Roland Unveils Compact Sampler with Built-in Microphone
The Aira Compact P-6 comes equipped with a sequencer, numerous effects, and granular synthesis. What kinds of creations can these features produce?
Roland Unveils New Portable Sampler: The Aira Compact P-6
Roland, a leading name in the music industry, has recently introduced its latest creation, the Aira Compact P-6. This battery-powered sampler comes equipped with a built-in microphone, perfect for capturing spur-of-the-moment ideas.
A Host of Features
This compact device can hold up to 48 samples across eight banks of six pads each. It also features four sampling rates to suit various preferences, though it has relatively limited internal memory. It allows for triggering samples on the fly and playing them polyphonically.
Beyond basic sampling, the Aira Compact P-6 acts as a musical multi-tool. It includes a granular synthesis engine and a 64-step sequencer with advanced capabilities such as off-grid sequencing, sub-steps, micro-timing, and more. It enables real-time sample manipulation during sequencing, perfect for improvisation. It also has a USB-C audio/MIDI interface for Plug & Play sound playback from computers, smartphones, and tablets.
A Sound Design Tool
The P-6 offers a plethora of effects to customize each sample. Features include a vinyl simulator, looper, phaser, resonator, and lo-fi emulator, among others. The granular synthesis engine provides further opportunities for “microscopic sound design,” allowing for detuning samples and adjusting grain shape.
For those intimidated by handling samples on such a small device, Roland offers a dedicated software suite called SampleTool. This software enhances functionality with features like sub-sampling, click removal, and precise editing.
Availability and Price
The Aira Compact P-6’s battery supports approximately three hours of use per charge, so remember to bring a charger on your outings. Now available, the P-6 is priced at €198. It joins the ranks of Roland’s other Aira Compact products, which include drum machines, synthesizers, a vocoder, and more.