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Roland AIRA Compact J-6 Chord Synthesizer

Portable 4-voice Synthesizer with 64-step Chord Sequencer, Arpeggiator, FX, MIDI, Audio, and Sync I/O
$199.99

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Roland AIRA Compact J-6 Chord Synthesizer
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Historic Synth Sounds, Modern Portability

Roland’s groundbreaking Juno-60 set the stage for decades of audio innovation, and the Aira Compact J-6 Chord Synthesizer distills that expertise into a portable synth that Sweetwater’s keyboard curators agree faithfully reimagines that historic ethos. The J-6 is a lightning rod of genre-spanning inspiration, perfect for iterating on ideas with a robust range of sequencing and arpeggiation options to remix the gauntlet of 100-plus chord sets. Experiment with the high-quality FX and hallmark Roland synth voices, moving and grooving to any number of rhythmic phrases and styles. Comprehensive connectivity options mean everything from solo jamming on the go to fully fledged system integration. With decades of sound designed to fit in your pocket, the J-6 is a necessary portable gadget for hobbyists and enthusiasts alike.

Endless combinatorial capabilities

Advanced Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology drives the faithful representation of classic Juno-60 sound that powers this mini module. There are 64 built-in presets ready to go, with customizable reverb and delay as well as filter and envelope controls to further sculpt your sound. Mix and match any of the genre-defying 100-plus chord sets with numerous arpeggio and rhythm-phrasing styles and variations. Intuitive controls and a sleek form factor invite you to explore the boundless possibilities in this petite package. The J-6 is perfect for workshopping ideas, running the show, and anything in between. Plus, abundant MIDI, audio, and sync options make for easy integration with external controllers, DAWs, and any siblings of the Aira Compact family.

Roland Aira Compact J-6 Chord Synthesizer Features:

  • Lightweight and compact design means portability without sacrificing power
  • 100+ chord sets span countless genres for quick ideation and accessibility
  • 64-step sequencer allows for countless sonic combinations through various arpeggio and rhythmic-phrasing styles and patterns
  • Straightforward form factor ensures satisfying tactility and accurate input
  • Intuitive design provides endless sonic opportunity at any level of expertise
  • High-quality FX, filter, and envelope controls let you sculpt your sound on the fly
  • ACB technology powers the 4-voice J-6, opening a wealth of Juno-60 sounds, and more
  • Onboard MIDI, audio, and synch I/O, as well as USB-C, provide endless interoperative potential with DAWs, external controller interfaces, and even additional Aira Compact devices
  • Rechargeable lithium-ion battery means 4.5 hours of classic synth sound, all on the go
  • Weight: 11 oz.
  • Dimensions: 7.4 inches (W) x 4.2 inches (D) x 1.4 (H) inches

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Chord Synthesizer
  • Pads: 13 x Key Pads
  • Polyphony: 4-voice
  • Presets: 100 x Chord Sets
  • Sequencer: 64-steps, 64 Patterns
  • Analog Inputs: 1 x 1/8"
  • Analog Outputs: 1 x 1/8" (mix out/headphones)
  • MIDI I/O: 2 x 1/8" TRS (in, out), USB
  • Other I/O: 2 x 1/8" (sync in/out)
  • USB: 1 x USB-C
  • Height: 1.42"
  • Width: 7.40"
  • Depth: 4.17"
  • Weight: 0.65 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: J-6

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

A GREAT Chord Midi Controller!

I have already reviewed the S-1, T-8 and E-4 so those relevant comments also go for the J6.
I thought I was done with this series of Airas. The J-6 Chord making impressed me but not so much the Juno sounds. Since I own the Roland JU-06A I didn't see any reason to need or want the J-6. I already have all of its sounds and so much more with my JU-06A. That was until I saw 2 YouTube Videos by Free Beat using the J-6 and it's incredible CHORD features solely as a MIDI Controller for other Synthesizers, (in particular his MicroFreak which I also happen to own). Like him, I too am a Drummer first and have limited keyboard playing skills. I'm ok with some basic Chord progressions, have a basic knowledge of music theory but certainly not enough to be able to play so many Chord variations.
I've only had it a few hours and only connected to my MicroFreak and already playing song progressions I never did before.

Using the J-6 soley for its Chord capabilities opens up an entirely new world of musical possibilities for me. I plan on trying it with my other Synths, like my HydraSynth and Roland Boutiques.
If you have any other Polyphonic Synths and If you are like me and was "underwhelmed" by the sounds of the J-6, GET IT as an awesome CHORD MIDI Controller. For the price this is a bargain and will expand your music production lets and bounds!
MIDI CONNECTION : The J-6 is Type A Midi either with its 3.5mm or uses a type A MIDI 5 Pin DIN Midi adapter. Arturia uses the Type B (so does some Novation gear). Just make sure you get the correct MIDI connectors/cables.
Music background: Drummer for a long time (I’m ok but not great but I enjoy it), Former Recording Engineer and Studio owner for more that 20 years. Synthesizers Owner and Programmer since 1972 (yes 1972 with my first ARP 2600 an Mini- Moog)
Rated 5/5

Fun Portable and sounds bold!!

Great little music maker, The J-6 will NOT disappoint! Hooked up to studio monitors sounded fantastic..... with just headphones it becomes an on-the-go synth to take anywhere. Liked it so much I bought the companion T8 Beat Machine paired up is like having a studio in two small boxes. extremely fun machines.... maybe not your main synth but sure is a lot of fun and portability is a huge plus! Roland did a great job and so inexpensive.... I recommend it for both beginners and advance musicians alike....
Rated 5/5

Things are getting crazy !

What can I say about the Roland JR six ?
I'm having so much fun with this little box! There are so many variations, it sounds amazing!
I'm very speechless actually because I've been playing with this thing for about a week now and it just blows my mind!
All the melodies in my head I can now get out through this little box. And I can hook it up to my computer or an iPad or use one of my several keyboards and it'll actually play the chords that I program into it. It's such a great songwriting tool it's not even funny. Some people say it's cheating. The haters are gonna hate. But I love Roland products and the new Aira compact series are amazing !
The filters that are built into it, the effects of the built into it, the genres and the many different chord patterns to those genres are amazing! Also being able to make my own sequence patterns with the sequence recorder that's built in is amazing! love it ! love it ! love it !
Rated 5/5

Roland Does it Again!!!

Love the new J-6 I am not a keyboard player. This makes it very easy to use back round chords on home recording and also pull some crazy sounds out it!!!!
Music background: Drummer / Guitar
Rated 5/5

Incredibly fun and useful

It may seem really simple but works great as a sequencing tool and as a quick accompanying tool. Has been super fun to pair with volcas and liven units

Simply put, modern electronic music wouldn't exist without Roland. Many of the electronic musicians here at Sweetwater cut our teeth on TR Rhythm machines and fondly remember programming our first TB-303s. We owe a good part of our careers to this amazing and innovative company. It's been fun to watch and grow right alongside Roland, as they've introduced wave after wave of revolutionary keyboards, digital pianos, and more. For example, Roland's V-Drum Kits continuously redefine the possibilities of electronic drums, beginning with SuperNATURAL technology to the latest Prismatic Sound Modeling. We're huge fans, and we'd love to tell you all about them. Whether you want a pocket-sized synth or a cutting-edge video mixer, if Roland makes it, then Sweetwater is 100% behind it.

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