Roland a battery-powered sampler with a built-in microphone for quickly capturing ideas. There's also a USB-C port and analog inputs for connecting a higher-quality microphone, smartphone, or actual computer for even more sampling opportunities. Roland calls it a “mobile recorder,” probably because it's almost small enough to fit inside a pocket.
The P-6 can store up to 48 samples at a time, spread across eight banks of six pads. There are four sample rates available to suit different tastes, although the internal memory is fairly small. The keyboard allows you to cut and trigger these samples on the fly, as well as play samples polyphonically.
Like many others, the Aira Compact P-6 is a multi-purpose instrument. Sampling is its main feature, of course, but this device includes a granular synthesis engine and a 64-step sequencer. This sequencer is quite feature-rich, with interesting options like off-grid sequencing, sub-steps, micro-syncing, and much more. You can even manipulate samples in real time during the sequence, for improvisational purposes.
There are also plenty of effects to customize each sample. These include a vinyl simulator, looper, phaser, resonator, and lo-fi emulator, among others. The granular synthesis engine allows for even more “microscopic sound design” opportunities, with the ability to detune samples and adjust grain shape.
If the thought of manipulating samples on a tiny device sends shivers down your spine, Roland offers a dedicated software package called SampleTool. This package includes even more features, such as downsampling, declicking, and precise editing.
The battery should last about three hours per charge, so be sure to bring a charger with you when you're out and about. The Aira Compact P-6 costs $220 and is available now. As the name suggests, this sampler is a sister product to the , which are all fairly tiny gadgets. There's a drum machine, some synths, a vocoder, and more.
