Roland P-6 AIRA Compact Creative Sampler
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Sound sorcery for all.
The P-6 is ideal for any level of music creator, from beginner to pro. Get started right away with top-level tactile controls and pads for jamming and sound tweaking. Then, go deeper with advanced features for cutting-edge sonic manipulation and performance.
Swift sampling.
Whether using the built-in mic, analog inputs, or a smartphone via USB-C, the P-6 is always ready to sample at a moment's notice. After capturing sounds, quickly chop longer samples into preset sections for triggering from the onboard keyboard. Or easily build custom collections of multiple sounds with streamlined Step Sampling. Want to rough up the sound? Get gritty with Roland's trademark lo-fi effects. Need some layers? Resample your creations to add depth and evolving complexity.
Get granular.
Step into a universe of microscopic sound design with the advanced granular sampling tools in the P-6. Transform tiny moments into sonic landscapes with extensive sound design parameters. Detune samples, adjust the grain shape, play with head position, head speed, spread, and more. From clean and pristine to beautifully mangled, it's easy to conjure new sound dimensions with a twist of a knob or a press of a button.
Sequencing reimagined.
Breathe life into your sequences with deep features that push the boundaries of music programming. Jam with 64-step patterns powered by dynamic sequencing elements like motion recording, probability, micro-timing, off-grid sequencing, and sub steps. Plus, manipulate playback in real-time with Step Loop for instant stutter effects and creative improvisation.
Hands-on effects.
Supercharge performances and production with an array of curated, hands-on MFX. Transform and manipulate your sounds with legendary effects and a selection of new classics. Grab and go with favorites like Vinyl Simulator, DJFX Looper, Stopper, Lo-fi, Scatter, Phaser, and Resonator. Using BUS FX routing, selectively apply MFX or assign delay and reverb independently to any sample.
P-6 Sample Tool.
The P-6 Sample Tool software for Mac OS and PC is a handy companion for editing and transferring samples from your computer to the P-6. Clean up clicks with snap to zero, truncate to remove unwanted sections, normalize to standardize audio levels, and downsample for reduced sample resolution. When you're ready, simply drag and drop the samples directly to the P-6 hardware for seamless integration and playback.
Connect with the world.
The P-6 is immensely fun as a standalone instrument but becomes even more powerful when connected to other devices. Build a portable creative ecosystem by linking with the S-1 Tweak Synth, T-8 Beat Machine, and other AIRA Compacts or gadget instruments. Take it further by streaming your entire gadget chain from the P-6 to a smartphone, tablet, or laptop over USB-C for content creation or easy integration with your favorite music software. The setup is plug-and-play, with no driver installation needed.
Everywhere at once.
The P-6 is as portable as it gets, ready to record anywhere you like. Create freely with up to three hours of lithium-ion battery life per charge, supported by a rugged Roland build that assures years of enjoyment ahead.
Features
• Pocket-size sampler powered by cutting-edge Roland technology• Built-in mic for quick sample capture
• Chop function for slicing samples into segments for easy playback from the onboard keyboard
• Step Sampling to quickly create individual split samples assigned to a single pad and playable on the keyboard
• Resample internal audio to create new sounds and capture custom loops
• Trigger any sample on the keyboard using chromatic and polyphonic playback
• Dedicated filter and envelopes for each sample
• Edit samples and import/export sounds with the P-6 Sample Tool software for macOS and Windows
• Extensive granular sound parameters, including detuning, head position, head speed, spread, grains, and much more
• 64-step sequencer with motion recording, probability, micro-timing, off-grid sequencing, sub steps, and more
• Customize sounds with 20 curated MFX plus dedicated delay and reverb
• Comprehensive connectivity with audio, MIDI, and sync I/O plus AIRA Link
• Class-compliant USB-C audio/MIDI interface for plug-and-play audio streaming with computers, phones, and tablets
• Lithium-ion battery with up to 3 hours of operation per charge
• Sturdy construction, high-quality controls, and rubber pads
• Connect to other AIRA Compacts and standard MIDI devices with optional BOSS TRS MIDI cables
Specifications
User patterns- 64
Step sequencer
- 64 steps
Maximum sampling numbers
- 48 samples
Maximum polyphony
- Sample: 16
- Granular: 4
Maximum sample time (Maximum time per sample)
- 44.1 kHz, Mono : 5.9 seconds
- 22.05 kHz, Mono : 11.8 seconds
- 14.7 kHz, Mono : 17.8 seconds
- 11.025 kHz, Mono : 23.7 seconds
• For stereo samples, the time is half.
