I got one for $99 also, but with the keyboard. Brand new. Best bargain I've seen in years! It's a really great synth, different. And it has many great features. I have many boutique synths and this one is totally unlike the others, lots of fun.
Hi there! Awesome review on the A01! Got one and love it! Question tho, you reviewed the D05 boutique too but would you consider shoot a video using the A-01 to realtime control the D05 by sysex? I'm really curious how to set that up. thx and keep up the great work! cheers!
That sound at 10:00 mark is awesome. Thanks! Ps. I'd turn your voice up for future videos; I found myself having to keep reaching for the volume every time you go between dialogue and synth sounds. Cheers.
Hi there. Many thanks for an actual review-walkthrough. There aren't many such A-01 videos online. You're right, Roland's own marketing practically buries the A-01, whereas it has much more potential than one might think at first. Here's a question: let's say we ignore the internal 8-bit synth, and don't use the 25-key mini-kbrd. Have you tried using other MIDI gear with the A-01? My main aim for this is to pair it via BLE with an iPad and use the MIDI DINs to hook it with MIDI Controllers (via MIDI DIN In/Out - not via USB) that are not class-compliant. If this works, it would allow having the A-01 as a Bluetooth interface for iPad in order to control iOS synths & apps with other external MIDI gear. So far, I haven't been able to assign MIDI out to an external MIDI keyboard. I can only control (via BLE) iOS apps with the A-01 touch stripes. Any tips more than welcome.
Hello! How do I make the sound of the a01 go away when I control another synth or app? I can’t save the midi setting it goes back to all every time after I set up midi 1 or 2… seems that it’s playing in all channels and also I can’t save the midi setting patch… 😅I’m confused
I had to check the MIDI implementation chart to be sure but the A01 doesn't have local control On/off. You will need to turn off the volume not to hear the internal sound. Everytime the A01 is turned on it goes back to MIDImode 1 = omniON Poly... meaning it will loose the MIDI channel settings.
i picked up one after they went on sale drastically here in canada, for $99.. it's been gathering dust lately but you've inspired me to revisit it. i don't recall but can the lfo modulate the filter also?
great thanks.. i meant to add this is also a great controller for volcas - compact and can be battery powered. one cool thing is that the synth can still be output while you are controlling another piece of hardware. i've used it to control the volca keys, and then mixed in the A-01 synth output with the volca output, so you get a neat lo-fi 2-osc synth :)
Nu Trix, I have held off on buying this A-01 because it has no audio out. Are you using the headphone jack? How is this unit run into a system with no audio output? Thanks
I never tried this, so I took the time to check the manual. Nothing about it in the manual. When I send a MIDI message the MIDI Input of the A-01 it does not copy it to the Output. It's actually what is expected to happen. The copy should be send using a MIDI Thru, something that is lacking to this controller.
Yes I found the same thing... so thanks for confirming my anguish... a real problem for using it as a controller post the keyboard and in-between other synths. They need to fix this with a software update for the unit asap.
Can you layer different sequences over each other? Or is it one pattern only? I would like to maybe get one of these to control my synth rig, but if all 7 of my synths are playing the same thing, it seems like I wouldn't bother with it. Also with that said, does it control over all of the 16 different midi channels? If not it would be a bit too limiting for my use. And lastly, is it able to do more than one measure loop sequences?
No, there is only one step sequencer. You cannot have more than one sequence at a time. But you cannot chain the pattern in a « song mode ». You can call them up one at a time and it will wait the end of the sequence playing before playing the new one.
So the same pattern for all of the synths that it controls then...? Seems pointless to me. I'll stick to my old MC-303. I can at least control 7 synths with it externally and have them playing different things at different times. Truly a secret no one knows about.... Under rated for it capabilities. Most people criticise the sound quality. I wish Roland would come up with a newer version of it with better internal sounds.... ACB technology is awesome. An updated "Aira Groovebox" would be amazing. I'm a hardware guy. I hate DAW programs. Really great review though. Really in depth. Subscribing right now.
So this can do external midi to cv gate to have a old synth work on midi, right. Can it do volt/ oct and hz/ volt? Would love to see a sbx1 video too explaining all the functions.
It can only convert the internal MIDI to cv not the Bluetooth MIDI coming from an iPad from exemple. The Bluetooth MIDI will trigger the internal sound but cannot be send to the MIDI or CV outs.
+atommachine it is a cool little controller on top of being an extra synth. I originally bought it as a Bluetooth controller for my iPad. I'll do another video on how I use it with my iPad using Gadget and my Korg Volca Beats.
