-firobotboy7112 2 роки тому +11

    The FB01 !! Still one of my much-loved studio tools.

  • @davidboudreau4054
    @davidboudreau4054 2 роки тому +11

    I'm looking forward to receiving a J-6 and the T-8 I ordered at the same time. They shipped yesterday. I already have the E-4 vocal thingy. I have no experience with these types of instruments, and I only have limited experience with a CBG (Cigar Box Guitar) that I started playing about a year ago. But I love to improvise and jam to my own grooves and create music (I think it qualifies as that...lol) that I enjoy listening too. I can't wait to experiment and create ambient, trance like grooves with all three of the Roland instruments while mixing in the CBG. Not that I know how to do that, but I can't wait to improvise and see what happens...I love music and computer technology and these products should be a perfect fit for my creative interests. At least I hope....

    • @JackANDJude
      @JackANDJude Рік тому

      Hi David. :) Now that some time has passed, how do you like the J-6? I play guitar and don't have experience with these types of instruments either. Your insight would be helpful to me. I'm not sure I want this or an omnichord.
      Thanks. - Jude

    • @davidboudreau4054
      @davidboudreau4054 Рік тому +1

      @@JackANDJude So far I haven't spent a lot of time with it, but it is fun to mess around with. So much so that I just bought the new S1, which is also fun to mess with. I hope to start spending more time with all of them and seeing what they will really do.

    • @JackANDJude
      @JackANDJude Рік тому

      @@davidboudreau4054 Thanks for your reply. I was torn between the J-6 and an Omnichord. I purchased a Q-chord.

  • @RaquelFoster
    @RaquelFoster 2 роки тому +6

    I love the J-6. It's small, but it has a comfortable layout that doesn't just cram all the controls together. Most of the buttons are pretty big. It does a lot, but it keeps it simple. It has a 64-step sequencer, 100 presets with FX, 100 chord sets, and 108 arpeggio styles, but the interface is much cleaner than the T-8. I like the J-6 for the same reasons I like the TB-3. It's super easy to make a lot of different sounds with it, and the sound is as good as the sound from much more expensive gear.
    The T-8 is cool because it does a lot, but it's like a Volca gone bad. It's just a ton of knobs crammed together. It's a pretty limited drum machine and it's not a good interface for a 303 clone.

    • @DeanJohn-v7p
      @DeanJohn-v7p Рік тому

      does it just have as many banks / factory presets as the Roland Boutique Juno 06a ? I'm thinking of purchasing one to save on space. Thanks

    • @theantianti7
      @theantianti7 Місяць тому

      Plus 64 perest sounds. 8 banks x 8 sounds each. Wild machine. Endless possibilities

  • @aseomg
    @aseomg 2 роки тому +4

    I'm digging these new compacts! and luving that Juno bass...lets go fishing.

  • @BasedFrequency
    @BasedFrequency 2 роки тому +6

    You can fully edit a fb01 btw its not just a preset box :)

  • @maxcarter3413
    @maxcarter3413 Рік тому +2

    Thank you for your demo that absolutely convinced me I have no need for this whatsoever.

  • @DeanJohn-v7p
    @DeanJohn-v7p Рік тому +1

    does it have all the juno 60 presets?

  • @CleanStepSystems
    @CleanStepSystems Рік тому +2

    Very interested to know how much more functionality I would get from a JU-06A versus the J6. Seems like they both have the same sound presets, arpeggiator, and sequencer, so I'm assuming it's the sound sculpting of the JU-06A that would be the main difference? I am seeing some comments here about the J6 driving software synths, and I'm not sure whether the JU-06A has this type of functionality (also JU-06A not a major price increase over the J6). As a comparison, I have seen reviews stating that the S1 is actually an improvement over the SH-01A, so the S1 would make sense here unless you wanted to go the MC707/SH4D (I'm not a fan of ZenCore sound quality) or possibly even the System 8 ($$). From what I've read, it looks like the TR8S provides a pretty sizable advantage over the T8 (although at a much steeper price). I'm thinking that the S1 and E4 with the TR8S would make a good combo. Just not sure if it would be the JU-06A or the J6 for those Juno sounds. Also, thinking of adding in either an MPC One or SP404Mk2 for sampling capability to round out the synth stack.

