Roland Aira J-6

The Roland J-6 while usable as a keyboard, has been better suited as a Chord Sequencer, or as a source of inspiration.

I program simple sequences using the built in sequencer then use the MIDI-out to either directly control other Synthesisers, or directly record the pattern into an external Sequencer for later playback and fine-tuned adjustments.

Use the [Style] and [Variation] knobs to create dymanic patterns useful for Pads/Chords. Turn them off, play quarter length chords, and feed them into a Synth with an Appegiator for a simple Counter-Melody.

Notes

I had a lot of trouble getting the MIDI to communicate with other devices using the Sync-Out Connectors (TRS). Plugging the device into my computer via USB allowed it to work with Ableton Live.

To solve this problem, I bought a USB MIDI Host (Berhinger GO MIDI Host) where I plugged the USB-C connector from the J-6 into that, and then used the MIDI OUT of the host to connect it into my gear.

This initially didn’t work but was resolved by a Factory Reset. Worst case, I now have a USB MIDI Host I can use for interfacing with older devices.

Using the Step Sequencer

1. Press the Chorus Sequencer (step) [1]-[8] buttons.

   The [SHIFT] button blinks, and the note you pressed on the keyboard is displayed.

2. Press the keyboard buttons.

   This adds note data to the step.

   If the [CHORD] button is on, the notes in the chord are inputted (this overwrites any existing data).

   If the [CHORD] button is off, a single note is added. If there are already four notes in the step, you can’t input any more.

   By pressing the STYLE [ON] button to make it light up, you can use the [STYLE] knob and [VARIATION] knob to play notes and chords for the selected phrase.

   On steps for which the STYLE [ON] button is unlit (STYLE: OFF), the phrase selected in the previous step continues to be used.

   When the STYLE: OFF steps continue from the step at which playback begins, the phrase selected in the pattern is applied.

3. Press the step [1]-[8] buttons again.

   Step editing ends, and the keyboard goes dark.

   The display returns to showing the tempo.

Inputting consecutive ties (long notes).

1. Select a step that contains notes and press the [HOLD] button.

   This inputs a tie into the next step.

2. Press the [HOLD] button once again.

   This inputs a tie into the next step after.

   You can input long notes by pressing the [HOLD] button a number of times.

Inserting an Empty Step

1. While a step is selected, hold down the [SHIFT] button and press the [B (MENU)] keyboard button.

2. Use the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob to select “INSr”.

3. Press the [D (ENTER)] button.

Changing the Step Length

1. Hold down the [PATTERN] button and turn the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob to edit the number of beats (the step length) in one measure of the pattern

Useful Commands

Initialise the Current Pattern

1. While holding down the [SHIFT] button, press [G (CLEAR)] to clear the current pattern.

Pressing [SHIFT] + [G (CLEAR)] while a step is selected will clear the current step.

Factory Reset

1. While holding down the [HOLD] button, turn on the power. The [CHORD] button blinks. To cancel the factory reset, turn off the power.
2. Press the [CHORD] button. The factory reset is executed.
3. When all buttons are blinking, turn the power of the J-6 off and then on again.

I had serious problems with this device and getting the MIDI out working. Giving it a good Factory Reset resolved these problems, at least as far as USB->MIDI goes.

See also: Restoring the factory default settings (Factory Reset)

Settings Menu

1. Open the menu by using the [SHIFT] + [B (MENU)] button combination.

2. Navitage with the [D (Enter)] and [C (Exit Buttons)]

3. Useful menus options:

   • [CH] MIDI In/Out Channel Configuration

   • [SynC] MIDI Clock Sync usually works fine when set to [AUTO], but [USb] might be required for using an input clock from the USB Hub.

   • [bEAt] Sets the number of beats (the step length) in one measure of the pattern

   • [AlnK] Keep this set to [OFF] as it controls the link between other Roland AIRA Devices.

Tutorials

Reviews

1. Roland J-6 Review - DAWless

2. Anybody use the J-6? Can I get opinions on it? - Reddit

   Here’s something cool you can do with it, use it as a midi controller. Including all of the cord functionality and sequencing. Plug it into a computer, set it as your MIDI controller of choice, use all the cord sequencing and cord creations with your favorite VST plugin, in my case I like to use it with pigments. It’s absolutely phenomenal. I don’t even generally use it as anything but a controller at this point. - DominosFan4Life69

Resources

1. Roland J-6 Owners Manual