Roland P-6: A fantastic sampling groovebox for $219

[@MangInutil]

I love this channel for how calm his videos are. Perfect for chore and inspo

[@ubermusli]

Chore and inspo is something I've done for years, but have never heard the expression before! Thanks, I love it 😁

[@steved4677]

what does that mean

[@MangInutil]

@@steved4677 I listen to him while doing chores. I also use them as inspiration whenever I'm making music

[@MangInutil]

@@steved4677 I listen to him and his music while doing chores, and as an inspiration for some of my music

[@MangInutil]

​@@steved4677 Wdym?

[@HauntTheKeep]

Pretty cool that Roland still employs the guy that programs segmented displays after 50 years of service.

[@cambriakilgannon12]

I swear they've got a warehouse stacked full of them from the 80s that they've just been pulling from the entire time

[@goranjosic]

Pretty cool if you don't plan to use it. 😅 Some years ago, a user would use one or two devices and devote a lot of time to them, memorize codes, etc., today probably no one does that anymore.

[@bnjmnwst]

The whole reason they created this product line. They had all of those segments displays they needed to use up.

[@Sandelec-gm2cl]

Because Roland want to spend less money for sell the unit with a better price. But I agree with you. I have many boutiques.. and the graphic display of the D-05 it's too little to navigate thousand of menù pages..😂

[@jeffhayesexperiment]

Can we just get some nice updated led screens. So stupid at this point in the timeline

[@Gabriel.Glacial]

What a powerhouse this tiny box is! Thank you for showing it in such an organized, crisp, and gentle way. Instant sub

[@dinsfire8489]

pretty amazing for what it is, that thing is ridiculously feature packed for how small it is. I can deal with the tiny display, 48 samples is kinda rough but limitations are good when it comes to creating so this is looking like a great sketchpad / portable pocket sampler for on the go

[@bobimnottellin362]

I'm not saying you need to clean the surface you film the equipment on. I'm just saying that I tried like hell to remove the perceived dirt on my phone screen. Good stuff.

[@vdgjolly]

Your channel is always a great example of how restrictions are boosting creativity.

[@FlaminTubbyToast]

This is the perfect Device for this channel. It’s nostalgic as hell - don’t tell me it doesn’t look like things you’d find in RadioShack in like 2009. A lot of its design feels like a call back to other instruments even if I can’t tell you why. And david Hilowitz basically used it to create a piece that blends Minecraft with Oxenfrees ost. It’s not David’s typical composition on the channel - that’s a focus on music nostalgic for the 80s and 90s but it is nostalgic for the next generation. It’s a nice nod when he compares instrument prices.

[@BGP_yt]

@@FlaminTubbyToast it needs radio shack prices.

[@kaydoubleyou6203]

I can’t believe how much hate this is getting already? 4 bar pattern, nice sounding samples. Different sampling rates, lots of mfx, from the SP series, decent storage..sounds great to me, I’m getting one!

[@HotStrange]

If I didn’t have a 404 I would’ve bought it instantly, which I never do. It looks awesome.

[@gixerags750]

@@kaydoubleyou6203 probably from all who bought 404 for $$$$..

[@basuramanya]

I really enjoy your videos. I do not have any musical background I just love your style and joy in the videos.

[@toxictulip]

@@basuramanya this is so true! i hardly know a thing about what he’s saying but his videos are just so calm and pleasant to watch

[@2pitoe2]

@@toxictulip The mission aims to drive proactive milestones in which the structure of the project organization is paramount.

[@johnroux8773]

God bless you and your content man. It’s always so well done and seriously helps step away from the stresses and complications of busy daily life. Thank you 🙏

[@axel_luke]

All you need is Ben Gibbard singing over that music and you got a postal service song.

[@UnconsciousChanting]

@@axel_luke unbelievable. I jumped into the comments after the granular sample was added to say: You just inadvertently wrote a Postal Service/Dntel track.

[@marsoblivi0n945]

I know they sound just as cheesy and bland.

[@volttema]

A Volca Sample, PO-33 and a Microgranny walk into a bar...

[@DavidHilowitzMusic]

Exactly!

[@kaydoubleyou6203]

It’s much more feature packed than those three!

[@tomfurstyfield]

@@DavidHilowitzMusic Does the granular sampler let you play chunks of the sample along the keyboard instead of notes like the microgranny?

[@DurtyCardiologist]

I wish it got as dirty as a microgranny. But yes that is a pretty accurate description

[@marsoblivi0n945]

@@tomfurstyfieldexactly. I can never part with mine. To many memories. But I wish they would added FX expansions some how. Considering they came with those pins like it was going to evolve.

