Roland FA08 vs Yamaha MOXF8 Comparison Video No Talking Just Playing

Stuart Smythe has a rattle on the new Roland FA08 and Yamaha MOXF8 workstations, comparing main sounds across the board. At the end of the demo are a comparison of some performances from both instruments as well - everything is set at factory settings, no parts were tweaked. Let us know which instrument you prefer!

[@privatewobbler3996]

Great video. Good sound, playing and no waffling. I wish more youtube videos were like this.

[@StevensSounds]

Conclusion: Even an objective comparison is subjective to fans.

[@LFOVCF]

You did the best styling of guitar playing I've seen so far. It's not always the perfection of the sound, but the style of playing.

[@arktinen]

I definitely choose the FA-08! Yamaha gives very good sounds, but Roland moves a whole lot more! Great video! Congratulations and thanks for uploading it!

[@matthewford0922]

No the Fa08 doesn’t have more, you are just obsessed with how it looks. Nothing beats Yamaha

[@chadwicktyrone8894]

Wow they way y’all effortlessly play those tunes without messing up is amazing to me!!

[@derlump85]

The Pattern mode of the MOXF is a very nice Feature for Live gigs as the heart of a one man electro synth set up.

[@heut4384]

Hey, thank you so much for doing this comparison. I was leaning towards the Roland as some people have claimed that it just sounds better...but from what I'm hearing, the MOXF8 sounds better to me. The piano sounds a lot closer to the real thing. The classical guitar sounds much more like a classical guitar, and the electric guitar sounds much like an electric guitar when playing "Message in a Bottle." Plus, the MOXF8 even sounds better playing bass guitar. To me, the FA08 has better synthesizer tones and better electric guitar lead sound, though. But this isn't enough for me to buy the Roland. Additionally, the piano on the Roland sounds a little thin and sorta lack that natural full bass sound just as you'd hear in a real piano. My vote goes to the Yamaha.

[@jwillis35]

I like the sounds of both, but feel the Roland outshines the Yamaha by a pinch. The way I would compare these two is as follows: 1. Both are workstations 2. Sounds are good on both. programming and tweaking can help satisfy to personal taste 3. Any sounds you don't like can be substituted with VST libraries, other modules, iPad, etc. 4. Roland has bigger, more beautiful and readable screen 5. Roland has vastly better sequencer 6. Roland allows you to save individual waves files of each track, or ensemble wav files 7. Roland has better mastering and effects features 8. Both have good VST linkup to a CPU 9. Roland allows downloading of new sounds and has more preset banks 10. Both have fine keybeds, especially the 88 key versions 11. Roland's front panel is less cluttered To me, workstations must FIRST be compared by functionality. Not sounds. Lots of boards have good sounds, and everyone has their specialty. Serious users of workstations need to compose, arrange, orchestrate, or just sketch-out songs and phrases. Often those projects are taken from the workstation to computer and a larger MIDI-Audio rig. It's about generating ideas and having a sequencer to help pave the way. While Yamaha has nice features and excellent sounds, there is NO WAY I would buy any version of the MOXF over the Roland FA or the Korg Krome. The Roland and Korg have some excellent sounds. No more than the Yamaha, but they absolutely BLOW THE YAMAHA AWAY in functionality. With today's technology, why the heck would I buy a music workstation keyboard that has a tiny screen and lacks modern-day functionality in song creation. Yamaha should pull the sequencer out of the MOXF and just make it a synth, kind of like the MX. Also, when it comes to workstation sequencers - in the mid range price category the KORG KROME simply BLOWS away the competition. The Roland FA however comes close and evens the field with some of its other features, like the audio wav exporting features.

[@jerryKJose]

//Any sounds you don't like can be substituted with VST libraries, other modules, iPad, etc// That's not at all a substitute.. Here the video deals with onboard sound comparison.. Including VST here doesn't make any sense..

[@slapmyfunkybass]

“Workstations must be judged on functionality, not sounds” Are you kidding? Your first priority is always how good does it sound.

[@olibaowl]

Very good comparison test! what model of keyboard stand use in Yamaha? Thanks.

[@stefanrockener6799]

Sehr interessanter Test! Vielen Dank!

[@VeronicaMcCarrison]

I like the Roland

[@benjaminrodriguez637]

Great job my friend ...love the videos. .

