Roland FA-06 as your USB audio and MIDI Interface

#RolandFA06 #SynthesizerTutorials #stephenmendes
If you are a solo musician and multi-instrumentalist you can do everything with just your FA-06 and your computer, you can use your FA-06 to record guitars and vocal tracks into your DAW and you do NOT need to buy a separate audio or MIDI interface.... this video shows you how.... step-by-step..... including driver setup on Windows 10.
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[@LeeKirkham-l1w]

all I wanted to know was if there an output on the Roland phantom 8 that will plug in to a tascam 32 SD recording system

[@StephenMendes]

The Roland Fantom 8 only has the USB computer connection for digital audio ...... if you require TOS-link (or coax cable) then you will have to buy an ADC and convert the main stereo audio output back to digital audio

[@dolly3343]

Great tutorials Stephen! I'm learning so much about my Roland FA08. Thank you for this valuable information! 🤩

[@sotiamaria5922]

I need to connect my keyboard f08 into focursite scarlett 2:2. What cables do i need? I am so confused, please someone help!

[@StephenMendes]

No need to be confused .... if you want to record /playback the AUDIO (sound) then you need electric guitar cables (ending in 1/4" phone plugs at both ends)..... if you want to record/playback the actual notes you play in a sequencer (think Roll Piano of the past) then you use standard MIDI cables ending in DIN 5-pin plugs (at both ends)

[@wireguy123]

Ive owed this board for a year and still continue learning more from Stephen than any manual or roland video...Thanks

[@StephenMendes]

delighted to hear that.... glad to help 😊

[@wireguy123]

@@StephenMendes STephen,..need help.Im desperate..Just recording midi in Reaper choosing rec midi. using FA01 as Soundcard or using UMC204 sounds like is recording fine..when i playback ..all the midi notes are way wacky & wrong Whats happening?

[@StephenMendes]

@@wireguy123 you need to isolate the problem.... can you play back ANY MIDI tracks correctly.... go get a MIDI track from online (type free MIDI tracks in Google).... open it in your Reaper.... see if it plays back properly.... that will help to identify if the problem is with the recording .... or with the playing back

[@chrst7635]

Thank you Stephen for your informative video on using FA with DAW

[@tronlady1]

If ever I am depressed I will just listen to this guy‘s voice and accent as it is truly intriguing 🥰

[@StephenMendes]

Glad you found something you liked on the video 🤣😂

[@tronlady1]

Stephen Mendes there’s plenty to like stephen! I also like how you have different coloured T-shirts on every video 😃. I tell you what I bet your videos are much more informative than the roland information? Personally I am wondering if I would be able to use the FA07 or JUNO DS with my TC HELICON voice live 3 as the interface? Then I can put guitar and vox thru that and connect it via USB to the keyboard???

[@StephenMendes]

@@tronlady1 YES you can use your FA-07 or JUNO DS with HELICON VOICE LIVE 3 ..... you CANNOT connect the USB port on the HELICON to the USB of the Roland ....... but you CAN make audio and/or MIDI connections between them ...... and use the Roland FA07 as an audio/MIDI interface to your computer (over USB cable) if you need that

[@thephoenixchant]

@@StephenMendes I was wondering... can I connect USB-powered Amazon speakers to the FA-06's memory USB and power them that way? They have a USB 2.0 for power and a mini-stereo jack for audio [they are PC speakers but fit well on the FA-06]. In other words... can the FA-06 power other devices through one of its USB conmections?

[@StephenMendes]

@@thephoenixchant NOT recommended .... but (I think) it is unlikely to damage your FA-06 (although you would have to power-cycle your FA to restore the USB port if it appears to "fail") ...... IF you decide to risk it then use the one that (normally) connects to the COMPUTER and NOT the one for upgrading the firmware..... and let us know via a comment whether it works for you or not..... please note this will VOID your Warranty if your keyboard should fail...... so say a prayer before you try it

[@noelinecahill3630]

Thank you Stephen for replying so promptly and your advice, I realise the discs are finished and the USB is the way to go, it is very daunting these keyboards and workstations seem so complicated, I basically just really want a good sounding piano and the use of the USB for my backing when I sing and not worry about attaching computers etc. Thanking you for taking the time out to help

[@StephenMendes]

I will take a look around and see if I can specifically recommend a piano that is simple to operate and has a good sound what is your price range ?

