The latest addition to Roland’s AIRA Compact range packs the company’s renowned sampling technology into a pocket-size device aimed at creators on the go. The P-6 Creative Sampler also boasts a powerful sequencer, a selection of sound-design tools, a built-in microphone and a range of audio and MIDI connectivity.
The device is capable of recording sounds directly from its onboard mic as well as capturing analogue line-level sources and digital audio via USB-C. Once a sound has been captured, users can take advantage of a selection of editing tools that make it possible to chop up samples and trigger them from the built-in keyboard, detune sounds and adjust parameters such as grain shape and playback position. It’s also possible to combine multiple sources using the unit’s Step Sampling mode and resampling features, and there’s a collection of effects that include Vinyl Simulator, DJFX Looper, Stopper, Lo-fi, Scatter, Phaser and Resonator processors.
Despite its compact design, the P-6 features a healthy selection of hands-on controls, with its collection of pads, buttons and knobs encouraging experimentation and tweaking parameters during live performance. Some additional functionality is provided by Roland’s P-6 SampleTool software for macOS and Windows, which allows the editing and transferring of samples between a computer and the P-6. Users can also clean up clicks with a Snap To Zero function, truncate audio to remove unwanted sections, normalise their audio levels and use downsampling to achieve gritty, lo-fi sounds.
As you’d imagine, the device has been designed to integrate with the rest of the AIRA range as well as functioning as a standalone device. Multiple AIRA Compacts can be chained together with users able to mix and monitor their signals from the last device in the chain, and thanks to its digital audio transfer over USB-C, the P-6 can serve as a convenient master unit for live streaming or recording AIRA Compact performances.
Pricing & Availability
The P-6 Creative Sampler is available now, priced at $219.99.
