Roland A-01 MIDI Controller & Sound Generator

The A-01 is the perfect keyboard interface to bridge all your music making gear. Whether you're working with old analogue gear in the studio, warming up with limited space backstage at a gig, or creating music and controlling software on the go with your tablet or laptop.

The A-01 combines a fully featured midi controller for both vintage synths and modern software programs, with an inbuilt sound generator so that you can use the unit as a standalone pocket synthesizer. This powerful mix of features means that it can be useful in all areas of your music. Whether in the studio, the coffee shop or out on stage.

Detachable keyboard

The Design of the A-01 takes its mark from the Roland Boutique series. A standalone module that can be inserted into a compatible mini key keyboard dock that offers the chance to play specific notes. This is sold separately.

Connectivity

If you've got an impressive music production setup, it's sometimes hard to find gear that will connect with all the elements. The A-01 aims to bridge the gap of over 40 years of synth gear so that whether you're playing modern MIDI or vintage analogue synths, working on a PC at home or out and about with your iPad, you'll always be able to connect to the A-01.

To connect the module provides the standard MIDI IN/OUT socket, USB Midi jack and even bluetooth wireless connections to control your old synths. If you're looking to connect to something a bit more complex like a modular setup, the A-01 provides CV/Gate out so you can be assured you can connect to all your classic gear.

Sound Engine

The A-01 also provides a sound engine so that you can use the module as a standalone synth. with an 8-Bit CPU created by the Roland Boutique team, you know you're in for some fantastic, authentic sounds. This, combined with the optional 25-note Keyboard and a 16 step sequencer, gives you plenty of creative options.

Features

• Ultra-compact controller and sound generator
• Highly portable for mobile music making
• High-quality construction with metal front panel
• Dual assignable ribbon controls for pitch bend, modulation, sound preview, CC, and more
• MIDI over Bluetooth
• CV/GATE outputs for legacy analog/modular synthesizers
• Battery-operated (4 x AA) or USB bus-powered
• 192x40 graphic LCD screen
• Built-in 0.5 W mini-speaker for real-time sounds
• Compatible with optional Roland K-25m mini-keyboard

Here's what Roland Say About the A-01

Fits Into Your Setup with Flexible Connectivity to MIDI & Analog Gear
Once you’ve built your music-production setup, it’s frustrating if your MIDI controller can’t interface with all the elements. Whether you’re playing modern MIDI or vintage analog synths, working on a home computer, or touring with an iOS device, the A-01 module is a truly open-ended controller offering multiple connectivity options for every MIDI format. For legacy MIDI synths, simply use the standard MIDI IN/OUT socket. To work with your favorite DAW software on a Mac or PC, there’s the USB MIDI jack, while MIDI over Bluetooth allows for production work on a tablet or smartphone as well as a computer. Better still, there’s no need to ditch your faithful analog gear, as the A-01’s CV/GATE OUT supports classic equipment, including vintage modular synths.

More Than a Controller—Spark Original Music with the Sound Engine and K-25m Keyboard
You’d expect a good MIDI controller to take charge of your setup. What you might not realize is that the A-01 is also a pocket synthesizer that lets you create original music at home or away. With an 8-bit CPU sound engine developed by the engineer responsible for Roland classics including the JX-3P, this module echoes the concept of the Roland Boutique family. Docking into the optional Roland K-25m keyboard unit, you’ll have 25 velocity-sensitive keys at your fingertips for creating music in real time and driving external gear. Combined with a 16-step sequencer for sparking ambitious musical ideas, the A-01 goes far beyond control and kick starts your creativity.

Easy Operation and LCD for Real-Time Control On Stage and In the Studio 
Whether you’re working on a complex studio arrangement or triggering synths at a gig, it’s vital to have a MIDI controller that gives you the information you need at a glance. Thanks to the A-01's intuitive operation and visual representation of data—plus the optional K-25m keyboard unit—you’ll always be in control. Cleanly designed for real-time performance, the module has dedicated dials and dual ribbon controllers assignable to pitch bend, modulation, sound preview, and channel and polyphonic aftertouch, as well as CC and system exclusive data. Even in a pitch-black venue, you’ll be kept in the loop by a 192x40 graphic LCD screen, which gives you all the facts, right down to the shape of the output waveform.

Compact, Battery-Powered, and Speaker-Equipped for Music Production On the Move
As a modern musician, your career pulls you between stage, studio, and band practice, and you don’t want to be slowed down by a cumbersome MIDI controller. Despite its heavyweight tech, the A-01 is light on its feet. The ultra-compact, metal-paneled design is pocket-sized, weighs 950 grams/36 ounces, and is powered by either batteries (4 x AA) or USB bus power. It’s practical for playback, too, with your choice between the built-in 0.5 W mini-speaker or plugging in headphones.