[@noelinecahill3630]

@@StephenMendes Hi again Stephen, you are very kind to help, I suppose around up to $2000.00 Australian, I have been looking at the Roland RD 88 not too sure about the standard midi files on usb friendly on or not the VR 09 is an early model from what I can see Kindest regards Noeline

[@quimzealex9629]

Fantastic video! How it works the audio sequencer on track 16; Can i record audio multiples scenes like: Intro, Verse, Chorus...? Very thanks

[@StephenMendes]

yes... you can use ANY audio on the sample buttons .... and sequence it on Track 16

[@quintinwright8487]

I just got this so I need a speaker for this to work

[@StephenMendes]

buy a Roland keyboard amplifier , like model KC-200 ...... if you can't afford it than get a Peavey keyboard amplifier like model KB 1 ... best wishes

[@quintinwright8487]

@@StephenMendes thanks

[@KashKashshiro]

What's the processor of the computer?

[@StephenMendes]

It was an INTEL Core i7 7th generation

[@KashKashshiro]

Thank you for the response my idol. 🤟♥️

[@ivnsports518]

Terrific tutorial. One question though, I've been able to record several MIDI tracks using Live connected with my FA08. Everything fine, it appears that I can record whatever I want using my FA08 but once I got all the MIDI tracks on display I'm stuck there and I have no idea how to convert/export them into a WAV. I select the MIDI file and I try to follow the manual by freezing the MIDI file in order to convert it to WAV but I got a message indicating that there´s no Audio OUT channel selected. I have absolutely no idea how to sort this thing out, I've tried it multiple times but no success whatsoever so far.

[@StephenMendes]

Converting to WAV on the FA-08 is easy .... you don't "freeze" anything .... once you select the menu option to do output to WAV .... the song plays on it's own and the WAV file(s) are produced.... you can either have one files with all the tracks mixed on it .... or you can have multiple WAV (one for each track) your choice..... I will make a video if you cannot get it sorted out

[@wireguy123]

There are three drivers that pop up in reaper Roland FA06, FA06 DAW * FA06 Control. What are these?

[@StephenMendes]

Hi James... I made a video specifically about this back in 2018...... here it is kzbin.info/www/bejne/raeshqWvqamSebM ..... I never completely solved the mystery but eventually I got everything working perfectly ..... as you can hear in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5e6pqyYbL2tf6c ..... I plan to make a LOT more FA-06 videos to help you..... even though it's confusing and mysterious at times I almost always get it to do what I want in the end.... thanks so much for your comment and I hope you found something helpful in my videos

[@frankerector_1]

I am having a problem getting my FA-06 and Reaper to play Arturia Pigments. How would I get in touch with you from an email?

[@StephenMendes]

[e-mail]

[@kvngoroo_roger]

So, can I control another synth (Roland System-1, which has MIDI-output) using roland fa-06 as MIDI-keyboard?

[@StephenMendes]

Yes... absolutely... that would work fine

[@thiagoportugal2041]

Good afternoon, I have a keyboard Roland Fa08, my notebook is with windows 10, but when I connect the keyboard on the notebook, the message unrecognized device appears, how do I solve this problem? I already changed cables and USB port, updated the keyboard, in the system this USB midi: vendor. Thank you very much in advance

[@StephenMendes]

it will not work unless you download and install the Roland driver for Windows 10 from their website..... if you set USB midi: Generic then it will work without Roland driver but only MIDI will work and not audio.

[@jpmelodymusic]

pls which studio app are you using bon your computer

[@Marion0142]

I am trying to connect my Alesis vortex 2 wifi by using a usb A adaptor and its dongle. Can I use the USB port as an IN midi connection? I would like to use the Alesis with Roland sounds

[@StephenMendes]

The USB port is both MIDI IN and OUT as well as DIGITAL AUDIO in and out.... you are advised to use the Roland WNA1100-RL wireless dongle ..... I cannot advise you concerning any other wireless adapter..... another adapter might work but I cannot assist with setup.