[@bakolakoz]

Both are great.FA for the supernatural sounds and ease of use ,moxf for great sounds,especially pianos ,guitars and drum kits and 1gb flash card option.

[@evanunicorn]

In my opinion, one of the reasons all Yamaha keyboards' piano voices sound the same is that Yamaha always samples their own Concert Grand Piano CFIIIS. This particular piano has very distinctive tone characteritcs which are a bit dark and wide. And this is the piano showed in this video. However, there is also a Yamaha S6 6' handmade grand piano sampled in MOXF and Motif XF. It has a tone color that is more familiar to people (more studio like)(S6 is not showed in this demo). ------------Comparatively, Roland has been sampling/modaling pianos from different manufactures including Yamaha, Steinway and more, giving customers a wider chioce.------------It seems that Yamaha has noticed that not all people like the sound of CFIIIS. Their acoustic piano department has developed the next-gen Concert Grand Piano called CFX (It has a much brighter and more classy tone). The CFX sample has been used in their latest digital stage piano CP4. Hopefully coming soon to other new Yamaha synths.

[@cosmic_gate476]

Thankfully we can load that piano on the MOXF whenever it is out :P Honestly I don't like the S6 that much for solo play - the bass notes sound thin and lifeless. It's great for the upper octaves though. I just can't connect with a piano sound that doesn't explode the moment I smash the bottom octave keys.

[@bcj842]

That Roland is pretty sick. The Motif sound library is the absolute sauce though. There's just no getting around it. The sounds just POP.

[@MorelkesStudio]

Very nice sounds and well played, i like it. Greetings Maurice

[@rolandgerard6064]

the xf has a lot of features that the FA does not have, ton of arpegiators, the pattern mode which works great, more sounds. On the other hand i love my FA, very easy to use, great audio interface, great sounds, i could not choose so ended with both..

[@ARMawendra]

Very nice & useful video. Thanks. Want to hear more comparison sounds like this. Is there a way to download the original wave files of above recordings (instead of hearing via youtube)?

[@elvinlewis6490]

Excellent! I like the Mox. especially because if the piano sounds.

[@hitendramahida]

i am impressed. with playing expertise like yours, any board will sound better.

[@Deadacheee]

Wow! What a great video! I love Roland FA-08. And your plaing of Wrecking Ball and then Training Montage (was it more like a Northern Kings version, or is it just my impression?) is fantastic. I really enjoyed that.

[@synthartist69]

Yamaha MOXf8. I do own an FA06.

[@555ontario]

Cool demo. Both are good keyboards. I still find Roland sometimes has a few weaker sounds in certain categories or puts them on expansion cards. I have more Roland gear than any other manufacturer and they tend to have my favorite individual sounds.The MOXF8 gives you solid sounds in all sound categories. No weak organs or strings etc. As well, what song is it that you are playing at 5:12? It's nice.

[@MrDarkprince3]

how do the pipe organs voices compare to the motif xf? I'm looking for the absolute best sounding one between those and the kronos.

[@alejandropinto7607]

Hi I would like to listen a comparisson between the orchestral and choir sounds on these workstations, what do you think is better? I play in a symphonic metal Band =)

[@eddikjuarez4769]

if you had to choose one of two. which one would you choose?

[@ThiagoSecundo]

Music that was played in 10:25?

[@ian757]

I'm a fan of both Roland & Yamaha. For me, the main Roland concert grand is the best but for pretty much everything else the MOXF8 has it on sounds particularly the amazing Performances. However, that's only sounds. I suspect the Keynes action of the Roland and general build quality is better than the Yamaha. Plus the Roland has a proper sampler and the velocity pads and D-beam. Plus a much better screen. They're both awesome machines though!

[@stevenbucknermusic]

Thanks for providing the comparison. I have been trying to decide between the two keyboards. Both boards sound great. I think the Roland has a slightly more clearer sound; however, I like the feel of the Yamaha which would make for a good controller and performance keyboard. Hard choices..

[@tH4ttUs]

Best Presentation!!! Thx!!!!

[@eldontabuzo4447]

sir,regarding on key action? which is better? pls reply sir.thanks

[@jefersonvasquez3194]

Hi, what effects do you use these using in the FA 08?

[@yeahuri4724]

Am i the only one who think Roland is better in this video?

[@phranquepeasant5688]

You're not alone. I like this Roland a lot more to be honest. Especially the bass and piano sounds. So I have no idea why some people say that the piano is better on the MOXF. The Roland sounds much more open. But it might also be that the audio quality in the FA-08 video is better. I don't think this is a fair video. So in reality the MOXF could be the best choice. I can't say for sure.

