The AIRA Compact line is Roland’s most portable to date. These machines pack the most punch possible into the smallest physical footprint. Roughly the size of an iPhone Pro, each Compact brings an impressive range of sonic firepower. Whether you’re looking for a computer-free performance setup, a travel-friendly musical sketchpad, or hands-on control for a DAW-based studio workflow, these boxes provide ample flexibility. Here’s an introduction to the individual members of the AIRA Compact family.
Meet the T-8 Beat Machine
The T-8 is Roland’s most miniaturized re-envisioning of its classic machines, combining the best of the TR drum sounds with TB-303-style bass. On its own, it’s a tiny, powerful drum unit, allowing for complex beatmaking using iconic Roland sounds. For those looking to escape the computer, it’s a great way to avoid the screen.
Pair it with a portable synthesizer, and you have a setup for building entire tracks. As accompaniment for a vocalist or musician, the T-8 adds a rhythmic foundation. For teaching, it’s a powerful and portable instrument to explain the basics of programming, composition, and classic “TR-style” step sequencing.
Meet the J-6 Chord Synth
A chord sequencer at heart, the J-6 offers a streamlined method to create chord progressions and sequences of arpeggios, chord repeats, rhythms, and strums. This unique device lets you string these together to create elaborate and dynamic melodic phrases. It’s a remarkably compact songwriting tool. Rather than having to sit down in front of a computer, DAW, or MIDI keyboard, users can craft complex melodic compositions full of dynamic changes in whatever cozy environment they choose.
Meet the E-4 Voice Tweaker
The E-4 Voice Tweaker is a powerful vocalist toolbox with auto-pitch functionality, harmony, vocoder, and looper. It functions in many ways, from basic vocal treatments to wild, jammable effects. A fantastic performance tool, the E-4 is an excellent fit for artists who want sonic shaping and sequencing capabilities for live vocals, whether in the studio or onstage. It works beautifully for pitch correction, sending vocals into a DAW for recording, or creating wild tones and textures generated by your voice.
Plus, the possibilities with the E-4 extend far beyond music. If you’re simply interested in having fun transforming your voice, the unit is an endless source of inspiration. Even if you don’t consider yourself a vocalist, the E-4 can unlock creativity on several fronts like gaming, livestreaming, or transforming the sound of an instrument.
Meet the S-1 Tweak Synth
Divine a new world of sound with the S-1 Tweak Synthesizer, a potent micro polysynth inspired by the legendary Roland SH-101. Jam with the snappy basses and expressive leads you’ve loved for years. Then launch your music into uncharted territory with futuristic wave manipulation, onboard sequencing, and unique performance features designed for modern creators.
Loaded with expressive tactile controls, the S-1 is a sound design and performance powerhouse in miniature. Create lavish tones with oscillator, envelope, filter, and LFO sections. Dive into deeper design tools with quick combo button presses. And with 26 multi-function pads, you can access a keyboard with a two-plus octave range, a step sequencer interface, and a wealth of creative options to spark fresh ideas.
Meet the P-6 Creative Sampler
The P-6 Creative Sampler packs Roland sampling technology into a pocket-size gadget with sophisticated granular sound design options and a powerful sequencer. For music creators at any point on their journey, the P-6 is ideal for jamming and sound tweaking and boasts advanced features for deeper techniques. Capture sounds and chop samples into preset sections for triggering from the onboard keyboard. With Step Sampling, you can build custom collections of multiple sounds. You can even get gritty with trademark lo-fi effects and create layers by resampling your creations.
While a powerful standalone instrument, the P-6 becomes even more dynamic when connected to other devices. Try creating a portable creative ecosystem by linking the P-6 with the S-1 Tweak Synth, T-8 Beat Machine, and other AIRA Compacts or gadget instruments. Like sampling itself, the opportunities for innovative sound creation with the P-6 are limitless.
AIRA Compact
Whether used individually, together, or alongside other hardware or software, Roland’s AIRA Compacts are powerful creative tools. They complement one another and are flexible within various setups and workflows. Discover how these tiny-yet-mighty instruments can add inspiration to your musical output.
