Roland FA-06 - Tips, Tricks, SECRETS of the SYNTH

[@AMikeOnLine]

Fantastic video. I've only had my FA06 for a week and I'm already making some great music with it. It's very easy to program. Previous to this I had a Yamaha Motif XS6, which was a nice machine but very hard to program. Now I'm progressing with the FA06 this video was brilliant. Thanks Stephen.

[@StephenMendes]

so glad to be able to help you..... I will make another video shortly..... just taking a short break, I had COVID and am so thankful to be alive and well again ..... so I just wanted to get outside and get some fresh air and exercise for a few weeks

[@NostalKeys]

Most of times, you're the first one to teach us new cool stuff about the FA-06. Tks and Happy Holidays!

[@StephenMendes]

Thanks for your encouragement and have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year

[@NostalKeys]

@@StephenMendes Thank YOU!

[@electrohut3170]

omg , tip 1 will help me sooo much, thank you sooooooo much.

[@jossbit5543]

A very good tip I learnt some days ago is that you can change Pad Mode directly pressing "Pad Utility" + a Pad.

[@StephenMendes]

Thanks for telling us 👍

[@MichaelHMaloney]

Ok, I was not ready for that intro dude

[@StephenMendes]

LOL .... it's always a challenge to make an "intro" 🙂

[@johnstudiob2481]

Thanks very much Stephen this is just what I needed using studio sets especially live was a bit confusing for a guitarist with no synth experience your videos have been so helpful

[@StephenMendes]

as always.... glad to help 😊

[@fantomaeronautics1148]

Hi Stephen, all the best, hope all is good. Yes indeed, unravelling the fantastic FA06 needs someone of your knowledge and great dedication, what you are doing is a great thing. it is a great device and despite my successful forays, it still ties my head in a knot!

[@StephenMendes]

Hey ..... Very Best wishes to my favorite Fantom (aeronautics)...... THANKS for your comment and commitment to MASTERING this great FA beast..... I am convinced that you and I have only just started to tap into the capabilities that it has ..... sadly, many musicians go and buy all sorts of keyboards costing 2 and 3 times the price of FA ..... and never get past the "Presets" after the manufacturers go to such great trouble to "build in" the ultimate sound creation capabilities...... they simply go and buy yet another keyboard just to get a "preset" ....... looking forward to some more of your videos when you get around to it 😊

[@fantomaeronautics1148]

@@StephenMendes Cheers Stephen, I have replied to your other comments on the FA channel too. I am hoping at some point to try to do more with MiDi if I can find the patience to apply to the learning curve. In the meanwhile I have been going through old tapes of old guitar tracks, as you have noticed. Someone offered me a Korg Kronos for a bargain £1000 last night, but I turned it down as I am trying to shift gear, not buy more. I have a lovely Roland W30 and a Korg Microsampler (have 2, keeping 1) for sale, but the FA06 is core to my studio and a definite keeper.

[@StephenMendes]

@@fantomaeronautics1148 Thanks for the update.... delighted to hear you are keeping FA as I hope to do more with mine also

[@unichucky]

Love the enthusiasm

[@thomasmatthews8873]

I never owned a manual but I navigate it pretty well. The sequencer doesn't serve my purpose in music production so i don't use it. I wanted the pristine sounds. Btw,...although it ain't an Ensoniq (just saying) type sampler, i could make some incredible original loops i could resample and chop on my orher samplers.

[@StephenMendes]

OK 🙂

[@mehdiqurbanli]

Very useful info dear Stephen. Thanks a very much.

[@StephenMendes]

Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year

[@andreabattista3.14]

Hi Stephen, I had a little accident with my FA-06, indeed with the SD card. I thought I'd ask for your help though, as you know a lot about this fantastic keyboard. I also see that you always reply to all those who leave comments on your videos, I consider you a great person and you are always available. "I wish we were neighbors, but unfortunately I live in Sweden and I suppose you live in the UK" Trying to use and make new samples, I accidentally deleted sample 1 in bank 4, is it possible to recover it? I didn't know the Sampler sounds were on the card I thought they were on the keyboard like the many sounds it has. I was therefore surprised, when after turning the device off and on again, the sample no longer existed. I tried the Roland website but I was able to find only other Samples and not the original ones that all FA keyboards have. Waiting for your kind reply, best regards. 🎹