[@gmangoyan]

Phranque Peasant I love the Roland, I've owned a lot of Rolands but I dare say the piano on the Yamaha is more realistic. I can easily identify Roland piano sounds from a mile away.

[@kate503]

Get Roland FA08 here > plus.google.com/107444070969924937819/posts/A4henp1wBm2 You save $304

[@paulzavadski3695]

roland seems to have more high freq. )

[@Namfooodle]

I think the Roland sounds more "synth-y", since it's sound engine has also virtual analogue and modeling, MOXF8 is only sample based. I also prefer the Roland's sounds.

[@jimi18032]

Great demo! Both are great keyboards. Still can't decide which one I prefer. I'm a Roland guy (own 3 of them) but I've always wanted a Yamaha. Decisions, decisions! :-)

[@NandDigital]

Both instruments are amazing, mine is X8 Roland, some pianos are better on Roland some others in YAMAHA, but you can buy any of them will not be disappointed.

[@kaisfp]

Which one you prefer for a general solo piano cover sound? Thank you.

[@rafsoc1613]

They both sound good and they are both great workstation. I traded my MOXF with an FA for the only reason that I can record on the FA and put all the track on a memory card and upload to my DAW. without running cables.

[@incogneat-o6612]

What was the first song in the piano comparison? Please I want to learn this song

[@karandsl]

Hello! I am undecided between yamaha modx8 and roland fa 08. Which one have better hammer action, better feel ?

[@KOISANX]

The heart of any S+S workstation is the sampler. Yamaha allows multiple wav's per tone hence the switching between the bass articulations & noises appeared natural. Roland for many years relied on their unique tone structure to manipulate less samples. This I suppose contributed to tasty synthetic pads/leads etc. However, when Roland starting pushing the so-called SuperNatural engine - a lot of us believed that they have stepped up on the deeper multisampling. I'm not sure ry fat this demo really delves into those aspects though. My big gripe with these comparisons , are that they only deal with the single patches when we're really buying a complete workstation. So the question to be answered is - which overall functionality including sounds used in complete composition, is the better ?

[@giacomolonghin8925]

I bought Roland Fa08 2 days ago, it's a very very cool instrument, it's my first synth and i like it a lot. But I have a problem I can't solve with the sampler. When i compose a track the Sampler turns itself off, and when i finished composing and i have saved my song it doesn't work if i want to play. it works only if i turn off and turn on the synth. Someone knows something and can help me? Thanks :)

[@senriqueg1]

What song is in 10:10 ? It's Solo by Cristian Castro?

[@Angelstarscotland]

I'm probably going to buy an FA06 in the next few weeks, thanks for this demo it's a big help in my decision, I like the sounds of the Roland better in most cases, although I have to say the sound for "Charlie" is so much better on the motif… surprising

[@MrCubrilovic]

Yes, on this video Roland sounds better then Yamaha.

[@Jomijo]

That first guitar pattern on the fa 06 what is it?

[@lonzcityy2189]

got that mofx 8 in the mail coming. very excited

[@yea78861]

how do you like the moxf8 im thinking of getting one

[@godsonjoseph]

What is the name of the second guitar tone in moxf8?

[@pcuimac]

Great Test! Love the sound of both instruments. Message in a bottle still gives me the creeps after all those years! :) Do you have a list of the songs you used in this demo? Some sounded so familar but I could not get my brain remembering the band names. thx!

[@achamilton]

Thanks for the comment! Erm, I played stuff that sounded a bit like the following ;-) : Piano - Pure Imagination (song from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory), a pretty version of Wrecking Ball (Miley Cyrus), Bass - Tubular Bells (Mike Oldfield), Cosmic Girl (Jamiroquai), and a bit of generic jazz walking bass, Synth Lead - Sweet Dreams (Eurythmics), Charly (Prodigy), Guitar - Sweet Child O' Mine (Guns n Roses), Message in a Bottle (The Police), Combi Voices - Lizard (Mauro Picotto), a bit from our old fave the Rocky IV Theme, something that sounded a bit like Royals (Lorde), Dakota (Stereophonics) and I think that's everything!