[@Raku777]

Thanks for sharing. I also had a Casio SK-1 and made it do all kinds of tricks. I liked your walking through making a composition on the P-6 and will study it again. Your improv composition is inspiring.

[@wolfchan4389]

I pre ordered - I love that it is cheap granular synthesis. and portable.

[@JacksonLamberth]

I have been wanting to get an Aira forever! I would love to see you do videos on the other Synths from this line up! Love your videos :)

[@Heronbird]

I loved this!! You explain things so well. I got given the Roland s-1 recently and need to figure that one out!

[@steveanderson5226]

I absolutely love the style of your channel. Thank you for bringing such a respectful and creative approach to a launch review.❤

[@Arcane0]

Love your vids so much !! So calm and inspiring, makes me jump to my instruments and DAW everytime 🤣, much love !!❤❤❤

[@tzodearf2596]

A sampler with a microphone! What a novel concept. Interest is rising... Korg, are you listening?

[@DavidHilowitzMusic]

yes! i feel like every sampler should have an onboard microphone even if that isn't the primary use case

[@stefevr]

Honestly the main reason I'm not using my volca sample more is the lack of microphone :( the rest is near perfect

[@uhuhtapes]

You never looked at any other roland samplers in the last 20 years? 😅

[@seaoftranquility7228]

@@tzodearf2596 Amen to that.

[@bernardlindeman739]

Volca sample was released in 2015..

[@Kilian308]

I don't think I need it but now I want to have it, good job! :) I think I have to earn it first by pushing my PO-33 to its limits to see at as a justified purchase :) And the granular synth sounds fantastic..

[@DavidHilowitzMusic]

That’s a good plan. I personally see this as the next step after a PO-33.

[@emilioross243]

@@Kilian308 I would rather go for a used SP404 sx instead... Can be found around 250$ in great condition and does much more

[@Ily-d5b]

I own the S-1 synth and it is ton of fun especially with a midi keyboard. For a long time I've been looking for something to make drums and a month ago I got Circuit Rhythm. Now it looks like I should've wait one month more... Thanks for the review!

[@suga4all]

@Laressliss I have a Rhythm as well, but will also go for this one. The Rhythm has a lot of advantages, like 8 sequencer tracks, longer samples, better chopping, and way better workflow (than any Roland device). However, this one offers stereo sampling, polyphony and the SP404 FX. I guess they complement well.

[@Ily-d5b]

@@suga4all, yeah spent an hour with my Rhythm today and I think I still like it. So... maybe having both is a good option :)

[@suga4all]

@Laressliss Plus, the Rhythm is actually a very good knob controller. It has endless encoders, which put out midi CC messages. The 8 tracks have individual midi channels. So if you have a Blokas Midihub, the Rhythm becomes a 64 knob midi controller + sequencer(!) for any VST synth. I use it, for example, to control a Virus TI plug-in.

[@AndrewPRoberts]

This is EXACTLY what I've been looking for- I love the po33 as my travel sampler, but it's just a bit too limited. I have the volca sample 2, and I love it, but you can't record samples directly into it. I have the Circuit Tracks, which is SO great, but I really only like using it in studio with the rest of my gear, it's just a bit too large to travel with. THIS is like all of my favorite parts of all 3 but smashed together in a small package WITH stereo effects that costs around 200 bucks??? Yeah I'm getting one.

[@BitwiseMobile]

I just ordered mine from Sweetwater. They don't have it in stock yet, but I will get it as soon as they get stock.

[@DThompson55]

Like I didn't have enough ways to spend my days. I LOVE THIS!!! (Also, sad that I "offloaded" my SK1 last year)

[@alitna]

You are so good at making glitches!:)

[@darwiniandude]

Great overview, thanks. Bizarre it's totally full out of the box. But no big deal. :) If this had a built in speaker of some kind, it'd be a must have for me. The PO-33 is tiny and the kids love it but something a little more substantial would be nice. I like having some sort of keyboard layout (like this has) vs pads or buttons with no pitch based musical context (like PO-33 or EP-133, they're just pads) - so I guess there is still a place for SK-1 or OP-1 :)

[@pthelo]

Thanks for the intro to the P-6, David! You convinced me - I preordered one. :) Groovy demo track too, btw. Cheers!

[@Getoffmylawn2025]

Always interesting stuff found on this channel.

