Roland FA-06 Black: My Honest Opinions

[@benr3799]

“Music is just a tool to have fun with, first” It’s so quick and easy to put together VST’s that you completely lose the discovery and time needed to make insights into your sounds, having a physical keyboard is so much more fun, and fun is really what music is about!!

[@thecrazyhorse25]

I've owned my Roland FA for a few years now and I have to say it's amazing not only in the studio but for live shows!!

[@Bashanvibe]

Same here bro I use it as an aux. I love it because I can find any patch just about stand alone and what I can’t find just layer a few and eq adjust the ADSR a little bit and I’m either just like the record or close enough and that’s because I need external analog stomp boxes

[@thomasmatthews8873]

The FA06 is badass. With an MPC in combination flying through the Audio Tracks sector, there is practically nothing you can not do. Same with the Juno DS. I don't use the sequencer because the MPC takes care of that. The learning curve is a definite process. But these two together is like Thanos and Darkseid together.

[@u4yk]

I've had the FA-06 for a number of years, and I highly recommend connecting the USB, which allows you to send 16 direct audio tracks to your DAW. It makes mixing so much easier if I've got a layered part or I've got a beat going and I'm just sketching out ideas for a song and edit what I recorded to flesh out a full song. It has sped up my workflow immensely.

[@byrone3561]

Thats actually crazy!!

[@Phant0mK16]

I used it for a couple of years to play prog metal and the power of layering and creating sounds is amazing. The ability to combine diferent sounds in a single Studio Set with complex splits and layers is perfect for gigs. For studio it's really convenient and even for creating demos within it's sequencer. Love it

[@lousyracuse]

I just bought a Fantom 07 from SamAsh on their closeout sale. HUGE discount, but to be honest it was something I was looking at. There is a lot to learn on this keyboard. I couldn't afford it's 'big brother' the Fantom (non-zero) series, but I know I am going to love working with this in my home studio YMMV, but I'm going to spend all weekend digging into what this synthesizer can do for me. Going to be a GREAT weekend!!!! :)

[@kevinsturges6957]

Does the 07 have a better keyboard than the FA-06? Full size, semi weighted keys?

[@nickshutte8369]

Perfectly said, I have owned an FA08 since 2017 and this machine has so much depth. Versatile and nice to do gigs with too.

[@mache3984]

Bro, I've been saying this for a while now. I've spent every bit of 12 years for the most part making beats with a laptop. It's always something!!! Compatibility issues, software updates, BSOD and now it's come to the end for me. I've spent the last week creating backups of all my work and I intend to move solely to "hardware". I've had some of the weirdest things happen while using a pc. I'm getting to that age where I just don't have the desire or patience to deal with fuckery.

[@producer21207]

Yes.I switched to hardware because of computer issues and been using the Roland FA ever since.

[@calebreid4398]

I get the feeling i need an fa now, my computer us not gonna copeee

[@joyboricua3721]

Tutorial on painting keys (black or wuddeva) PLEASE!

[@joyboricua3721]

It's sounds Good.. But as a standalone workstation, there are many drawbacks! I like it & hate it simultaneously... I could not say the same for my old Korg Triton Le, which, in terms of its time, has far much better workflow tools & features. (I mean, navigating through the measures in the sequencer is a pain after you edited a track... It's so much of a hassle!!)

[@slapmyfunkybass]

I’ve tried pretty much every type of recording out there, from complete hardware to complete software. The best way, for me anyway, is using the laptop as nothing more than a way of storing and editing midi. So the laptop isn’t even a sound source, all sounds are produced by the keyboard. This allows me to edit the music on a large monitor, but at the same time keeping ram and cpu usage to as low as possible because in theory all the laptop is doing is sending data. I’ve never had any issues dong it that way. The one big drawback though is you can’t get rid of the keyboard, unless you’ve recorded master copies and have no intention of going back over it.

[@PlanoFSXer]

Came here to gets some info on the FA-0x. About computers -- you just have to invest in a mid-to-high end computer. After years of mucking around I finally got myself a high end computer and I have absolutely NO regrets. I get something close to 0ms latency between the MIDI controller and the VST. It's like I am actually playing a hardware keyboard.

[@oO5Dynasty]

Love my FA-06

[@burnTrobot]

01:05 he spills the beans 🫘 Glad you’re above board on the VST nowadays too. They’re incredible and yes, I too stay with a midi set up and a Fa06 midi to the 909 Groovebox cause I like going into the studio to create, not troubleshooting. 🎉Great vids!

