NAMM 2014: Roland unveils FA-08 and FA-06 workstation keyboards

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Roland FA-08

Roland FA-06

NAMM 2014: Roland has announced two new workstation keyboards, the FA-08 and FA-06, which it says meet the needs of anyone who wants an instrument that they can use both on stage and in the studio.

Featuring a built-in audio interface, DAW integration, more than 2000 sounds from the Integra-7 sound module and an 88-note weighted action keyboard, the FA-08 weighs in at 16kg. It comes with a 16-track sequencer, and each of the 16 available parts can access its own effects engine, which sports 67 effect types. The UK price is £1529.

Full specs are below. The FA-06 boasts very similar specs but comes with a 61-note velocity-sensitive keyboard. It retails for £975. You can find out more about both models on the Roland website.

Roland FA-08 features

• Reimagined music workstation designed to maximise your creative flow
• 88-note Ivory Feel-G Keyboard provides premium weighted-action performance in a lightweight design that's easy to transport
• Over 2000 sounds from the flagship INTEGRA-7 sound module, including SuperNATURAL synth and acoustic tones and drums; add even more tones via internal wave sound expansion slots
• SuperNATURAL synth engine is fully compatible with the expansive collection of free INTEGRA-7 synth tones available from Roland's Axial sound library site
• 16-track sequencer with non-stop loop recording makes it easy to build songs quickly; export your sequencer tracks to an SDHC card as a complete stereo mix, or as multitrack audio or MIDI data for use in your DAW
• Onboard sampler based on the SP-404SX features 16 pads x 4 banks and direct recording/playback via SDHC cards
• Polish your sounds with a multitude of studio-quality effects, including 16 independent MFX engines, six COMP+EQ processors for drums, unique TFX (total effects), and global EQ, chorus, and reverb
• Tweak tones, effects, and external MIDI devices in real time with six user-assignable Sound Modify knobs
• Intuitive, streamlined interface with large colour LCD
• Press one button to instantly configure the FA-08 for use with your DAW via USB
• D-Beam, Rhythm Pattern, Arpeggiator, and Chord Memory functions to expand your creative palette
• Guitar/Mic and Line input jacks for performing, sampling, and DAW audio recording; dedicated input reverb provides ambience for performing/recording
• USB ports for sound expansion data, updates, and audio/MIDI interfacing with a computer; MIDI communication with the iPad is possible when using Apple's iPad Camera Connection Kit