Import format
- WAV (Liner PCM)
Effects
- Multi-effect: 20 types
- Send effect: DELAY, REVERB
Display
- 7 segments, 4 characters (LED)
Internal Microphone
- Mono x 1
Connectors
- SYNC (IN, OUT) jacks: Miniature phone type
- MIX (IN) jack: Stereo miniature phone type
- MIX (OUT/HEADSET) jack: Stereo miniature phone type (Stereo, CTIA)
- MIDI (IN, OUT) jacks: Stereo miniature phone type
- USB port: USB Type-C(R) (Audio, MIDI)
Power supply
- Lithium-ion battery
- Obtained via USB port (USB bus power)
Current draw
- 500 mA
Expected battery life under continuous use
- Approx. 3 hours
• This figure will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.
Expected battery charging time
- Approx. 3 hours
*To charge the unit, use the USB port of a computer or a commercially available USB power supply adaptor (5 V, 500 mA or higher).
Dimensions
- 188 (W) x 106 (D) x 37 (H) mm
- 7-7/16 (W) x 4-3/16 (D) x 1-1/2 (H) inches
Weight (including batteries)
- 305 g
- 11 oz
Accessories
- Leaflet "Read Me First"
- USB Type-C to USB A cable
Q & A
- asked on Dec 19, 2024
You would need to use the analog input to enter audio, apart from the built in mic.
A small mic pre-amp could be plugged in there.
- answered by Bradford Pettigrew, Edmonton Highlands, Alberta
I do have a mini tube mic pre, which I could use with one of my handheld mics. ... if I bought one.
Just realized how tiny this thing is: less than eight inches wide. Very easy to place it in front of a speaker or amp to sample something that way.
- answered by Simon Haworth, Cobourg, Ontario
Reviews
Protect your investment with the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty
A warranty can be a very important factor when making a buying decision. Because repairs can be very expensive in terms of parts and labour costs, manufacturers usually only provide one year limited warranties that generally only cover items that malfunction due to a manufacturer’s defect. With an important purchase such as a musical
instrument or piece of studio gear, however, many people want to have the peace of mind in knowing that their investment will be protected should the product no longer be performing at 100%.
Because of this, Long & McQuade provides our customers with a FREE one-year Performance Warranty on most of our products. The Long & McQuade Performance Warranty supplements the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that our customers receive complete “no hassle” warranty coverage within their first year.
How does the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty differ from most manufacturers' warranties?
- Performance Guarantee: Normal wear and tear is covered, so your product will be performing as well as the day you purchased it for the entire duration of the coverage. Band and Orchestral Performance Warranty does not include replacing pads or cleaning for woodwind instruments, unless deemed necessary by our repair staff. Ultrasonic cleaning for brass instruments will be provided if deemed necessary by our repair staff, but is not routinely offered under the Performance Warranty.
- Product Replacement: If your product cannot be fixed or costs too much to fix, we will replace it with the equivalent model for no additional charge. If this is not possible, a full refund will be provided.
- No Lemon Policy: Your product will be replaced should the same problem occur multiple times.
- Convenient: Easy drop off and pick up of the product at any Long & McQuade location.
- Guitar Setup: Guitars purchased at Long & McQuade come with 1 free setup, to be redeemed within 1 year for new guitars and 90 days for used guitars.
- Loaners Available: A loaner product may be given while the product is being repaired.
- Power Surge Protection: Your product is covered even if damaged from a power surge.
- Accessory Coverage: Any peripheral devices or accessories that come with your product (i.e. foot pedal, case) are also covered.
- Commercial Use Coverage: Music and recording professionals who purchase gear for “heavy-use” commercial purposes will still be covered.
Long & McQuade reserves the right to restrict the purchase of additional years of Performance Warranty. Used products come with a 3-month Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Some products (i.e. computers, software, cymbals and other items) are covered only by the manufacturer‘s warranty. Consumables (i.e. strings, reeds, drum sticks, batteries, tubes, cross faders) are excluded as they are designed to be replaced. Cosmetic Damage, Accidental Damage, or problems caused by Humidity or Temperature Issues are not covered. Speakers damaged by overpowering are generally not covered. Our coverage does not provide compensation for loss of use. As of June 2018 the Performance Warranty is no longer transferable. The warranty is only valid in Canada.
Purchasing additional years of coverage
Some manufacturers provide warranties for longer than 1 year; however, these are usually limited warranties that do not provide the same coverage as the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Customers interested in more complete and convenient (but not necessarily longer) coverage are still able to purchase additional years of the Performance Warranty.
If you are interested in receiving this coverage for longer than one year, you have the option of purchasing additional years of the Performance Warranty. The pricing is as follows:
- NEW products: Starting at 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. Starting at 4% for each additional year.
- USED products: Starting at 4% of the current new selling price to increase the warranty from 3 months to 1 year. Starting at 4% for each additional year.
- GUITARS: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year. $45 maximum. An additional free setup is not included with additional purchased years of Performance Warranty.
- BAND and ORCHESTRAL instruments: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.