P-6

Owner’s Manual

To ensure correct use of this unit, carefully read the documentation listed below beforehand. After reading, keep the document(s)
where it will be available for immediate reference.
¹ Leaflet “Read Me First”
 Contents
Top panel ........................................................................... 4 Copying all steps to double the length...................................... 59
Editing notes........................................................................................ 60
Rear panel .......................................................................... 8
Shifting the timing of the upbeat (SHUFFLE) ..................... 62
Understanding samples.................................................... 9
Setting the pattern length...................................................... 63
Playing the samples .......................................................... 10 Copying the patterns............................................................... 64
Switching between sample banks........................................ 11 Copying a pattern to increase the length............................ 65
Changing the sound quality of the sample playback (Lo- Copying a sequence................................................................. 66
Fi) ................................................................................................ 12
Restoring the current pattern settings to their original
Setting and checking the Lo-Fi effect intensity ...................... 13 state ............................................................................................ 68
Changing the sample playback mode (gate/one-shot) ... 14 Restoring the sequence data of the current pattern......... 69
Selecting the sample playback direction............................ 15
Using the MFX effects ........................................................ 70
Playing back samples in a loop ............................................. 17
Turning effects on/off at the desired timing....................... 71
Layering and triggering the same sample (polyphonic).. 18
Using the keyboard buttons to play the samples ............. 19 Switching between buses for sending sound.................. 72

Switching between keyboard button octaves................... 20 Saving the sample pad, pattern and effect parameter
Restoring the sample pad settings....................................... 21 settings (WRITE) ................................................................. 73

Sampling ............................................................................ 22 Connecting to a computer or mobile device ................... 75

Adjusting the input level........................................................ 24 Connecting to your computer ............................................... 76

Sampling settings.................................................................... 25 Connecting to an iOS device (USB Type-C® port)............... 77

Creating equally-divided samples (step sampling) .......... 27 Connecting an iOS device (Lightning connector).............. 78

Editing a sample sound .......................................................... 29 Connecting with an external midi device ........................ 80
Copying a sample .................................................................... 30
Backing up the patterns to your computer ..................... 81
Exchanging (swapping) samples .......................................... 31
Restoring the patterns (Restore) ...................................... 82
Deleting a sample.................................................................... 32
Backing up samples to your computer (export).............. 83
Understanding the granular sampler .............................. 33
Loading samples (Import) ................................................. 85
Using the granular sampler .............................................. 34
Controlling the grains............................................................. 35 Restoring the factory settings (Factory Reset) ................ 88
Restoring the [GRANULAR] pad settings ............................ 37 Configuring the various settings...................................... 89
Understanding patterns ................................................... 38 MENU list.................................................................................... 90
SAMPLE EDIT (P.ENV) settings ............................................... 95
Playing a pattern ............................................................... 39
Examples of pitch envelope parameter settings .................... 97
Setting the tempo.................................................................... 40
SAMPLE EDIT (VOICE) settings............................................... 103
Selecting a pattern .................................................................. 41
SAMPLE EDIT (FILTER) settings.............................................. 107
Muting a sample ...................................................................... 42
SAMPLE EDIT (MIXER) settings .............................................. 109
Playing back specific steps in a loop (step loop) ............... 43
DELAY/REVERB settings .......................................................... 111
Recording what you play using the pattern sequencer . 44
List of shortcut keys........................................................... 114
Recording your performance in real time (Real-time
input).......................................................................................... 45 Shortcuts that use the [SHIFT] button.................................. 115
Recording the knob motions......................................................... 47 Shortcuts that use the [PATTERN] button ........................... 116
Deleting knob operations recorded in a pattern.................... 48 Shortcuts that use the [KYBD] button .................................. 117
Inputting your performance by hand (step input)............ 49 Shortcuts that use the [MFX] button .................................... 118
Using the step buttons to switch between pages to Shortcuts that use the pads ................................................... 119
operate................................................................................................... 51
Shortcuts that use the step buttons ..................................... 120
Inputting a tie...................................................................................... 52
Inputting notes (scale tones) for each step .............................. 53 Knob functions................................................................... 121
Recording knob movement in steps (motions) ...................... 54 Effects and effect parameters ........................................... 122
Deleting knob operations recorded in a step.......................... 55
DJFX Looper .............................................................................. 123
Copying a step .................................................................................... 56
Chromatic PS............................................................................. 124
Pasting a step ...................................................................................... 57
Sync Delay ................................................................................. 125
Inserting an empty step................................................................... 58

2
 Contents

Filter+Drive ............................................................................... 126

Scatter........................................................................................ 127
Isolator ....................................................................................... 128
Resonator .................................................................................. 129
Stopper ...................................................................................... 130
Super Filter................................................................................ 131
Vinyl Sim.................................................................................... 132
Cassette Sim.............................................................................. 133
Lo-fi............................................................................................. 134
Reverb........................................................................................ 135
Chorus........................................................................................ 136
Flanger....................................................................................... 137
Phaser ........................................................................................ 138
Tremolo/Pan ............................................................................. 139
Ring Mod ................................................................................... 140
Crusher....................................................................................... 141
Compressor............................................................................... 142

Signal flow ......................................................................... 143

MIDI implementation chart .............................................. 144

Control change message........................................................ 146

Main specifications............................................................ 148

3
 Top panel

2 3

1. Ports and jacks

Controller Explanation

CHARGE indicator When charging via USB port:

Orange (lit): Charging.
Green (lit): Charging is completed.
Green and orange (blinking): A charging error occurred.
Please contact your dealer or Roland support.
https://www.roland.com/support/

When not charging via USB port:

Red (lit): The remaining battery power is low. Charge the battery.
The P-6 powers down within 30 minutes.

SYNC IN jack Use this jack to input synchronization signals from an external device.

SYNC OUT jack Use this jack to output synchronization signals to an external device.

MIX IN jack This is an input jack for audio signals.

The sound from connected devices is output from the MIX OUT jack.

MIX OUT / HEADSET jack This is an output jack for audio signals.
You can plug a pair of headphones into this jack.
You can also connect a headset here.
If you’ve connected a headset to this jack, the jack also functions as a MIC IN jack.

[VOLUME] knob Adjusts the volume of audio coming from the MIX OUT jack.

MEMO
¹ Use a cable with mono mini plugs to connect to/from the SYNC (IN/OUT) jacks. These jacks do not operate correctly when using a cable with
stereo mini plugs.
¹ Do not connect an audio device to the SYNC OUT jack. Doing so may cause a malfunction.
¹ If an external device is connected to the SYNC IN jack, the unit synchronizes with the clocks inputted to the SYNC IN jack, regardless of the MIDI
Clock Sync setting.

4
 Top panel

¹ Use cables with stereo miniature phone type plugs to connect to/from the MIX (IN/OUT) jacks. These jacks do not operate correctly when using
a cable with mono mini plugs.
¹ Use a headset with a CTIA-type mini plug (four-conductor) when connecting to the MIX OUT/HEADSET jacks.

2. Common
Controller Explanation

Display This is a four-digit, seven-segment LED display.

[TEMPO/VALUE] knob Changes the values shown in the display.

[SHIFT] button Use this in combination with other controllers.

[PATTERN] button Switches the unit to pattern selection mode.

[ø] button Plays the pattern.

Press the button again to stop playback.

[ó] button Switches a pattern that was input in real time to record standby mode.
When in this mode, you can start pattern recording by pressing the [ø] button (Recording your performance in
real time (Real-time input) (p. 45)).

3. Effects
Controller Explanation

[CTRL1]–[CTRL3] knobs Configures the effects.

Refer to “Effects and effect parameters (p. 122)” for details.

[LOOPER] button Switches the DJFX Looper (p. 123) on/off.

This effect loops the sound in short cycles.
You can also change the playback direction (forward/reverse) and the playback speed for the sound that’s
inputted.

[PITCH] button Switches the Chromatic PS (p. 124) on/off.

This effect changes the pitch.

[DELAY] button Switches the Sync Delay (p. 125) on/off.

Gives an echo effect in sync with the tempo.

[FILTER] button Switches the Filter+Drive (p. 126) on/off.

This is a filter with overdrive.
It cuts the specified frequencies and adds distortion.

[SCATTER] button Switches the Scatter (p. 127) on/off.

This effect swaps the sound played back by a loop in steps, altering its playback direction and gate length.
This produces a digital groove feel to the loop playback.

[MFX] button Turns the effects on/off.

Press a step button while holding down the [MFX] button to select the effects.
Refer to “Effects and effect parameters (p. 122)” for details.

4. Sample editing
Controller Explanation

[PITCH] knob Sets the sample pitch.

[START] knob Specifies the position at which the sample starts playing.

[END] knob Specifies the position at which the sample stops playing.

[LEVEL] knob Sets the sample volume.

5
Top panel

Controller Explanation

[SAMPLING] button Lets you sample.

You can also import samples from a computer.
Refer to “Loading samples (Import) (p. 85)” for details.

[LO-Fi] button When this is on, the Lo-Fi effect is used to degrade the playback sound quality (lowering the sample’s bit rate).
Press the [LO-Fi] button while holding down the [SHIFT] button to set the intensity of the Lo-Fi effect (Setting
and checking the Lo-Fi effect intensity (p. 13)).

[GATE] button Changes the sample playback mode.

The way that samples play back when you press sample pads depends on the playback mode.
Refer to “Changing the sample playback mode (gate/one-shot) (p. 14)” for details.
Press the [GATE] button while holding down the [SHIFT] button to make the keyboard buttons trigger the
samples at the same time.
Refer to “Layering and triggering the same sample (polyphonic) (p. 18)” for details.

[DELETE] button Deletes a sample.

When the [SAMPLING] button is lit (in sampling mode), press the [DELETE] button to mute the mic.

[LOOP] button When this is on, the sample plays back in a loop.
You can change the direction in which the loop plays back.
Refer to “Selecting the sample playback direction (p. 15)” for details.
MEMO
When the [GATE] button is off (one-shot), the loop does not stop playing back even after you take your fingers
off the sample pads. To stop the sample playback, press the sample pads again.

[A/E]–[D/H] buttons Switches the pad bank (banks A–D).

When banks A–D are selected, the [A/E]–[D/H] buttons light up.
To select banks E–H, press the [A/E]–[D/H] buttons twice.
When banks E–H are selected, the [A/E]–[D/H] buttons blink.
Press the [A/E]–[D/H] buttons while holding down the [SHIFT] button to mute the bank samples.

5. Pads
Controller Explanation

Sample pads [1]–[6] These play the samples assigned to each sample pad.
MEMO
¹ The settings for each sample pad are saved in the P-6 system and used in common by all patterns.
¹ Press a sample pad while holding down the [PATTERN] button to select a sample pad without playing it
back.
¹ Press sample pads while holding down the [SHIFT] button to mute the notes of the pads.
The mute settings are saved in the patterns.

[GRANULAR] pad This triggers the granular sampler.

MEMO
¹ The tone settings are saved in the patterns.
¹ Press a sample pad while holding down the [PATTERN] button and the [GRANULAR] pad to select a sample
used by the granular sampler.
¹ Press the [GRANULAR] pad while holding down the [PATTERN] button to select the [GRANULAR] pad
without triggering the granular sampler.
¹ Press the [GRANULAR] pad while holding down the [SHIFT] button to mute the notes of the [GRANULAR]
pad.
The mute settings are saved in the patterns.
¹ Press the [GRANULAR] pad while holding down the step button to edit each step.

6
 Top panel

6. Step/keyboard buttons
Controller Explanation

Step buttons These buttons are used for switching between patterns and banks, inputting notes for the sampler and granular
sampler and so forth.

Step 1 ..... Step 16

[KYBD] button When the [KYBD] button is on, the step buttons function as keyboard buttons.
You can use the keyboard buttons to play the sample you’ve selected using the sample pads as notes in a scale.

7
 Rear panel

1 2 3

Number Name Explanation

1 [POWER] switch Turns the power on/off.

2 USB port (USB Type-C®) Use a commercially available USB 2.0 cable (USB AÐUSB Type-C®, USB Type-C®ÐUSB Type-C®) to
connect this port to your computer.
This is used to transfer USB MIDI and USB audio data.
Do not use a USB cable that is designed only for charging. Cables used for charging only cannot
transmit data.

3 MIDI (IN/OUT) jacks Use TRS/TRS connecting cables (BCC series, sold separately) or TRS/MIDI connecting cables (BMIDI
series, sold separately) to connect this unit to an external MIDI device.
You can make the P-6 play in sync with a MIDI device by connecting the devices with a commercially
available MIDI cable.
Do not use these connectors for connecting to audio devices. Doing so may cause a malfunction.

8
 Understanding samples
A sample is a collection of data that includes the sampled sound (recorded audio data), how the sample pad works, and the sample’s loop settings.

The samples are specified by bank (A–H) and by sample number (1–6), for a total of 48 samples.
Samples can be assigned to sample pads on the P-6 and played back, or you can use them as parts of patterns to construct your song.

BANK H

BANK C
BANK B

BANK A

The samples are saved in a dedicated area internally on the P-6, and are used in common by all patterns.
The following settings related to how the sample pads work are also managed along with the samples.
¹ [LO-Fi] button settings (Changing the sound quality of the sample playback (Lo-Fi) (p. 12))
¹ [GATE] button settings (Changing the sample playback mode (gate/one-shot) (p. 14))
¹ Monophonic/polyphonic settings (Layering and triggering the same sample (polyphonic) (p. 18))
¹ [LOOP] button settings (Playing back samples in a loop (p. 17))
¹ Sample playback direction settings (Selecting the sample playback direction (p. 15))
¹ [F´] (P.ENV) button settings (SAMPLE EDIT (P.ENV) settings (p. 95))
¹ [G] (VOICE) button settings (SAMPLE EDIT (VOICE) settings (p. 103))
¹ [G´] (FILTER) button settings (SAMPLE EDIT (FILTER) settings (p. 107))
¹ [A] (MIXER) button settings (SAMPLE EDIT (MIXER) settings (p. 109))

9
 Playing the samples
Once the P-6 starts up, you can use the sample pads to play back the samples.

MEMO
The tempo of the current pattern is shown on the display.

1 Press sample pads to play the samples.

This plays back the samples that are assigned to the sample pads.

MEMO
¹ When you press the [KYBD] (HOLD) button while holding down a sample pad, the sample pad remains in the held-down state.
¹ You can switch between the sample pad banks.
Refer to “Switching between sample banks (p. 11)” for details.

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 Playing the samples

Switching between sample banks

Here’s how to switch between the sample banks.
There are eight banks (A–H), with six samples that you can play per bank for a total of 48 samples.

1 Press the [A/E]–[D/H] buttons.

This switches to the bank you pressed.
To select banks E–H, press the [A/E]–[D/H] buttons twice.

MEMO
The [A/E]–[D/H] buttons light up differently depending on the bank you selected.

Bank [A/E]–[D/H] buttons

A–D Lit

E–H Blinking

11
Playing the samples

Changing the sound quality of the sample playback (Lo-Fi)

You can use the Lo-Fi effect to degrade the playback sound quality, which plays back the samples at a lower sample bit rate.

1 Press the sample pads [1]–[6] to which you want to apply the Lo-Fi effect, or press the [GRANULAR] pad.

2 Press the [LO-Fi] button to turn the Lo-Fi effect on/off.

[LO-Fi] button Explanation

Off (unlit) The Lo-Fi effect is not applied.

On (lit) The Lo-Fi effect is applied, degrading the sound quality.

MEMO
You can set the intensity of the Lo-Fi effect.
Refer to “Setting and checking the Lo-Fi effect intensity (p. 13)” for details.

