Roland a battery-powered sampler with a built-in microphone to quickly capture ideas. There’s also a USB-C port and analog inputs for connecting to a higher-end microphone, smartphone, or actual computer for even more sampling. Roland calls it a “recorder,” probably because it’s small enough to fit in a pocket.
The P-6 can hold up to 48 samples at a time, divided into eight rows of six pads. Although internal memory is on the small side, there are four available sampling rates to suit different tastes. In addition to playing keyboard samples polyphonically, it allows you to quickly chop and play these samples.
Like many The Aira Compact P-6 is the best of all trades. Sampling is of course the main feature, but this thing includes a granular synth engine and a 64-step sequencer. This sequencer is quite feature-rich, with neat options like off-grid sequencing, sub-stepping, micro-timing and more. You can even manipulate samples in real time during the sequence for improvisational purposes.
There are also plenty of effects to make each pattern your own. These include a vinyl simulator, a looper, a phaser, a resonator, and a lo-fi emulator, among others. The grain synthesis engine allows for more “microscopic sound design” possibilities with the ability to adjust patterns and adjust grain shape.
If the idea of manipulating samples on a small device makes you sweat, Roland offers a special software suite called SampleTool. It brings more features to the table, such as downsampling, de-clicking, and fine-tuning.
The battery should last about three hours per charge, so make sure you bring a charger with you when you’re out and about. The Aira Compact P-6 is priced at $220 and is available now. As the name suggests, this sampler is a sibling product these are all fairly scaled down gadgets. There’s a drum machine, some synthesizers, an encoder, and more.