[@ArdaKaraduman]

Hello there, I have a FA-06 as well, and very happy with it. Now it is coming the time to record something. I recorded some stuff before, but it was quite a while ago in 2000s, using early versions of cakewalk, and a m-audio PCI interface, so not up to specs of latest hardware/DAWs. I'll be recording with Logic Pro on Mac. I have a FA-06, and a guitar. I have a guitar amp (peavey vypyr 3) but I'll be recording the guitar mostly in DI, and not use the amp. So I am looking for an audio interface, but I am kind of lost. I am considering, focusrite solo, 2i2, SSL2 and SSL2+. First of all, between SSL2 and SSL2+, I think the main difference for me would be the MIDI port in SSL2+. Would I need it to record fa-06 ? I don't think I will ever have another MIDI device, or record more than one MIDI device on my setup. Regarding focusrites, I may need 2i2 to stereo record my keyboard. But do I need that to record keyboard ? fa-06 has audio on usb right ? would 2i2 give me an advantage ? If I can record fa-06 just through usb, I don't think I would need 2i2. I don't think I will ever record more than one device on audio interface. questions, so many questions ...

[@StephenMendes]

Have you considered Presonus Audiobox iTWO ?? I have not had any experience with Focusrite but I can tell you that the iTWO plays well with Apple products WITHOUT any need for "driver" ...... having a "driver free" box is quite an advantage .... I will soon test it on the new M1 chip with Big Sur and let you know if it still works 😊

[@calebugolden]

Stephen, I have my Roland FA 08 plugged into my MacBook and I have GarageBand open, but there is nothing showing up in the computer. How can I use it as an external midi so the sounds come from GarageBand?

[@StephenMendes]

have you installed the Mac driver for the Roland FA-06 (the version for your MacOS) onto your Mac ?? The FA-06 will not work with the MacBook without the proper driver installed ...... if you have already installed it, then the next thing to check is the "driver switch" in the FA-06 under the "General" settings tab of the "System" menu.... it must be set to "VENDOR" before the driver will function

[@LFOVCF]

How did you get on? I have an iMac with same issue (works fine on my PC)

[@johnstudiob2481]

Hi Stephen if I was connecting guitar mic and bass to a mixer what would be the best way to connect the mixer to fa06 as an interface thanks

[@StephenMendes]

well if the mixer output is feeding IN to the FA-06 then you have to use a stereo 3.5mm cable to put into the "Line" input of the FA-06

[@typalo66]

Is there a way to record an mp3 cover song into a track of the midi sequencer and sync it to the midi clock on the Fa06, record midi sounds onto the other tracks and then erase the mp3 track there by leaving a midi sequence. This way I would have the song to follow while recording the drums and bass etc on seperate tracks.

[@StephenMendes]

you cannot record audio into a MIDI sequencer .... you would have to import the mp3 into the sampler and trigger the pad associated with it from the Pad track (track 16 is default).... but what you wish to do is perfectly possible on the FA-06

[@ohjainam]

Hey Stephen! Great video! Just what I was looking for. I just have one question, when you use one cable to record samples into the Roland, is it limited to capturing only mono as you show here in the recording demo nearing 10 mins or can I use the headphone's output from my mixer/2i2 to record both the channels LR into my Roland?

[@StephenMendes]

You can record stereo samples (and you set the MONO or STEREO in the Record setup in the Sample section)..... if you are recording stereo sample you would have to use the smaller 3.5mm jack on the back of the Roland because the 1/4 inch jack is a MONO input

[@ohjainam]

@@StephenMendes does using 3.5mm cause any loss to quality? If I had to connect a synthesizer with LR outputs to FA input, what shall I have to do to link 2 outs into one 3.5mm in? Big big ups to you! Thank you for helping out 🙏😇🙋‍♂️

[@StephenMendes]

@@ohjainam "does using 3.5mm cause any loss to quality?" NO it does not " If I had to connect a synthesizer with LR outputs to FA input, what shall I have to do to link 2 outs into one 3.5mm in? " The 3.5 mm jack is STEREO (TRS) so this is what you need ...... you just got to pick one that has the right LENGTH for you.... www.amazon.com/LinkinPerk-Splitter-Compatible-Amplifier-Recorder%EF%BC%8CMP3/dp/B07PR3SGHM/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=2+1%2F4%22+TS+to+3.5mm+TRS&qid=1621363492&sr=8-4

[@gonzalochavana8041]

Great video! Stephen! I have a question, can I use my FA-06 to record the sounds within the keyboard, pianos, strings etc? I don't own a USB Audio interface and I'd like to know if I can use my keyboard instead buying an audio interface or it only works to record guitar and mics? Thank you and cheers from Mexico.