MEMO
You can restore the settings of the sample pads to the way they were prior to editing (meaning the last saved state).
Refer to “Restoring the sample pad settings (p. 21)” for details.

12
 Playing the samples

Setting and checking the Lo-Fi effect intensity

You can set the intensity at which the Lo-Fi effect is applied (meaning how much the sound quality degrades).

2 4

5 3

1 Press the [LO-Fi] button while holding down the [SHIFT] button.

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

3 Press the [C´] (ENTER) button.

4 Turn the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob to set the effect intensity.

5 To exit the settings, press the [C] (EXIT) button.

MEMO
Select “S÷P.r” in step 2 and then press the [C´] (ENTER) button to show the sample rate for the current sample.
Press the [C] (EXIT) button to finish checking the sample rate.

13
Playing the samples

Changing the sample playback mode (gate/one-shot)

Here’s how to change the sample playback mode.
The way that samples play back when you press sample pads depends on the playback mode.

1 Press the sample pad for which you want to change the playback mode.

2 Press the [GATE] button to set the playback mode.

[GATE] button Explanation

Off The sample plays back in one-shot mode.

In this mode, the sample plays back all the way to the end, even after you take your finger off the sample pad.

On The sample plays back in gate mode.

In this mode, the sample plays back only while you’re pressing the sample pad.

MEMO
You can restore the settings of the sample pads to the way they were prior to editing (meaning the last saved state).
Refer to “Restoring the sample pad settings (p. 21)” for details.

14
 Playing the samples

Selecting the sample playback direction

You can choose which direction a sample plays back.

1 Press the [LOOP] button while holding down the [SHIFT] button.
This switches the direction in which the sample plays back.
The sample playback direction changes as shown below each time you press the [LOOP] button while holding down the [SHIFT] button.

Display [LOOP] button Explanation

Frľd (Forward) Lights up dimly The sample plays forward (normal mode).

rvrS (Reverse) Lit The sample plays in reverse.

ALt (Alternate) Blinking In this mode, the sample repeatedly plays back forward and then in reverse.

MEMO
The sample plays back in a loop when Alternate mode is selected.

15
Playing the samples

MEMO
You can restore the settings of the sample pads to the way they were prior to editing (meaning the last saved state).
Refer to “Restoring the sample pad settings (p. 21)” for details.

16
 Playing the samples

Playing back samples in a loop

Here’s how to play back samples in a loop.

1 Press the [LOOP] button.

This turns sample loop playback on.

MEMO
¹ When the [GATE] button is off (one-shot), the loop does not stop playing back even after you take your fingers off the sample pads.
To stop the sample playback, press the sample pads again.
¹ Press the [C] (EXIT) button while holding down the [SHIFT] button to make all samples stop playing back.
¹ You can restore the settings of the sample pads to the way they were prior to editing (meaning the last saved state).
Refer to “Restoring the sample pad settings (p. 21)” for details.

17
Playing the samples

Layering and triggering the same sample (polyphonic)

You can layer and trigger up to 16 notes of a single sample.
This lets you trigger samples as chords, or play back the same samples that you split using the chop function at the same time.

1 Press sample pads to select a sample.

MEMO
When the [KYBD] button is on, you can use the keyboard buttons to play the samples you’ve selected, as notes in a scale.
Refer to “Using the keyboard buttons to play the samples (p. 19)” for details.

2 Press the [GATE] button while holding down the [SHIFT] button.
The unit enters polyphonic mode.
The display indicates “PoLy”.

3 To turn polyphonic mode off, press the [GATE] button again while holding down the [SHIFT] button.
This turns off polyphonic mode and switches to monophonic.
The display indicates “÷ono”.

MEMO
You can restore the settings of the sample pads to the way they were prior to editing (meaning the last saved state).
Refer to “Restoring the sample pad settings (p. 21)” for details.

18
 Playing the samples

Using the keyboard buttons to play the samples

You can use the keyboard buttons to play the sample you’ve selected using sample pads or the [GRANULAR] pad, as notes in a scale.
You can also use the keyboard buttons to play each of the samples you’ve sampled using step sampling or split using the chop function.

MEMO
You can’t play the samples you’ve sampled using step sampling or the samples you’ve split using the chop function as notes in a scale.
For details, refer to “Creating equally-divided samples (step sampling) (p. 27)” and “Chop function (Chop (p. 104))”.

3 2 4

1 Press sample pad or the [GRANULAR] pad.

2 Press the [KYBD] button.

The [KYBD] button lights up, and the step buttons switch to keyboard buttons.

3 Press the keyboard buttons to play the samples.

4 To stop using the buttons as keyboard buttons, press the [KYBD] button.
The [KYBD] button goes dark, and the keyboard buttons switch back to step buttons.

MEMO
In polyphonic mode, you can trigger samples as chords, or play back the same samples that you split using the chop function at the same time.
For details on polyphonic mode, refer to “Layering and triggering the same sample (polyphonic) (p. 18)”.

19
Playing the samples

Switching between keyboard button octaves

You can change the key range that’s covered by the keyboard buttons in one-octave units.

1
2

1 Press the [KYBD] button.

The [KYBD] button lights up, and the step buttons switch to keyboard buttons.

2 Press the [OCT-] [OCT+] button.

Each time you press the [OCT-] button, the key range is lowered one octave; and each time you press the [OCT+] button, the key range is
raised one octave.
The number of octaves shifted appears on the display.

MEMO
¹ The [OCT-] and [OCT+] buttons blink faster as the octave shift increases.
¹ Press the [OCT-] and [OCT+] buttons at the same time to reset the octave setting to “0”.

20
 Playing the samples

Restoring the sample pad settings

This shows how to restore the settings of a selected sample pad to the way they were prior to editing (meaning the last saved state).

1 Press the [OCT+] (MENU) button while holding down the [SHIFT] button.
This shows the parameter (item to set).

2 Use the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob to select “rL.Pd” (Reload Pad), and press the [C´] (ENTER) button.
The sample pad settings are restored to their values before they were edited.
You can use this operation to restore the following parameters.
¹ [LO-Fi] button settings (Changing the sound quality of the sample playback (Lo-Fi) (p. 12))
¹ [GATE] button settings (Changing the sample playback mode (gate/one-shot) (p. 14))
¹ Monophonic/polyphonic settings (Layering and triggering the same sample (polyphonic) (p. 18))
¹ [LOOP] button settings (Playing back samples in a loop (p. 17))
¹ Sample playback direction settings (Selecting the sample playback direction (p. 15))
¹ [F´] (P.ENV) button settings (SAMPLE EDIT (P.ENV) settings (p. 95))
¹ [G] (VOICE) button settings (SAMPLE EDIT (VOICE) settings (p. 103))
¹ [G´] (FILTER) button settings (SAMPLE EDIT (FILTER) settings (p. 107))
¹ [A] (MIXER) button settings (SAMPLE EDIT (MIXER) settings (p. 109))

21
 Sampling
This shows how to sample (record) the audio that’s inputted into the P-6 to create your own samples.
The samples you create are assigned to a sample pad.

MEMO
Each sample is saved in a dedicated area internally on the P-6, and is used in common by all patterns.

1 3 4

1 Press the [SAMPLING] button to enter sampling mode.

The [SAMPLING] button lights up.

MEMO
The step buttons indicate the audio input level in sampling mode.
Refer to “Adjusting the input level (p. 24)” for details.

2 Press the sample pad (one that’s blinking) to which you wish to assign the sample.
The selected sample pad lights up, and the [SAMPLING] button blinks.

MEMO
You can’t select a sample pad to which a sample is already assigned, meaning that pad can’t be used for sampling.
To sample, either select a sample pad that doesn’t have a sample assigned to it (unassigned sample pads are blinking), or delete a sample from the
desired sampled pad beforehand.
Refer to “Deleting a sample (p. 32)” for how to delete a sample from a sample pad.

3 Press the [SAMPLING] button.

Sampling begins.

MEMO
The timing at which sampling begins depends on the trigger setting used for starting the sampling.
Refer to “Sampling settings (p. 25)” for details.

22
 Sampling

4 To exit sampling, press the [SAMPLING] button.

The sample is saved to this unit and assigned to the sample pad.

MEMO
¹ The method of stopping the sampling depends on the conditions (length) used.
You can also configure other detailed settings related to sampling. Refer to “Sampling settings (p. 25)” for details.
¹ The sample data is automatically optimized (normalized) when sampling ends.
“nor÷” (Normalize) is shown when a sample is being optimized.
¹ It may take a little time to assign (save) a sample.
Once “ľrit” (Write) appears, wait until “donE” blinks in the display.

23
Sampling

Adjusting the input level

You can adjust the input level of the built-in mic or the headset mic used for sampling.
The actual input level can be adjusted while you’re checking it, so that you can set the optimal level.

1 Press the [SAMPLING] button.

The unit enters sampling mode.
Check the step button indicators.

-72 -60 -48 -36 -24 -18 -12 -9 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 (dB)

2 Use the [LEVEL] knob to adjust the input level so that the [C]–[TIE] buttons (-3 to 0 dB) occasionally light up.

MEMO
¹ The input peak level is shown when you press the [SHIFT] button.
¹ When you’re sampling (or resampling) what you play on the sample pads, use one of the following methods to adjust the sample volume.
¹ Exit sampling mode, and then use the [LEVEL] knob to adjust the volume for each sample pad.
¹ Use the “Volume (p. 90)” parameter to adjust the volume for the entire pattern.
¹ If the sound input to the MIX IN jack sounds distorted even though the 0 dB segment on the level meter doesn’t light up, adjust the volume in
one of the following ways.
¹ Adjust the volume of the connected external devices.
¹ Adjust the “Ext. In Gain (p. 93)” parameter.

24
 Sampling

Sampling settings
You can edit the sampling parameters (recording settings) for this unit.

1 Press the [SAMPLING] button.

The unit enters sampling mode.

2 Use the following controllers to configure the sampling parameters.

Controller Value Explanation

[LO-Fi] button Sets the sample rate.

(The sample rate changes each time 44.1k The unit samples at 44.1 kHz.
you press the [LO-Fi] button.)
The [LO-Fi] button lights up dimly

22.0k The unit samples at 22.05 kHz.

The [LO-Fi] button is lit

14.7k The unit samples at 14.7 kHz.

The [LO-Fi] button blinks rapidly

11.0k The unit samples at 11.025 kHz.

The [LO-Fi] button blinks

[DELETE] button Switches the mic on/off (mic mute).

The [DELETE] button is lit Mutes the mic.

The [DELETE] button lights up dimly Enables the mic.

[PITCH] knob Sets whether to sample in mono or in stereo.

÷ono The unit samples in mono.

StEr The unit samples in stereo.

25
Sampling

Controller Value Explanation

[START] knob Sets the sample length.

MEMO
The length you can set depends on the tempo, sample rate and mono/stereo setting.

FREE Sampling stops when you press the [SAMPLING] button.

MEMO
Refer to “Maximum sample time (p. 148)” in the main
specifications for the maximum time available for each
sample.

÷.1/4 (1 out of 4 beats in a measure), ÷.2/4 (2 Sets the sample length (number of measures).
out of 4 beats in a measure), ÷.3/4 (3 out of 4
beats in a measure), ÷. 1–÷. 29

[END] knob This sets the trigger that’s used to start the sampling.

t.OFF Press the [SAMPLING] button to begin sampling.

SynC Either press the [SAMPLING] or [ø] button, or use start

commands (FA)/stop commands (FC) input from an
external MIDI device to start and stop sampling.

-3db–-24d (-3–-24dB) Sampling begins once the audio input exceeds the level
that’s set here.

[LEVEL] knob G. 0–G.255 Sets the mic sensitivity.

Refer to “Adjusting the input level (p. 24)” for details.

Turn the [PITCH] knob while holding This executes step sampling, which creates a number of individual (split) samples based on the sampling
down the [SHIFT] button time you specify with the [START] knob.
A note number is assigned to each sample after sampling is finished.
For details on step sampling settings, refer to “Creating equally-divided samples (step sampling) (p. 27)”.

S.OFF The step sampling function is not used.

S. 2–S. 64 Sets the number of individual slices (divisions of a sample)

created by the step sampling function.

26
 Sampling

Creating equally-divided samples (step sampling)

Step sampling is a function that creates a number of individual samples based on the sampling time you specify with the [START] knob.
Although normal sampling creates one sample per sample pad, step sampling lets you create multiple samples for a single sample pad.
After sampling is finished, a note number is assigned to each sample, and you can use the keyboard buttons or an external MIDI keyboard to play
the samples.

1
1

2 3 4

1 Use “Sampling settings (p. 25)” to enable the step sampling function.
Sets the number of individual samples (S. 2–S. 64) created by the step sampling function.
Also, configure the sample rate, mono/stereo, sample length and the trigger used to start sampling as necessary.

2 Press the sample pad to which you want to assign the sample.
The [SAMPLING] button blinks.

27
Sampling

MEMO
You can’t select a sample pad to which a sample is already assigned, meaning that pad can’t be used for sampling.
To sample, either select a sample pad that doesn’t have a sample assigned to it (unassigned sample pads are blinking), or delete a sample from the
desired sampled pad beforehand.
Refer to “Deleting a sample (p. 32)” for how to delete a sample from a sample pad.

3 Press the [SAMPLING] button.

Sampling begins.

MEMO
¹ The timing at which sampling begins depends on the trigger setting used for starting the sampling.
Refer to “Sampling settings (p. 25)” for details.
¹ You can redo the samples you previously made during step sampling if you don’t like what you did.
Use the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob to select the step for which you want to redo the sampling (the “split position”), and press the [SAMPLING]
button.

4 Repeat step 3 (in other words, repeat the sampling).

Once you’ve reached the specified number of samples by repeating the sampling process, “End” blinks in the display.
The samples are now saved to the pad you specified, and a note number is assigned to each sample.
The note numbers are assigned as follows.

Split (individual) samples Note number (key)

Sample #1 60 (C4)

Sample #2 61 (C´4)

: :

Sample #64 123 (D´9)

MEMO
¹ The sample pitches do not change (meaning that no scale is applied) even when note numbers are assigned to the individual samples.
¹ Refer to “Using the keyboard buttons to play the samples (p. 19)” for how to check the sound of the individual samples.
¹ Refer to “Layering and triggering the same sample (polyphonic) (p. 18)” for how to layer and play the individual samples.

28
 Sampling

Editing a sample sound

Here’s how to adjust the sample parameters to edit the sounds.

3 4

5 3

1 Follow the instructions in “Playing the samples (p. 10)” to select the sample for which you want to edit the sound.

2 Use the operations shown below according to the parameter you want to edit.

Parameter/item to edit Operation Reference

Editing time-based changes in pitch Press the [F´] (P.ENV) button while holding down SAMPLE EDIT (P.ENV)
the [SHIFT] button. settings (p. 95)

Editing the sample playback pitch, range, or time-based Press the [G] (VOICE) button while holding down SAMPLE EDIT (VOICE)
changes to the volume or filter the [SHIFT] button. settings (p. 103)

Using a filter to edit the sound Press the [G´] (FILTER) button while holding down SAMPLE EDIT (FILTER)
the [SHIFT] button. settings (p. 107)

Editing the sample volume and pan, output bus settings Press the [A] (MIXER) button while holding down SAMPLE EDIT (MIXER)
and send amount to delay/reverb the [SHIFT] button. settings (p. 109)

3 Use the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob to select a parameter, and press the [C´] (ENTER) button.