[@StephenMendes]

you can use a program that recovers deleted files from flash cards (this works best if you have not written to the card since the accident or if the card is not full) BUT if you are trying to recover an original sample that came from the factory then you can download the card contents from the Roland software area and identify the file you want and copy it back to your card

[@andreabattista3.14]

@@StephenMendes I just downloaded CAPSUN - CHILL TRAP AND FUTURE RNB for FA 1 BANK PACK It is a zip file, but the only Bank that opens is BANK1 from 01 to 016 and I miss BANK4-01

[@andreabattista3.14]

@@StephenMendes KZbin doesn’t agree to E-mails or telephone numbers, below is my number with some & more to see if it goes unnoticed. I am a singer, guitarist and flutist and I have worked as a musician almost all my life, I am 66 years old and last month I decided to buy a keyboard to see if I could learn how to play it. After a long research and many demonstration videos about various keyboards, I’ve decided for the Roland FA-06. Having known Roland for many years already, as I played with several keyboard players and they all had Roland keyboards, my choice was therefore influenced by my background on stage with other musicians. I also owned a Roland MT-120s Sequencer for at least 20-25 years, which has accompanied me during the many years of work, with excellent results. I have an idea if you agree, I will write you my phone number, you send me a message and I will write you my E-mail address, where you can send me the sample file 1 of bank 4. I know KZbin doesn't accept E-mails in comments and I don't know about phone numbers, I can still try. I promise not to disturb you with the cell phone, I will continue to view your very interesting videos and leave comments as I have done so far, as your only contact. 00&46&703 &836&859 Best regards

[@StephenMendes]

@@andreabattista3.14 WHERE did you download this file from ? perhaps the file is corrupted ? perhaps you have not followed the installation instructions exactly ? perhaps it is not supposed to have a bank 4-01 ? I cannot help you with this sort of problem

[@StephenMendes]

@@andreabattista3.14 the CAPSUN - CHILL TRAP AND FUTURE RNB for FA 1 BANK PACK is NOT ..... I repeat NOT .... on the "original flash card" that comes when you buy a brand-new FA-06 ..... and I certainly do not have that PACK ..... so I could not possibly send you the file

[@jaderington]

Massive thanks again. Please keep it up. It's a huge help. I masterd a Yamaha sampler the A3000 back in the day. Nice sampler. I needed therapy afterwards lol

[@janpieternieman5295]

I have to choose between A Jupiter X, Prologue, or Rev2. What would make the FA a nice addition/ competitor in terms of sound and usability. God bless you sir. I already have a Korg W01 Cobalt8X Yamaha Sy77, Microfreak and a Behringer RD drum. I do love al the sound of my machines but I miss making sounds very easy.

[@StephenMendes]

This depends on what you want.... the FA is better for live gigging... Jupiter X does not have a sequencer and is not as easy to work with ..... many guys sell their Jupiter X to get FA even though it's a cheaper keyboard..... you could just buy both if the choice is too hard to make 😊

[@daniellalipko9527]

The Best! ☝👍

[@jimitocherpa]

Dear Stephen, I’m looking forward to create a reverse piano… any thoughts on how to do it?? Many thanks for your help!! Greetings from Chile

[@StephenMendes]

there are several ways to do this .... record your piano on magnetic tape and then play the tape backwards (or get the DIGITAL equivalent of this which exists as an effect in many hardware and software effects processors)........ if the piano sound is synthesized tone on FA-06 (using the SN-S or PCMS tones) then you could reverse the envelope generator waveforms driving the AMP and FILTER sections...... do you own a Roland FA-06/07/08 keyboard ??? .... if you do then I could make a video to show you how to do it for that instrument

[@charlesgraham4286]

Nice video appreciated

[@johnwilson7952]

Hi Stephen. When you create a sound how do you assign a category to it. Also when you mess with the global control section and you switch to another sound it remains. Is there a workaround? Thanks in advance

[@StephenMendes]

assigning a category to a sound is done on the COMMON tab of the TONE EDIT screen..... it is assigned the same way you assign all the other parameters on the other tabs (using the arrow keys and the dial wheel)...... it's called GLOBAL control for a reason ..... therefore changing tones will NOT affect it and you need to assign whatever you are hoping to change on the tone to another controller (one that is NOT global)

[@EarmuffHugger]

Merry Christmas 🎄

[@StephenMendes]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you my friend 😊

[@dougthompson634]

Greetings Sir. I have the Roland fa08 and I want to attach a Roland VP7 vocal processor. How is the best way to accomplish this? I have reached out to Roland Support but no word from them. Thanks for your videos! They are very helpful. Gerald Thompson.