[@StephenMendes]

OF COURSE you can record the FA-06 sounds both within the FA by itself ....... or in a DAW connected to the FA ...... the only reason I talk about recording guitars and microphones is because many keyboards cannot record external instruments 🙂

[@noelinecahill3630]

Hello Stephen, You have a great way of explaining things, what my question is if you can help me, is that I have been using the Roland G1000 which plays commercial midi files from a floppy disc drive, sadly the Roland is in it's last days and I am looking for a more lightweight roland keyboard all I want as an additive it to be able to use my midi files probably via usb as I did on the G1000, I dont want to connect to computers etc. I have tried looking around but can't seem to find this can you recommend something that would suit would be great, thank you Kind regards Noeline

[@StephenMendes]

Hi Noeline..... you will not find any new keyboards that read floppy discs 😂 ...... HOWEVER there are quite a few that play/record MIDI files from USB memory stick ...... although the Roland FA-06/07/08 models use SDHC memory cards (instead of USB stick).... the other Roland keyboards (for example VR-09 which I also own uses the USB stick)...... if you want this feature on a Stage Piano keyboard why not consider the Kawai MP7 ?? ..... I really am surprised you cant find this because MOST new Piano keyboards support MIDI files from USB flash memory stick .... thanks for contacting me

[@donnapennartz8398]

Hi Stephen, what cables do I need to buy in order to connect my Roland FA 06 to my laptop (macbook air). I want to be able to play on my FA 06 and have Logic (that I have installed on my laptop) pick up what I play, so I can mix it later. Could you tell me what cables I should buy to be able to do so? Thanks a billion!

[@StephenMendes]

Hi thanks for posting... you need a USB cable that has the "squarish" connector on one end (for keyboard) and the normal rectangular connector on the other end..... and if your Macbook air does NOT have USB ports on it, then you need an Apple adapter that will allow you to plug in the USB cable to it and provide you with a plug that matches the socket on your Macbook ..... that's it ..... 0:36 - 0:46 in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoWcf4J3hKibiK8 shows you the process.

[@tonyc945]

Is it possible to use REAPER DAW with the FA-06 and load the Roland sounds into REAPER? There doesn't appear to be any tutorials on this. Thanks, Stephen for an excellent video.

[@StephenMendes]

You can use the FA-06 with ANY DAW ..... you can record the Roland sounds in reaper but you can NOT transfer Roland sounds to reaper ..... the Roland FA-06 plug-in is NOT A SOFT SYNTH ..... it is a CONTROL SURFACE ..... as long as your FA-06 is connected to the computer , the FA-06 sounds will be "available" in REAPER ..... when you unplug the FA-06 everything will disappear from Reaper EXCEPT any audio that you have actually recorded on an audio track (or any MIDI sequence that you have recorded on a MIDI track)

[@tonyc945]

Stephen Mendes Thank you! Very helpful. In the process of installing the USB drivers for my Windows 10 laptop. Appreciate your quick response to my inquiry. Next will download and install Reaper. There are three templates for DAW’s already on the Roland . . .Logic Pro, Sonar and Cubase . .There is a user template which I suspect I will need to use for Reaper. Anyway, more reading and studying to be done. Again, thanks for your help and your videos. Have a great weekend!

