Roland FA-06 61 Key Workstation

I have had many keyboard workstation over the years from Ensoniq to Yamaha Motif series and When I discovered the Roland Juno DS I had to know more about the FA series. This is NO light weight keyboard as far as sound quality, pattern sequencer, step sequencer, sampler, and most of all performance & Vocoder! I was hesitant to buy this at first considering the fact that what else could you possibly do or add to a workstation at this point.Roland has taken the "WORK" out of workstation. Right out of the box without reading the large book in print I just started recording.This is as good as it can get.PROS:You don't need a DAW or computer to do serious recording or final mixdownsDual sequencer modes, Linear & stepVocoder (A really good one)Pattern phrase sequencerPrinted book! (yes a book)Connects seamlessly to Reason, Ableton and many others16 track full sequencer with everything you need including loopsChain patterns, songs and sequences together to make a large or complete songFull Arpeggiator"I" beam for model synthesis & vocoderLive vocal recordingMassive FX library with routing and well defined digital mixer with fine tuningLong power cordFA Face plate layout top cover for samplerFull onboard sequencer tools, copy, edit, step, erase, erase track, insert, delete, undo, reorder, bounce in/out, punch in/out, quantize step and full quantize all notes and rangesInstant real time recording as you play it records and you can keep on recording until you turn blue in the faceTrigger sampling (love this feature)Voice capture for vocoder (love this feature)You can control you Zoom R8 with the FAVersatile & lightweight to carry aroundThey have updated the OS version 2.0.3 and it gives you a tons more options including DAW tools and chain samplingCONS:The Jog wheel could be a bit better (it is really stiff) when turning to select sounds or patternsThe clear black finish is hard to see the lettering in a darker environment

This is a serious bit of kit. Took me a week or two to find my way around the functions but am now composing with confidence. The sequencer is simple to use once you find your feet though I guess it would help if you've used sequencers before. Great collection of on-board library sounds, and functions that I haven't even started to use yet such as the sampler. I'd say money well spent. Packed with features and great display screen.

I'll be brief, it's awesome! Great Sounds, good connectivity options, a number of good manual controls, and LIGHTWEIGHT!! I have this as my main workhorse keyboard in my rig, using Studio Sets laid out for each song. Using OnSong as a MIDI manager, this keyboard SHINES, zones and quick patch changes per song, loads of memory for patch storage, easy backups (you do take backups, RIGHT???) and a 12.5lb/5.5kg weight that won't kill you during load-in, or the dreaded load-out.

Simply a fantastic workstation, synth and sampler. The sequencer is easy to use and it's full featured enough to put full tracks together with ease. The synth engines are excellent and with the free expansions available on the roland axial site really do extend the capabilities whatever you may require patchwise. I've been researching for over a year before i hit the BUY button and it's certainly delivered. love it...it's a keeper.

The product exceeded my expectations for the price; it is a high quality product. However, I mistakenly purchased an FA-06 when I thought I was getting a Fantom 6. It was my mistake and the seller accepted a return, when they didn't have to. I'd keep it except I specifically need a Fantom to train with. I was only slightly disappointed with the shorter keys even though they had great response.I will make sure to purchase from this seller in the future... so should you!