  • @lX-NDR
    @lX-NDR 2 роки тому +2

    Can it control other gear or plugins?

  • @Avalaraeon
    @Avalaraeon 2 роки тому +1

    I just ordered this....from you!

  • @nicodemuspapadopoulos4708
    @nicodemuspapadopoulos4708 9 місяців тому +1

    My verdict: Toy. I can't imagine what I would ever use it for. On the other hand, I plan on buying an S-1 for my portable kit. Thank you for the video. It helped me to discover that out of Roland's new micro-series, this one doesn't cut it.

    • @theantianti7
      @theantianti7 Місяць тому

      If you take a look at the manual and how deep the menu goes, there are endless creative possibilities. It gives you great starting points. And you can change the key and so much more. This review was not to great at showcasing it's true potential.

    • @nicodemuspapadopoulos4708
      @nicodemuspapadopoulos4708 Місяць тому

      @@theantianti7 I have the manual and it is deep. One could spend months reading the manual and never playing a single note.

  • @bluntzilladj
    @bluntzilladj 2 роки тому +1

    may have some problems w/ usb and audio?

  • @MichaelJones-qk8cl
    @MichaelJones-qk8cl 8 місяців тому

    How cam I use it with my Tascam Portastudio ?

  • @bernyboss
    @bernyboss 2 роки тому +1

    Hi Zach, what is the name of the ultra budget Roland 106 that you are mentioning? Was it analog or digital?

    • @asoundlab
      @asoundlab  2 роки тому +1

      Em101 - analog - we did a video not too long ago on it

  • @zurlocker1
    @zurlocker1 2 роки тому

    Thanks. Good review. Very helpful.

  • @Rafix-drummer
    @Rafix-drummer Рік тому

    Hello,
    A question for the experts.
    *How do I connect devices with built-in sounds
    Directly to a control keyboard that has no sounds?
    *Which cables do I need? And what is the friend why?
    - I have: launchkey 25 mk Novation control keyboard
    and want to connect it for example:
    to CIRCUIT TRACKS.
    Or - for the Roland device / Roland Aira S-1
    and use their sounds.
    Many thanks to the helpers

  • @technodrone313
    @technodrone313 2 роки тому +3

    im thinking of getting one. i have a tr-6s and microfreak that can run off usb. this would be a neat little buddy. analog is meh lol this will be great for midi covers too.

  • @mattcero1
    @mattcero1 Рік тому

    Nice review man! I'm subscribing. Volca Keys or this? That's my question. Thank you.

  • @MrJonBertsch
    @MrJonBertsch 2 роки тому

    Gonna have to get me one of these, only thing I have with polyphony is my MC-303 😅

  • @itaydagani1704
    @itaydagani1704 2 роки тому +1

    great demo, only one issue with this synth
    there is no way to use automation to change even the limited params of the synth
    so come on Roland, in 2022 every hardware or software synth has midi cc to control the synth parameters, give us a firmware update that allows us to do the above.

  • @evankeal
    @evankeal 2 роки тому +1

    mine wouldnt play more than one pattern, it's a toy unless my replacement turns out functional.

  • @kh485
    @kh485 2 роки тому +1

    I would think many would like this concept expanded into a more elaborate module.

    • @Gainn
      @Gainn 2 роки тому

      The other way would also be great.. Just the sequencer with higher polyphony.

    • @kh485
      @kh485 2 роки тому

      @@Gainn More built in sounds, lists of common chord progressions, pattern generators, chaining of patterns, song modes, polyrhythms, midi effects. I could go on and on.

  • @johnlagreca6288
    @johnlagreca6288 Рік тому

    Thank you. It has some fantastic sounds. The toy and instrument assessment makes sense. I wish it could sequence chord progressions that sound simply like a grand piano. It doesn't seem this capability exists anywhere in something portable.

    • @MScantlin
      @MScantlin Рік тому

      You can connect it to another sound module (synth, electric piano etc) and use it to trigger the chords with the sounds from those other devices! There are videos on UA-cam showing you how 😊

  • @fcfc
    @fcfc 2 роки тому +1

    To me those are *deluxe powerful toys*! it is pretty expensive, but it sounds great and it is a lot of fun.