[@ollenhopkins5480]

Man I appreciate your honesty so much bro. I am an older producer who also have the X with a Motif XF and a few modules. I used to think that there was no need for me as a producer but you and your videos are truly inspiring. thanks a mil

[@thomasmatthews8873]

Using the audio tracks method with the MPC ONE, anything I use from the 06 is righteousness. They are a perfect combination.

[@DylanParisMusic]

I've been really feeling this with using recording into my MPC Live recently. Even if it's an ipad app into the audio tracks, it just has a richer feeling when you do it in the MPC.

[@allenscott8485]

Brother you had tha Professor level type vibes with this one, especially how you broke it down weighing the pros and cons. I’m around the same age I’m using a hybrid setup as well, running the MPC and all my other rack module synths thru the UA console pre’s and when I play the tracks people ask “what did you use” I rely on my vsts for brighter sounds but if I want heavy mid and low instruments I usually use the hardware. I use fabfilter for eq and the limiter they make. All around this was a dope video for the young Gunz that’s starting to reach toward outboard gear and want some game.

[@tonylancer7367]

The reason these keyboards are always needed is because of hardware. It's hard for keyboards like these to crash especially when you push it (which is difficult to do). It's very easy to push your computer, just load up Omnisphere like multiple times, and you can cook eggs on your PC (don't do that please). Keyboards will always have a place in studios, especially if you want to expand yourself.

[@toomuchtobmac]

My fav thing to do is using the MPC to sample from the Fantom. I like playing 4 bar chords and recording as samples, and then you can do what you want with em in the MPC. Or even just grab a kick here or snare. That's the beauty of using these machines in tandem: there's so many different ways to get to where you need to go. ✌️

[@DonaldWaughmusic]

I ended up buying a Yamaha MOXF8 and use it as an external midi device in Cubase and Studio One and that improved my work flow BIGGLY! Not having to worry about CPU overload is an awesome thing.

[@gangstalawko]

And how does it play out? Can you trigger different patches from the moxf8 in same time on the same project? How to you set it up?

[@DonaldWaughmusic]

The MOXF has a Remote app that works like a plugin inside the DAW. You use it like any other virtual instrument. The draw back is when you have completed your project, you have to bounce the project in real time (no offline bounce)

[@DonaldWaughmusic]

@@gangstalawko yes... you use the MOXF editor to choose the patch while in DAW mode. You can save your setting on the computer or on the keyboard for each project.

[@Empirism]

in first 3 minutes , Bolo lines just how it is. I had my Cubase things with all the VST's and stuff... I wanted leave all that and bought Akai Force to be my DAW. Maybe ill do something with those softwares later, but now I will enjoy the pure hardware awesomeness ^__ ^ and this FA-06 is one I... gotta consider...

[@Jesoteric]

I bought this same exact one, same color scheme and everything long time ago when I first wanted to get serious about producing but was way overwhelmed by it and ended up returning it to get a MacBook and logic, I just bought a second hand one from guitar center yesterday waiting for it to arrive because after all this time I feel like I’m ready to go for it, great video and input

[@GaBlactus]

I feel you Bolo, I was looking for that same reg, I'm running the Fantom 6 and the MPC live. I think I will swap my MV-8000 with the live, and go all Roland. Roland Cloud rules

[@charlesross2441]

I know you don't know me but I have the fantom 6 and mpc x . When I play I get some sounds too correspond but some won't. I am trying to see if you would share your configuration midi and or usb also in fantom and mpc . Any help is appreciated thx in advance

[@GeorgeSundancermusic]

Loved your down to earth review. Just ordered mine. Thanks !

[@0072gldnfngr]

This is wild. I’m at this exact point in my production. Wanted an XP-30 and came across FA06 lol now I’m here. 😂😂 BOLOOOOO!!!!!

[@XDarkstarXUnknownUnderverse]

Everything is analog but it is also digital. Hardware units tend to outlast the latest Intel or AMD, hence why I buy bunches of it still. I am looking to get a Montage 8. I will wait for Roland's next generation.

[@BoloDaProducer]

Dope!

[@cap706]

On point. The only reason I prefer hardware is no software issues. A few years back, I used my MacBook pro exclusively as an instrument & recorded everything live directly into my iMac b/c of RAM issues. My new MacBook pro is finally powerful enough to sustain everything, but I still like using my Kronos. Doesn't sound different, just feels different.

