Roland’s Aira line of instruments expands once again with the launch of three ‘compact’ instruments that build on the company’s rich heritage: the T-8 Beat Machine; J-6 chord synthesizer; and E-4 Voice Tweaker.
It can be difficult to determine what distinguishes an Aira product from a standard Roland product – the Aira microsite, for example, features the TR-8S drum machine but not the TR-6S, its lightweight close cousin – but it is quite clear what the Compact range consists of.
They are “fun, affordable and easy to learn” cases that are designed to be used individually or together, similar to Korg’s Volcas. This being Roland, however, everything is completely digital.
Once again, Roland Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology is in play, and each model comes with a built-in rechargeable battery that promises plenty of battery life.
The T-8 looks like the simplest of the three: it’s a six-track drum machine that includes sounds from the TR-808, TR-909, and TR-606. You also get a bass part based on the TB-303, tentatively taking the device into groovebox territory.
There’s a sequencer, obviously – this can go up to 32 steps – with features like step loop, pattern change and probability allowing you to add variation to your grooves. You can modify your bass sound and there are reverb/delay send effects.
The J-6 Chord Synthesizer is arguably a more curious proposition – it mixes a Juno-60 synth engine (likely the same one you’ll find in the new full-size Juno-X) with a chord sequencer. It is very much designed to be used by non-gamers; 100 chord sets are included, each allowing you to trigger chords and create progressions using the built-in keyboard. You can also compose variations (arpeggios and guitar-style playing, for example).
Of course you can just use the J-6 as a synth (like the other Aira Compacts it has MIDI connectivity) although beyond the choice of sound itself editing is limited to filter controls and envelope. Again, there are also delay and reverb effects.
Finally, we come to the E-4 Voice Tweaker, a compact vocal effects box that promises everything from standard processors to full vocal transformers. There are pitch and formant sliders for instant gender switching and robot voice effects (among other things), and you also get the usual auto pitch/harmonize and vocoder options.
You can capture your performance with a 24-second looper, while the Scatter button lets you dial in slice effects.
All three Aira Compact devices are available now for $200 each. Learn more about the Roland website.