  • @rickr.mortis4821
    @rickr.mortis4821 2 роки тому +2

    I just ordered one from Sweetwater about 3 hours ago and it has already shipped. (on a Sunday even)

  • @musicman2047
    @musicman2047 2 роки тому

    Nice melody mate

  • @insidestraight4659
    @insidestraight4659 2 роки тому +4

    The first preset pattern will be responsible for selling so many boxes. I really like it, though surprised about the lack of useable sounds, out of all the sounds there are only 5 or so I like.

  • @amonster8mymother
    @amonster8mymother 2 роки тому

    Nice. It does nice 8 step patterns.

  • @snurkergerm6168
    @snurkergerm6168 2 роки тому

    what's the difference between a musical instrument and a toy?

  • @amonster8mymother
    @amonster8mymother 2 роки тому

    Does it sync?

  • @steelpulsing
    @steelpulsing 2 роки тому +2

    It's both. And it's also a decent value proposition. Saved u 16 minutes.

  • @mickwilliams910
    @mickwilliams910 2 роки тому

    Fantastic

  • @SonicVibe
    @SonicVibe 2 роки тому

    When you said both I laughed inside a little, on the toy or real synth question

  • @axs203
    @axs203 2 роки тому +1

    I must admit when I saw them I thought ummmm can't see the point but then they probably know their market. The trouble is now we have all these little small devices everywhere. I am often left wondering like many 'why not just use a vst' since they sit in front of your computer most of the time. I will reserve judgement. I like the little keys.

    • @sjpachica3
      @sjpachica3 2 роки тому +9

      I feel like the whole growing demographic of groovebox users and DAWless jammers is exactly that they DON'T want to use their computer all day. They DONT want to mess with synths and drums with a mouse. They want to have fun with hardware. Things like these Rolands, elektron, novation, polyend, teenage engineering etc are a thriving market these days.

    • @axs203
      @axs203 2 роки тому

      @@sjpachica3 I agree with you there......the trouble is I've got all these little boxes and its' quite unweidly. I end up going back to the computer half the time. Maybe that's just me.....

    • @eaman11
      @eaman11 2 роки тому

      Who Roland? lol
      They just released that awful arranger...

  • @allancarter3930
    @allancarter3930 Рік тому +2

    I hate all this is it a toy or professional instrument, same as are things professional or entry level. All instruments and equipment have there place. In an orchestra are we to say that the person who uses a cymbal or triangle or a cow bell just playing with toys. No all have there place in that piece of music. Also music is a way to express ones self what ever they use.

  • @kubaswiercz
    @kubaswiercz Рік тому

    Great review! I have a question: can you set different durations to different steps? Like: step 1 has 4 beats, step 2 has 2 beats, step 3 has 8 beats, etc..?

    • @grillos96
      @grillos96 9 місяців тому +1

      No, sadly you can't

  • @suadcokljat1045
    @suadcokljat1045 2 роки тому +2

    4 voices? Come on Roland you can do 6 as you did in the 80ties ;-)

  • @lyh1
    @lyh1 2 роки тому +1

    The sound is a thing, but more important it is the perfect ,morphing midi chord pack. Of cause nothing to do with who know how to play chord on keyboard.

  • @MrKeys57
    @MrKeys57 Рік тому

    i jumped of the video when you said it was a toy for 1-3y old kids

  • @2YLITE22
    @2YLITE22 Рік тому +1

    "ARIA"? Nevertheless, good review.

  • @kierenmoore3236
    @kierenmoore3236 2 місяці тому

    “I also have come to appreciate the small form factor of the boutiques, the volcas …”
    Tell us you’ve been gettin down with ‘the butt stuff’, without telling us …

  • @spacegoat7955
    @spacegoat7955 2 роки тому

    Honey I shrunk the synths :)

  • @antenorsalas8074
    @antenorsalas8074 2 роки тому +2

    Omnichord 2.0

  • @Rafix-drummer
    @Rafix-drummer 2 роки тому

    Roland AIRA Compact T-8 J-6 Beat Machine Is it possible to record directly to the computer? And what should be connected and how? Do I need to connect to a sound card first? And the sound card for the computer? Thank you.

