P-6 from Roland is the latest in their relatively low-cost compact series of synths and drum machines, and this time the focus is on sampling, sample playback, and granular synthesis.

In terms of its feature set – P-6 punches well above its weight – at least in terms of cost. It has quite a few advanced sampling features, including support for multiple sampling bit rates, a sequencer, sample chopping, a granular engine, and multiple effects, but on the other hand, these capabilities have had to be condensed to a relatively small form factor and screen.

In this video, I’ll take a look at it in detail, including the pros and cons compared to the competition:

TIMELINE:

0:00 Intro

1:15 Overview

4:10 Polyphony

5:20 Step buttons

7:05 Knobs & buttons

8:45 Connectivity

9:45 Sample playback

11:40 Sound design

12:05 Pitch envelope

13:05 Voice params

14:10 Filter menu

15:00 Mixer menu

15:45 Chops

17:30 Granular

21:05 Sequencing

21:40 Step seq

25:00 Live rec

26:30 Automation

27:40 Sampling

29:25 Step sampling

30:30 Delay & reverb

32:10 MFX bus

34:40 Buses

35:30 Shift funcs

36:25 Main menu

36:55 Sample tool

38:05 Pros & cons

42:15 Factory patterns