Roland Launches Portable Sampler 'P-6'

[Monthly Mixing] Roland has announced the 'P-6 Creative Sampler', the latest addition to their AIRA Compact series of portable instruments.

The P-6 packs Roland's renowned sampling technology into a pocket-sized device, offering sophisticated granular sound design options and a sequencer.

Sampling is possible at any time through the built-in microphone, analog inputs, or smartphone connection via USB-C. Users can trigger longer samples from the built-in keyboard or combine multiple sounds using step sampling and resampling functions. It also offers a variety of hands-on MFX including vinyl simulator, DJFX looper, stopper, lo-fi, scatter, phaser, and resonator.

The P-6's advanced granular sampling tools allow users to create clean and precise sounds to beautifully transformed ones with just a twist of a knob or press of a button, using functions such as sample detuning, grain shape adjustment, head position and speed control, and spread.

Additionally, users can jam with 64-step patterns through dynamic sequencing elements like motion recording, probability, micro-timing, off-grid sequencing, and sub-steps. The Step Loop function allows for real-time playback manipulation for creative improvisation and instant stutter effects.

The P-6 SampleTool software for macOS and Windows enables sample editing and transfer between computers and the P-6. Users can clean up clicks with zero snap, use truncation to remove unwanted sections, normalize to standardize audio levels, and use downsampling to create gritty lo-fi sounds.

The Roland AIRA Compact P-6 Creative Sampler is available for $219.99. More information can be found on the Roland website.