[@innhouzinc]

My reason exactly for deciding on gettin one myself. Tired of havin to connect to a laptop/computer & dealin with all the CPU & RAM issues…

[@UFO-Ark]

Thanks for you no nonsense video . Its good to have easy to use gear and that gives enjoyment when playing.

[@e.marqzbeatz]

Same reason why i got the new fantom 6! No more dealing with crashes cuz of so many plug ins plus it got the most sold piano and orchestral sounds! I Love it

[@GunninRebel55]

Love what you said about having fun with it first! Nothing is better than creating but if it’s not fun you shouldn’t be doing it. I’ve had my FA-06 for about 7 months now and I love it with the MPC-X & Live II in SA mode.

[@LaidbackSounds]

Great video, always loved roland sounds and the fun part you re talking about is what a lot of ppl forget these days, great to see these kind of videos

[@jeno.javori_music]

What a great video! IT IS SO RARE! Every word had its meaning! Big Like!

[@TranceCore3]

I really want an FA-06. I currently own a Juno DS, also my first hardware synth. But the FA-06 looks like a command center

[@BoloDaProducer]

Hey…. That Juno is 🔥🔥… you don’t need the fa-06

[@TranceCore3]

@@BoloDaProducer I love the sounds on it, I've been slacking with it

[@robertbrownjunior]

@@BoloDaProducer I'm down to 3 picks now: Fantom 6, FA 06, and the Juno 61. Which one of these would you purchase?

[@skrrrrt400]

@@TranceCore3 I'm considering buying a Juno ds, are satisfied with it? And also are you able to get sound expansion?

[@journeyofsound9859]

Brilliant explanations on this key board and no bull honest Guy on this many thanks the Man on straight forwards talk.

[@matthewgaines10]

I personally like working with hardware more than a DAW and plugins. Work with what makes sense for you.

[@ogproduktionz]

Thanks for the video bro. You helped me decide to buy one.. got one on the way

[@KLOGHL]

If i don't trust you. you're not coming over here😂😂😂 I feel you 100. I'm working with the PreSonus Studio 192 interface. Akai MPC 2 software. Akai MPC one. and the Akai MPK mini Mark II. and the Akai MPK 261 comes with some pretty good software and plugins. By Air Technology.

[@tsnotes52]

I got mine, I didn’t need it but I love it.

[@jackprice7828]

I hear you on the external computer issues, hence why I am fed up and am looking at the Fantom-0 series and now the new Yamaha MODX+. I currently have a Juno-DS88. Nothing wrong with it in terms of sounds. But I want more. I love the aspect of multitracking for composing.. Thanks for this video.

[@QUDASCIENTISTTV]

Thinking about getting one of these. 👍🏽

[@davegill7614]

I bought one cause I needed a piano as I play piano...but needed a 88 key proper piano...but I like having fun with it :-)

[@krxwnvxk3432]

I see them going for around 750$ used and really considered getting one at one point.

[@tuneunleashed]

Yeah I got one for $800 lol

[@TranceCore3]

I need to find an all black one for that price

[@u4yk]

I bought mine used from Guitar Center in 2015 for $800. I have to imagine they're dropping even further since the Fantom-0 series came out over a year ago. The Fantom-06 runs around $1600 -- no reason to get the FA new when the next level is only $200 more.

[@kevinsturges6957]

Please forgive my ignorant question: What exactly do you use the MPC for? Is it a drum pad/sampler? Is it a sequencer? Do you use it in place of DAW sequencing?

[@ProducerDjTv]

Thanks you for the post , and welcome to the FA family hope you get tons of enjoyment it.

[@georgefotis1609]

hi.it was my pleasure to like this video dude.Great attitude ,splendid and honest approach .Thanks so freaking very much.I already own Fa06 before watching this ,bought for pretty much the same reasons.

[@BoloDaProducer]

It’s fire 🔥

[@seanmics9537]

You couldn’t have said this any better Bolo! Love your videos bro...

[@Mill-on-da-track]

Yeah I think I’m gonna get me one

[@darrygswa]

I have the Roland Juno 61 black keyboard its great for sketching out 8 parts beats On the fly.

[@janpieternieman5295]

Which is your favourite, the Krome or the FA/

[@BoloDaProducer]

Fa

[@timrichmond5226]

I say use whatever inspires you to create, I've produced whole tracks on hardware workstations before, but I can't do without the creature comforts a fully loaded DAW offers us :) Love the black keys btw! Stay cool!

[@SEONNTHAPRODUCER]

Was waiting for this video, haha. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@dennishunter5552]

You can buy these sounds on Ebay. Gigabytes of waves on a DVD for like 20 to 50 dollars.