4 Use the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob to edit the value.

MEMO
You can also adjust some of the parameters with the [CTRL1]–[CTRL3] knobs as well as the [PITCH], [START], [END] and [LEVEL] knobs.
Refer to “Knob functions (p. 121)” for details.

5 To finish editing, press the [C] (EXIT) button twice.

MEMO
You can restore the settings of the sample pads to the way they were prior to editing (meaning the last saved state).
Refer to “Restoring the sample pad settings (p. 21)” for details.

29
Sampling

Copying a sample
You can copy a sample that’s assigned to a sample pad to a different sample pad.

1
4

3 5

1 Press the [SHIFT] button and the [ø] (COPY) buttons while holding down the sample pad you want to copy.

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

3 Press the [C´] (ENTER) button.

4 Press the copy destination sample pad (one that’s blinking).

MEMO
¹ You can switch between the sample pad banks for the copy destination as necessary.
Refer to “Switching between sample banks (p. 11)” for how to switch between sample pad banks.
¹ You can also copy a sample to a sample pad that doesn’t contain an assigned sample (i.e., an empty sample pad).
You can’t select a sample pad to which a sample is already assigned, meaning that pad can’t be used for copying.
To copy, either select a sample pad that doesn’t have a sample assigned to it (unassigned sample pads are blinking), or delete a sample from
the desired sampled pad beforehand.
Refer to “Deleting a sample (p. 32)” for how to delete a sample from a sample pad.

5 Press the [C´] (ENTER) button.

The sample is copied.

30
 Sampling

Exchanging (swapping) samples

Here’s how to exchange (swap) samples between two sample pads.

1
4

3 5

1 Press the [SHIFT] button and the [ø] (COPY) buttons while holding down the sample pad (for the first sample) you want to
exchange.

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

3 Press the [C´] (ENTER) button.

4 Press the exchange destination sample pad (the second sample: a sample pad that’s blinking).

MEMO
¹ You can switch between the sample pad banks for the exchange destination as necessary.
Refer to “Switching between sample banks (p. 11)” for how to switch between sample pad banks.
¹ You can’t exchange samples with a sample pad that doesn’t contain an assigned sample (i.e., an empty sample pad).

5 Press the [C´] (ENTER) button.

The first sample is now exchanged with the second.

31
Sampling

Deleting a sample
Here’s how to delete the sample assigned to a pad.

1 3

1 Press the [DELETE] button.

The display indicates “dEL”.

2 Press the sample pads (ones that are blinking) from which you wish to delete a sample.

MEMO
You can also switch between sample pad banks as necessary.
Refer to “Switching between sample banks (p. 11)” for how to switch between sample pad banks.

3 Press the [DELETE] button.

This erases the sample that was assigned to the sample pad.

32
 Understanding the granular sampler
The term “granular” in “granular sampler” comes from the word “grain”.
This feature lets you create new sounds from “grains”, which are samples split into minute sections.

You can control the grain-related parameters listed below to alter the original image of the sound.
¹ Change the size and playback position of a grain
¹ Increase the number of grains
¹ Randomly change the grain playback direction, stereo position (pan), etc.
On the P-6, the function for using and playing grains is called the “granular sampler”.
You can use the granular sampler on the P-6 to create sounds from samples you’ve already recorded.

33
 Using the granular sampler
Here’s how to select the sample you wish to use as material (raw data) for the granular sampler.

1 Press the [GRANULAR] pad and the sample pad corresponding to the material you want to use, while holding down the
[PATTERN] button.
This assigns the sample of the sample pad you selected to the [GRANULAR] pad.

2 Press the [GRANULAR] pad.

This plays the granular sampler.

MEMO
You can also play the granular sampler sounds as scale notes.
Refer to “Using the keyboard buttons to play the samples (p. 19)” for details.

34
 Using the granular sampler

Controlling the grains

This shows how to adjust the grain to edit the sound.

3 4

5 3

1 Follow the steps in “Using the granular sampler (p. 34)” to assign the sample you want to process with the granular sampler
to the [GRANULAR] pad.

2 Press the [G] (VOICE) button while holding down the [SHIFT] button.
This lets you edit the sample.

3 Use the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob to select a parameter, and press the [C´] (ENTER) button.

MEMO
For details on the parameters you can set, refer to “SAMPLE EDIT (VOICE) settings (p. 103)”.

4 Use the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob to edit the value.

35
Using the granular sampler

Head position Grain shape

Grain size
Head speed

Spread

MEMO
¹ You can also adjust some of the parameters with the [CTRL1]–[CTRL3] knobs as well as the [PITCH], [START], [END] and [LEVEL] knobs.
Refer to “SAMPLE EDIT (VOICE) settings (p. 103)” for details.
¹ You can preview the granular sampler sound that you’re editing by pressing the [GRANULAR] pad.
The grain playback status is indicated by the step buttons at that time.

5 To exit the operation, press the [C] (EXIT) button twice.

MEMO
You can restore the settings for the [GRANULAR] pad to how they were before they were edited.
Refer to “Restoring the [GRANULAR] pad settings (p. 37)” for details.

36
 Using the granular sampler

Restoring the [GRANULAR] pad settings

This restores the settings of the [GRANULAR] pad to the way they were prior to editing (meaning the last saved state).

1 Press the [OCT+] (MENU) button while holding down the [SHIFT] button.
This shows the parameter (item to set).

2 Use the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob to select “rL.Gr” (Reload Granular Pad), and press the [C´] (ENTER) button.
The [GRANULAR] pad settings are restored to their values before they were edited.

37
 Understanding patterns
What’s a pattern?
A pattern is a set of data that contains the order in which the samples should be played back.

Pattern 1-01

Bank H

Bank A

Bank A

Bank A

Step 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 . . .

Use the pattern sequencer to record patterns.

On the P-6, the following data is managed as a “pattern”.
¹ Performance data using the pattern sequencer (Recording what you play using the pattern sequencer (p. 44))
¹ Pattern volume (Volume (p. 90))
¹ Pattern transposition (Transpose (p. 90))
¹ Length of each step in the pattern (Pattern Scale (p. 90))
¹ Mute settings for each sample pad and the [GRANULAR] pad (Muting a sample (p. 42))
¹ Quantize settings for each sample pad (Play Quantize (p. 91))
¹ Sound parameters for the [GRANULAR] pad
¹ [A´] (DELAY/REVERB) button parameters (DELAY/REVERB settings (p. 111); when Global Delay/Reverb SW (p. 113) is off )
¹ Pattern tempo (Setting the tempo (p. 40))
The patterns are arranged in banks (1–4) and numbers (1–16), for a total of 64 patterns.
This unit contains the following data when shipped from the factory.

Bank number Explanation

1-01–1-16 Preset patterns (can be overwritten)

2-01–4-16 Empty patterns

38
 Playing a pattern
Here’s how to play back the currently selected pattern.

1 Press the [ø] button.

The currently selected pattern plays back.

MEMO
¹ You can switch between patterns for playback.
Refer to “Selecting a pattern (p. 41)” for details.
¹ You can use the play quantize function to make the timing of the performance data you recorded with the sample pads line up during real-
time input.
For details, refer to the “Play Quantize (p. 91)” parameter.

39
Playing a pattern

Setting the tempo

The tempo is always shown on the display.

1 Turn the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob to set the tempo.

The tempo can be set within a range of 40.0–300.0.

2 Turn the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob while holding down the [SHIFT] button to make fine adjustments to the tempo.
You can set the value in units of 0.1.

40
 Playing a pattern

Selecting a pattern
This shows how to switch patterns and recall the performance data on the P-6.

1 Press the [PATTERN] button.

The [PATTERN] button lights up, and the unit enters pattern selection mode.

2 Press a step button while holding down the [PATTERN] button to select a bank.
The leftmost four step buttons correspond to banks 1–4.
The pad of the selected bank lights up while you are pressing the [PATTERN] button, and the step buttons for the other banks blink.
If you’re holding down the [PATTERN] button but then remove your finger from the [PATTERN] button without selecting a bank, you can then
proceed to step 3 (selecting the pattern number) without changing the bank.

3 Take your finger off the [PATTERN] button to select a pattern number using the step buttons.
The step buttons correspond to pattern numbers 1–16.
This action recalls the pattern you selected.

Step button Explanation

(pattern number)

Lit Indicates a pattern (the selected pattern) that’s playing back.

Blinking Indicates the next pattern to play (the “up next” pattern).

MEMO
¹ You can also use the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob to select a pattern.
¹ When you change the pattern while another pattern is playing, this specifies the pattern to play next.
The step button for the selected pattern and the display blinks.
Once the current pattern finishes playing, the next pattern you reserved automatically begins playing.

4 Press the [PATTERN] button to exit pattern selection mode.

The [PATTERN] button goes dark.

41
Playing a pattern

Muting a sample
You can mute a certain sample pad or the [GRANULAR] pad when a pattern is playing.

1 Press the sample pad or the [GRANULAR] pad while holding down the [SHIFT] button.
This mutes the playback of the selected pad.

2 To cancel the muting, press the sample pad or the [GRANULAR] pad while holding down the [SHIFT] button.

MEMO
¹ If you press the BANK [A/E]–[D/H] buttons while holding down the [SHIFT] button, all of the samples for the selected bank are muted.
To cancel the muting, press the BANK [A/E]–[D/H] buttons again while holding down the [SHIFT] button.
¹ The mute settings are saved in each pattern.

42
 Playing a pattern

Playing back specific steps in a loop (step loop)

You can make a selected step play back in a loop during pattern playback.
You can also select multiple steps.

1 Press the [ø] button to make the step light up, after which playback begins.

2 Press the [PATTERN] button while holding down the [SHIFT] button.
The [PATTERN] button blinks, and the unit enters step loop mode.

3 Keep pressing the step buttons that you want to play repeatedly.
The steps you selected play repeatedly.

4 To exit, press the [PATTERN] button.

43
 Recording what you play using the pattern sequencer
You can create songs on this unit by recording what you play on the sample pads as a pattern, or by inputting steps with the sample pads or the
[GRANULAR] pad at the desired timing.

Pattern 1-01

Bank H

Bank A

Bank A

Bank A

Step 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 . . .

What is a sequencer?
A sequencer is a system that uses recorded performance data (a “sequence”) such as note pitches, lengths, timings and so forth to trigger and play
a sound source.
The pattern sequencer on the P-6 records the following performance data in units of time called “steps”, and manages them as patterns.
¹ Note pitch (note number)
¹ How hard a note is played (velocity)
¹ The likelihood that the note sounds (probability)
¹ Note length (gate time)
¹ Detailed timing adjustments (micro-timing)
¹ Playing notes in repeated succession (sub steps)
¹ Changes to tone parameters (motions)

44
 Recording what you play using the pattern sequencer

Recording your performance in real time (Real-time input)

Here’s how to record your playing on the sample pads, the keyboard buttons and from an external MIDI device.

1 4

1 Press the [ó] button.

2 Press the [ø] button.

Recording starts.

3 Press sample pads or the [GRANULAR] pad, and start playing some notes.
The timing of the notes and sounds you play on sample pads or the [GRANULAR] pad are recorded in the pattern.

MEMO
¹ You can also record your playing in time with the metronome.
Refer to the “Metronome (p. 94)” parameter for how to make the metronome play.
¹ When the [KYBD] button is on, the step buttons function as keyboard buttons.
You can use the keyboard buttons to play the sample you’ve selected using the sample pads or the [GRANULAR] pad, as notes in a scale.
Further, you can record this using real-time input.

45
Recording what you play using the pattern sequencer

¹ You can record what you play via real-time input from a external MIDI keyboard that’s connected to this unit.
¹ If you press the [ó] (QUANTIZE) button while holding down the [SHIFT] button, you can do real-time input while the data is being quantized
(REC quantize).
The display indicates “On”.
When doing this, the timing of the notes you input in real time is aligned to the steps as you’re recording (the micro-timings of the notes are
recorded as “0”).
To turn REC quantize off, press the [ó] (QUANTIZE) button again while holding down the [SHIFT] button.
The display indicates “OFF”.
¹ When you turn the [PITCH], [START], [END] or [LEVEL] knobs while recording, the motion of the knobs is also recorded.
If a pattern is playing, you can make the recorded knob motions play back.
Refer to “Recording the knob motions (p. 47)” for details.

4 To finish recording, press the [ó] button.

This ends the pattern recording.

MEMO
¹ You can restore the pattern settings to how they were before they were edited.
Refer to “Restoring the current pattern settings to their original state (p. 68)” for details.
¹ You can restore only the pattern sequence data to how it was before editing.
Refer to “Restoring the sequence data of the current pattern (p. 69)” for details.

46
 Recording what you play using the pattern sequencer

Recording the knob motions

This shows how to record the motions of the knobs during real-time input.
If a pattern is playing, you can make the recorded knob motions play back.
You can record and play back the motions of the [PITCH], [START], [END] and [LEVEL] knobs on the P-6.

1 Follow the steps in “Recording your performance in real time (Real-time input) (p. 45)” to start recording real-time input.

2 Operate the [PITCH], [START], [END] and [LEVEL] knobs.

This records your knob operations.

MEMO
¹ You can’t record the [CTRL1]–[CTRL3] knob operations for controlling the MFX parameters.
¹ You can restore the settings of the sample pads to the way they were prior to editing (meaning the last saved state).
Refer to “Restoring the sample pad settings (p. 21)” for details.

47
Recording what you play using the pattern sequencer

Deleting knob operations recorded in a pattern

Here’s how to delete the knob operations recorded using the steps in “Recording the knob motions (p. 47)”.

1 Press the [OCT-] (MOTION) button while holding down the [SHIFT] button.
“CLr.÷” blinks in the display.

2 Press the [C´] (ENTER) button.

All of the knob operation data in the pattern is deleted.
To cancel the operation, press the [C] (EXIT) button.

MEMO
You can also specify a certain type of motion that you want to delete.
¹ After step 1, turn the knob ([PITCH]–[LEVEL] knobs) corresponding to the motion parameter you want to delete.
If the motion you specified is recorded in the pattern, “CLr” is shown, and the specified motions are deleted.
If the motion you specified isn’t in the pattern, “nonE” is shown.
¹ Press the [C] (EXIT) button.

48
 Recording what you play using the pattern sequencer

Inputting your performance by hand (step input)

This shows how to use the step buttons to manually input the notes of your performance.

Bank H

Bank A

Bank A

Bank A

1 Press a sample pad or the [GRANULAR] pad to select the pad to which you want to input your performance.
The selected pad lights up.

49
Recording what you play using the pattern sequencer

MEMO
Press a sample pad or the [GRANULAR] pad while holding down the [PATTERN] button to select a pad without playing it back.

2 Press the step buttons to select which steps trigger the pad (timing).
The step buttons corresponding to the steps you select light up, and the notes are inputted.
Press a step button that’s lit up to delete that button’s note.

MEMO
¹ You can record the knob values (the motion function) into a step by turning the [PITCH], [START], [END] or [LEVEL] knob while holding down a
step button.
This lets you accurately reproduce the recorded knob values for each step of a pattern that’s playing.
Refer to “Recording knob movement in steps (motions) (p. 54)” for details.
¹ You can restore the pattern settings to how they were before they were edited.
Refer to “Restoring the current pattern settings to their original state (p. 68)” for details.
¹ You can also restore just the pattern sequence data to how it was before editing.
Refer to “Restoring the sequence data of the current pattern (p. 69)” for details.

50
 Recording what you play using the pattern sequencer

Using the step buttons to switch between pages to operate

The P-6 can handle up to 64 steps (four “pages” of 16 steps each) per pattern.
When you want to input notes from step 17 and afterwards, switch the page.