They so missed a trick not having the sequencer cutoff/resonance have their own CV outputs. That would have been amazing. As is, it seems more useful as a midi sequencer, but even then you don't seem to be able to change the midi CC assigned to those parameters, which is a huge shame. Having said that, you can do interesting things just tweaking the gate settings.
Thanks, very complete and understandable explanation. I was not expecting this device to be so powerful... Would love to see it work with several iOS apps, like Model 15, Animoog, iSEM, Sunrizer, etc.
Nu-Trix The Synth Guy hi, for me is good to see how music devaices, any, can be used for song compousing. In this case roland sounds quite raw and i'm realy interesting how it could be used. Sorry for any mistakes i'm writing this without google translator :-)
Piotr Kotlęga, no problem I understand. I guess you are polish .. my wife is, and her nefew is named Piotr too! I’ll look into making a exemple of song using the A-01 soon.
Hey thanks for pointing out the Thomann price, I was thinking of getting another Boutique and the KM25, but thought they keyboard was a bit over priced. This bundle makes the keyboard a whole lot more useful (Bluetooth and synth) and better value!
The A-01k is a combination of an a-01 (synth generator, Bluetooth midi controller) and a keyboard accessory for the boutique. When combined they are offering a synth + a Bluetooth midi controller running on batteries.
I gues this is just their old pcm synth engne ;;which roland has been using since decades in all their romplers ; Slap on a moderate light cpu ( 8 BIT is easy on the cpu ) , slap on the name boutqe and call it a day
Ward de jager , actually it’s the opposite. I have it from Roland people that this device sparked the idea of the Boutique série for small portable synth. It is not PCM but rather a virtual synth programmed in an 8 bits CPU. À PCM is not able to have Pulse Width Modulation, which this device has. Check the story behind the creation of the A-01. www.roland.com/us/promos/roland_boutique/interview_3/
oh, good to know . Well pcm can do pulse width trick s. YOu take 2 saw waves , invert the phase of one and detune slighty .;but yeah...it's constant pulse width modulation
As soon as he said 8 bit synth I reached for my PC mouse. Goodbye …. I want to hear sweet synthesis sound. Not " beep, beep, boop. Beep, beep, beep, boop ". If I want to hear that type of nonsense I'll just drag out my Nintendo NES gaming system from my closet and start blowing the dust out of gaming cartridges.
@@Nu-trix thanks for the answer. So if I want something more "vst friendly" I might go with the akai advance? The integrated synth on the Roland seems very cool though.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
As always, a great way you explain things. Thanks for your help again....
Definitely the best overview about the roland A01, clear and in depth explanations. thx
I got one for $99 also, but with the keyboard. Brand new. Best bargain I've seen in years! It's a really great synth, different. And it has many great features. I have many boutique synths and this one is totally unlike the others, lots of fun.
Hi there! Awesome review on the A01! Got one and love it! Question tho, you reviewed the D05 boutique too but would you consider shoot a video using the A-01 to realtime control the D05 by sysex? I'm really curious how to set that up. thx and keep up the great work! cheers!
Hi, I know it's 3 years since you posted your comment. I use iPG-800 app on ipad to control my D-05. Let me know if you found a solution.
That sound at 10:00 mark is awesome. Thanks! Ps. I'd turn your voice up for future videos; I found myself having to keep reaching for the volume every time you go between dialogue and synth sounds. Cheers.
Will Organ , Thanks for the comment. I bought a better microphone for my next videos and I'll keep a closer eye at my levels. Cheers!
Thanks great info really appreciated
Hi there. Many thanks for an actual review-walkthrough. There aren't many such A-01 videos online. You're right, Roland's own marketing practically buries the A-01, whereas it has much more potential than one might think at first.
Here's a question: let's say we ignore the internal 8-bit synth, and don't use the 25-key mini-kbrd. Have you tried using other MIDI gear with the A-01?
My main aim for this is to pair it via BLE with an iPad and use the MIDI DINs to hook it with MIDI Controllers (via MIDI DIN In/Out - not via USB) that are not class-compliant. If this works, it would allow having the A-01 as a Bluetooth interface for iPad in order to control iOS synths & apps with other external MIDI gear. So far, I haven't been able to assign MIDI out to an external MIDI keyboard. I can only control (via BLE) iOS apps with the A-01 touch stripes. Any tips more than welcome.
I have not use it this way yet. I’ll have to test it.