[@303machine]

+A&C Hamilton Musical Instruments 2:24 sounded like Bronski Beat - Smalltown Boy

[@Grizathvili]

Did both used the same speaker ? I think the speaker of FA 08 is not match with speaker for MOXF8.

[@AshaLightbearer]

Were these using the same speakers for both? They don't even sound like they were recorded by the same equipment in the same room.

[@cristiansoloio]

CAN YOU TURN OFF THE PRESSURE SENSITIVITY AND THE VELOCITY PRESSURE SENSITIVITY ON YAMAHA?

[@RapsTrueluv]

Aprox. how many sounds to each of these keyboards have?

[@MrDarkprince3]

can you do a comparison of the two workstations using just the strings and pipe organs? I need to hear what the pipe organs for both sound like so I can make a decision. None of my local music stores have either workstation

[@ericgonzalez4011]

guitarcenter almost all have the moxf8 I just bought mine

[@TheCleveland1987]

hi Stuart Smythe im planning on buying the fa 06 in February i was wondering if u can answer this quistion for me? in studio mode i no u can only access 1 arpeggio but u think if i make it to use two in my d.a.w i can access both in live on the fa if u understand what im asking privet message me to get a better understanding im still new to these workstations so im just asking to learn before i get into it

[@MegaPortenio]

Both sound good, but i just preferred the Roland, maybe because it has the Integra sound!

[@dasstraat]

I listened 2x with eyes closed. I listened to the sounds, not the pianist. Roland sounds a little better when you play a song, although the MOXF8 has nice sounds. Also, the F8 looks more attractive and has a better quality display. What I hear is 2 bad piano's, vibrato is not in any piano but audible in both. For now, I keep my G8 because it's the BEST I can get. I also agree that it's probably better than what I hear now.

[@newplanman9836]

Very nice board. Thx 4 the review. Sounds like a Korg M1.

[@rommelalastra5992]

what about the action? which is better?

[@eddikjuarez4769]

which one has a better action?

[@TheCoolProfessor]

I bought a juno Gi not long ago and it really works great so I'm a Roland fan!

[@Tartopom7]

Nice Bass sounds on FA-06.. I need one!

[@TyreLee]

Certainly both of these keyboards compete well with each other. The FA has it on the pianos, and punchy basses, but the guitars are just that much more expressive on the XF. There isn't anything to complain about between these two. I'd buy both too, if I could. Each has special capabilities that would cover the gamut of expressiveness for me. The choice is difficult at best. I'm leaning on that FA for sheer versatility, but ooh, (as I've commented before), Yamaha's arp engines are second to none, and boy do I need a tool like that. When it comes down to menu navigation, WAV/MP3 export, audio input options, effects and ease of use the FA gets that extra star.

[@ahojahojish]

Giving you a like just for that rocky theme bit alone! :D Gave mi chills. 10:03

[@CID0830]

For me this Roland fa is the best sound piano I never hear , your play so good.

[@ninov4370]

What's the name of the second synth tune?

[@markeaton6081]

i purchased both!!!! they have different personalities!!!!!!!!!

[@kingdomminded87]

So which do you like better personally? How are the Grand Pianos, and Electric Pianos on the FA08?

[@TyreLee]