1 Press the [E] (PAGE ã) [F] (PAGE â) buttons while holding down holding down the [SHIFT] button.
This switches the page that’s shown.
The display changes as follows according to the page you’ve switched to.

Page Step Display (when the LAST parameter value is 49–64)

1 Steps 1–16 o___

2 Steps 17–32 _o__

3 Steps 33–48 __o_

4 Steps 49–64 ___o

MEMO
¹ You can’t switch to a page that contains steps following the value you set with the LAST parameter.
¹ For details on the LAST parameter, refer to the “Setting the pattern length (p. 63)”.

51
Recording what you play using the pattern sequencer

Inputting a tie
Here’s how to connect two steps by inputting a tie, which makes the notes longer.

1 Follow the steps in “Inputting your performance by hand (step input) (p. 49)” to start step input.

2 To input a tie that extends to the next step, press the [KYBD] button while holding down the step button of the step whose
length you wish to change.

MEMO
¹ You can’t input a tie if a note already exists in the next step.
¹ When you long-press a step button that contains a tie, the note number inputted to that step is shown in the display.
¹ You can restore the pattern settings to how they were before they were edited.
Refer to “Restoring the current pattern settings to their original state (p. 68)” for details.
¹ You can restore only the pattern sequence data to how it was before editing.
Refer to “Restoring the sequence data of the current pattern (p. 69)” for details.

52
 Recording what you play using the pattern sequencer

Inputting notes (scale tones) for each step

This shows how to edit (input/delete) the notes for each step.

2 1 4

1 Make sure that the [KYBD] button is not lit.

When the [KYBD] button is lit, make it go dark by pressing the [KYBD] button.

2 Press the [ó] button.

Now you can edit the notes in the steps.
“St.” and the step number to be edited are shown in the display.

3 Use the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob to select the step you want to edit.
You can also press a step button to select the step directly.

4 Press the [KYBD] button.

The step buttons switch to keyboard buttons.

5 Press a keyboard button to input a note (the scale tone you want to hear at that step).
The keyboard buttons switch between lit (note input) and dark (note delete) each time you press them.

MEMO
¹ You can input up to eight notes per step, meaning that you can input chords and layer the samples that you split up via the chop function.
Set the samples that you input to polyphonic mode.
For details on setting polyphonic mode for a sample, refer to “Layering and triggering the same sample (polyphonic) (p. 18)”.
¹ When you press the [TIE] button, a note with a tie is input, which connects the current step to the previous step.
¹ You can restore the pattern settings to how they were before they were edited.
Refer to “Restoring the current pattern settings to their original state (p. 68)” for details.
¹ You can also restore just the pattern sequence data to how it was before editing.
Refer to “Restoring the sequence data of the current pattern (p. 69)” for details.

53
Recording what you play using the pattern sequencer

Recording knob movement in steps (motions)

You can record the knob values into the steps.
This lets you accurately reproduce the recorded knob values for each step of a pattern that’s playing.
You can record and play back the values of the [PITCH], [START], [END] and [LEVEL] knobs on the P-6.

1 Follow the steps in “Inputting your performance by hand (step input) (p. 49)” to start step input.

2 Operate a knob (the [PITCH]–[LEVEL] knobs) while holding down the step button of the step you wish to record.
The knob value is recorded at the step you selected.

MEMO
You can’t record the [CTRL1]–[CTRL3] knob operations for controlling the MFX parameters.

54
 Recording what you play using the pattern sequencer

Deleting knob operations recorded in a step

Here’s how to delete the knob operations recorded using the steps in “Recording knob movement in steps (motions) (p. 54)”.
The recorded knob values can be deleted for each step.

1 Press the [ó] button.

Now you can edit the notes in the steps.
“St.” and the step number to be edited are shown in the display.

2 Use the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob to select the step containing the motion data to delete.

3 Press the [OCT-] (MOTION) button while holding down the [SHIFT] button.
“CLr.÷” blinks in the display.

4 Press the [C´] (ENTER) button.

All of the knob operation data in the specified step is deleted.
To cancel the operation, press the [C] (EXIT) button.

MEMO
You can also specify a certain type of motion that you want to delete.
¹ After step 3, turn the knob ([PITCH]–[LEVEL] knobs) corresponding to the motion you want to delete.
If the motion you specified is recorded in the step, “CLr” is shown, and the specified motions are deleted.
If the motion you specified isn’t in the step, “nonE” is shown.
¹ Press the [C] (EXIT) button.

55
Recording what you play using the pattern sequencer

Copying a step
This shows how to copy the current step.
The step data is saved in the temporary memory of the P-6.

2 4

1 Press the [ó] button.

Now you can edit the notes in the steps.
“St.” and the step number to be edited are shown in the display.

2 Use the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob to select the step containing the copy source data.

3 Press the [OCT+] button while holding down the [KYBD] button.

4 Use the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob to select “COPY” (Copy).

5 Press the [C´] (ENTER) button.

“donE” is shown, and the data of the selected step is saved to the temporary memory in the P-6.

MEMO
Copying the step data has no effect on the pattern.

56
 Recording what you play using the pattern sequencer

Pasting a step
This shows how to paste (overwrite) the data that’s saved in the temporary memory of the P-6 to a specified step.

MEMO
First, copy the data of the step you want to paste.
Refer to “Copying a step (p. 56)” for details.

2 4

1 Press the [ó] button.

Now you can edit the notes in the steps.
“St.” and the step number to be edited are shown in the display.

2 Use the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob to select the paste destination step.

3 Press the [OCT+] button while holding down the [KYBD] button.

4 Use the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob to select “PStE” (Paste).

5 Press the [C´] (ENTER) button.

“donE” appears, and the data of the copy source step is pasted (overwritten) into the selected step.

57
Recording what you play using the pattern sequencer

Inserting an empty step

This shows how to insert an empty step at the location of the current step.

2 4

1 Press the [ó] button.

Now you can edit the notes in the steps.
“St.” and the step number to be edited are shown in the display.

2 Use the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob to select the insert destination step.

3 Press the [OCT+] button while holding down the [KYBD] button.

4 Use the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob to select “Insr” (Insert).

5 Press the [C´] (ENTER) button.

“donE” is shown, and an empty step is inserted at the current step.

MEMO
¹ When the step is inserted, all other steps that come afterward are shifted one step later, and the LAST STEP value increases by one.
¹ When the LAST STEP setting is “64”, you can’t insert any steps.
When inserting a step, set the LAST STEP to a value smaller than 64.
Refer to “Setting the pattern length (p. 63)” for details.

58
 Recording what you play using the pattern sequencer

Copying all steps to double the length

This shows how to copy all of the steps, doubling the step length.

MEMO
This operation is the same as “Copying a pattern to increase the length (p. 65)”.

1 Press the [ó] button.

Now you can edit the notes in the steps.
“St.” and the step number to be edited are shown in the display.

2 Press the [OCT+] button while holding down the [KYBD] button.

3 Use the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob to select “DUPL” (Duplicate).

4 Press the [C´] (ENTER) button.

“donE” is shown, and all of the steps are copied and inserted after the last step.
This doubles the step length.

59
Recording what you play using the pattern sequencer

Editing notes
Here’s how to edit the notes you input.

1 Long-press the step button of the step that contains the performance data you want to change.
The performance data of the selected step is shown.

2 Hold down the step button of the step that contains the performance data you want to change and press the [GRANULAR]
pad to select the performance data to edit.
When you press the [GRANULAR] pad while holding down a step button, the display switches in the following order.

Item Setting range Explanation

Note number n. C-–n. G9 (C-1–G9) Sets the note number.

For instance, C´5 is shown as n.Cģ5.
* If a chord has been input, the lowest note number in the chord is shown.
When you edit this value, the other notes change accordingly.

Velocity v. 1–v.127 Sets the velocity.

* If a chord has been input, the highest velocity value used in the chord is
shown. After you edit this value, the other notes are set to the same value.

60
 Recording what you play using the pattern sequencer

Item Setting range Explanation

Probability You can use the probability feature to make a pattern play in different variations, while that same pattern keeps
playing back.
Use the master probability setting when you want to change the probability en masse, for all steps that are set at
90 or lower.
* The effect is applied to all notes in the step.

P. 0–P.100 This makes the notes trigger based on the probability you specify.
When the [ó] button is unlit, the probability is applied to all notes in the step.
When the [ó] button and [KYBD] button are lit, the probability is applied to only
the selected note.

P.1st The notes play only the first time.

P. n1 The notes don’t play the first time, but play each time afterwards.

P.1_2–P.8_8 When the pattern is set to repeatedly play back, the notes repeat only up to the
specified number of times.
For example, when you use a setting of “P.2_4”, the pattern plays four times
repeatedly, but the notes are triggered only on the second time.

Gate time G. 0–G.150 Sets the gate time (note length).

MEMO
¹ When the total of the gate time and micro-timing values are 100 or greater,
and the same note number is input in the next step, this is played as a tie.
If the same note number is input for the last and the first steps in the
pattern, this is also played as a tie.
¹ If a chord has been input, the longest gate time is shown.
When you change the gate time, the same value is set for all notes.

Micro-timing t.-50–t. 99 (%) This shifts the timing used to play back notes, either forward or backward.
Negative values make the playback earlier than the starting time of each step,
and positive values make the playback later.
MEMO
¹ When Play Quantize (p. 91) is set to “ON”, the Play Quantize setting is
given priority, and the micro-timing setting is disabled.
¹ When you’ve inputted notes in real time with the Rec Quantize setting (see
“Recording your performance in real time (Real-time input) (p. 45)”) set to
“ON”, the micro-timing is input with a setting of zero (the micro-timing
setting is disabled).

Sub step Divides up the step to play.

For example, when ooÈ is indicated, the step is divided into three parts, with the first and second parts being
played and the third part not played.
* This affects all notes within the step.
* This has no effect on steps for which notes have not been specified, or on steps that are in the middle of a tie.

3 Turn the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob while holding down the step button to change the value.

MEMO
¹ You can restore the pattern settings to how they were before they were edited.
Refer to “Restoring the current pattern settings to their original state (p. 68)” for details.
¹ You can also restore just the pattern sequence data to how it was before editing.
Refer to “Restoring the sequence data of the current pattern (p. 69)” for details.

61
Recording what you play using the pattern sequencer

Shifting the timing of the upbeat (SHUFFLE)

Here are the steps for setting how much to shift the timing of the upbeats (the degree of swing), to create a rhythm with a shuffle or swing groove.

1 Select a pattern for which you want to alter the timing.

MEMO
For details on how to select the pattern, refer to “Selecting a pattern (p. 41)”.

2 Press the [D] (SHUFFLE) button while holding down the [SHIFT] button.

3 Use the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob to set how much to slide the timing of the upbeats (the degree of swing).
Settings in the range of 10–16 generally give a pleasant shuffle feel.
A setting of “0” results in no shuffle.
Setting range: -90–90

4 Press the [C] (EXIT) button.

62
 Recording what you play using the pattern sequencer

Setting the pattern length

Here’s how to set the length of the current pattern, which means the number of steps.

1 Select the pattern for which you wish to set the number of steps.

MEMO
For details on how to select the pattern, refer to “Selecting a pattern (p. 41)”.

2 Press the [D´] (LAST) button while holding down the [SHIFT] button.

3 Use the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob to set the number of steps.

4 Press the [C] (EXIT) button.

This sets the number of steps in the pattern.

63
Recording what you play using the pattern sequencer

Copying the patterns

Copies the current pattern to a specified pattern.

3 5

4 6

1 Select the pattern that you want to copy.

MEMO
For details on how to select the pattern, refer to “Selecting a pattern (p. 41)”.

2 Press the [ø] button while holding down the [SHIFT] button.

3 Use the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob to select “Ptn” (Pattern).

4 Press the [C´] (ENTER) button.

5 Use the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob to select the copy destination pattern.

6 Press the [C´] (ENTER) button.

This copies the pattern.

64
 Recording what you play using the pattern sequencer

Copying a pattern to increase the length

This shows how to copy a pattern, doubling the length of the current pattern.

MEMO
This operation is the same as “Copying all steps to double the length (p. 59)”.

1 Select the pattern that you want to lengthen.

MEMO
For details on how to select the pattern, refer to “Selecting a pattern (p. 41)”.

2 Press the [ø] button while holding down the [SHIFT] button.

3 Use the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob to select “dUPL” (Duplicate).

4 Press the [C´] (ENTER) button.

This copies the pattern and doubles its length.

65
Recording what you play using the pattern sequencer

Copying a sequence
This shows how to copy the sequence (performance data) from a selected pad, out of the data that’s input in the pattern sequencer.

4 6

3 7
2 8

5 9

1 Select the pattern that contains the sequence you want to copy.

MEMO
For details on how to select the pattern, refer to “Selecting a pattern (p. 41)”.

2 Press a sample pad or the [GRANULAR] pad to select the pad’s sequence that you want to copy.

3 Press the [ø] button while holding down the [SHIFT] button.

4 Use the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob to select “PArt”.

5 Press the [C´] (ENTER) button.

“COPY” (Copy) blinks in the display.
The [C´] (ENTER) button rapidly blinks, and the sequence is copied to the temporary memory of the P-6.

MEMO
To delete the sequence you copied to the temporary of the P-6, press the [C´] (ENTER) button while holding down the [SHIFT] button.
“CLr” is shown on the display.

6 Press the [PATTERN] button, and then use the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob to select the copy destination pattern for the sequence.

7 Press the [ø] button while holding down the [SHIFT] button.

MEMO
You don’t need to perform steps 6 and 7 if the copy source and destination pattern numbers are the same.

8 Press a sample pad or the [GRANULAR] pad to select the pad where you wish to use the sequence that you copied.

66
 Recording what you play using the pattern sequencer

9 Press the [C´] (ENTER) button.

“PStE” (Paste) blinks in the display.
The sequence stored in the temporary memory of the P-6 is now pasted into (overwrites) the specified pad.
The temporary memory is then cleared, and the [C´] (ENTER) button blinks slowly.

67
Recording what you play using the pattern sequencer

Restoring the current pattern settings to their original state

This restores the settings of the current pattern to the way they were prior to editing (meaning the last saved state).

1 Press the [OCT+] (MENU) button while holding down the [SHIFT] button.
This shows the parameter (item to set).

2 Use the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob to select “rL.Pt” (Reload Pattern), and press the [C´] (ENTER) button.
The current pattern settings are restored to their values before they were edited.

You can use this operation to restore the following parameters.

¹ Performance data using the pattern sequencer (Recording what you play using the pattern sequencer (p. 44))
¹ Pattern volume (Volume (p. 90))
¹ Pattern transposition (Transpose (p. 90))
¹ Length of each step in the pattern (Pattern Scale (p. 90))
¹ Mute settings for each sample pad and the [GRANULAR] pad (Muting a sample (p. 42))
¹ Quantize settings for each sample pad (Play Quantize (p. 91))
¹ Sound parameters for the [GRANULAR] pad
¹ [A´] (DELAY/REVERB) button parameters (DELAY/REVERB settings (p. 111); when Global Delay/Reverb SW (p. 113) is off )
¹ Pattern tempo (Setting the tempo (p. 40))

MEMO
Press the [OCT+] (MENU) button while holding down the [KYBD] button to recall the “rL.Pt” (Reload Pattern) operation.
This operation is enabled when the [ó] and [PATTERN] buttons are off.

68
 Recording what you play using the pattern sequencer

Restoring the sequence data of the current pattern

This restores only the sequence data in the current pattern’s settings to the way they were prior to editing (meaning the last saved state).

