Gearank

Gearank Recommendation

The FA-06 appeared on our recommended list for Keyboard Workstations Between $1000 and $2000 from May 2021 until February 2022 when it had been out-ranked by the Roland Juno-DS76 and Yamaha MODX8.

Overview

The Roland FA-06 is a portable and streamlined approach to workstation keyboard design, it has a 61-note keybed and a compact profile while still having many of the expected functions of a workstation.

At its core is Roland's flagship tier Integra-7 sound module, along with their SuperNATURAL DSP tech used for the synth patches. This is expanded further via expansion slots or by loading more patches from Roland's Axial sound library.

It also comes with an onboard sampler complete with 16 pads and 4 banks while further sound crafting is provided by its built-in 16 independent effects engine.

For crafting songs, it comes with a built-in 16-track sequencer, rhythm pattern creator and arpeggiator.

As expected, it is compatible with most Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software, and lets you control the software right on the instrument. It even has has Guitar/Mic and Line input jacks.

Note that compared to its bigger sibling, the FA-08, this does not come with weighted keys.

With big brand backing, impressive spec sheet and high ratings, the Roland FA-06 is a portable workstation keyboard that will not disappoint.

Specifications

• Keys: 61 Synth-Action keys
• Polyphony: 128
• Sound Engine(s): SuperNATURAL Acoustic, SuperNATURAL Synth, SuperNATURAL Drum Kit, PCM Synth, PCM Drum Kit
• Controllers: Pitch Bend/Modulation Lever, 2x Assignable Switch (S1/S2), 6 x Control Knob, Sample Pad, Tempo Knob
• Effects: 16-part Multi-FX, 29 x Roland TFX, 3 x Chorus, 6 x Reverb, 6 x Drum Compression/EQ
• Audio Recording: Yes
• Audio Playback: Yes
• Sequencer: 16 MIDI Tracks
• Audio Inputs: 1/8" x Aux, 1 x 1/4" (Mic/Guitar)
• Audio Outputs: 1/4" x Line-out (L/MONO, R), 1 x 1/4" Stereo-out phone type
• MIDI: In/Out/USB
• Other Connections: Foot Pedal Jacks: 1 x CTRL 1, 1 x CTRL 2, 1 x HOLD
• USB: 1 x Type A, 1 x Type B
• Power Supply: 9V DC Power Supply
• Dimensions: 36.69"x 11.81" x 12.62"
• Weight: 12.62 lbs.

Demo