This Roland FA review covers the FA-06 and FA-08 music workstations. Roland built the FA series around a simple idea: give producers and performers a keyboard that can play pro sounds, sequence full tracks and sample, all without a computer. It combines a large SuperNATURAL and PCM sound library, a 16-track sequencer and a pad-based sampler inspired by the SP-404 into one instrument.
Roland FA Models
- FA-06: 61 synth-action keys. It’s lightweight and portable, and ideal for producers and gigging players.
- FA-08: 88 keys with Roland’s Ivory Feel-G weighted action, for a more realistic piano feel. It’s heavier and suits studio or fixed-stage use.
Apart from the keyboard, both models share the same sound engine and features.
Sound Engine
The FA series draws on Roland’s INTEGRA-7 sound set, with more than 2,000 sounds including SuperNATURAL acoustic and synth tones, PCM sounds and drum kits. The library is strong on pianos, electric pianos, strings, brass and classic Roland synth sounds.
- 16-part multitimbral, so you can build full arrangements with different sounds on each track.
- Built-in effects including multi-effects, reverb, chorus, and mastering-style compression and EQ.
- Real-time control via knobs and sliders for shaping sounds while you play.
Sequencer
The 16-track sequencer is pattern-based, making it fast to build loops, then arrange them into songs. You can record in real time or step-enter notes, and it works well for beat-making and sketching full productions. Each track can play an internal sound or control external MIDI gear.
Sampler and Pads
The FA’s sampler is based on Roland’s SP-404SX. It has 16 pads across 4 banks, so you can trigger samples, loops, vocal chops and one-shots. Samples can be imported from or recorded to an SD card, which makes the FA a capable groovebox and performance instrument as well as a keyboard.
The pads can also be used for other functions, such as muting tracks, selecting sounds or triggering notes, which speeds up live workflow.
Connectivity and Export
- USB audio and MIDI to connect to your computer and DAW, including streaming audio.
- SDHC card slot for saving projects, importing samples and exporting songs as WAV audio or MIDI files.
- Main and sub outputs, MIDI in and out, and audio inputs.
- DAW control functions for popular DAWs.
Exporting to WAV and MIDI means ideas started on the FA can move into your DAW for mixing and finishing. Our guide to a DAW workflow for mixing sessions covers the next step.
Workflow
The FA is designed for speed. Sound selection is quick with category buttons, and switching between sound mode, sequencer and sampler is straightforward. The display is small compared with flagship workstations, so deep editing involves menu-diving. Roland and the user community also provide editor software and sound packs.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Huge, high-quality Roland sound library.
- 16-track sequencer for complete songs without a computer.
- SP-404-inspired sampler with pads.
- USB audio and MIDI plus SD card export to WAV and MIDI.
- FA-06 is light and portable.
Cons
- Small screen makes editing slower.
- Sampler is basic compared with dedicated samplers.
- FA-08 is heavy to transport.
- Sequencer has a learning curve.
Roland FA vs Yamaha MX
The Yamaha MX is a lighter, simpler synth with great sounds and USB audio, but no sequencer or sampler. The Roland FA costs more but adds a full sequencer, sampler and deeper production features. Choose the MX for a simple, portable sound source, and the FA for a standalone production workstation. Read our Yamaha MX review for a full comparison.
Who Is the Roland FA For?
- Producers who want to make beats and songs without a laptop.
- Live performers who need sounds, backing patterns and samples in one instrument.
- Keyboardists who want Roland’s sound quality and a workstation workflow.
Making Beats on the Roland FA
A typical beat-making session on the FA starts on the pads. You choose a drum kit, record a pattern in real time or step-enter it, then loop it. Next, add bass and chords on separate tracks, using sounds from the main library. Load vocal chops or one-shots into the sampler pads and play them in as their own part.
Once you have several patterns, such as an intro, verse, hook and breakdown, you chain them into a song. When the idea is ready, export stems or the full mix as WAV to your DAW, or send the MIDI across to swap in software instruments. Because each track sits on its own part, it’s easy to rework the arrangement later.
Live Performance with the Roland FA
Live, the FA can run backing patterns from the sequencer while you play over them. The pads trigger samples, effects or one-shots, and the knobs and sliders tweak sounds in real time. Being able to perform sounds, beats and samples from one instrument keeps a live rig compact.
Verdict
The Roland FA series is a strong, practical workstation that brings sound, sequencing and sampling into one keyboard. It suits producers who want to work away from the computer and performers who need flexibility on stage. If you can live with the small screen, it offers a great amount of creative power.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Roland FA-06 and FA-08?
The FA-06 has 61 synth-action keys, and the FA-08 has 88 weighted Ivory Feel-G keys. Their sounds and features are the same.
Can the Roland FA sample?
Yes. It has an SP-404SX-based sampler with 16 pads across 4 banks, and it imports and records samples via SD card.
Can I export songs from the Roland FA to my DAW?
Yes. You can export songs as WAV audio or MIDI files to an SD card, or connect over USB audio and MIDI.
Is the Roland FA good for beginners?
It’s suitable for motivated beginners, but the sequencer and menus take time to learn.