BuddhaPhi wrote:I purchased an FA-06 due to a combination of the Integra 7 sounds and the integrated sampler. I'm rather disappointed in the sampler features. It's not even remotely as good as the Roland SP-404SX in most ways. I still (mostly) like the workstation overall but the sampler leaves me wanting.
Here are some limitations of the FA sampler in case anyone is wondering:
- No playing a single sample pitched across multiple keys
No sample MFX
No resampling of the sampler (aka no way to resample an existing sample with FX to a new pad)
No sampling for xx beats/bars or xx seconds
Limit of 4 samples played simultaneously
No reverb/chorus/delay sends for samples (though can sample mic with permanent reverb or delay)
TFX can be applied to samples but this is applied globally
No sample envelopes
No sample panning
No sample filter
No sample realtime controls
Minimal sample editing (Only start, end, truncate, gate on/off, loop on/off and a few others)
No sample normalize
No sub-folders when importing user samples. Limited to the IMPORT folder.
Limit of 300 files in the IMPORT folder
No preview of samples before importing
If there are any corrections to this list, let me know. I'm definitely no expert. This is just what I know so far. There may be some tricks I missed.
The workaround for many of these issues is to sample, export to wav, edit on the computer and re-import the edited sample. That's unfortunate. I really hope that there's a major update to enhance the sampling capabilities but I won't hold my breath. I knew there were limitations when I bought it. I just didn't realize that some basic features were lacking. I figured I'd give it a few months before deciding whether to keep or sell.
*EDIT: Typos
Hi, BuddhaPhi and all,
This is my personal opinion - not a criticism of the Roland FA:
The FA delivers a load of great sounds. Love the friendly sequencer and the many features and the price is very reasonable for a super lightweight instrument; and it is one good-looking synth. But, for my humble, home-based composition needs, I think the shortcomings of the sampler is a major distraction.
Tried linking to Audacity for resampling, short vocal harmonies, effects, etc, then reloading samples back in. But Phew!, there goes the original inspiration and speedy workflow!
As I wrote in an earlier thread, the absence of velocity sensitivity of FA's pads proved no problem, found a cheap workaround: just hooked up a tiny Aruturia controller.
So for me, the overriding disappointment (might I say, 'ambush'? :-), was the discovery of the FA's inability to make a new samples whilst the previous samples are playing. (Can't listen to previous samples whilst making a new one).
It is that lack of overdubbing of sampling (duplex / sound-on-sound, whatever the terminology), makes it a less-attractive option for a songwriter tool. Because (personal opinion again), it is the ability to 'resample' or mix rapidly mix down samples that can lead to something original and worthy of development.
Okay, I realise that, given the price of the FA, one might expect to pay a 'lot' more for a fully-functioning equivalent, incorporating a sampler with keyboard and pads, either synth or arranger keyboard.
Not too familiar with other models, but does the 'Tyros' or any other model, deliver what the FA does plus comprehensive sampling?
Left it too late for returning it, but, on the brighter side given the price paid, no great loss if I were to sell it and move on. So no rush, as I consider alternatives, maybe adding a S/H Akai MPC.
But the DAW way is not my way, thank-you.
cheers for reading.