Comes down to what kind of music you want to produce, and in some respects your skill level. Pianos go to the Roland. Arps go to the Yamaha. The latter hasn't changed their menu and navigation systems, which can be really un-intuitive and annoying at times. Too many button presses. The balance is that in the majority of cases you can produce pretty good stuff with the Yamaha despite the annoying and tiny menu screen. ORGANS: I NEVER liked the Motif line's organs, which just aren't expressive and dynamic enough out of the box. Roland organs bring proper expressiveness to the table without the need for too much tweaking. Creating and editing tones in the Yamaha is time consuming, which is not the case with Roland. Basses are better on the FA as well. SYNTHS If you do a lot of synth work and need expression get that Yamaha. It's an inspiration source that will NOT disappoint. This is especially true if you are using the arppegiators. Expressiveness/touch sensitivity: Yamaha STRINGS: Roland. BASSES: Roland #of tones: Roland SAXs: My experience with the Sax has never been so great. I have yet to discover if either the XF or the FA can deliver. EPs: Both are good. I like the Yamaha's dynamics and expressiveness, but Roland is not slouch by a longshot. Utility: Roland FA's just ahead because of the ability to import and export MP3, record samples, and use its 16 pads for live and on the fly backing, and pattern recording. The D-Beam is a plus and the stick is easier to use than the wheels on the XF...but that's a matter of taste and comfort. Roland also has a Monitor Out for drummer timing etc. Don't think the XF has that. The screen on the FA series is far and away better for navigating than that of the XF. Given tech advances today Yamaha should be ashamed to produce a screen that provides so little info for such a deep keyboard menu. Old man like me needs bifocals to see that scrappy screen these days. ARPS: Yamaha. I owned a MO6 once. The arp engine helped me in surprising ways for some of my music and that was very pleasing. Whether it's backing tracks or arppeggiated drums the XF will deliver inspiration almost without fail. The XF is so much better in the arps area because it has about 6000 arps. But not only that, it can layer multiple arps. Neither Korg nor Roland compete with that in the price range of the XF. PERFORMANCE: But for performance, ease of use and just massively more punchy R&B the Roland is the one to go for, I think. The feel of the keyboard is better (initially), on the XF6 than the FA06. But one can get used to virtually any keyboard if the device delivers what one is looking for. In the end try them and see for yourself. OVER ALL I'd go for the Roland just so I can flow better and with greater ease in some areas than with the Yamaha, which is bulky, if not heavy, (as they are making these budget oriented jammers much lighter these days), DESIGN: Yamaha needs to improve its keyboard design language...the XF is not much different in frame than previous MO line keyboards. My wife plays piano, but I'd be hard pressed to introduce her to the buttonesque XF. The intimidation factor is too high for the average workstation beginner. Roland fairs only a little better, but hey, their workstations, not pianos. I'm done. Hope this helped.

[@PudWhacker]

Tyre Lee tnx best reply!

[@rafaelmedina183]

best reply! , I LIKE YAMAHA SOUNDS BUT ROLNAD UFFFFFFF

[@theacan565]

UFFFFFF means SUCKS???

[@curefm2]

MOXF8 is the best for me

[@PThake]

Noobie question - is the changed electric guitar sound at 7:30 being achieved with aftertouch? ie the final sustained guitar sound?

[@happyandsadmelodies]

No aftertouch function on either

[@JokerMansBeats]

I was on the fence far as which one to buy for the longest time. My biggest factor was i didn't like the feel of the key bed on all the new Motifs, even on the big boys. Felt cheaply made. Both boards sound AWESOME but i ended up purchasing the fa-06. The key bed on my old 88 Korg Triton LE feels killer compared to the key beds on all the new 88 key Motifs. All in all. Its all about your preference & desire for the board. They all sound great in my opinion.

[@alainsimeon3098]

Merci de me signaler si il est prèférable d'avoir un orgue à 80 touchés se rapprochant plus du piano ou un orgue à 73 touchés avec synthé et divers effets musicaux permettant de varier les musiques jouées ? Merci. Amitiés

[@pach850]

como se llama el tema de la 5:14 ?? gracias de antemano

[@deauvillevrienden]

I went for a budget solution that still gives me the best of different worlds :-)) - A second hand Yamaha MOX6 (500 euro) EDIT: still have it but added a second hand MOXF8 with flash (900 euro) - A second hand Korg Krome 61 (600 euro) - A second hand Roland Integra 7 (1000 euro) - A second hand Roland FP8 (100 euro because it's own sounds were dead but still sends midi) So for 3100 euro I have the Yamaha, Korg and Roland sounds and goodies, controlled by the best 88 keys controller I ever experienced. (FP8 hammers feel like a real Grand) In my case the instruments never leave the attic and I have to admit this would not be handy for on the road :-))

[@delightedbyu1]

Seeking recommendations on a good amplifier for my MOXF8. The one I bought for $80 is no good and doesn't carry out the sound frequencies especially for the higher treble notes (everything sounds boomy). Please share the one you're using or recommend a good one. Thanks.

[@bcj842]

I don't have a Keyboard Amp, personally, but if I do ever buy one I'm going for a Roland KC-110 or 220. They're usually in the $400 range but they are one of the only stereo-in-one keyboard amps available.

[@ridethespiralz]

I watched this video a year or two ago and finally made the purchase last week for the FA-08. I love the keyboard action and responsiveness and how quick it is to get the sound you want. The MOXF8 sounds nice but looks like a total bitch to program/edit.

[@brianxhaust2723]

I have had a MOXF for about a year. Some of the sounds are fantastic, like acoustic piano, strings, guitar, brass, even organs. The synths aren't bad but they just dont stand out in the mix with my cover band. The synth sounds on my Korg Triton can drown out my lead guitar player.