[@StephenMendes]

@@tonyc945 I am not impressed with these "Templates" on FA-06 (or A-800PRO) ..... limited functionality at best ..... plus it's real easy to customize the User template for any DAW and to get exactly what you want ..... I already have a video to get you started kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIPImGaYasujhqs and I will address this further in my next FA-06 video which is coming out within a week 😊..... best wishes

[@tonyc945]

@Stephen Mendes Thanks again for your help and for your videos. This is all quite new to me. I've been a Hammond A-100 with Leslie organist since I was 11 and played with a couple of bands in the 60's. Couple of years ago, some of my business associates and I decided to start a band, playing 60's and 70's music, we're all in our sixties. So rather than transport my Hammond around I bought a Roland FA-06 after a bit of research. Of course, it is much more than simply a performance keyboard, but I'm a computer geek also and was intrigued with the ability to manipulate songs/midi and sounds. i'm now getting to point where I have some time to dick around with this stuff. My main interest is to download midi's, import them into Reaper, change the studio sets, maybe add some tracks, mute or delete the keyboard track(s), write them to the FA-06, convert them to Roland and then PLAY ALONG WITH THE Roland/Midi. I really enjoy playing along with a "band - live or virtual!" :) I'm not a music composer and would never pretend to be. I'd much rather download already constructed midis for songs I like then modify them. To be composer, you need a creative mind and composition skills, which quite honestly, I don't possess! :) So that's really it in a nutshell, the midi files also help our group to learn new songs. I found some software that will print out the Midi files as sheet music. Very helpful when trying to get the band on the same page.

[@StephenMendes]

@@tonyc945 there is a very realistic Hammond organ hidden in the FA-06 and also a Leslie as well ... but to actually USE them .... you have to program switches for the Leslie control and use a MIDI controller keyboard with lots of sliders that will act as your drawbars (once you match up all the MIDI settings properly)..... maybe I do a video to demonstrate this ..... seems like a good idea, which I had not thought of till now.... best wishes Tony..... thanks for comment and idea 😊

[@chotonbarua5049]

Hei Steven, great informative video! I'm planning to use fa08 as midi controller and audio interface hooked up with mainstage .. In that case how reliable will be fa08 as audio interface in terms of latency ? I will be using it playing live gigs... Could you please shed some lights on it 🙏

[@StephenMendes]

There is no latency that I can detect BUT I have not tested it with more than 2 Stereo tracks and 2 MIDI channels running simultaneously ......watch THIS VIDEO kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5e6pqyYbL2tf6c .... if you plan on running all 16 MIDI tracks along with your stereo audio in both directions your PC (or your FA) might bottleneck ...... thanks for your interest in my channel 😊

[@chotonbarua5049]

@@StephenMendes thanks a lot man

[@John_Riff]

Can you record only the Aux In/Line in too? Is it the same procedure as recording guitar from the input? (Another doubt, offtopic: In the sequencer of the FA-06, can you play 2 audio pads simultaneously? It is to record voice and guitar and export them as wav tracks to finisj editing tjem in your DAW). The thing about the Line In of the FA-06 I ask because maybe in the Juno DS you can use the line input to record a guitar that comes from the headphones out of a guitar amp like roland mobile cube. Still thinking between buying the FA-06 and the Juno-DS.

[@StephenMendes]

Yes you can record the Line In and it is the same procedure as recording guitar. Yes you can play two or more audio pads simultaneously. However, you can NOT record audio while playing pad(s) so FA-06 is NOT SUITABLE for 'multi-tracking' and you also cannot record more than one pad at a time.

[@Yang02022010]

Sounds like topic that concerned my need. Does it mean that there is totally no way to record voice backing track in the sequencer? Not even if we select specifically "track 16" and record voice from there? And not even possible to load and save voice recorded with DAW process that you showed back into any track in sequencer? I'm a standalone player and sometimes I need a backing voice.

[@John_Riff]

@@Yang02022010 What you can do is play the midi base + drums. Record the audio of a guitar on pad 1. "Mute" pad 1 and play the Midi again. While listenning to the Midi, record Vocal Lead on Pad 2. "Mute" pad 1 and 2 (by mute I mean you just can't listen to them atm). Then repeat the same process for Chorus Vocals on Pad 3. Then use track 16 by playing up to 4 pads at the same time, triggering the audios (guitar + lead + chorus vocals) This is how you can do it I guess. The idea is that you cannot record and listen to audio tracks at the same time, but can record as far as 16 audio tracks while listenning to the Midi base, one by one. Then play up to 4 Audio Pads at the same time. If recording time is unlimited (Is it? Idk), you should be able to do it althought he says it's not "suitable" because it is not as easy to do as it ought to be in this sense. It's not as if you use a PC/Mac Sequencer where you can record and listen to audio at the same time. Btw if you have one of these programs you can control them from the roland FA-06 with very small audio latency.