[@djpetenice]

I just bought one. Im going to pair it up with the T-8 and make hard acid techno. Thanks for the video, dude.

[@gapster77]

This is going to be great for LoFi!

[@alailama]

That's a way better investment than the Digitakt considering the price and options. Well done Roland.

[@janzoid5925]

Wow, thanks for this nice and condensed overview. Answered the open questions I got.

[@MrHandleman123]

I enjoyed the little tour. Thanks, man.

[@RandomBananaSalad]

There vids are high quality, wish there were more honestly

[@chobies5383]

My dad found a bass at his job yesterday. We used Google lens on it and it was a Peavey T-40, the pickups were a bit scuffed and some of the pickguard. There were also some scuffs on the back and it was crusty overall. It sounds great just plucking the strings. But I don't have an amp so I think I'll go to a Guitar Center or something on Friday. Edit: We finally went there and there was this pretty cool guitar nerd who has been playing for 4 years. He played it and he was actually really good at playing. He said he had never seen one in person and said it made his month. He also said not to sell it at Guitar Center cuz they sell it for dirt cheap

[@handsomeleroy]

Dude the T-40 is no joke. Heavy as hell, but you can get a crazy amount of tones because it’s wired unlike any other bass. Do a KZbin search and there are videos that will walk you through it. I got mine for a steal but I’ve seen them for sale for anywhere between 800-1200 bucks.

[@thenameless3271]

Guitar Center can be such a rip-off, check around your local used pages Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, etc, for better deals on cooler stuff!

[@gctechs]

I thought you're talking about Volca Bass

[@_floeter]

@@handsomeleroy All peavy from that era is gold.

[@Vingul]

Cool cool, but what does that have to do with this?

[@BigCore-]

This is what I was looking for when I bought a competitor groove box that doesn't allow you to sample. I was considering buying an older much larger machine. I'm buying this right now!

[@TheNimasan]

Beside the j6 which I don’t like that much, I love all thiese synths from Roland. S1 was one the best synths in a long time. I use it with my Norns and get so much out of it. Despite being a modular junkie with lots of granular and samplers I really can’t wait to get this one. Good job Roland!!

[@superkeefo6951]

seems like a much better and cheaper alternative to TE's KO2

[@mikegeary8056]

This box is great for the price. For an extra 20 I’m sure most people would appreciate a proper screen. With its sample chopping it would help with the start and end point.

[@NicholasReid1]

Beautiful video, thanks for putting it together. Lovely example tune, really clear explanation.

[@RSTypeContent]

WELCOME TO BAD GEAR

[@DavidHilowitzMusic]

"You've already heard the P-6 in action-"

[@ecks8214]

From... roland?

[@earthhuman5448]

Dude i see this comment on every new synth video! Must be exhausting!!

[@trueactionchannel]

​@@earthhuman5448you're right but it's just true

[@dertyp6767]

This Bad Gear dude basically brings reddit to youtube and I‘ m not sure about it

[@dmthandmade5674]

This would absolutely be my next musical purchase if I didn't 'need'* a Solina to finish my project involving a Solina, some stereo panning chips robbed from an old mixer, an unnamed... 8 voice polyphonic analogue synth... , and an Arduino doing some magic to integrate them and make them play nicely together. Curse you, friend who made me give his Solina back after leaving it with me to go off gallivanting around the world ;) Seriously though, I'm actually excited about this one. A modern bit of Roland gear...and I'm excited about it. It think that signals the coming apocalypse but I'm not sure. It's basically a modern DrSample Super Extra Plus, and it will 100 percent be going in my rig before spring (supplies permitting). *Nobody 'needs' any of this stuff. Of the musical toys I currently want, the Solina currently meets the threshold for my spoiled western consumer needs more than this does...until I have that, then this jumps to the front of the line. Such is life with the GAS monkey on your back. On the plus side, I probably won't bother buying a 404 if this does what I ...need.

[@jameslanclos568]

I had the Casio SK-1 and I loved it! I would hook it up to some of my guitar pedals like the Digitech Whammy and a digital delay.

[@_OopsieDaisies]

i already ordered one after seeing a different video yesterday! I've never really used a sampler but i the s1 and t8 from the same line have been lil inspo machines so i'm excited to have this to play with :)

[@777Yoni]

This wss ridiculously well done. Thanks.

[@stulee5314]

This what I’ve been looking for

[@unknown_character_music]

I literally just bought a 404mkii last week, which was slightly overkill for what I needed, this would have been perfect and saved a lot of money. Oh well 😂

[@bnjmnwst]

Send it back? Sell it?