[@Ellz_The_EnginEar]

2024 and still watching this for support and info.

[@GospelMusicians]

Yes sir bro

[@sonicacoustics9176]

This is a great product review! Very informative. :)

[@producer21207]

Great video.I use the FA also and internal sequencer.

[@oubimcius4032]

Bolo gon give you the truth all day everyday.

[@PIPO3EAT]

VSTs !!!! are dope. But the real Synth sound is 🌟🔥

[@roman5535]

I appreciate your input.. finally I've found someone who mindset is like mine.. I appreciate it bro.. think I'm gonna get this keyboard as well.. im a hardware guy.. quicker flow of work

[@jensoniqe1688]

Love your vids. Is it bad to bounce down tracks inside of fa (onto sd card because it allows me to ) and then pull stems into logic from sd card to mix there? Sound quality wise?

[@BoloDaProducer]

Nah it’s good, still has Great sound to it

[@jensoniqe1688]

Thanks!

[@DanielIvan707]

Go thru the converters and pres. Takes longer sounds better.

[@HoodHandyman]

you should try reason, it does not tax your cpu as much

[@BoloDaProducer]

I started on reason 1 many years ago 💪🏾

[@HoodHandyman]

@@BoloDaProducer I really fuck with your shit bolo I like that you use hardwear and softwear . You inspire me to want to start making beats again.

[@PatrickRosenbalm]

Good video. I like you attitude towards the up and down votes!!! You didn't tell me to upvote you before I watched the video!!! I got an FA-08 used recently. Love it!! I'm a key player too. Good point on the synths from the 80s on are computers or computer controlled.

[@thewatchmanstudios6257]

I enjoyed this a lot..thanks man..liked the description. Of your workflow

[@janpieternieman5295]

Whats your opinion on the Juno DS. Is it enough to make music production? Or is it the bare minimum.

[@BoloDaProducer]

Yes

[@lassel1644]

Good review .. i have the FA myself using it with FL studio 20

[@hollywooddjs1]

Have a question does this have great 80s classic rock sounds?

[@kimini1811]

hey what's good Bolo Da Producer i just order a Roland FA-6 to go with my MPC X but i just heard you say in this video that you sometimes sequence and mix inside the MPC do you have a video on how you go by doing that if not can you make you to show some of your sub how to go about doing that way thank in keep the great work i learn a lot from you.

[@tigerboy4516]

straight to the point, nice

[@eddiegang544]

Thanks for the review and video. Looking for great strings for disco strings and also "Temptations/Drifters" kinda stuff. Also need good brass (horn sections) for that type of music in a live setting.. Also 80s synth type stuff. I've heard the Roland Fantom G6 online and like it, but its still kinda pricey for me.. Do you think the FA-06 is comparable to the Fantoms or Jupiter 80? Same tone quality / processor?

[@savedonthebeat]

T had a Roland Fantom S back in the day I never used the pads like the MPC... can you use the pads the way you do in an MPC?

[@BoloDaProducer]

You could but process is different

[@qtippz]

I swear to God this is why I lean more on Hardware than I do Software. Don't get me wrong I love software. It's convenient but having to deal with loading issues, crashes, random corrupted/missing samples, taking up too much ram or cpu etc gives me a damn headache. Not to mention that if you want to transfer to a newer computer you have to load alllll of those files back on to the new computer. Which could take days. I currently own a Roland Juno DS and a Yamaha MODX. Both great boards and give me no issues that you would get for having VST's on a computer.

[@terrencerobinson3104]

I finally woke up! I'm back to the mpcx. Great video

[@iandyke3319]

Yo Bolo..!!! Hi, I gt the blk ed. Fa06 too & when I bought it I also gt a lovely flight bag fr it (Roland black series) too. It has super padding is perfect size fr 61 key and best of all there is like rucksack straps hiding in their own pocket underneath... I didn't even know they were there fr a while but now I have basically a backpack fr my (now super portable) FA!! Wicked!!! Kusssshtiee fr on my motorbike! Peace from UK cuz..!

[@crazzylee]

The sound is phatter coming out of sound modules. I noticed that year's ago. Running sounds out the PC need a tube amplifier to sound rich and phat. You'll get that girth sound. Old school tech talk.i guess you can call it an analog signal. tube exciter

[@LaidbackSounds]

I had the same feeling but its no analog signal, as first the FA is digital and when the sound enters in your soundcard it is digital to your daw...