[@bldn10]

I'm looking at the 61 key versions but I think the guts are the same for both. I'm just going to sit at home and work up covers of songs I like and maybe post of my fb page. I will "record" instrument by instrument in real time. No computer editing, etc. So how do the sequencers compare? I read that the FA sequencer is very basic. I have a circa 1989 Ensoniq VFXsd and the sequencer is very powerful and intuitive. But it's dying.

[@FuZhixiang]

I have a motif XS 7 since 2008. Now I need a roland. FA-06, that's my next target.

[@fumfoo001]

Give me one of each, Please! I think on average, the Yamaha sounds a bit warmer, and the Roland a bit edgier.

[@bswell3328]

I have the MOX8 and it can do so much more than just produce great sounds. The drums, pattern modes, element control, master mode etc along with an easy interface made me get it over the Roland. Also it's organ bells chimes dx sounds etc are better than. Go to categories then chromatic percussion and you'll see why

[@MrDrobzz]

Can anybody tell me what is the song at 2:02? Thank you!

[@TheDawgpound4]

Played on a FA-06, today at GC. They didn't have the FA-08 on display. The white keys are way short. Even compared to some of the other less expensive boards. That's where they skimped on the quality. Does it cost that much more for regular sized keys?

[@nep4704]

Try the FA-08. It's only the FA-06 that has the short keys because it had a synthesiser key bed instead of a piano keybed. Synth keys are usually shorter and they also don't have any weighting to them.

[@SethJ57]

True… The Roland does have a good concert grand sound. However, i'm still missing the soundboard resonance that a real piano has when you press the sustain pedal and play Notes. Yamaha has that down to a T, but Rowland hasn't seemed to catch up on that, and until they do, I will always choose Yamaha over Roland for piano sounds. I own the MOXF8 and I am more than satisfied with it. I specially like the S6 concert grand for playing jazz. As far as usability? I don't understand what people are saying when they say the Yamaha is not user-friendly. The front panel was very easy to figure out, and tweaking your sound can be very easy depending on what you want to do. For instance, if you just want to change the ADSR settings, two clicks of a button and a few twists of the knobs will get you there. The other sounds on the Yamaha are also better, for the most part, then the Roland, At least in my opinion. There are a few exceptions, like that acoustic bass on the Roland and that distorted guitar, and I imagine the Legado mode on the Roland is probably a little bit better for analog synthesizer leads van is on the Yamaha, but other than that, The Yamaha wins hands-down for me.

[@LFOVCF]

It does help that songs like Small town boy and Charlie have sounds selected that just don't resemble the song. The Charlie 'hoover' sound is a specific patch sound, if it ain't right, it ain't right!

[@960Jandira]

Ele tendencia para o yamaha claramente. Ambos os teclados tem timbres fantásticos

[@xyz09997]

do any of these come with the speakers attached? or do you need to connect them separately?

[@djlobb]

Like most stage/performance keyboards, you need separate speakers or a keyboard amp for both of these boards. A lot of home keyboards and electric pianos have in-built speakers though.

[@korgkorgevich9024]

great demonstration and great sound of both instruments. i like yamaha more than roland, but in yhis case - fa08 and fa06 has also very powerfull and "live" sound, like yamaha.

[@halfred76]

Everybody is different! I had a Motif xs for a few years and loved it, i made some amazing creative stuffs and took a real pleasure to play it every day. Later I bought a FA08 and sold it after one week, I hate the sound, the ridiculous sequencer, no intuitive approach for me, the sampler, lol. I hate the Supernatural acoustic sounds! Progressive yes but no life! Sorry, It's just "my" point of view. Sorry for my basic english!

[@testowykana1763]

I agree. I own super old Yamaha MO6 and Roland FA-06 and I prefer MO6. On paper FA-06 specs sound spectacular, but when I started to work with it, my initial excitement changed to a huge disappointment. I was literally in state of shock, how badly certain features were implemented. For example the "sampler" is a complete joke. It shouldn't be called like this. The pads are not velocity sensitive. They're just regular buttons. It's not even possible to export the pad track to .wav file with the rest of the song! There are so many things wrong with it that I could list, I could go on and on and on. When it comes to the user interface/user experience I feel like on FA-06 I have to do twice as many button presses to achieve the same goal as on the Yamaha. When it comes to the sounds, Roland sounds are just not exciting. Drums suck (at least when it comes to hip-hop/r&b). There might be 2000 patches in the FA-06, but the synth sounds sound so similar to each other on FA-06, that it feels like in reality there are 1/4 of the sounds.