1 Press the [OCT+] (MENU) button while holding down the [SHIFT] button.
This shows the parameter (item to set).

2 Use the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob to select “rL.Sq” (Reload Sequence), and press the [C´] (ENTER) button.
The sequence data is now restored to how it was before it was edited.

69
 Using the MFX effects
You can use the built-in effects on the P-6 to process the audio in unique ways.
The P-6 features 20 built-in effects, and five of those can be accessed right away from the buttons on the top panel.

Effect buttons Explanation

[LOOPER] button Switches the DJFX Looper (p. 123) on/off.

[PITCH] button Switches the Chromatic PS (p. 124) on/off.

[DELAY] button Switches the Sync Delay (p. 125) on/off.

[FILTER] button Switches the Filter+Drive (p. 126) on/off.

[SCATTER] button Switches the Scatter (p. 127) on/off.

[MFX] button Turns the effects on/off.

MEMO
¹ Turn the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob while holding down the [MFX] button to recall the effects.
¹ Also, you can press a step button while holding down the [MFX] button to recall the effects.

You can also use the [CTRL1]–[CTRL3] knobs on the top panel to control the effects you select.
Refer to “Effects and effect parameters (p. 122)” for a list of parameters that you can control using the built-in effects and the [CTRL1]–[CTRL3]
knobs.

70
 Using the MFX effects

Turning effects on/off at the desired timing

You can make effects apply only while you hold down the effect buttons (EFFECT GRAB).
This lets you quickly turn an effect on/off in time with what you play.

1 Press the effect buttons ([LOOPER]–[MFX] buttons) while holding down the [PATTERN] button.
The effect turns on only while you’re pressing the effect button.

71
 Switching between buses for sending sound
You can select the bus to which the audio from a sample or external input is sent.
On the P-6, you can control the volume for each bus, separating the audio sources into different groups used for controlling the volume.
Effects are not applied to the audio sources sent to BUS A and BUS B, so you can separately configure which audio sources use effects and which do
not.

MEMO
¹ A “bus” means a signal path inside this unit that’s used for sending audio.
The P-6 has three signal paths, BUS A, BUS B and BUS EFFECT.
Audio signals sent to the same bus are mixed and then output.
¹ You can change the volumes for BUS A, BUS B and BUS EFFECT.
Refer to “Shortcuts that use the [SHIFT] button (p. 115)” for details.
¹ The audio output destination for the sample pads [1]-[6] and the [GRANULAR] pad can also be edited from the Output Bus Select (p. 110)
parameter in SAMPLE EDIT (MIXER).

1 Use the operations shown in the table below to control the output destinations for each audio source.

MEMO
The operation description “[MFX] button + [GRANULAR] pad” means “press the [GRANULAR] pad while pressing the [MFX] button”.

Sound generator Audio output destination

BUS A / BUS EFFECT BUS B / BUS EFFECT

(*1, *3) (*2, *3)

Sample pads [1]–[6] [MFX] button + sample pads [1]–[6] [MFX] button + [DELAY] button + sample pads
[1]–[6]

[GRANULAR] pad [MFX] button + [GRANULAR] pad [MFX] button + [DELAY] button + [GRANULAR]
pad

Audio inputted to the MIX (IN/OUT) jack [MFX] button + [LO-Fi] button [MFX] button + [DELAY] button + [LO-Fi]
button

Audio inputted to the USB port [MFX] button + [GATE] button [MFX] button + [DELAY] button + [GATE]
button

*1 Either “BUS.A” or “EFX” is shown with each operation.

When “BUS.A” is shown, the audio source is sent to BUS A (no effects are applied).
At this time, the buttons corresponding to the audio source sent to BUS A (including the sample pads [1]–[6], the [GRANULAR] pad and the
[LO-Fi] and [GATE] buttons) light up dimly.
*2 Either “BUS.B” or “EFX” is shown with each operation.
When “BUS.B” is shown, the audio source is sent to BUS B (no effects are applied).
At this time, the buttons corresponding to the audio source sent to BUS B (including the sample pads [1]–[6], the [GRANULAR] pad and the
[LO-Fi] and [GATE] buttons) blink dimly.
*3 When “EFX” is shown, the audio source is sent to BUS EFFECT (effects can be applied).
At this time, the buttons corresponding to the audio source sent to BUS EFFECT (including the sample pads [1]–[6], the [GRANULAR] pad and
the [LO-Fi] and [GATE] buttons) light up.

72
 Saving the sample pad, pattern and effect parameter
settings (WRITE)
Use the following operation to save different types of data.

1 Press the [TIE] (WRITE) button while holding down the [SHIFT] button.

2 Use the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob to choose the data to save.

Display Explanation

ALL Saves the parameters for all sample pads and saves all patterns.

PAd Saves the parameters of the currently selected sample pad.

Pd.AL Saves the parameters for all sample pads.

Ptn Saves the currently selected pattern.

Pt.AL Saves all patterns.

EFCt Saves all effect parameters (including the effect types you select with the [MFX] button).

3 Press the [C´] (ENTER) button.

The data corresponding to the type you selected above is saved.
To cancel the operation, press the [C] (EXIT) button.

MEMO
¹ A dot (·) is shown in the lower right of the display once you edit a pattern.
The dot disappears once you save the pattern.

Dot

73
Saving the sample pad, pattern and effect parameter settings (WRITE)

¹ If you turn off the power, any parameters or effect parameters you haven’t saved for the patterns and sample pads revert to their last-saved
state.

74
 Connecting to a computer or mobile device
You can transmit and receive audio and MIDI data by connecting a USB cable from your computer or mobile device (smartphone or tablet) to this
unit.

MEMO
¹ You don’t need to install a device driver on your computer or mobile device to do this, since this unit supports USB Audio Device Class 2.0
specs.
¹ Note that data might not be directly transmitted/received between this unit and your computer or mobile device if you’re connecting through
a USB hub.
¹ Do not use a USB cable that is designed only for charging. Cables used for charging only cannot transmit data.
¹ We cannot guarantee the correct functionality of all apps.
¹ Android devices are not guaranteed to work with this unit.

Before connecting this unit to a computer or mobile device, set AIRA Link (p. 94) mode on this unit to “OFF”.

2 3

4 2

1 Press the [OCT+] (MENU) button while holding down the [SHIFT] button.

2 Use the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob to select “A.Lnk”, and press the [C´] (ENTER) button.
The value is displayed.

3 Use the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob to select “OFF”.

4 Press the [C] (EXIT) button twice.

5 Turn this unit’s power off, and then on again.

75
Connecting to a computer or mobile device

Connecting to your computer

Use a USB Type-C® - USB A cable (included) or a cable that uses USB Type-C® on both sides (commercially available) to connect this unit to your
computer.

USB Type-C® to Type-C® cable (commercially available)

USB Type-C® to USB A cable (included)

76
 Connecting to a computer or mobile device

Connecting to an iOS device (USB Type-C® port)

USB Type-C® to Type-C® cable (commercially available)

Connect your iOS device to this unit using a USB Type-C® to Type-C® cable (commercially available).
When doing so, you can power this unit from your iOS device.

MEMO
If you want to use this unit on battery power without drawing power from your iOS device, turn on this unit while holding down the [C] (EXIT)
button (battery-only mode).

77
Connecting to a computer or mobile device

Connecting an iOS device (Lightning connector)

Lightning to USB camera adapter (commercially

available)

USB Type-C® to USB A cable (included)

78
 Connecting to a computer or mobile device

1 While holding down the [C] (EXIT) button, turn on the P-6.
This powers up the unit in battery-only mode.

2 Use an Apple-manufactured USB adaptor (such as the Lightning-USB Camera Adapter, the Lightning to USB 3 Camera
Adapter and so on) as a converter for the iOS device’s connector.

3 Use a USB Type-C® to USB A cable (included) to connect this unit to the USB adaptor.

MEMO
Commercially available USB Type-C® to Lightning conversion cables cannot be used.

79
 Connecting with an external midi device
Use a TRS/MIDI connecting cable (such as a BMIDI-5-35, sold separately) or a MIDI cable (such as a BCC-1-3535, sold separately) to connect the unit
to an external MIDI device (such as a MIDI-compatible keyboard or another AIRA compact device).

TRS/MIDI connecting cable MIDI-compatible keyboard

(BMIDI-5-35, etc.; sold separately)

When you trigger this unit from a MIDI-compatible keyboard whose MIDI transmit channel is the same as the MIDI channel that’s set using the
Auto MIDI Channel (p. 93) parameter of the P-6, you can play the sample pads of the P-6 or the [GRANULAR] pad in scale notes.

When you use a MIDI-compatible keyboard whose MIDI transmit channel is the same as the MIDI channel that’s set using the Sampler MIDI
Channel (p. 92) parameter of the P-6 and play a note within the C3–B6 range (note numbers 48–95), this triggers the corresponding sample pads
(bank A, sample pad [1] to bank H, sample pad [6]).
Refer to “MIDI implementation chart (p. 144)” for details.

MEMO
The note numbers are used to specify the sample pads.
For this reason, you can’t specify scale notes (the pitch does not change for each note).

MIDI cable
(BCC-1-3535, etc.: sold separately)

The note numbers that are transmitted on the channel specified in Sampler MIDI Channel (p. 92) on the P-6 correspond to notes in the C3–B6
range (note numbers 48–95), which are triggered by bank A sample pad [1] through bank H sample pad [6].
Refer to “MIDI implementation chart (p. 144)” for details.

80
 Backing up the patterns to your computer
You can save the patterns that are stored in the P-6 to your computer.

6
2

1 Connect your computer to the P-6’s USB port via USB cable.

2 While holding down the [ø] button, turn on the power.

3 Open the “P-6” drive on your computer.

If there are many patterns stored in this unit, it may take a few minutes for the files to appear on the hard drive of your computer.
The step buttons light up to show the progress.
The pattern files (P6_PTN1-01.PRM – P6_PTN4-16.PRM) are saved in the “BACKUP” folder of the “P-6” drive.

4 Copy the pattern files to your computer.

5 Once copying is finished, eject the “P-6” drive from your computer.

OS Operation

Windows 11/10/8/7 Right-click on the “P-6” icon and click “Eject”.

MacOS Drag the “P-6” icon to the Trash icon in the Dock.

6 Turn the P-6 off.

MEMO
You can’t back up the samples with the pattern backup operation.
To save the samples to your computer, use the export function.
Refer to “Backing up samples to your computer (export) (p. 83)” for details.

81
 Restoring the patterns (Restore)
You can restore the pattern files you saved on your computer to the P-6.

7
2

1 Connect your computer to the P-6’s USB port via USB cable.

2 While holding down the [ó] button, turn on the power.

3 Open the “P-6” drive on your computer.

4 Copy the pattern files (P6_PTN1-01.PRM – P6_PTN4-16.PRM) saved on your computer to the “RESTORE” folder of the “P-6”
drive.

5 Once copying is finished, eject the “P-6” drive from your computer.

6 Press the [KYBD] button.

This restores the patterns.
If there are many patterns to restore, the operation may take around five minutes.
The step buttons light up to show the progress.

7 Once you see the message “donE”, turn off the P-6.

82
 Backing up samples to your computer (export)
You can save the samples that are stored in the P-6 to your computer.

MEMO
Samples can be exported in banks.

6 1

1 Connect your computer to the P-6’s USB port via USB cable.

2 Turn on the power while holding down the bank [A/E]–[D/H] buttons, corresponding to the banks you want to export.
To export the samples of banks E–H, turn on the power while holding down the bank [A/E]–[D/H] buttons and the [SAMPLING] button,
corresponding to the banks you want to export.
The drive on this unit takes about a minute to get ready.
The step buttons light up to show the progress.

3 Open the “P-6” drive on your computer.

The samples (WAV files) for each pad and the setting data (PRM files) for the sample pads [1]–[6] are saved in the “EXPORT” folder of the “P-6”
drive.

83
Backing up samples to your computer (export)

P-6

EXPORT

BANK_A

PAD_1

WAV

PRM

PAD_6

BANK_H

4 Copy the samples and setting data to your computer.

5 Once copying is finished, eject the “P-6” drive from your computer.

OS Operation

Windows 11/10/8/7 Right-click on the “P-6” icon and click “Eject”.

MacOS Drag the “P-6” icon to the Trash icon in the Dock.

6 Turn the P-6 off.

MEMO
You can’t back up the patterns with the sample export operation.
To save the patterns to your computer, back up the patterns.
Refer to “Backing up the patterns to your computer (p. 81)” for details.

84
 Loading samples (Import)
You can import samples into the P-6.

7 1

1 Connect your computer to the P-6’s USB port via USB cable.

2 While holding down the [SAMPLING] button, turn on the power.

3 Open the “P-6” drive on your computer.

4 Copy the sample files you want to import into the pad folders (PAD_1–PAD_6) in the “IMPORT” folder on the “P-6” drive.

85
Loading samples (Import)

P-6

IMPORT

BANK_A

PAD_1

WAV

PRM

PAD_6

BANK_H

The specifications for the sample files you can import are as follows.

Item Required specifications for samples to import

Sample rate Max. 96 kHz

Bit rate 8, 16, 24, 32-bit linear

MEMO
¹ The available sample time for samples to import into the P-6 varies with the sample rate and bit rate.
Refer to “Maximum sample time (p. 148)” for details.
¹ When you import the samples that were exported from the P-6, we recommend that you also copy the sample pad setting data (the PRM files
that are output during export) to the pad folders.

5 Once copying is finished, eject the “P-6” drive from your computer.

6 Press the [KYBD] button.

The sample is imported.

MEMO
It may take some time to load many samples.
The step buttons light up to show the progress.
Data that exceeds the size of the sample pads is truncated.

86
 Loading samples (Import)

7 Once you see the message “donE”, turn off the P-6.

87
 Restoring the factory settings (Factory Reset)
Here’s how to return the P-6 to its factory-set state.

NOTE
When you perform a factory reset, all of the sample data and patterns stored in the P-6 are deleted.
If you have any essential data that’s still stored on this unit, back up the data before doing the factory reset.
For details on how to back up the data, refer to “Backing up samples to your computer (export) (p. 83)” and “Backing up the patterns to your
computer (p. 81)”.

1 While holding down the [KYBD] button, turn on the power.

“FACt” is shown, and the [GRANULAR] pad blinks.
To cancel the factory reset, turn off the power.

2 Press the [GRANULAR] pad.

This executes the factory reset.
Once “donE” is displayed and all buttons are blinking, turn the power of the P-6 off and then on again.

MEMO
You can’t perform a factory reset to restore the internal sample data and patterns that came with the unit when it was shipped from the factory.
If you wish to restore that sample data, you can download it from the Roland website.
https://www.roland.com/support/

88
 Configuring the various settings
Here’s how to configure the various parameters.

2 3

4 6 2

1 Use the operations shown below according to the parameter you want to configure.

Parameter Operation Parameter details

Menu [SHIFT] button + [OCT+] (MENU) button MENU list (p. 90)

SAMPLE EDIT (P.ENV) parameter [SHIFT] button + [F´] (P.ENV) button SAMPLE EDIT (P.ENV) settings (p. 95)

SAMPLE EDIT (VOICE) parameter [SHIFT] button + [G] (VOICE) button SAMPLE EDIT (VOICE) settings (p. 103)

SAMPLE EDIT (FILTER) parameter [SHIFT] button + [G´] (FILTER) button SAMPLE EDIT (FILTER) settings (p. 107)

SAMPLE EDIT (MIXER) parameter [SHIFT] button + [A] (MIXER) button SAMPLE EDIT (MIXER) settings (p. 109)

DELAY/REVERB parameter [SHIFT] button + [A´] (DELAY/REVERB) button DELAY/REVERB settings (p. 111)

2 Use the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob to select a parameter, and press the [C´] (ENTER) button.
This displays the parameter values.

