“Music is just a tool to have fun with, first” It’s so quick and easy to put together VST’s that you completely lose the discovery and time needed to make insights into your sounds, having a physical keyboard is so much more fun, and fun is really what music is about!!

I've owned my Roland FA for a few years now and I have to say it's amazing not only in the studio but for live shows!!

The FA06 is badass. With an MPC in combination flying through the Audio Tracks sector, there is practically nothing you can not do. Same with the Juno DS. I don't use the sequencer because the MPC takes care of that. The learning curve is a definite process. But these two together is like Thanos and Darkseid together.

Man I appreciate your honesty so much bro. I am an older producer who also have the X with a Motif XF and a few modules. I used to think that there was no need for me as a producer but you and your videos are truly inspiring. thanks a mil

Perfectly said, I have owned an FA08 since 2017 and this machine has so much depth. Versatile and nice to do gigs with too.

Great video, always loved roland sounds and the fun part you re talking about is what a lot of ppl forget these days, great to see these kind of videos

I've had the FA-06 for a number of years, and I highly recommend connecting the USB, which allows you to send 16 direct audio tracks to your DAW. It makes mixing so much easier if I've got a layered part or I've got a beat going and I'm just sketching out ideas for a song and edit what I recorded to flesh out a full song. It has sped up my workflow immensely.

Love what you said about having fun with it first! Nothing is better than creating but if it’s not fun you shouldn’t be doing it. I’ve had my FA-06 for about 7 months now and I love it with the MPC-X & Live II in SA mode.

Loved your down to earth review. Just ordered mine. Thanks !

You couldn’t have said this any better Bolo! Love your videos bro...

I used it for a couple of years to play prog metal and the power of layering and creating sounds is amazing. The ability to combine diferent sounds in a single Studio Set with complex splits and layers is perfect for gigs. For studio it's really convenient and even for creating demos within it's sequencer. Love it

Thanks you for the post , and welcome to the FA family hope you get tons of enjoyment it.

Brother you had tha Professor level type vibes with this one, especially how you broke it down weighing the pros and cons. I’m around the same age I’m using a hybrid setup as well, running the MPC and all my other rack module synths thru the UA console pre’s and when I play the tracks people ask “what did you use” I rely on my vsts for brighter sounds but if I want heavy mid and low instruments I usually use the hardware. I use fabfilter for eq and the limiter they make. All around this was a dope video for the young Gunz that’s starting to reach toward outboard gear and want some game.

Thanks for the video bro. You helped me decide to buy one.. got one on the way

I enjoyed this a lot..thanks man..liked the description. Of your workflow

I've been really feeling this with using recording into my MPC Live recently. Even if it's an ipad app into the audio tracks, it just has a richer feeling when you do it in the MPC.

Same reason why i got the new fantom 6! No more dealing with crashes cuz of so many plug ins plus it got the most sold piano and orchestral sounds! I Love it

Was waiting for this video, haha. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

hi.it was my pleasure to like this video dude.Great attitude ,splendid and honest approach .Thanks so freaking very much.I already own Fa06 before watching this ,bought for pretty much the same reasons.

Great vid! Im feeling your approach and analysis.

Brilliant explanations on this key board and no bull honest Guy on this many thanks the Man on straight forwards talk.

Bro, I've been saying this for a while now. I've spent every bit of 12 years for the most part making beats with a laptop. It's always something!!! Compatibility issues, software updates, BSOD and now it's come to the end for me. I've spent the last week creating backups of all my work and I intend to move solely to "hardware". I've had some of the weirdest things happen while using a pc. I'm getting to that age where I just don't have the desire or patience to deal with fuckery.

Thanks for you no nonsense video . Its good to have easy to use gear and that gives enjoyment when playing.

For the price, I have to give this synth 5 stars. Mine, which I expanded for free through the Roland Axial site, has 2700 instrument sounds in 46 categories. It has it all and easily beats out my Yamaha synths. And it has sounds that other synths lack, such as choirs and hundreds of strings - plus leads, wind, brass, everything. I record using a software DAW. I need this instrument to provide the sounds my other synths do not have. I also like the fact that you can layer or play dual instruments, that you can get hundreds of extra sounds on the axial site, for free. I expanded my synth with more orchestral and string sounds. I am very satisfied with this synth.

This is a great product review! Very informative. :)

01:05 he spills the beans 🫘 Glad you’re above board on the VST nowadays too. They’re incredible and yes, I too stay with a midi set up and a Fa06 midi to the 909 Groovebox cause I like going into the studio to create, not troubleshooting. 🎉Great vids!

I say use whatever inspires you to create, I've produced whole tracks on hardware workstations before, but I can't do without the creature comforts a fully loaded DAW offers us :) Love the black keys btw! Stay cool!

Love my FA-06

This is wild. I’m at this exact point in my production. Wanted an XP-30 and came across FA06 lol now I’m here. 😂😂 BOLOOOOO!!!!!

I bought this same exact one, same color scheme and everything long time ago when I first wanted to get serious about producing but was way overwhelmed by it and ended up returning it to get a MacBook and logic, I just bought a second hand one from guitar center yesterday waiting for it to arrive because after all this time I feel like I’m ready to go for it, great video and input

What a great video! IT IS SO RARE! Every word had its meaning! Big Like!