[@StephenMendes]

I cannot see what problem is ..... plug the MIDI cable into the MIDI OUT of the FA-08 keyboard and set MIDI channel to the same in FA-08 and VP7 and it's done ...... if you wish to feed the audio out from the VP7 back into the FA-08 use the 3.5mm jack for LINE IN on the back of FA-08 .... if you still got issues please be more detailed in your description of them 😊

[@basrover6544]

Love you how you do this

[@zhugeliang1000]

The Merriest Christmas to you Stephen! Entertaining video with fun energy!

[@songwriterdermotmcmahon4522]

Great explaination..Merry Xmas Stephen..!

[@StephenMendes]

Merry Christmas and best wishes with Songwriting .... thanks for your comment .... always appreciate hearing from my viewers

[@kevino4372]

Hi. Great video. Do you know why in EFFECT EDIT it lets you save your changes to CHORUS and REVERB ( 0 and 20 are the defaults) but it won't let me save Part 1 MFX changes?? Always defaults back. Any ideas? K

[@kevino4372]

During a gig I just get one D.I. BOX to the house sound system so it's mono. What difference does stereo actually do if I get a 2nd D.I. box?? I mean does it make a lot of difference or will they just come out of the gig almost the same?? Thanks k

[@StephenMendes]

The stereo is really there for doing recordings..... after all, it is a WORKSTATION synth...... I do not use stereo when playing live ..... and I definitely would NOT recommend it if you are gigging with other musicians (drummer, guitarists and so forth)....... if you are a SOLO act and in control of your own sound system then you might want to use it for getting spatial effects (which would definitely NOT suit all types of gigs)

[@mirkomontaldo]

Hello mate, thanks for this great video. I 'm about to get a new gear and I 'm in the middle betweeen FA-06 and Yamaha MODX6. At the moment I'm quite closer to Roland especially because of the workflow that seems to be far easy to follow. I just have a question if you can possibly answer: the loop lenght in the sequencer fixed on all the tracks or can it be set to a differente value for each track? I'd like to have some pattern sequence created for DRUMs for example on part n.10 using a two measures loop lenght and then add other pattern on different parts with longer time (for example 8 measure for Bass, Piano, Pads). Do you think this is possible or the assigned loop lenght on the sequencer applies on all the tracks? Many thanks and keep it up.

[@StephenMendes]

The Roland FA has TWO sequencers one is a pattern sequencer for creating drum patterns and the other is a song sequencer for creating songs ..... both sequencers have variable loop length...... you can set the loop length to how many bars you wish ...... the loop is completely optional on the song sequencer and you can set a start point and an endpoint (if you just wished to loop a section of a song)....... it's the SAME behavior as you would expect from other sequencers and drum machines...... except the FA is one-piece tool to complete song creation 😊

[@mirkomontaldo]

​@@StephenMendes Many thanks Stephen, I downloaded the handbook of the MODX and I found that loop lenght can be really different part by part. So the MIDI Channel n.1 loop on tw bars, while the midi channel n. 2 can loop on 4 bars. Here I understand that if I set a loop lenght on the FA pattern sequencer the same lenght applies to all the 16 parts of the multi parts set. Hope I got that correctly. !! (by the way I'll get the FA anyway) despite this behaviour... Many thanks Stephen, I downloaded the handbook of the MODX and I found that loop lenght can be really different part by part. So the MIDI Channel n.1 loop on tw bars, while the midi channel n. 2 can loop on 4 bars. Here I understand that if I set a loop lenght on the FA pattern sequencer the same lenght applies to all 16 parts of the multi parts set. Hope I got that correctly. Cheers!! (by the way I'll get the FA anyway) despite this behaviour... cheers!!

[@StephenMendes]

@@mirkomontaldo It is what it is....... each keyboard has some unique features..... that's why I have EIGHT of them now ..... and if it was not for a space issue I might have more 😂

[@danmatthews3102]

Sometimes the technology gets in the way of the music. Some of those user manuals are just un-readable. I use the pads for selecting patches live. Haven't even cracked open the sequencer yet. Thanks for the tips.