  • @amonster8mymother
    @amonster8mymother 2 роки тому +1

    In Japanese "ro" means small.

  • @Gainn
    @Gainn 2 роки тому

    A sequencer only version of this with higher polyphony and some automation lanes would sell silly amounts.

  • @NathanChisholm041
    @NathanChisholm041 Рік тому

    Everytime i see your review small synths you seem to have a hate for them especially Roland boutiques. I think these kill those horrible sounding volcas in fact I took mine back as it sounded crap. Well done Roland...

  • @micheal2489
    @micheal2489 2 роки тому

    I am really disappointed with mine the touch pads are stiff impossible to do smooth piano rolls Pretty much useless Sounds great but sticky pads are hard to deal with not smooth but janky

  • @JackNance22
    @JackNance22 2 роки тому +5

    Roland = toy maker

    • @scottfrost317
      @scottfrost317 2 роки тому +4

      That’s what was said about the tb303. Ten years from now when all the Juno’s fail and parts become obsolete these will be sought after.

    • @1UpBebop
      @1UpBebop 2 роки тому +5

      @@scottfrost317 While I'm not quite sure the AIRA line will reach that, I do agree that his rush to call things "toys" is idiotic. I'm old enough to remember the Elektron Sidstation. 600 dollars or so and most people thought it was stupid - a Commodore 64 SID chip in a synth without much, if any, sound control. Almost the DEFINITION of a toy. Years later, Trent Reznor is using one, Crystal Castles, The Prodigy, etc. Bam. Start selling used for 2000... Reminds me how people never really paid much attention of Polyend until Richard D. James started singing their praises. Once someone famous says something about these, they will be considered "for serious musicians."

  • @hardrockbeat
    @hardrockbeat 5 місяців тому

    This puppet man held this thing for 5 minutes and said "...auhmm..." b4 demoing basics. Can we get some opinions on this channel from someone that wasn't pulled out of a dusty box with old toys and exclusively explores boring church sounds? Let's get this guy behind the camera to support someone more modern with... life.

  • @AlexLaptschenko
    @AlexLaptschenko Рік тому

    Dude if you wouldn't afraid cose in fact it's both in one japanise Balalaika 😂

  • @thekierongiles
    @thekierongiles 2 роки тому

    expensive ? HOWMUCH IS AN I PHONE ? id rather have a J6

  • @eaman11
    @eaman11 2 роки тому

    Dam I can record a chord progression with arpeggiator on a PSS A50 for half the price, I get speakers, rhythm, multimbral engine so I can play a lead or a bass over that. And I get decent keys.

  • @mattcero1
    @mattcero1 Рік тому

    I'd say stick with the Korg Volca ecosystem. At $199 this isn't any better than a used Volca FM at less than $100. Great video man!

    • @NathanChisholm041
      @NathanChisholm041 Рік тому

      Volcas sound horrible. These Roland blow them out of the water...

  • @theantianti7
    @theantianti7 Місяць тому

    Not a toy if you didg into the menus

  • @htechdance
    @htechdance 2 роки тому

    Any $200 synth is an expensive toy.

  • @shaft9000
    @shaft9000 2 роки тому

    There is not even a single oscillator control - no waveform, pitch, PWM nor sub-osc
    ...so yeah it's more of a fart-around thing.
    And "serious music" is...... a pathetic idea lol.

  • @Tanzanialanding
    @Tanzanialanding 25 днів тому

    OK this video wasn’t helpful at all all these dudes. Keep on talking about these instruments being toys like they can only sketch out a thing like the limitations of toys is what makes people an artist right like and then like do you really need to take a mouse to a soundwave and stretch it all all around to call yourself an artist or can’t you just speak with the arrangement of chords like pick some thing that speaks right that can’t be the art no, you got a twist everything and if it doesn’t twist enough then it’s really not an instrument you guys are blessed with all the toys you have all of them like every instrument I ever seen was a toy I’m a bass player just trying to get into this stuff so that way I can get some cord, sequenced and map out, beats and compose stuff and not be like a beat maker, but to make songs right because musicians are all sitting in the rooms now acting like David Byrne instead of just writing songs, they’re all twisting sound waves with a mouse, calling themselves artist, and it’s really cheesy