[@kosemoja8348]

That's what I experienced I have ladicy issues when using vst using my mpc

[@Geebaby1026]

You have sold me,I have the MPCX ,I will have by Wednesday I’m Hyper,I will be with you.thanks Bro

[@Geebaby1026]

That’s the Falcon

[@bradproctor6499]

For the price I paid I'm wondering if I should keep it or if I should take it back and get the newly-released Phantom

[@Jvaldes609]

I’m considering getting one because I am a old-school beat maker and I also play keys for churches so it might be the best of both worlds I don’t have an MPC but are the drums good on that Roland do you recommend it.

[@dabeckoh]

Great vid! Im feeling your approach and analysis.

[@RoneySmithseedoflife]

I believe that you have fully exposed the end of the road and final call for most desktop computers. It is not a sustainable environment especially when considering the difficulties in switching to a new or different computer. Maintaining backups are one thing but reinstalling GBs upon GBs of other data? It is better to minimize the desktop computer for the DAW exclusively and keep hardware settings and content created backed up to the cloud. Thanks again for the red pill 💪🏾🙌🏾💯

[@MorrisChannel4]

Would love to figure out how to get the VSTs downloaded to the Roland!

[@permanentwave]

I am looking at getting roland A800 pro.. is that ok.. 61 keys

[@Petsublak]

Great video, really enjoyed your straight up opinions. What stand do you have there, holding MPC X and Fantom ? Best wishes from Malta, Europe.

[@tomblaze2]

the fa06 is that heat

[@michaels5166]

Bolo,i understand why you explained getting the Fantom,yet it's a shame that so any people think their OPINIONS matter.To me,the loudest and most opinionated tend to make the least music,the least money,and the least amount of classics.I have a hybrid studio,and since I OWN it all,I can care less what anyone THINKS,since it's MY money.First of all,Roland is definitely in my studio,old and newer,along with software for Apple,Linux,PC,open source,commercial software,free,etc,etc.Everything has it's place and it is NOT necessary to use new computers,nor do you have to be held to just one/two.On that note,it's perfectly possible to even use Amiga/Atari and make music,and with most of the current crop of music,you can probably even use a cellphone.Like you said,if you're a musician on any level,treat yourself to some hardware,to an instrument,and keep the live,organic aspect of music flowing...

[@BoloDaProducer]

Thanks 🙏🏾

[@thewind3061]

Bolo, what other keyboards would be good for Hip-Hop?

[@skrrrrt400]

Would I be missing out on much if I bought the Juno ds instead?

[@clarkkent93]

Please Tell me How did you get it All Black

[@relle2222]

Great job ❤️

[@kevinsturges6957]

Great review. I love mine too.❤️

[@tuneunleashed]

Bolo you should have went for a Roland Integra-7

[@miraucchibeats6728]

Awesome and amazing

[@miketabacco5436]

My black key limited edition just arrived. Looks awesome. Did u compose the intro music when you announce 'bolo!!"? The drums you wrote are badass. I miss my roland xp 80. It felt more substantial than this light weight fa06. Anyways, im gonna sync this fa to my mc303 and then my sr16 drum machine. I'm not crazy about the roland drum sounds tho. I'd like to see how you get your 'bigger' sound using mpc. Great video.

[@MagnificentMercer]

I bought the Native instruments Ultimate collector edition, found out its like 1200GB (1.2TB). i purchased a external SSD. Hooked up a Akai Mpk261 as a controller and noticed that i get crazy crackeling, i ended up getting a Fantom 06 because i found the sound quality was inconsistent with Native instruments Komplete. Other programs like FL studio, MPC2 and Albeton 11 Sound worked fine with no crackeling, i even updated all firmwear / drivers and switched to KRK V6 speakers / checked my tascam model 12 for correct frequency/ settings. ALL other sound programs work without issue. . i ended up spending over 1000$ for the Native instruments Komplete. Just to start buying analog instruments 🤷

[@chillwalker]

I just love your on point reviews! Just saying!

[@timm3802]

Whats the Black edition?

[@nickpicc]

Thanks for your thoughts. Can the Roland's sequencer sequence external gear?

[@DRECK813]

yes sir

[@bradproctor6499]

I just purchased one I found it for 599 new in the box the seller confuse me that he told me it was the newly-released Phantom 06 it is my first keyboard but I am a little frustrated because I do not know how to layer my sound

[@donquezstrong6884]

Dope keyboard is that custom made with the Black keys?

[@BoloDaProducer]

It was a limited edition at sweetwater

[@santicespedes2042]

Amazing