Came here to gets some info on the FA-0x. About computers -- you just have to invest in a mid-to-high end computer. After years of mucking around I finally got myself a high end computer and I have absolutely NO regrets. I get something close to 0ms latency between the MIDI controller and the VST. It's like I am actually playing a hardware keyboard.

Good video. I like you attitude towards the up and down votes!!! You didn't tell me to upvote you before I watched the video!!! I got an FA-08 used recently. Love it!! I'm a key player too. Good point on the synths from the 80s on are computers or computer controlled.

I feel you Bolo, I was looking for that same reg, I'm running the Fantom 6 and the MPC live. I think I will swap my MV-8000 with the live, and go all Roland. Roland Cloud rules

Great review. I love mine too.❤️

I appreciate your input.. finally I've found someone who mindset is like mine.. I appreciate it bro.. think I'm gonna get this keyboard as well.. im a hardware guy.. quicker flow of work

On point. The only reason I prefer hardware is no software issues. A few years back, I used my MacBook pro exclusively as an instrument & recorded everything live directly into my iMac b/c of RAM issues. My new MacBook pro is finally powerful enough to sustain everything, but I still like using my Kronos. Doesn't sound different, just feels different.

in first 3 minutes , Bolo lines just how it is. I had my Cubase things with all the VST's and stuff... I wanted leave all that and bought Akai Force to be my DAW. Maybe ill do something with those softwares later, but now I will enjoy the pure hardware awesomeness ^__ ^ and this FA-06 is one I... gotta consider...

I finally woke up! I'm back to the mpcx. Great video

As a Dj it works for me! I own vintage Keyboards. DX7, D-50, D-70 and a Krog Wavestation EX 🎹 Synthesizer.🤗 I just ordered one yesterday. 🤗 Subscribed ☑️

Thinking about getting one of these. 👍🏽

I ended up buying a Yamaha MOXF8 and use it as an external midi device in Cubase and Studio One and that improved my work flow BIGGLY! Not having to worry about CPU overload is an awesome thing.

Great job ❤️

Using the audio tracks method with the MPC ONE, anything I use from the 06 is righteousness. They are a perfect combination.

Great video.I use the FA also and internal sequencer.

I just love your on point reviews! Just saying!

Good review .. i have the FA myself using it with FL studio 20

straight to the point, nice

Yes sir bro

Great video, really enjoyed your straight up opinions. What stand do you have there, holding MPC X and Fantom ? Best wishes from Malta, Europe.

Yo Bolo..!!! Hi, I gt the blk ed. Fa06 too & when I bought it I also gt a lovely flight bag fr it (Roland black series) too. It has super padding is perfect size fr 61 key and best of all there is like rucksack straps hiding in their own pocket underneath... I didn't even know they were there fr a while but now I have basically a backpack fr my (now super portable) FA!! Wicked!!! Kusssshtiee fr on my motorbike! Peace from UK cuz..!

I hear you on the external computer issues, hence why I am fed up and am looking at the Fantom-0 series and now the new Yamaha MODX+. I currently have a Juno-DS88. Nothing wrong with it in terms of sounds. But I want more. I love the aspect of multitracking for composing.. Thanks for this video.

Awesome and amazing

Great video. I subbed, thank you my brother.

Amazing

Gracias por la explicación ✌🏻🙌🏻🎹

My fav thing to do is using the MPC to sample from the Fantom. I like playing 4 bar chords and recording as samples, and then you can do what you want with em in the MPC. Or even just grab a kick here or snare. That's the beauty of using these machines in tandem: there's so many different ways to get to where you need to go. ✌️

hey what's good Bolo Da Producer i just order a Roland FA-6 to go with my MPC X but i just heard you say in this video that you sometimes sequence and mix inside the MPC do you have a video on how you go by doing that if not can you make you to show some of your sub how to go about doing that way thank in keep the great work i learn a lot from you.

Thanks for the review and video. Looking for great strings for disco strings and also "Temptations/Drifters" kinda stuff. Also need good brass (horn sections) for that type of music in a live setting.. Also 80s synth type stuff. I've heard the Roland Fantom G6 online and like it, but its still kinda pricey for me.. Do you think the FA-06 is comparable to the Fantoms or Jupiter 80? Same tone quality / processor?

Love your vids. Is it bad to bounce down tracks inside of fa (onto sd card because it allows me to ) and then pull stems into logic from sd card to mix there? Sound quality wise?

My black key limited edition just arrived. Looks awesome. Did u compose the intro music when you announce 'bolo!!"? The drums you wrote are badass. I miss my roland xp 80. It felt more substantial than this light weight fa06. Anyways, im gonna sync this fa to my mc303 and then my sr16 drum machine. I'm not crazy about the roland drum sounds tho. I'd like to see how you get your 'bigger' sound using mpc. Great video.