3 Use the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob to set the values for each parameter.

4 Press the [C] (EXIT) button to return to the parameter display.

5 To configure other parameters, repeat steps 2 and onward.

6 To exit the parameter settings, press the [C] (EXIT) button again.

89
Configuring the various settings

MENU list
These are the parameters (items to set) you see when you press the [OCT+] (MENU) button while holding down the [SHIFT] button.

MEMO
If you’re viewing this content on your smartphone, we recommend that you turn your smartphone on its side for landscape mode.

Parameter Display Value Explanation

Volume vOL 0–200 Sets the pattern’s volume.

(*1)

Transpose trAn -60–60 Transposes the sounds made by the sound generator.
(*1)

Pattern Scale P.SCL Sets the length of a single step in the pattern.
(*1) You can also switch between settings by holding down the [PATTERN] button and turning the [TEMPO/
VALUE] knob.

1_8 Eighth note

1_16 Sixteenth note

1_32 Thirty-second note

8t Eighth-note triplet

16t Sixteenth-note triplet

32t Thirty-second-note triplet

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 Configuring the various settings

Parameter Display Value Explanation

Play Quantize P.qnt This enables or disables the sample pad quantize settings that are used when a pattern is played.
(*1) MEMO
The micro-timing setting is disabled for sample pads whose quantize setting is enabled.
Refer to “Editing notes (p. 60)” for details on micro-timing.

ALL Sets the quantization for all sample pads (including the [GRANULAR] pad).

1 Select “ALL” and press the [C´] (ENTER) button.

2 Use the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob to select either “On” (enabled) or

“Off” (disabled), and press the [C´] (ENTER) button.
“donE” is shown, and the quantize setting is enabled or disabled for all
sample pads.

A-1–H-6, Grnu Sets the quantization for each of the specified sample pads (including the
(Granular) [GRANULAR] pad).

1 Use the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob to select the sample pad whose

quantize settings you want to change, and press the [C´]
(ENTER) button.

2 Use the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob to select either “On” (enabled) or

“Off” (disabled).

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Configuring the various settings

Parameter Display Value Explanation

Quantize Timing qnt.t 50–99 (%) Sets the timing for quantization, meaning whether to align the note with the
current step, or to align it with the next step.
When this is set to 50%, any notes you input that are 50% or later than the
length of one step are aligned with the next step, meaning that they play on
the next step.
Higher values increase the range of notes that are aligned to the current step.
Quantize Timing = 50%

Step 1 Step 2 ...

Before
quantization

After
quantization

50% 50% 50%

Quantize Timing = 80%

Step 1 Step 2 ...

Before
quantization

After
quantization

80% 80% 80%

Stop Behavior StoP This sets how the sample stops when the pattern sequencer is stopped.
This also sets how the sample stops that was playing just before you switch the pattern that’s currently
playing to a different pattern (available from Ver. 1.02 or later).

rE÷n (Remain) The playback of the sample does not stop.

Cut (Cut) The playback of the sample stops.

Sync Clock S.cLk 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 Sets the number of sync clocks per beat.

Sampler MIDI Channel S.CH 1–16 Sets the MIDI transmit/receive channel for the sample pads [1]–[6].

Granular MIDI Channel G.CH 1–16 Sets the MIDI transmitting/receiving channel for the [GRANULAR] pad.

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 Configuring the various settings

Parameter Display Value Explanation

Auto MIDI Channel A.CH 1–16 This is the MIDI receive channel used for playing the currently selected pad
(sample pads [1]–[6], [GRANULAR] pad) or receiving control change messages.

MIDI Clock Sync SYnC Sets which synchronization signal (clock) this unit follows.
Note that when an external device is connected to the SYNC IN jack, the unit always synchronizes to the
sync signals that are input from the SYNC IN jack.

AUtO (Auto) Inputted clocks are accepted.

Int (Internal) The unit operates according to its internal clock.

÷iDi (MIDI) Clocks are accepted via the MIDI IN connector.

USb (USB) Clocks are accepted via the USB MIDI connector.

MIDI Thru thrÜ OFF, On Specifies whether to output the MIDI messages to the MIDI OUT connector
that are input to the MIDI IN connector.

Tx Program Change txPc OFF, On Sets whether program change messages are transmitted or not when the
pattern changes.

Rx Program Change rxPc OFF, On Sets whether the pattern changes when a program change message is
received.

Program Change Pc.Ch 1–16 Sets the MIDI channel for transmitting/receiving the program change
Channel messages used to change patterns.

Key Velocity vELo 1–127 Sets the velocity that’s generated when you press one of the sample pads [1]–
[6] or the keyboard buttons on this unit.

Velocity Curve v.Crv Sets how the volume changes according to velocity.

Actual output
Max
LInr (Linear)
Exp (Exponential)

0 Velocity
0 Max

Tune tUnE 433.0–448.0 Sets the master tuning.

Default value: 440.0 Hz

Ext. In Bus Select In.b This sets the output bus used for the signals that are input (including the built-in mic, the headset mic
and signals input to the MIX IN jack).

bUS.A Signals are output to BUS A.

bUS.b Signals are output to BUS B.

EFCt Signals are output to BUS EFFECT.

Ext. In Gain In.G 0–18 (dB) This sets the gain of the signals that are input (including the built-in mic, the
headset mic and signals input to the MIX IN jack).

USB In Bus Select USb.b Sets the output bus for signals inputted to the USB port.

bUS.A Signals are output to BUS A.

bUS.b Signals are output to BUS B.

EFCt Signals are output to BUS EFFECT.

USB In Gain USb.G 0–18 (dB) Sets the gain for signals input to the USB port.

Mix Out Gain Out.G -18–0 (dB) Sets the MIX OUT jack gain.

USB Direct Out USb.d Sets the volume of the signal output to the USB port.

OFF Uses the [VOLUME] knob’s setting.

1–127 Sets the volume without regard to the [VOLUME] knob setting.

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Configuring the various settings

Parameter Display Value Explanation

AIRA Link A.LnK OFF, On Set this to “On” when connecting a device via USB that is compatible with
AIRA LINK, such as the MX-1.
Otherwise, leave this at the OFF setting.
The setting takes effect after the unit is powered off and on again.
MEMO
When using with another port besides the USB HOST 3 port on the MX-1, set
the P-6 to “battery-only mode”.
To use battery-only mode on the P-6, turn on the power while holding down
the [C] (EXIT) button.

Count In Cnt.I OFF, 2–4 Sets the length (the number of beats) of the count-in for recording.

Metronome ÷tro Sets whether and when the metronome plays.

OFF Always off

rEC (Rec) Turns on only when recording

rC.PL (Rec&Play) Turns on during recording and playback

Metronome Level ÷tr.L 0–100 Specifies the volume of the metronome.

Dimmer di÷r This sets the illumination used when the following buttons are OFF.
(*2) ¹ [SHIFT] button
¹ [PATTERN] button
¹ Six effect buttons
¹ [KYBD] button

OFF The buttons go dark.

On The buttons light up dimly.

This improves the visibility of the buttons in dimly lit places.

Reload Pattern rL.Pt Restores the selected pattern’s settings to the last saved state.
Press the [C´] (ENTER) button to restore the settings.

Reload Granular rL.Gr Restores the granular sampler settings for the selected pattern to the last saved state.
Press the [C´] (ENTER) button to restore the settings.

Reload Sequencer rL.Sq Restores the sequence of the selected pattern to its last saved state.
Press the [C´] (ENTER) button to restore the settings.

Reload Pad rL.Pd Restores the settings for the selected sample pad to their last saved state.
Press the [C´] (ENTER) button to restore the settings.

Initialize Pattern It.Pt Initializes the selected pattern.

Press the [C´] (ENTER) button to initialize the pattern.

Initialize System It.Sy Initializes the system settings.

Press the [C´] (ENTER) button to initialize the settings.
(This excludes the parameters listed in *1.)

Initialize Effects It.FX Initializes the effect parameters.

Press the [C´] (ENTER) button to initialize the parameters.

*1 This is set to the current selected pattern (and can be saved for each pattern).
*2 Enabled as of ver. 1.02 and later.

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 Configuring the various settings

SAMPLE EDIT (P.ENV) settings

These are the parameters (items to set) you see when you press the [F´] (P.ENV) button while holding down the [SHIFT] button.

MEMO
¹ You can edit a parameter’s settings when a sample pad is selected.
You can’t configure the settings when the [GRANULAR] pad is selected.
¹ Refer to “Examples of pitch envelope parameter settings (p. 97)” for details on the envelope that’s based on the settings for each parameter.

MEMO
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Parameter Display Controller Value Explanation

P.Env Mode P.Env ADSR (ADSR) Changes the pitch using a typical ADSR (attack-decay-sustain-release)
curve.

ADR (ADR) Changes the pitch in the AÓDÓR phases of the envelope, without
waiting for you to release the key.

ADA.C (Cyclic) Changes the pitch over the AÓDÓAÓ... repeating cycle of the envelope
while the key is held down.

P.Env Attack P.Atk [PITCH] knob 0–255 (0–10 Sets the attack time (A).
sec)

P.Env Decay P.dCy [START] knob 0–255 (0–10 Sets the decay time (D).
sec)

P.Env Sustain P.SUS [END] knob 0–255 Adjusts the sustain level (S).
On the P-6, the envelope shape for the overall pitch automatically
adapts based on the sustain level, so that the sustain level remains at
the original pitch.

P.Env Release P.rEL [LEVEL] knob 0–255 (0–10 Sets the release time (R).
sec)

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Configuring the various settings

Parameter Display Controller Value Explanation

P.Env Time t.Ky.F [CTRL1] knob 0–255 This lets you modify how fast the changes in pitch occur that you set
Key Follow using the P.Env Attack, P.Env Decay and P.Env Release parameters,
according to the key that’s played or triggered.
Larger values result in a shorter time to change the pitch as you play
higher keys, and a longer time to change the pitch as you play lower
keys.
Smaller values result in a fixed amount of time to change the pitch,
regardless of the key you play.

P.Env Velocity vEL.S [CTRL2] knob 0–255 This lets you modify how much the pitch changes according to velocity,
Sens as set using the P.Env Attack, P.Env Decay, P.Env Release parameters.
Larger values result in a greater degree of change as the velocity
increases, and a smaller degree of change as the velocity decreases.
Smaller values result in a fixed degree of change, regardless of velocity.

P.Env Ev.dP [CTRL3] knob -100–100 This lets you modify the maximum amount of pitch change caused by
Envelope the envelope (P.Env Attack, P.Env Decay, P.Env Release) parameters.
Depth
Positive (+) values make the pitch rise, and negative (-) values make the
pitch fall.

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 Configuring the various settings

Examples of pitch envelope parameter settings

These examples show you how the pitch changes when you set the P.Env Envelope Depth (p. 96), P.Env Velocity Sens (p. 96) and P.Env Sustain (p.
95) parameters to different values.

When the P.Env Envelope Depth (p. 96) parameter is 100, and the P.Env Velocity Sens (p. 96) parameter is 0
When the P.Env Sustain (p. 95) parameter is 0

Pitch

x2 (+1 oct)

Sustain
x1 (±0 oct)

x0 (-∞ oct) Time

Attack
Decay
Release

When the P.Env Sustain (p. 95) parameter is 128

Pitch

x2 (+1 oct)

Sustain
x1 (±0 oct)

x0 (-∞ oct) Time

Attack
Decay
Release

When the P.Env Sustain (p. 95) parameter is 255

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Configuring the various settings

Pitch

x2 (+1 oct)

Sustain
x1 (±0 oct)

x0 (-∞ oct) Time

Attack
Decay
Release

When the P.Env Envelope Depth (p. 96) parameter is 100, and the P.Env Velocity Sens (p. 96) parameter is 255
When the P.Env Sustain (p. 95) parameter is 0

Pitch

x2 (+1 oct) Velocity = 127

Velocity = 1

Sustain
x1 (±0 oct)

x0 (-∞ oct) Time

Attack
Decay
Release

When the P.Env Sustain (p. 95) parameter is 128

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 Configuring the various settings

Pitch

x4 (+2 oct)

x2 (+1 oct) Velocity = 127

Velocity = 1

Sustain
x1 (±0 oct)

x0 (-∞ oct) Time

Attack
Decay
Release

When the P.Env Sustain (p. 95) parameter is 255

Pitch

x4 (+2 oct)

x2 (+1 oct) Velocity = 127

Velocity = 1

Sustain
x1 (±0 oct)

x0 (-∞ oct) Time

Attack
Decay
Release

When the P.Env Envelope Depth (p. 96) parameter is -100, and the P.Env Velocity Sens (p. 96) parameter is 0
When the P.Env Sustain (p. 95) parameter is 0

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Configuring the various settings

Pitch

x2 (+1 oct)

Sustain
x1 (±0 oct)

x0 (-∞ oct) Time

Attack
Decay
Release

When the P.Env Sustain (p. 95) parameter is 128

Pitch

x2 (+1 oct)

Sustain
x1 (±0 oct)

x0 (-∞ oct) Time

Attack
Decay
Release

When the P.Env Sustain (p. 95) parameter is 255

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 Configuring the various settings

Pitch

x2 (+1 oct)

Sustain
x1 (±0 oct)

x0 (-∞ oct) Time

Attack
Decay
Release

When the P.Env Envelope Depth (p. 96) parameter is -100, and the P.Env Velocity Sens (p. 96) parameter is 255
When the P.Env Sustain (p. 95) parameter is 0

Pitch

x4 (+2 oct)

x2 (+1 oct) Velocity = 127

Velocity = 1

Sustain
x1 (±0 oct)

x0 (-∞ oct) Time

Attack
Decay
Release

When the P.Env Sustain (p. 95) parameter is 128

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Configuring the various settings

Pitch

x4 (+2 oct)

x2 (+1 oct)
Velocity = 127
Velocity = 1

Sustain
x1 (±0 oct)

x0 (-∞ oct) Time

Attack
Decay
Release

When the P.Env Sustain (p. 95) parameter is 255

Pitch

x2 (+1 oct) Velocity = 127

Velocity = 1

Sustain
x1 (±0 oct)

x0 (-∞ oct) Time

Attack
Decay
Release

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 Configuring the various settings

SAMPLE EDIT (VOICE) settings

These are the parameters (items to set) you see when you press the [G] (VOICE) button while holding down the [SHIFT] button.
Use the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob to select a parameter, and press the [C´] (ENTER) button to edit the parameter’s value.

MEMO
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Parameter Display Controller Value Explanation

Sample S÷PL A-1, A-2, ..., Selects the sample that’s assigned to the [GRANULAR] pad.
(*1) h-7, h-8 If the selected sample is stereo, only the L channel is assigned.

Coarse Tune C.tUn [PITCH] knob -24–24 Adjusts the pitch of the sample in semitones.
(*4)

Fine Tune F.tUn -100–100 Adjusts the pitch of the sample in cents.

Detune dEtU 0–100 Randomly changes the pitch used to trigger notes when sample pads are
selected.
This randomly changes the pitch used to trigger notes for each grain when the
[GRANULAR] pad is selected.