[@StephenMendes]

@@Yang02022010 the sequencer is a MIDI sequencer and it cannot record audio........ audio is recorded and stored to buttons on the right side of the keyboard...... the TWO problems ....... ONE, Syncing the time of the audio to the MIDI sequencer ...... TWO, you can only record audio or play back from a single button (therefore you cannot record on one button while playing back another)

[@Yang02022010]

@@StephenMendes thanks for your reply to save my effort trying around. I guess we just can't demand more than what it offers

[@DennisJavierTorrezCastro]

Muchas gracias amigo Stephen, aunque el vìdeo està en inglès, los subtìtulos me ayudaron a entender la conexiòn y el uso, muchas gracias por el trabajo estuvo bien explicado. saludos desde Bolivia.

[@StephenMendes]

Greetings and Best Wishes for the New Year .... thanks for your comment .... I paste your comment into a Google translator and it give me English ..... hopefully you can do the same thing with comments 🙂

[@floydtaylor7987]

Is there a way to use the fa 08 sounds and instruments in Logic Pro as an external midi so that the audio comes from Logic Pro?

[@StephenMendes]

The FA-08 is both an audio and MIDI interface so you can control it as an external MIDI and send it's digital "audio" back up the USB cable (into Logic Pro) ..... so in that sense your audio will come out of Logic Pro ... so answer is "yes" .... but you must install the Roland FA driver on whatever computer you are using (in order for USB audio to work) and activate it on the FA-08 and then select (assign) those drivers within Logic Pro .... you will also need another interface to get your audio out of Logic Pro and into your speakers.... I will do a video with Sonar demonstration (but it will work with ANY DAW) .... thanks for your comment

[@annabelbrown9628]

Hi Stephen, could you give me list of cables /adaptors I need for this? I want to record myself playing the Roland straight to the computer. Thanks!

[@StephenMendes]

Hi Annabel if you are just recording the FA-06 and nothing more you only need one cable here is the link www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-USB-Printer-Cable-Male/dp/B00NH13DV2/ref=sxin_7_pb?cv_ct_cx=USb+6+foot+cable&dchild=1&keywords=USb+6+foot+cable&pd_rd_i=B00NH13DV2&pd_rd_r=1fe2b50b-815a-4f94-bfe7-c9dfbc638d8c&pd_rd_w=nOso5&pd_rd_wg=ApcAu&pf_rd_p=b3cd7f63-3626-4f93-9f2c-8730ae1a4efd&pf_rd_r=CDQ9KBWQN785E262T5Q2&qid=1591642194&sr=1-3-8065ff8c-2587-4a7f-b8da-1df8b2563c11 ....... if you wish to record your voice you will need a microphone (and microphone boom stand) and a matching transformer if using a balanced microphone ..... tell me if you are recording voice and I will send the links to those items also

[@annabelbrown9628]

Hi thanks SO much for replying and for the link. All I want to do at the moment is record the Roland 👍

[@StephenMendes]

@@annabelbrown9628 that cable is all you need then ..... you could get a shorter one than 10 feet if you like..... I do not know the distance between your FA-06 and the computer but I would always use short cables unless I actually need longer ones ..... the most important thing is the ENDS must look the same as in that diagram 😊

[@annabelbrown9628]

We managed to connect to my daughter's Mac, to record into Garageband. It worked, but the playback volume is very low, despite being up to max on the Roland and full in the computer system and garageband. Have you any suggestions on how to make it louder? We think once we add singers and guitarist we won't hear the keyboard.

[@StephenMendes]

@@annabelbrown9628 the Mac has USB ports ? or are you going through an Apple adapter ?