[@marcusaguiar963]

Toca muito! !

[@kobraMM]

hello congratulations for the interpretation you are a great musician but I would love to play like you nn are so good, personally I was very impressed most in the roland, especially with regard to the sound of the mind-blowing guitar, thank you for your performance greetings and congratulations again also for the video.

[@geoffk777]

They both sounded great, but I'd give the edge to the Yamaha for realism on most of the sounds. Acoustic pianos and guitars on the Roland were very nice, though. The Yamaha is also nicely portable and has some expandability with (expensive) flash boards.

[@alltheabove9960]

The Roland piano sounded a lil brighter then the Yamaha but with the settings on the Yamaha it sounded more real in depth with the polyphonic ambience my opinion

[@rolandgerard6064]

Both great value for the price

[@johnsmits2494]

Roland Gerard well perhaps it is intended, but some of the presets( maybe not presets ??) the effects are not used all that tastefully. But this is typical, extremes of the parameters show the full blast mode of the effects/settings. But Boss/Roland are known for the super hi-fi effect scenario. To each his own, I prefer the effects of the Korg Krome models, although not reviewed here.

[@flo15jo]

Outstanding! Get you a case of beer for that!

[@RichKeYz34]

Very similar but Roland wins due to better clarity and the little details in the sounds such as guitars, and better studio sets than the yamaha

[@saryan155]

I really like this FA

[@Steve-pl8ii]

Can I get a message to Stuart Smythe? I was wondering regarding the MOXF8 I noticed around 10:25 into this video that he can play a rhythm bass accompaniment and brought in some percussion into the song he was playing? You can do that? And how do you do that?

[@achamilton]

Hi Stuart here, you can easily access the rhythm/bass accompaniment through the arpeggio section on the combination sounds. There are about five separate arpeggios you can change to using the buttons directly beneath the screen. You can also fully modify those arpeggiations to suit whatever you're doing. I was purely sticking to the presets.

[@Steve-pl8ii]

Can you post a video to me to show that? That would be most interesting to watch. Could you please? I would like to see how that works Stuart.

[@Zombieintheoffice]

In my opinion, and I've played both, they both have their many strengths and weaknesses, but if you have the money, get a Kronos X! XD But seriously both are fantastic keyboards, I wish I could have them both in my collection!

[@Grizathvili]

Kronos sound so light compare to Roland and Yamaha. Both has a bold and full sound.

[@joseluisruiz3789]

I think that the sounds I had on my Fantom G8 sound alot better then the FA-08. I do love Roland but the yamaha seems to have the sounds alot better made. I did get my chance to test both out at my local Guitar Center and liked the keys on the FA-08 because it felt like my G8. I sold my G8 for X reason but I might just re buy another G8 but in the best conditions I can find it because they are no longer being made. Over all i have to give to Yamaha for the sounds but the Roland is made with better feeling materials.

[@blake_niewoonder]

I have an FA08 and I play a MOXF8 on a daily basis. The MOXF is a pain in the ass to navigate, as you have unorganized patches with no reason to their order and there is a tiny screen. The FA08 however has labeled buttons of each type of sound, with sub categories to scroll through as well, and it has a massive color display. They both sound about the same to me, so I would always recommend the FA08 over the MOXF.

[@raymondabella2289]

Between the two workstations in the same price class , Roland fa 08 and the Yamaha moxf8, I would have to go with the Roland. However, if it came down to arranger keyboards such as the Roland bk9 and the Yamaha PSR s970, I would go with the Yamaha. So if I had it my way, I would have the Roland workstation with the 61 key Yamaha arranger on top. Then I'd have the best of both worlds. And the moral of the story..., both companies Kick-Ass and it's a matter of opinion and taste.

[@NeeXxoR]

What songs you played ?

[@HipHopPianist]

Assuming both have weighted keys, which one has a closer feel to a real piano ?

[@d34u8bdf2]

neither, sadly

[@deauvillevrienden]

Buy an old Roland FP-8 ;-)) the closest you can get to the real piano feel. I have 2 of them. Will never part ;-))

[@lemonslice2233]

You make Wrecking Ball sound so classy...