[@masonjahncke7844]

Just keep the 404. It's beyond awesome

[@pascaljean2333]

404 over this any day take koala if in doubt

[@joevalle2630]

Hardware DAWless GANG .

[@pascaljean2333]

@@joevalle2630 deep pockets gang

[@BackspinZX]

Lovely little spotlight on this device!

[@headslapping100]

Looks fun, great review covered loads succinctly 👍

[@leftthechatsound]

Maaan that looks like a cool box.

[@rootstudio247]

Funny how your song reminds me of the last bit of ‘Heart of Glass’ 😅 nice video!

[@joellebrodeur1015]

I think it's cool and I don't mess with samplers, just guitars and effects. This may be useful as a writing inspiration tool. I'd trade in a pedal or two for it.

[@RJ_Eckie]

Freakin cool! Loving this overview of the device

[@DavidHilowitzMusic]

thanks!

[@digitaldiezel5870]

I’ve been ignoring this because I’m focused on filling gaps in my current setup. But when I go back to wanting a way to “make music on the go”, this may be what I invest in. Air plane beats! 🎧 😂

[@Notsram77]

Love it! Thanks for the video! (I want one of these... but is it actually GAS?)

[@Scarvaldi]

Hello! Thanks for sharing your video! I have two questions: 1. Is it possible to insert a USB or MIDI controller keyboard into this thing and start playing? 2. Since I don't need any of the features (though the sampling function is really amazing and a nice-to-have), is there some other, cheaper device which can serve as a sound device for my controller keyboards? I only need to make sounds without using a computer. I used to own a Roland GR 20 guitar synthesizer (not sure if it's really technically a synthesizer) which I don't have anymore which probably also would work with keyboards.

[@geminidefect]

gotta watch em all, gotta collect em all

[@MochiNPRA]

Im a big fan of the J-6, looking to get a T-8. This also looks awsome.

[@RandoCalglitchian]

Hey David, rather than using the utility software does it also mount as a USB mass storage drive like other recent Roland gear? I use Linux, so USB mass storage is 👍Also are you going to ever host a local meet-up or something similar?

[@Ericstlaurent]

fantastic product - fantastic product review

[@samprock]

I like your presentation and device too! Always looking to practical and small gadget (so far only one sticks is OP-Z). Question - when I change a sound on pad A-1 while on Pattern1, will it change sound on Pattern2? No pattern chain or song mode makes it one project device with fixed 48 sounds? Is there a way to copy midi scene from one pad to another pad and from one pattern to another pattern? TNX!

[@that_Ranjit]

This thing looks sweet! Honestly feels like a competitor to the OP-1. Can the P-6 do proper time stretching??

[@diezknudtz7197]

Great review! I keep waiting for the voiceover to reveal himself as CHRIS TRAEGER!

[@DavidHilowitzMusic]

he is my spirit animal

[@kalebrosenberg8294]

this was one was missing from the AIRA compact line! I kinda like the form factor (and that sweet sweet battery + usb-c) but the whole thing sits somewhere uncomfortably between a PO-33 and a SP-404 or EP-133. And sure, it's more capable than a PO but used SP-404s/EP-133s are like 50$ more and MUCH more capable and have decently sized pads. It's a tough spot really.

[@JordanService]

Also this kalimba sample made my dog go crazy thinking it was a doorbell.

[@51AM_]

Awesome ive been wanting a volca sample 2 for a bit now

[@spost26]

This could be my first dedicated beat-making device!!

[@slimyelow]

Excellent video.

[@lurto303]

Tell my why it gives me minecraft flashbacks 2:38 😭👌

[@Laze-Mz]

It's pretty cool. Why did you have it for 2 weeks ?

[@ilikeitdark13]

Nice video.....very clear!

[@jayfunk5988]

This has almost blown my Korg sample 2 away,but together they will mate😂✌️❤️

[@livideye]

Thanks for this video. This is lovely =)

[@tomfurstyfield]

Does the granular sampler let you play chunks of the sample along the keyboard instead of notes like the microgranny?

[@JordanService]

Korg: I think we are done with Volcas Roland: "NOW IS MY CHANCE! "

[@koncreteto2758]

Yay i totally want an esoteric menu dive system from the 90s

[@aaronmichaud1]

Size of synth is very close to Korg Volca line. Could this be the Roland response to The Korg Volca line? Likely. Looks and sounds good I am not opposed. Love Roland gear and would prefer they lead and not copy a competitor.