[@user-pk4sd9dd2w]

Great videos! If I want to use garageband on my mac with Roland Fa08, can I just use a double-headed USB cable? Plus do I have to do anything setting wise on Roland or should work straight off? Thanks!

[@StephenMendes]

Yes you use a USB cable to connect the Mac.... if you want to use USB audio over the connection you need to install a driver from Roland website.... then on the FA-06 you press the MENU button and select SYSTEM and the GENERAL tab and scroll down to USB Driver and make sure it says Vendor (MIDI+audio)

[@user-pk4sd9dd2w]

@@StephenMendes top man! so is it better to have speakers still running from keyboard via jack as before or from computer/daw? I was hoping I'd be able to run speakers through computer as then can bluetooth connect them?

[@StephenMendes]

@@user-pk4sd9dd2w run the speakers from the DAW and you will get a more accurate assessment of levels and actual record sound quality, etc.

[@user-pk4sd9dd2w]

Stephen Mendes thanks! So I’ve downloaded the latest FA driver for Mac. Was going to download all the extra sounds too. Do you know if I can use all the Roland sounds through GarageBand and not just limited to the sounds within it? Thanks! You know your stuff!

[@StephenMendes]

@@user-pk4sd9dd2w If the "extra sounds" you speak of are the sound banks on the Axial website then they will only run in the FA-06 (because they are just digital data for the sound engine) so you use in Garageband like all the other FA-06 patches playing through the audio over USB cable ...... the FA-06 graphic that appears in the DAW is just a remote control surface for the actual FA-06 (it is NOT an FA-06 emulation)..... all sounds play in the physical FA-06 and not in the DAW

[@akshayjithPM]

What about the audio interface quality while recording when comparing with a professional interface like Baby face pro or Apollo twin ?

[@StephenMendes]

I cannot say with certainty at this time...... it does not seem possible to change the bit depth and sample rate and the specs say 44.1kHz, 16 bits....... although I see on the Roland site that it can read up to 96kHz, 24 bit files.... I will have to do a square wave test and that will instantly show me the sample rate but not the bit depth.

[@LFOVCF]

I cannot get my Mac to even recognise my 06. Installed drivers etc NOTHING!

[@RitchiMaguire]

I cant seem to use my workstation FA-06 sounds in my DAW... I can use the DAWs crappy sounds through the workstation tho? any thoughts Stephen? I use Ableton 10 live btw.

[@StephenMendes]

I am about to make a video that will show how to use the Workstation with DAW ..... there have been several requests concerning this and it should be up within the next week... it will not be specifically for Ableton , but I will try to make it as general as possible.

[@RitchiMaguire]

Stephen Mendes awesome, your a star. Thank you.

[@StephenMendes]

Did I do this ? Did I forget ? I will check and get right on it ..... thanks for reminding me 😊

[@RitchiMaguire]

Stephen Mendes I would really appreciate that video Stephen thank you.

[@StephenMendes]

@@RitchiMaguire Did you see the DAW videos for Roland FA-06 ? check my FA-06 playlist ..... the ONLY way to use FA sounds in your DAW is to record the audio coming out of your FA (there is no virtual FA sound engine inside your computer)..... check this video ..... kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5e6pqyYbL2tf6c

[@musicmanwilly3865]

Hi stephen , is there a way to convert midi to audio from a DAW using the fa instead of exporting it from the unit?

[@StephenMendes]

I believe you can "play the FA" from your DAW but you may not be able to record the audio output back into your DAW at the same time using the USB cable alone..... BUT if you use the DIN 5 pin MIDI connectors and the normal audio output connectors on the FA along with an (external) USB audio/MIDI interface then you can do what you want..... limitation concerns the internal USB interface only...... but I will make another video after I experiment with it

[@musicmanwilly3865]

@@StephenMendes thank you very much sir

[@mdstreet94]

Hi Stephen, I'm having trouble recording the piano and vocals at the same time. Is this possible using your method shown in the video?