Head h.PoS [START] knob 0.000– Sets the start time (head position) for the sample used to generate the grains.
Position (sample end
(*4)
(*1) time)
(*5)

Head Speed h.SPd -4.00–4.00 Sets the grain playback speed (the speed at which the playback head moves).
(*1) When this is set to a positive value, the head moves (plays back) from the
position set in Head Position towards the end of the sample.
When this is set to a negative value, the head moves (plays back in reverse) from
the position set in Head Position towards the beginning of the sample.
When the head reaches the end/beginning of the sample, it returns to the
position specified in Head Position and repeats the playback.

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Configuring the various settings

Parameter Display Controller Value Explanation

Spread SPrd [CTRL1] knob 0–100 Adjusts the position at which the grain is generated based on the position set in
the Head Position parameter.
(*1) (*3)
When the Head Speed value is positive, the head plays back randomly from the
point after the Head Position; and when the Head Speed value is negative, the
head plays back randomly from the point before the Head Position.

Grains GrnS [CTRL2] knob 0.5–8.0 Sets the density at which the grains are generated during a given time.
(*1) (*3)

Grain Shape G.ShP [CTRL3] knob OFF, 1–49, Sets how the grain volume changes.
(*1) (*3) 50, 51–100 When this is off, the volume is treated as a square wave (no change in volume

). With a value of 1–49, the volume fades out ( ); a value of 51–100

makes the volume fade in ( ), and a value of 50 produces a half fade-in, half-

fade-out time ( ).

Grain Size G.SiZ [END] knob 0.000– (sec) Sets the size of the grains.
(*1) (*4) (*5) MEMO
The grain size is affected by the Coarse Tune, Fine Tune and Grain Time Key
Follow parameters.

Grain G.rvS 0–100 Sets the probability of generating grains that play backwards.
Reverse
Larger values create more grains that play backwards.
Probability
(*1)

Grain Timing G.T÷.J 0–100 Randomly changes the timing at which grains are generated.
Jitter
Larger values make the grains occur at more random times.
(*1)

Grain Time G.Ky.F 0–255 Sets how the grain sizes change according to the key you play.
Key Follow
Larger values make the grain sizes uniform, regardless of what key you play.
(*1)
As a result, the grain playback times get shorter when you play higher keys, and
the grain playback times get longer when you play lower keys.
Smaller values lengthen the grain size when you play higher keys and shorten
the grain size when you play lower keys.
As a result, the grain playback times are the same, regardless of what key you
play.
When you set this to 0 and play a chord, the timings (loop cycles) triggered by
each key are lined up.

Start Mode St.÷d CoLd (Cold), Set this to “Cold” to make the grains play back while their number gradually
hot (Hot) increases.
(*1)
Set this to “Hot” to make the grains all play back at once.
MEMO
This effect is produced when the Grains parameter is set to larger values.

Chop ChoP OFF, 2–64 Splits a sample into equal parts.

(*2) The split-up samples are respectively assigned to note numbers, from C4 to D´9.

Start S.PoS [START] knob 0.000– Sets the sample playback start time.
Position sample end
(*4)
(*2) time (sec)
(*5)

Size SiZE [END] knob 0.000– (sec) Sets the sample length (the playback range from the Start Position).
(*2) (*4, *6) (*5)

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 Configuring the various settings

Parameter Display Controller Value Explanation

Loop Size LP.SZ [END] knob 0.000– (sec) Sets the length of sample loop playback.
(*2) (*4, *6) (*5) The loop plays back from the time set in the Loop Size parameter (loop point)
through the length set in the Size parameter.
Start Position
Loop Size

Size

T.Env Mode t.Env ADSR Changes the volume using a typical ADSR (attack-decay-sustain-release) curve.
(ADSR)

ADR (ADR) Changes the volume in the AÓDÓR phases of the envelope, without waiting for
you to release the key.

ADA.C Changes the volume over the AÓDÓAÓ... repeating cycle of the envelope while
(Cyclic) the key is held down.

T.Env Attack t.Atk [PITCH] knob 0–255 (0– Sets the attack time (A).
(*3) 10 sec)

T.Env Decay t.dCy [START] knob 0–255 (0– Sets the decay time (D).
(*3) 10 sec)

T.Env t.SUS [END] knob 0–255 Adjusts the sustain level (S).
Sustain
(*3)

T.Env t.rEL [LEVEL] knob 0–255 (0– Sets the release time (R).
Release 10 sec)
(*3)

T.Env Time t.Ky.F 0–255 This lets you modify how fast the changes in volume occur that you set using
Key Follow the Env Attack, Env Decay and Env Release parameters, according to the key
that’s played or triggered.
Larger values result in a shorter time to change the volume as you play higher
keys, and a longer time to change the volume as you play lower keys.
Smaller values result in a fixed amount of time to change the volume, regardless
of the key you play.

Amp Switch tvA Off, On When this is “On”, the volume is controlled according to the Env Attack, Env
Decay, Env Sustain and Env Release settings.

Mute Group ÷U.Gr Off, 1–128 Sets the mute group.

(*2) The samples set to the same group can’t be played at the same time.
Set the samples that you don’t want to play together (sounds that you don’t
want layered).
When you try and play the samples within that group all at the same time, only
the sample that started playing back last is heard.

*1 This is enabled for the [GRANULAR] pad.

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Configuring the various settings

*2 This is enabled for the sample pads [1]–[6].

*3 This is enabled for SAMPLE EDIT (VOICE).
*4 This is enabled on the top screen (the tempo display you see right after the power is turned on).
*5 You can set this on a per-sample basis (1 ÷ sample rate).
For this reason, the value shown in the display may not change even when you turn the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob.
Turn the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob while holding down the [SHIFT] button to increase the value even more.
*6 When you operate the knob, the Size and Loop Size parameters work in tandem.
Both parameters are stored during Motion REC.

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 Configuring the various settings

SAMPLE EDIT (FILTER) settings

These are the parameters (items to set) you see when you press the [G´] (FILTER) button while holding down the [SHIFT] button.
Use the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob to select a parameter, and press the [C´] (ENTER) button to edit the parameter’s value.

MEMO
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Parameter Display Controller Value Explanation

Filter Type TyPE [PITCH] knob Specifies the type of filter.

OFF The filter will not be used.

LPF Low pass filter.

Cuts the high frequencies.

BPF Band pass filter.

Allows only a specific frequency range to pass through.

hPF High pass filter.

Cuts the low frequencies

PKG Peaking filter.

Amplifies a certain frequency range.

Filter Cutoff CUt.F [START] knob 0–255 Adjusts the cutoff frequency of the filter.
Frequency

Filter Resonance rESO [END] knob 0–255 Specifies the resonance of filter.

Filter Cutoff Key C.Ky.F [CTRL1] knob 0–255 Changes the cutoff frequency according to the key that’s played.
Follow
Larger values result in a higher cutoff frequency as you play
higher keys, and a lower cutoff frequency as you play lower keys.
Smaller values produce the same cutoff frequency (the cutoff
frequency that’s set in Filter Cutoff Frequency), regardless of the
key you play.

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Configuring the various settings

Parameter Display Controller Value Explanation

Filter Velocity Sens vEL.S [CTRL2] knob 0–255 Changes the cutoff frequency according to velocity.
Larger values result in a higher cutoff frequency as the velocity
increases, and a lower cutoff frequency as the velocity decreases.
Smaller values produce the same cutoff frequency (the cutoff
frequency that’s set in Filter Cutoff Frequency), regardless of the
velocity.
MEMO
When increasing this value, lower the Filter Cutoff Frequency
parameter’s value.

Filter Envelope Ev.dP [LEVEL] knob 0–255 Sets the width of the cutoff frequency that’s modified by the
Depth envelope.
When this is set to 0, the envelope does not produce any change.
For the envelope settings, refer to the parameter descriptions
below.
¹ T.Env Mode (p. 105)
¹ T.Env Attack (p. 105)
¹ T.Env Decay (p. 105)
¹ T.Env Sustain (p. 105)
¹ T.Env Release (p. 105)
¹ T.Env Time Key Follow (p. 105)

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 Configuring the various settings

SAMPLE EDIT (MIXER) settings

These are the parameters (items to set) you see when you press the [A] (MIXER) button while holding down the [SHIFT] button.

MEMO
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Parameter Display Controller Value Explanation

Level LEvL [LEVEL] knob 0–127 Sets the volume level.

(*1, *3) MEMO
¹ 100=0 dB
¹ 127=+12 dB

Level Jitter LEv.J 0–100 Randomly alters the volume for each grain.
(*2) Larger values produce more variances in volume.

Auto Pan A.PAn This alters the pan (stereo position) for each note that sounds.

OFF The pan position remains the same.

ALt (Alternate) The pan position alternates between left and right with each
note that sounds.
(*2)

Sľng (Swing) The pan position moves from left to right and back with each
note that sounds.
(*2)

rnd (Random) The pan is randomly changed for each note that sounds.

Pan PAn [PITCH] knob L64–C–r63 Sets the pan position.

(*3) MEMO
This is enabled when the Auto Pan parameter is “OFF”.

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Configuring the various settings

Parameter Display Controller Value Explanation

Output Bus OUt.b This specifies the output bus to use.

Select
MEMO
You can also change this setting as described in “Switching between buses for
sending sound (p. 72)”.

bUS.A Outputs to BUS A.

bUS.b Outputs to BUS B.

EFCt Outputs to BUS EFFECT.

Send Delay Snd.d [START] knob 0–255 Specifies how much signal is sent to the Delay send effect.
(*3)

Send Reverb Snd.r [END] knob 0–255 Specifies the how much signal is sent to the Reverb send
effect.
(*3)

*1 This is enabled on the top screen (the tempo display you see right after the power is turned on) or on the SAMPLE EDIT (MIXER) screen.
*2 This is enabled for the [GRANULAR] pad.
*3 This is enabled on the SAMPLE EDIT (MIXER) screen.

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 Configuring the various settings

DELAY/REVERB settings
These are the parameters (items to set) you see when you press the [A´] (DELAY/REVERB) button while holding down the [SHIFT] button.
Use the [TEMPO/VALUE] knob to select a parameter, and press the [C´] (ENTER) button to edit the parameter’s value.

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DELAY parameters

Parameter Display Controller Value Explanation

Delay Sync d.Syn Off, On If this is ON, the delay synchronizes with the
tempo.

Delay Time d.ti÷ [PITCH] knob 1–740 (ms, *2) Sets the delay time.
(*1) 128 (128th note), 64t (Sixth-
fourth note triplets), 128d (Dotted
128th note), 1_64, 32t, 64d,
1_32, 16T, 32d, 1_16, 8t, 16d,
1_8, 4t, 8d, 1_4 (Quarter note)
(*3)

Delay Level d.LEv [START] knob 0–255 Adjusts the volume of the delay sound.
(*1)

Feedback d.Fbk 0–255 Adjusts the amount of feedback (repetition).

Feedback Mode d.F.÷d This switches between output methods for the delay that’s created by feedback.

nor÷ (Normal) A typical delay.

Cr.Lr (Cross L to R) A delay sound that switches from left to right to

left, in order.

Cr.rL (Cross R to L) A delay sound that switches from right to left to

right, in order.

Low Cut d.L.Ct FLAt–800 (Hz) Cuts the frequencies below the frequency that
you set.
No frequencies are cut when this is set to “FLAt”.

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Configuring the various settings

Parameter Display Controller Value Explanation

High Cut d.H.Ct 630–FLAt (Hz) Cuts the frequencies above the frequency that
you set.
No frequencies are cut when this is set to “FLAt”.

Delay Level Mode d.L.÷d PrE, PoSt Sets which level to adjust when the [START] knob
(delay volume) is used, the input level (PrE) or
the output level (Post).
With the “PrE” setting, the delay sound fades out
smoothly when you turn down the [START] knob;
and with the “PoSt” setting, the delay sound is
instantly muted when you turn down the [START]
knob.

Delay to Reverb d.to.r 0–255 Adjusts the amount of signal to send from the
Send delay to the reverb.

*1 This is enabled on the DELAY/REVERB screen.

*2 This is enabled when the Delay Sync parameter is “OFF”.
*3 This is enabled when the Delay Sync parameter is “On”.
Sets the value as a note value.
Triplets are shown as “t”, and dotted notes are shown as “d”.

REVERB parameters

Parameter Display Controller Value Explanation

Type r.tyP This selects the reverb type.

A÷b (Ambience) Simulates an ambience mic (off-mic, placed at a distance from the
sound source) used in recording and other applications.

roo÷ (Room) Simulates the reverberation in a small room.

hAL1 (Hall1) Simulates the reverberation in a concert hall.

Provides clear and spacious reverberations.

hAL2 (Hall2) Simulates the reverberation in a concert hall.

This offers a milder reverberation sound.

PLAt (Plate) Simulates plate reverb (a reverb unit with a metallic plate that
vibrates to create reverb).

÷od (Modulate) A reverb with an added wavering effect for the hall reverberations.

Reverb Time r.ti÷ [END] knob 0–255 Adjusts the length (time) of reverberation.
(*1)

Reverb Level r.LEv [LEVEL] knob 0–255 Adjusts the volume of the reverb sound.
(*1)

Pre Delay r.P.dL 0–100 (ms) Adjusts the time until the reverb sound starts to output.

Low Cut d.L.Ct FLAt–800 (Hz) Cuts the frequencies below the frequency that you set.
No frequencies are cut when this is set to “FLAt”.

High Cut d.H.Ct 630–FLAt (Hz) Cuts the frequencies above the frequency that you set.
No frequencies are cut when this is set to “FLAt”.

Density r.dnS 0–10 Adjusts the density of the reverb sound.

*1 This is enabled on the DELAY/REVERB screen.

112
 Configuring the various settings

Parameter Display Controller Value

Global Delay/Reverb GL.d.r Selects whether to control delay and reverb by using the pattern parameters or
SW by using the system parameters.

Off The effect is set and changes for each pattern, and is muted when
you switch patterns.

On The effect is controlled by the system parameters.

With this setting, the delay or reverb sound carries over even
when you switch between patterns.

113
 List of shortcut keys
You can quickly recall a desired function or screen by pressing a button or pad while holding down the [SHIFT] button.

114
 List of shortcut keys

Shortcuts that use the [SHIFT] button

While holding down the [SHIFT] Explanation Reference
button

Sample pads [1]–[6] Mutes the selected sample pad when a pattern is Muting a sample (p. 42)
playing.

[GRANULAR] pad Mutes the [GRANULAR] pad when a pattern is playing. Muting a sample (p. 42)

BANK [A/E]–[D/H] buttons Mutes all sample pads in the selected bank when a Muting a sample (p. 42)
pattern is playing.

[ø] (COPY) button Copies a pattern. Copying the patterns (p. 64)
Copying a pattern to increase the length (p.
65)
Copying a sequence (p. 66)

[ó] (QUANTIZE) button Switches between quantization settings during real- Recording your performance in real time
time input. (Real-time input) (p. 45)

[PITCH] knob Sets the volume of the BUS A. Switching between buses for sending sound
(p. 72)
(*1, *2)

[START] knob Sets the volume of the BUS B. Switching between buses for sending sound
(p. 72)
(*1, *2)

[END] knob Sets the volume of the BUS EFFECT. Switching between buses for sending sound
(p. 72)
(*1, *2)

[C] (EXIT) button All samples playing back are stopped. Playing the samples (p. 10)

*1 This setting is not saved.

*2 This is enabled in the SAMPLE EDIT (MIXER) settings ([SHIFT] button + [A] (MIXER) buttons).

