The Roland Aira Compact P-6 is a battery-powered sampler designed for capturing musical ideas quickly and efficiently. Compact enough to fit almost in your pocket, this device also features a built-in microphone, a USB-C port, and analog inputs, allowing users to connect advanced microphones, smartphones, or computers for expanded sampling possibilities.
The P-6 supports up to 48 samples, organized into eight banks of six pads each. It offers four different sample rates, providing flexibility to suit various needs, although the internal memory is relatively small. The keyboard enables polyphonic sample playback and allows for dynamic triggering and splitting of samples during use.
In addition to its sampling capabilities, the P-6 boasts a granular synthesis engine and a 64-step sequencer. The sequencer is highly versatile, offering off-grid sequencing, sub-stepping, micro-timing, and real-time sample manipulation, which adds an improvisational element to your sequences.
The P-6 comes equipped with an array of effects to personalize your samples. These include vinyl record simulators, loopers, phasers, resonators, and lo-fi simulators. The granular synthesis engine further enhances your sound design options with features for detuning samples and adjusting grain shape.
For those who prefer working with a larger interface, Roland provides the SampleTool software suite. This software offers advanced features like downsampling, hit deletion, and precision editing, complementing the P-6’s functionality.
With a battery life of approximately 3 hours per charge, it’s advisable to bring the charger when using the P-6 on the go. Priced at $220, the Aira Compact P-6 is part of Roland’s Aira series, which includes other compact devices like drum machines, synthesizers, and vocoders, making it a versatile addition to any musician’s toolkit.