[@StephenMendes]

I admit that trying to understand a user manual is far harder now than in the 80's...... I don't know where they find the people that write them but clearly it's getting worse with the passing of the years ...... so that's why I am here.... to figure it all out so you don't have to 😂🤣 .... thanks for your comment.

[@mirkomontaldo]

@@StephenMendes I am a technical writers (Writing handbooks as a job for SW and Telecom stuff) but also a keyboard player. Agree with y:ou the manuals of these devices have always been terrible. My biggest dream is woking one day for Roland, using their gears and write great handbooks!

[@StephenMendes]

@@mirkomontaldo This is actually a job I could wish for too 😊 ..... as an educator for the last 25 years I try to create content that is easy to follow and thorough ...... best of luck.... and thanks so much for your comment

[@t0rumusic]

Hey Stephen, it's been a while now and I'm unable to create the classic Jordan Rudess monster lead. Can you please teach me?

[@t0rumusic]

Of course on my FA 08

[@StephenMendes]

@@t0rumusic naturally

[@StephenMendes]

I am in need of financial assistance at this time..... consider supporting on Patreon www.patreon.com/stephenmendes .... and I will get right to it 😊👍

[@t0rumusic]

@@StephenMendes thank you so much, I will get back to after supporting you on patreon

[@StephenMendes]

@@t0rumusic Thanks for your interest and support 😊 ..... where can I listen to "the Jordan Rudess monster lead" do you have a specific link ?

[@johnstudiob2481]

Really struggling with this one can't seem to change tones in the studio set with the tabs or layer tones must be doing something wrong, have you done any other videos on this the manuals not much help, with just one page on the tabs that dosn't really cover much

[@StephenMendes]

your in luck .... I just finished the marksheets for the University ..... I will make video just for you .... all about the STUDIO SET and how to make it work ..... should be uploading tomorrow (if I cant finish it before bedtime)

[@harold12A]

Hello, pls what can i do with the wireless feature in the menu?

[@StephenMendes]

First you need a wireless USB dongle that you will plug in the USB port at the back (Roland sells it as an accessory) .... then you can set it up with an App on your iphone to record your playing wirelessly on the iphone...... you can also send your favorite songs from your iphone to the keyboard so you can jam along with them..... I never bothered because, to me, it seemed like a rather useless gimmick 😂 ...... you can also use it with the ipad sound editor on VR-09 (instead of the normal USB wired cable)..... and the Jupiter 80.....but NOT the FA-06 ..... at least, I could not find an ipad App editor for FA-06 😢 ..... so that's about it.

[@harold12A]

@@StephenMendes oh okay. Thanks Stephen. I thought it means WiFi was inbuilt so maybe a DAW could detect it and have it setup as a midi controller via WiFi. Like maybe through an ad hoc of sorts. But thanks for the reply and explanation

[@StephenMendes]

@@harold12A I cannot find any evidence that you can do MIDI control over the wi-fi connection BUT you would have to buy the dongle to get wi-fi...... there is NO in-built wi-fi in the FA-06/07/08.... best wishes

[@MartinCraneRockbeast]

I have all 3 of those synths.

[@jameshardy5578]

How does the filters sound on this synth?

[@StephenMendes]

I made a video to demonstrate the filter sweep..... about the same as the Roland Gaia SH-101 (which many think sounds like a pile of crap)..... but let's be honest, absolutely nothing digital can sound like a REAL Analog Filter ...... I used to argue over this on my channel just to create controversy and get views...... then I actually bought an ANALOG modular synth 🙂...... my views changed even though it cost a pond of money and takes up a lot of space..... I now know why everybody dreams of getting one.

[@jameshardy5578]

@@StephenMendes The main reason I asked is I have mine connected to my mpc 2500 and I sample into the fa 06 before the mpc so I can use the sound modify knobs to tailor the sound of the sample but if you say the filters on here are bad I might as well just sample into the mpc instead think so ?

[@roggo_x]

Hello, you forgot to show how to make drumm fingering with the pads friend! regards

[@StephenMendes]

The "drum fingering" is actually done with the keyboard keys...... NOT the pads 😊 ...... once you select Part 10 (in the sequencer) then each active key triggers a drum, cymbal or other percussive sound...... so you could, for example, assign an octave of the keyboard to your preferred drum kit sounds..... and either "play" them in a live situation OR record them into the sequencer.