I just bought a Fantom 07 from SamAsh on their closeout sale. HUGE discount, but to be honest it was something I was looking at. There is a lot to learn on this keyboard. I couldn't afford it's 'big brother' the Fantom (non-zero) series, but I know I am going to love working with this in my home studio YMMV, but I'm going to spend all weekend digging into what this synthesizer can do for me. Going to be a GREAT weekend!!!! :)

I got mine, I didn’t need it but I love it.

I have the Roland Juno 61 black keyboard its great for sketching out 8 parts beats On the fly.

VSTs !!!! are dope. But the real Synth sound is 🌟🔥

My reason exactly for deciding on gettin one myself. Tired of havin to connect to a laptop/computer & dealin with all the CPU & RAM issues…

The reason these keyboards are always needed is because of hardware. It's hard for keyboards like these to crash especially when you push it (which is difficult to do). It's very easy to push your computer, just load up Omnisphere like multiple times, and you can cook eggs on your PC (don't do that please). Keyboards will always have a place in studios, especially if you want to expand yourself.

Thanks for your thoughts. Can the Roland's sequencer sequence external gear?

Good reasoning! I use computers all day for my graphic design, but for music, I don't use computers at all anymore. I have been 100% hardware for 10 years now using a ZoomR24 for my recording. I created nothing on a computer when using it for audio, switching to the Zoom I have now created over 70 albums over the last 10 years. And, in 10 years the Zoom never failed once, not a single crash, or error. I now record Vangelis style setting up all the levels, effects, EQ, compression, stereo field on my analog mixer, then recording live using two hands and two feet on keyboards and foot pedals, using groove boxes and sampler as back up to my live playing. It has been a wonderful 10 years playing in exactly what the finished recording will be, and playing in real time all that expressive connection to finished (all processed) instruments. I get to play almost precisely what the finished product sounds like, with stereo fields in place, just the right about reverb, EQ, and levels. Heaven is what it is.

Yeah I think I’m gonna get me one

I’m considering getting one because I am a old-school beat maker and I also play keys for churches so it might be the best of both worlds I don’t have an MPC but are the drums good on that Roland do you recommend it.

I bought one cause I needed a piano as I play piano...but needed a 88 key proper piano...but I like having fun with it :-)

yes sir

I really want an FA-06. I currently own a Juno DS, also my first hardware synth. But the FA-06 looks like a command center

@Bolo Da Producer Thanks for this vid. I Appreciate you sharing your opinion on the FA-06 . LOL@ "living in a microwave world" 😄🤣😂 Those black on black keys, yes sir! Thanks again and one!

For the price I paid I'm wondering if I should keep it or if I should take it back and get the newly-released Phantom

the fa06 is that heat

I personally like working with hardware more than a DAW and plugins. Work with what makes sense for you.

If i don't trust you. you're not coming over here😂😂😂 I feel you 100. I'm working with the PreSonus Studio 192 interface. Akai MPC 2 software. Akai MPC one. and the Akai MPK mini Mark II. and the Akai MPK 261 comes with some pretty good software and plugins. By Air Technology.

💯I feel the same.

Everything is analog but it is also digital. Hardware units tend to outlast the latest Intel or AMD, hence why I buy bunches of it still. I am looking to get a Montage 8. I will wait for Roland's next generation.

You have sold me,I have the MPCX ,I will have by Wednesday I’m Hyper,I will be with you.thanks Bro

Thamps up brother

Bolo, what other keyboards would be good for Hip-Hop?

Dear Sir, I recently purchased the Rowland FA 06 Keyboard and have encountered an issue with some of the buttons not functioning properly(Enter Exit,Shift, up,Down,left, right,Dec and INC). I kindly request your assistance in resolving this issue. I am unsure if these buttons require specific settings to be assigned in order to function properly. Could you please advise me on how to resolve this issue? Thank you for your attention to this matter. Kind regards,

Bolo can you do review on the Dbox I just got one

Would love to figure out how to get the VSTs downloaded to the Roland!

Tumbs up 👍 for your vid.

T had a Roland Fantom S back in the day I never used the pads like the MPC... can you use the pads the way you do in an MPC?

I see them going for around 750$ used and really considered getting one at one point.

That's what I experienced I have ladicy issues when using vst using my mpc

Would I be missing out on much if I bought the Juno ds instead?

I am looking at getting roland A800 pro.. is that ok.. 61 keys

When you are in project mode and you are tracking on the MPCX to the FA-06, can you trigger the 16 different tracks/channels. from USB midi on the FA-06? I have another class compliant synth hooked up to my MPC but it'snot multitimbral,.it's a modern analog poly syntn. I did update my MPCX to 2.8.

Whats your opinion on the Juno DS. Is it enough to make music production? Or is it the bare minimum.

You can buy these sounds on Ebay. Gigabytes of waves on a DVD for like 20 to 50 dollars.

Does it play nice with Studio One now that u have it?

Bolo gon give you the truth all day everyday.

Yo bro. Your videos are hella dope! I have this keyboard, and I can't figure out how to keep all the sounds i pick when I save a beat in song mode.. when I go back to the song, I have to keep changing a few sounds to get it back where I had it.. can you give me a pull up on this problem? Thanks bro.

What do you think of Roland Zenbeats on ipad? Have you used it yet?