[@StephenMendes]

No it's not possible to record audio at the same time as your piano playing ..... the workstation does NOT behave like a DAW and it has severe limitations (maybe that's why it's cheaper than other workstations) ..... I was seriously upset that it does not replace my computer ..... you can only EITHER record OR playback audio (does not permit record and playback at the same time) ..... useless for multi-tracking vocals or singing along with some other audio source ...... the sequencer only records MIDI information so you can only "record" the audio clip "trigger" and there is no synchronization between the audio and the MIDI.... quite pathetic .... but you CAN layer MIDI tracks (play back some while adding more)..... so it's mainly the audio section that is crap...... it would suit somebody who is only working MIDI

[@mdstreet94]

@@StephenMendes then is it possible to use another combination of software/hardware to be able to record both keyboard and vocals at the same time?.. Thanks for your reply already!

[@StephenMendes]

@@mdstreet94 Why not simply use a DAW on your laptop or ipad pro ?? the only extra hardware you need is an audio/MIDI interface and I recommend the Presonus Audio Box iTWO.... here is the link to my video kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIOkZX6Hr69nb5o..... Sonar is the DAW on my computers and Auria Pro on the ipad and I have numerous videos showing you how to use them.

[@johnstudiob2481]

@@StephenMendes so does this mean i can't connect a mic to FA06 and play and record both at the same time to my daw using the usb from FA06 or am i getting the wrong end of the stick

[@StephenMendes]

@@johnstudiob2481 you can do that.... there is a switch in the settings that will let you record the mic only.... or the mic and the keyboard together

[@JayLayne]

Hey thanks for vid, hey are you from Barbados..?

[@StephenMendes]

Yes..... I am from Barbados 😊

[@JayLayne]

Awesome so is my family, beautiful land

[@John_Riff]

Great explanation. Thanks!! :)

[@StephenMendes]

Hopefully you are deciding whether this is the keyboard for you and if you can live with it's limitations 🙂.... if you watch the playlist I give you the whole deal.... the good ..... as well as the bad

[@MrEyardibi]

Unfortunately Fa sound interface is not compatible with iOS unlike steinberg ur242. Fa can be only midi controller for ipad but cannot be sound interface. It is disappointing.

[@StephenMendes]

this is true...... but Presonus AudioBox i2 is fully compatible with ipad and it's quite inexpensive 😉...... small price to pay for a bargain keyboard (FA) with thousands of sounds, several sound engines and a very user friendly interface

[@Lengusie]

What accent do you have? I can not place it!

[@tronlady1]

What Does FA stand for “fuck all”.....☺️😩😆😊🤣 ......nah seriously I’m fancying the 76 key version but I would only get one used

[@tperry5839]

Love ❤️ it

[@jorgepalacios4096]

thank you so much!!!

[@GM-xy5tw]

The “Stepson”!!!! 😂😂

[@StephenMendes]

🤣

[@tronlady1]

Go get yourselves a used JUNO Gi at half the price of the DS and FA’s!!! I thought at this price I would be able to do everything I wanted on the FA07 but it would appear that I cannot!!!! I’ve been looking at the FA and DS and I came across the GI in a music store at £400. The GI shits all over the others as it has a proper interface, a proper multitrack recorder plus it basically has a boss guitar effects pedal board inside it as well. Do yourselves a flavour n look it uP 😁

[@mikegeeguitarman8991]

So much for seamless intergration to your PC and DAW..all this shit makes me want to drink bleach..not good enough workstation manufacturers..we are musicians not midi computer geeks. Good video though you cant find anything like this to cover the infuriating Korg Krome so many thanks indeed sir

[@StephenMendes]

Roland FA is actually the most musician friendly workstation on the market.... I totally agree that "seamless integration of PC and DAW" is bull.... just a PIPE DREAM that nobody can get to reality..... but trust me, Yamaha is more difficult to understand than Roland .... and as for Korg, they are the absolute worst (it could take a musician YEARS to master the new Kronos) ..... and most never will .... they will simply turn it on, play a preset or two and then turn it off again 😂...... NONE of these manufacturers can write a PROPER manual anymore..... if you compare a manual from the 80's with what comes out now you will quickly see the difference ....... the people who knew how to write good manuals must all be dead by now..... anyway I try to make everything plain and straightforward in my videos... so thanks for your comment

[@zanerichter3806]

Is he Irish or Jamaican? Lol

[@StephenMendes]

Barbadian