[@roggo_x]

@@StephenMendes Hello, and what do you think about the fact that the pads cannot be used to play drums, which is the main thing that the pads should be used for, in a new and expensive keyboard such as the FA08?

[@StephenMendes]

@@roggo_x Well to be honest, it doesn't bother me all that much..... I have an Alesis SR-18 drum machine as well as an A-800PRO MIDI controller that also has pads..... so I have options when it comes to laying down a drum track..... really sorry you seem so upset over this 😢

[@roggo_x]

@@StephenMendesThat is exactly what the Roland marketing department wants, that we buy several keyboards to do what could be done with just one! That department sucks, not so the guys from the music department who are great! Those pads should work for Drumm fingering on this 2020 keyboard, but they DO NOT work!

[@StephenMendes]

@@roggo_x Sorry for your distress.... I have discovered lots of "improvements" they could have added to each of their keyboards .... but "it is what it is" .... I just buy them and use them.... i don't work for Roland 😊

[@dbeene36]

Has anyone had an issue Ike having to press the buttons really hard to get them to work?(Octave, Transpose, Banks)

[@StephenMendes]

This can happen with any make or model of keyboard when the contact membrane of the key switches oxidizes usually due to contaminants in the air ....... moisture, dust, salt air, etc. ...... very occasionally the problem is poor quality control in the manufacturing process leading to shortened lifespan due to residual contaminants from the manufacturing process itself. You can get Roland service to replace the switches but if your environment is the cause of it might happen again.

[@dbeene36]

@@StephenMendes Thanks for the quick response.

[@dbeene36]

Hey, one more thing. Is there a way to control patch and preset changes with an external keyboard?

[@StephenMendes]

@@dbeene36 YES however you need to program the MIDI controllers to do it.... every MIDI controller has a slightly different configuration

[@dbeene36]

@@StephenMendes OK, I was thinking about doing it with my Fantom X

[@familtons1098]

NOSE HAIRS scared me off!

[@bayoudrummer9855]

Such a good keyboard but they messed up in the 16 touch pads on thr right. You can set them to mute parts, select parts, use it as a number selecter, some system functions but why can"t you use it as drum pad?! The fantom six did it. Maybe I can fiqure a way to do it by assigning each pad a drum sound but man what a miss. Also, the pattern maker could use more variety. Don't get me wrong, if you dig deep enough, this keyboard can accomplish anything. Any sound, any pop, rock or orchestral song can be made with thus keyboard. It is a beast. Theres just a few tiny things that seemed to be a missed oppurtunity

[@markb9419]

Damn what is that accent?! Welsh West Indian cherokee.?

[@StephenMendes]

Hey... it's Barbadian.... as in ... I live on Barbados a tourist island in the Caribbean..... you really should come for a vacation here ... it's loads of fun 😊

[@Musicmahn1]

If Bill Cosby was Scottish, and innocent

[@TMSBRANDA]

Oh yes, Yamaha is much more complicate to use 🙁

[@taucetus3657]

Okay, here is a scenario... you are on stage in church and you have your F06 with you. You are doing Organ and you need, drawbars... what do you do?

[@StephenMendes]

you press sequencer button (if you are not already seeing the sequencer screen) then you press and hold SHIFT and then the soft-menu key on the left (at bottom of screen) TONE EDIT...... the screen changes.... you will see DRAWBARS on the left side ..... you use the wheel and the left/right arrow keys to select and change the various drawbars..... let me know if you have success 👍

[@taucetus3657]

@@StephenMendes Tedious on live stage so I 'Montaged' the FA08

[@StephenMendes]

@@taucetus3657 Please explain how .... since I do NOT think you bought Yamaha Montage and DUMPED FA-08 😂

[@StephenMendes]

The Roland VR-09 has physical drawbars and the identical tone wheel organ .... so if I wanted that sound I would use that instead of FA-06 😊

[@TorBruheim]

You are a funny man indeed. Not to be rude, but you acts like a person never played the piano when you hit the piano with one finger only. What are you using the FA synth for?

[@StephenMendes]

If you actually looked at the content of my channel you would see numerous examples of my playing all sorts of stuff .... in fact I play for the church every single Sunday ..... kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3XIqKN3ptd9brc .... but if it's not the type of music you like..... well .... I cant do much about that... best wishes

[@TorBruheim]

@@StephenMendes I love church music indeed. Keep up the good work for the Lord, and your channel.

[@StephenMendes]

@@TorBruheim thanks much