[@MeNtALcARteL]

Thank you for the demo! 2 questions. Can you sample while the sequence is playing?? And can it be connected to a tablet or phone instead of computer? Thanks again

[@vjrei]

Behringer B-6: $19.99

[@12foot04]

@@vjrei I can only hope!

[@vensyn]

i want this song on spotify

[@Royvdl]

This reminds me of Chompi, but cheaper and made by Roland. I might want this

[@LEDBOO]

I’m feeling it

[@mrwolfsang]

I really love to try this out, but right out of the gate I don't understand why any company would still use that display. There's absolutely no reason to use that display in 2024. Btw, I love your videos!

[@cnfuzz]

@@mrwolfsang read somewhere it has to do with battery endurance , led displays draw more , but agree on a sampler with this functionality it makes most of it options tedious and easily forgetteable , this thing had to be doublesized and a hundred bucks more

[@C0llinsW0rth.]

do you know if you can trim samples or edit their start and end points? Thanks for the awesome content!

[@DavidHilowitzMusic]

yes, you can

[@shift_reset]

I've been waiting for the roland to release a sampler for their aira series...but I got impatient and ordered a chompi last week. I guess now I will have two samplers

[@TheGuggit]

Has a feeling of the Zoom Sampletrak to it. Not a bad thing at all.

[@99Plastics]

My god, imagine what he could accomplish a $219 laptop.

[@BinauralBae]

I have an sp404mk 2 and I still want to try this at some point.

[@d-zone]

what about the limited 5.9s sampling maximum, no SD card to save projects, it's a drum sampler at best.

[@FairchlldMusic1]

Maybe you can dump the samples to the computer app, and maybe the sequencer memory too, so you can recall your full memory state to go back to a previous project. Will have to check the manual

[@d-zone]

@@FairchlldMusic1 you can dump 1 bank at a time, then reboot to do another. Not portable, not convenient, as you need a computer just get ableton/logic etc and get a fully featured sampler, backups, granular synths etc.....

[@HotStrange]

You need to think outside the box then

[@d-zone]

@@HotStrange really mr Roland employee, how do you propose a user saves their projects with no SD or backup utility?

[@HotStrange]

@@d-zone just record it and move on lol Roland employee?? Lmao good one.

[@Swenglish]

I doubt the parts it's made of add up to anywhere near that much, and I don't see much innovation here. It's a very limited tool to ask even that much for. Seems like a fun toy, and I'd be lying if I said I don't want to play with one, but...I'd be hesitant to even pay half that amount for it. It's obsolete technology stuffed in a new box. In the abstract sense, it's basically a SNES Mini. Roland isn't even trying to justify the price. But i I ever see a used one for $60, I'm grabbing it.

[@megloton]

Cool video as always, but I think the KO 2 is this years classic. I don’t care for the display and work flow on this device

[@Loagz_Beatz]

This is pretty cool ❤😊

[@newshoesbigblister]

Would it be possible to make a copy of all the preprogrammed P-6 samples into a folder on your computer so that even if you delete some of them from the P-6 to make room for your own, you could swap them back in at a later date if need be? 🤔

[@MATroiano]

Eric Barone would love this

[@iamaraindog385]

I bought a Volca Sample 2 last week lol. Dammit.

[@cuttlefishpie3731]

Can you chain patterns, and if so can they be saved as songs that can be recalled directly from the device? And how many songs?

[@DavidHilowitzMusic]

I could be wrong, but i don't think you can chain patterns really at all

[@cuttlefishpie3731]

@@DavidHilowitzMusic I read the pdf manual and there is no mention of pattern chaining

[@RasmusSchultz]

why would they design a $200 device with a 9-segment display. adding a monochrome OLED display would have cost them probably about a dollar more. 😌

[@charliemannion2718]

So if i took my 2 turntables and mixer and sent them into this thing, could i play the turntables live and use this thing to add effects/ sample sounds from the records as i go?

[@thesunfindsitseyes]

Hello! I have a question for Roland P-6 owners. My battery drains very quickly, and it takes an unusually long time to recharge. When I play with the power cable plugged in, I would like it to run directly from the outlet (as the Volca Sampler does), but even then, the battery still discharges, and the sampler eventually stops working. I really enjoy this sampler, but the charging issues are becoming quite frustrating. Has anyone experienced this problem? How do you power your sampler?

[@grumsta]

Can you get around the 8 pads triggering on one step by 'bouncing down' several pads into one with the resampling feature?