Hello! How do I make the sound of the a01 go away when I control another synth or app? I can’t save the midi setting it goes back to all every time after I set up midi 1 or 2… seems that it’s playing in all channels and also I can’t save the midi setting patch… 😅I’m confused
I had to check the MIDI implementation chart to be sure but the A01 doesn't have local control On/off. You will need to turn off the volume not to hear the internal sound. Everytime the A01 is turned on it goes back to MIDImode 1 = omniON Poly... meaning it will loose the MIDI channel settings.
@@Nu-trix thank you I figure it out! Dude your channel rocks I have learned sooo much Cheers
That Bluetooth control makes this a solid investment, great recommendation!
Ryan Janik I'm curious about that, and the MiDi-Bluetooth-CV interface (with parameter sequencing?)
i picked up one after they went on sale drastically here in canada, for $99.. it's been gathering dust lately but you've inspired me to revisit it. i don't recall but can the lfo modulate the filter also?
SeniorBeatBox, yes the LFO can control the pitch, the pulse width or the filter cutoff point.
great thanks.. i meant to add this is also a great controller for volcas - compact and can be battery powered. one cool thing is that the synth can still be output while you are controlling another piece of hardware. i've used it to control the volca keys, and then mixed in the A-01 synth output with the volca output, so you get a neat lo-fi 2-osc synth :)
Bought 1 here in the States, for a little more ($129). Well worth it!
Gosh I wish I would have gotten that deal on one of these.
@@marc6666argo 2021 here. They did NOT get cheaper
It would be so awesome if you could do a Review about the New roland d-05. It will be released next month
I have just wrote to my friends at Roland Canada. It seem I could get my hand on one real soon!
Nu-Trix The Synth Guy you are the real synth-guy! Keep it up
Can you do 9bit? or 7bit?
It’s a virtual analog algorithm running on an 8 but CPU with a 10 bits DAC. Vintage digital is the word used by Roland.
Nu Trix, I have held off on buying this A-01 because it has no audio out. Are you using the headphone jack? How is this unit run into a system with no audio output? Thanks
I use the phone out and control the volume from the analogue volume knob.
does it send midi Signals through a midi cable? i'm recording with ableton.
It can send and receive MIDI over the physical (5 pins DIN ) connectors, via USB to a computer or using Bluetooth.
thank you very much!
Will it pass MIDI through from another keyboard via it's MIDI out?
I never tried this, so I took the time to check the manual. Nothing about it in the manual. When I send a MIDI message the MIDI Input of the A-01 it does not copy it to the Output. It's actually what is expected to happen. The copy should be send using a MIDI Thru, something that is lacking to this controller.
Yes I found the same thing... so thanks for confirming my anguish... a real problem for using it as a controller post the keyboard and in-between other synths. They need to fix this with a software update for the unit asap.
Does it handle MIDI clock syncronisation over BlueTooth?
I want to know if I can run it with SoundBrenner Pulse and Metronome.
Cee Pax , yes MIDI sync and Start, Stop, Continue.
Nu-Trix The Synth Guy - have you tried this feature with the SoundBrenner Pulse and or Metronome devices?
No I never tested the SoundBrenner devices.
Can you layer different sequences over each other? Or is it one pattern only? I would like to maybe get one of these to control my synth rig, but if all 7 of my synths are playing the same thing, it seems like I wouldn't bother with it. Also with that said, does it control over all of the 16 different midi channels? If not it would be a bit too limiting for my use.
And lastly, is it able to do more than one measure loop sequences?
No, there is only one step sequencer. You cannot have more than one sequence at a time. But you cannot chain the pattern in a « song mode ». You can call them up one at a time and it will wait the end of the sequence playing before playing the new one.
Saxlord 69, it can control over all MIDI Channels but only one at a time.
So the same pattern for all of the synths that it controls then...? Seems pointless to me. I'll stick to my old MC-303. I can at least control 7 synths with it externally and have them playing different things at different times. Truly a secret no one knows about.... Under rated for it capabilities. Most people criticise the sound quality. I wish Roland would come up with a newer version of it with better internal sounds.... ACB technology is awesome. An updated "Aira Groovebox" would be amazing. I'm a hardware guy. I hate DAW programs. Really great review though. Really in depth. Subscribing right now.
You are right in this sense, this is a controller that includes a step sequencer, not a multitrack sequencer like the mc-303.
@@synthlord2368 nice future prediction 😉
Is that polyphonic?
The original Sh-101 was mono. The sh-01a can be mono or 4 voices polyphonic .
But the 01-a is monophonic
So this can do external midi to cv gate to have a old synth work on midi, right. Can it do volt/ oct and hz/ volt? Would love to see a sbx1 video too explaining all the functions.
It can only convert the internal MIDI to cv not the Bluetooth MIDI coming from an iPad from exemple. The Bluetooth MIDI will trigger the internal sound but cannot be send to the MIDI or CV outs.
Nice, thanks.
Good review, bought it for sys ex control the jd990 will love it i may get a couple.
+atommachine it is a cool little controller on top of being an extra synth. I originally bought it as a Bluetooth controller for my iPad. I'll do another video on how I use it with my iPad using Gadget and my Korg Volca Beats.
They so missed a trick not having the sequencer cutoff/resonance have their own CV outputs. That would have been amazing. As is, it seems more useful as a midi sequencer, but even then you don't seem to be able to change the midi CC assigned to those parameters, which is a huge shame. Having said that, you can do interesting things just tweaking the gate settings.
Thanks, very complete and understandable explanation. I was not expecting this device to be so powerful...
Would love to see it work with several iOS apps, like Model 15, Animoog, iSEM, Sunrizer, etc.
Is it analogue?
Who ate my shoe Why, no. It’s a virtual model of an analogue circuit running on an 8 bits CPU. It’s unique in the sound of the filter.
I would like to see this in action
+Piotr Kotlęga , what type of demo would useful for you?
Nu-Trix The Synth Guy hi, for me is good to see how music devaices, any, can be used for song compousing. In this case roland sounds quite raw and i'm realy interesting how it could be used. Sorry for any mistakes i'm writing this without google translator :-)
Piotr Kotlęga, no problem I understand. I guess you are polish .. my wife is, and her nefew is named Piotr too! I’ll look into making a exemple of song using the A-01 soon.
Nu-Trix The Synth Guy yes I'm from Poland :-). Thank you for conversation :-) have a nice day or evening, I'm not sure what time it's there.
Piotr Kotlęga it’s 3:30 pm in Montreal right now. Have a good evening.
Great review! Thank you :) For people in Europe, the bundle costs only 177 € at Thomann.de
Hey thanks for pointing out the Thomann price, I was thinking of getting another Boutique and the KM25, but thought they keyboard was a bit over priced. This bundle makes the keyboard a whole lot more useful (Bluetooth and synth) and better value!
I also think that the keyboard is pricey. But bundle with A-01 for less than 180€ is amazingly cheap :)
cool Review! looking forward to get one.
ok ich nehm's zurück. kauf ihn dir! geiles ding. Nur noch den TAL-Chorus drauf hauen und ab geht's :D
ist halt nur ein oszillator und dieser hat keine Sinuswelle, aber für den Preis echt gut
what is this a-01 a synth ? or a midi controller only
The A-01k is a combination of an a-01 (synth generator, Bluetooth midi controller) and a keyboard accessory for the boutique. When combined they are offering a synth + a Bluetooth midi controller running on batteries.
@@Nu-trix ok.. 8 bit synth and BLUETOOTH midi ...
The knobs are not sturdy. They are plastic inside and can snap off, so be careful with those knobs.
I gues this is just their old pcm synth engne ;;which roland has been using since decades in all their romplers ;
Slap on a moderate light cpu ( 8 BIT is easy on the cpu ) , slap on the name boutqe and call it a day
Ward de jager , actually it’s the opposite. I have it from Roland people that this device sparked the idea of the Boutique série for small portable synth. It is not PCM but rather a virtual synth programmed in an 8 bits CPU.
À PCM is not able to have Pulse Width Modulation, which this device has.
Check the story behind the creation of the A-01. www.roland.com/us/promos/roland_boutique/interview_3/
oh, good to know .
Well pcm can do pulse width trick s.
YOu take 2 saw waves , invert the phase of one and detune slighty .;but yeah...it's constant pulse width modulation
As soon as he said 8 bit synth I reached for my PC mouse. Goodbye …. I want to hear sweet synthesis sound. Not " beep, beep, boop. Beep, beep, beep, boop ". If I want to hear that type of nonsense I'll just drag out my Nintendo NES gaming system from my closet and start blowing the dust out of gaming cartridges.
as soon as i heard 8 bit, i got interested! love the 8 bit sound: SID, ESQ1, Mirage etc...
Hi, can you control vst instrument with the Roland A01k?
The a01 sends any MIDI info to its MIDI out. It is up to you to assign it to your VST. So yes.
@@Nu-trix thanks for the answer. So if I want something more "vst friendly" I might go with the akai advance? The integrated synth on the Roland seems very cool though.
The akai advance will be easier to adapt to your vst. The a01 as a sound that I like, but that is a personal choice.