115
List of shortcut keys

Shortcuts that use the [PATTERN] button

While holding down the [PATTERN] button Explanation Reference

Sample pads [1]–[6] Selects a sample pad without triggering the sound. Inputting your performance by
hand (step input) (p. 49)

[GRANULAR] pad Selects the [GRANULAR] pad without triggering the sound. Inputting your performance by
hand (step input) (p. 49)

[GRANULAR] pad + sample pads [1]–[6] Selects a sample to use with the [GRANULAR] pad. Using the granular sampler (p. 34)

[ó] button Sets the Metronome parameter. Metronome (p. 94) parameter
The setting changes with each operation.
÷.OFF: Turns the metronome off.
÷.PLY: Turns the metronome on during recording and
playback.

[LOOPER]–[MFX] buttons The effect turns on only while the [LOOPER]–[MFX] buttons Turning effects on/off at the
are pressed. desired timing (p. 71)

Knobs (*1) Shows the current value of each knob. –

[SHIFT] button + knob (*1) Shows the current values for the knobs you operate while –
holding down the [SHIFT] button.

[TEMPO/VALUE] knob Sets the Pattern Scale parameter (the length of a step in a Pattern Scale (p. 90) parameter
pattern).

*1 Excluding the [TEMPO/VALUE] and [VOLUME] knobs.

116
 List of shortcut keys

Shortcuts that use the [KYBD] button

While holding down the [KYBD] button Explanation Reference

[OCT+] button Lets you restore settings such as the current pattern to the last Reload Pattern (p. 94)
saved data, initialize the effects and so forth.
(*1) Reload Granular (p. 94)
Reload Sequencer (p. 94)
Reload Pad (p. 94)
Initialize Pattern (p. 94)
Initialize System (p. 94)
Initialize Effects (p. 94)

[OCT+] button You can copy and perform other operations on the step you’re Copying a step (p. 56)
currently editing.
(*2) Pasting a step (p. 57)
Inserting an empty step (p. 58)
Copying all steps to double
the length (p. 59)

[TEMPO/VALUE] knob Sets the master probability. Editing notes (p. 60)
Setting range: -100–100 (default value: 0)
The master probability value is added to notes whose probability is
90 or less.
MEMO
The master probability value is not saved.

*1 This is enabled when the [ó] button is off.

*2 This is enabled when the [ó] button is on.

117
List of shortcut keys

Shortcuts that use the [MFX] button

While holding down the [MFX] button Explanation Reference

Step buttons Lets you select an effect. Effects and effect parameters (p.
122)

Sample pads [1]–[6] Switches the output bus for the sample pad between “BUS A” and Switching between buses for
“BUS EFFECT”. sending sound (p. 72)

[DELAY] button + sample pads [1]–[6] Switches the output bus for the sample pad between “BUS B” and Switching between buses for
“BUS EFFECT”. sending sound (p. 72)

[GRANULAR] pad Switches the output bus for the [GRANULAR] pad between “BUS A” Switching between buses for
and “BUS EFFECT”. sending sound (p. 72)

[DELAY] button + [GRANULAR] pad Switches the output bus for the [GRANULAR] pad between “BUS B” Switching between buses for
and “BUS EFFECT”. sending sound (p. 72)

[LO-Fi] button Switches the output bus for audio signals inputted from an external Switching between buses for
source between “BUS A” and “BUS EFFECT”. sending sound (p. 72)

[DELAY] button + [LO-Fi] button Switches the output bus for audio signals inputted from an external Switching between buses for
source between “BUS B” and “BUS EFFECT”. sending sound (p. 72)

[GATE] button Switches the output bus for audio signals inputted to the USB port Switching between buses for
between “BUS A” and “BUS EFFECT”. sending sound (p. 72)

[DELAY] button + [GATE] button Switches the output bus for audio signals inputted to the USB port Switching between buses for
between “BUS B” and “BUS EFFECT”. sending sound (p. 72)

118
 List of shortcut keys

Shortcuts that use the pads

While holding down the sample pads [1]–[6] or the Explanation Reference
[GRANULAR] pad

[ó] button Switches the setting for quantization during playback Play Quantize (p. 91)
(Play Quantize) for each sample pad. parameter

[KYBD] button Holds the sample pads in a “pressed-down” state.

(*1)

[SHIFT] button + [ø] (COPY) button Executes copying or exchanging data for the sample Copying a sample (p. 30)
pads.
(*2) Exchanging (swapping)
MEMO samples (p. 31)
The pattern sequence data is not exchanged when a
sample pad is exchanged.

*1 This is enabled when the [GATE] button is on.

*2 This is enabled for the sample pads [1]–[6].

119
List of shortcut keys

Shortcuts that use the step buttons

While holding down a step Explanation Reference
button

Sample pads [1]–[6] Sets the velocity for the step and note of the sample pad you pressed.
(*1) Pressing the button toggles between the StrG (strong), ÷Edi
(medium) and ľEAK (weak) settings.
The actual velocities are 100%, 75% and 50% of the Key Velocity (p. 93)
parameter value respectively.

[KYBD] button Inputs a tie. Inputting a tie (p. 52)

(*1)

Turn the [PITCH] knob Records the knob values into the step (the motion function). Recording knob movement in steps
(motions) (p. 54)
Turn the [START] knob

Turn the [END] knob

Turn the [LEVEL] knob

*1 This is enabled when the [KYBD] button is off.

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 Knob functions
The knob functions depend on the selected sample pad and the current mode (screen).

MEMO
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When a sample pad is selected

Mode Knob
(screen)
[CTRL1] knob [CTRL2] knob [CTRL3] knob [PITCH] knob [START] knob [END] knob [LEVEL] knob

Top screen The setting for “Effects and effect parameters (p. 122)” Coarse Tune (p. Start Position (p. Size (p. 104) Level (p. 109)
is used. 103) 104)
(*1)

SAMPLE P.Env Time Key P.Env Velocity P.Env Envelope P.Env Attack (p. P.Env Decay (p. P.Env Sustain (p. P.Env Release (p.
EDIT (P.ENV) Follow (p. 96) Sens (p. 96) Depth (p. 96) 95) 95) 95) 95)

SAMPLE – – – T.Env Attack (p. T.Env Decay (p. T.Env Sustain (p. T.Env Release (p.
EDIT (VOICE) 105) 105) 105) 105)

SAMPLE Filter Cutoff Key Filter Velocity – Filter Type (p. Filter Cutoff Filter Resonance Filter Envelope
EDIT Follow (p. 107) Sens (p. 108) 107) Frequency (p. (p. 107) Depth (p. 108)
(FILTER) 107)

SAMPLE The setting for “Effects and effect parameters (p. 122)” Pan (p. 109) Send Delay (p. Send Reverb (p. Level (p. 109)
EDIT (MIXER) is used. 110) 110)

DELAY/ The setting for “Effects and effect parameters (p. 122)” Delay Time (p. Delay Level (p. Reverb Time (p. Reverb Level (p.
REVERB is used. 111) 111) 112) 112)

*1 The top screen refers to the mode in which the tempo is shown right after you turn on this unit.

When the [GRANULAR] pad is selected

Mode Knob
(screen)
[CTRL1] knob [CTRL2] knob [CTRL3] knob [PITCH] knob [START] knob [END] knob [LEVEL] knob

Top screen The setting for “Effects and effect parameters (p. 122)” Coarse Tune (p. Head Position Grain Size (p. Level (p. 109)
is used. 103) (p. 103) 104)
(*1)

SAMPLE – – – – – – –
EDIT (P.ENV)

SAMPLE Spread (p. 104) Grains (p. 104) Grain Shape (p. T.Env Attack (p. T.Env Decay (p. T.Env Sustain (p. T.Env Release (p.
EDIT (VOICE) 104) 105) 105) 105) 105)

SAMPLE Filter Cutoff Key Filter Velocity – Filter Type (p. Filter Cutoff Filter Resonance Filter Envelope
EDIT Follow (p. 107) Sens (p. 108) 107) Frequency (p. (p. 107) Depth (p. 108)
(FILTER) 107)

SAMPLE The setting for “Effects and effect parameters (p. 122)” Pan (p. 109) Send Delay (p. Send Reverb (p. Level (p. 109)
EDIT (MIXER) is used. 110) 110)

DELAY/ The setting for “Effects and effect parameters (p. 122)” Delay Time (p. Delay Level (p. Reverb Time (p. Reverb Level (p.
REVERB is used. 111) 111) 112) 112)

*1 The top screen refers to the mode in which the tempo is shown right after you turn on this unit.

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 Effects and effect parameters
MEMO
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Effects Display Parameters that can be controlled

[CTRL1] knob [CTRL2] knob [CTRL3] knob [SHIFT] button [SHIFT] button [SHIFT] button
+ [CTRL1] knob + [CTRL2] knob + [CTRL3] knob

DJFX Looper [LOOPER] button is LENGTH SPEED LOOP SW – – –

(p. 123) lit

Chromatic [PITCH] button is PITCH1 PITCH2 BALANCE PAN1 PAN2 –

PS (p. 124) lit

Sync Delay [DELAY] button is TIME FEEDBACK LEVEL L DAMP F H DAMP F –

(p. 125) lit

Filter+Drive [FILTER] button is CUTOFF RESONANCE DRIVE FLT TYPE LOW FREQ LOW GAIN
(p. 126) lit

Scatter (p. [SCATTER] button TYPE DEPTH SCATTER SPEED – –

127) is lit

Isolator (p. iSo LOW MID HIGH – – –

128)

Resonator rES ROOT BRIGHT FEEDBACK CHORD PANNING ENV MOD

(p. 129)

Stopper (p. StoP DEPTH RATE RESONANCE FLT MOD AMP MOD –
130)

Super Filter S.FLt CUTOFF RESONANCE FLT TYPE DEPTH RATE SYNC
(p. 131)

Vinyl Sim (p. vny FREQUENCY NOISE WOW FLUT – – –

132)

Cassette Sim CSt TONE HISS AGE DRIVE WOW FLUT CATCH
(p. 133)

Lo-fi (p. 134) LoFi PRE FILT LOFI TYPE TONE CUTOFF BALANCE LEVEL

Reverb (p. rEv TYPE TIME LEVEL LOW CUT HIGH CUT PRE DELAY
135)

Chorus (p. Cho DEPTH RATE BALANCE EQ LOW EQ HIGH LEVEL

136)

Flanger (p. FLnG DEPTH RATE MANUAL RESONANCE BALANCE SYNC

137)

Phaser (p. PhAS DEPTH RATE MANUAL RESONANCE BALANCE SYNC

138)

Tremolo/ trE÷ DEPTH RATE TYPE WAVE SYNC –

Pan (p. 139)

Ring Mod (p. rinG FREQUENCY SENS BALANCE POLARITY EQ LOW EQ HIGH
140)

Crusher (p. CrSh FILTER RATE BALANCE – – –

141)

Compressor Co÷P SUSTAIN ATTACK RATIO LEVEL – –

(p. 142)

122
 Effects and effect parameters

DJFX Looper
This effect loops the sound in short cycles.
You can vary the playback direction and playback speed of the input sound to get a turntable-type effect.

Parameter Value Explanation

LENGTH 0.230–0.012 (sec) Sets the length of the loop.

SPEED -100–100 Sets the playback direction and playback speed.

The loop plays backward when this is set to a negative value, stops when this is set to 0, and plays forward
when this is set to a positive value.

LOOP SW Off, On Turn this On while a sound is playing to make the sound play back in a loop, at a length specified by the
LENGTH parameter.
Turn this Off to disable the loop.

123
Effects and effect parameters

Chromatic PS
A two-voice pitch shifter that changes the pitch in semitone steps.

Parameter Value Explanation

PITCH1, PITCH2 -24–12 (semi) Adjusts the amount of pitch shift for PITCH1 or PITCH2.

BALANCE 100.0–0.100 (%) Adjusts the volume balance between the dry (original) sound and effect sound.

PAN1, PAN2 L50–C–r50 Sets the pan position for PITCH1 or PITCH2.

124
 Effects and effect parameters

Sync Delay
Gives an echo effect in sync with the tempo.

Parameter Value Explanation

TIME 1/32, 1.16t, 1.32d, 1/16, 1/8t, 1.16d, 1/8, 1/4t, 1/8d, 1/4, 1/2t, 1/4d, Sets the sound delay time.
1/2, 1/1t, 1/2d, 1/1
(*1)

FEEDBACK 0–99 (%) Adjusts the amount of feedback for the effect.

LEVEL 0–100 Adjusts the volume of the effect sound.

L DAMP F FLAT, 80, 100, 125, 160, 200, 250, 315, 400, 500, 630, 800 (Hz) Sets the frequency range that’s attenuated each
time the delay repeats.
H DAMP F 630, 800, 1.00k, 1.25k, 1.60k, 2.00k, 2.50k, 3.15k, 4.00k, 5.00k, 6.30k, 8.00k,
10.0k, 12.5k, FLAT (Hz)

*1 Sets the value as a note value.

Triplets are shown as “t”, and dotted notes are shown as “d”.

125
Effects and effect parameters

Filter+Drive
This is a filter with overdrive.
It cuts the specified frequencies and adds distortion.

Parameter Value Explanation

CUTOFF 20–16.0k (Hz) Sets the cutoff frequency range in which the filter works.

RESONANCE 0–100 Adjusts the filter’s resonance level.

The larger the value, the more that the frequency range set in
CUTOFF is emphasized.

DRIVE 0–100 Adds distortion.

FLT TYPE Sets the type of filter.

hPF Cuts off the low frequencies.

LPF Cuts off the high frequencies.

LOW FREQ 20–16.0k (Hz) Adjusts the frequency range that’s boosted or cut by the LOW
GAIN parameter.

LOW GAIN -24–24 (dB) Adjusts the amount of boost/cut applied to the frequency range
that’s set in LOW FREQ.

126
 Effects and effect parameters

Scatter
This effect swaps the sound played back by a loop in steps, altering its playback direction and gate length. This produces a digital groove feel to
the loop playback.

Parameter Value Explanation

TYPE 1–10 Sets the scatter type.

DEPTH 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 Adjusts the scatter depth.

SCATTER Off, On Switches the scatter effect on/off.

SPEED SnGL, dbL Sets the scatter speed.

127
Effects and effect parameters

Isolator
This effect lets you cut off sounds in a specified frequency range.

Parameter Value Explanation

LOW -Inf, -47.9–12.00 (dB) Adjusts the amount of boost/cut in the low-frequency range.

MID -Inf, -47.9–12.00 (dB) Adjusts the amount of boost/cut in the mid-frequency range.

HIGH -Inf, -47.9–12.00 (dB) Adjusts the amount of boost/cut in the high-frequency range.

128
 Effects and effect parameters

Resonator
This effect uses “Karplus-Strong synthesis”, which is often used in physical modeling of sounds.
This lets you alter the sound with a maximum of six “resonators” that match different keys or chords.

Parameter Value Explanation

ROOT C-1–G9 Sets the reference pitch (root note).

BRIGHT 0–100 Adjusts the tonal brightness.

FEEDBACK 0–99 (%) Adjusts the amount of feedback for the

effect.

CHORD root (Root), Oct (Oct), Updn (Up/Down), P5 (P5), ÷n3 (min 3), ÷n5 (min 5), ÷n7 Sets the composite notes (chord) to
(min 7), ÷n7o (min 7 oct), ÷n9 (min 9), ÷n11 (min 11), ÷J3 (Maj 3), ÷J5 (Maj 5), resonate.
÷J7 (Maj 7), ÷J7o (Maj 7 oct), ÷J9 (Maj 9), ÷J11 (Maj 11)

PANNING 0–100 Sets the panning for the resonator.

ENV MOD 0–100 Larger values increase the amount of

feedback according to the input level.

129
Effects and effect parameters

Stopper
This effect lowers the sample playback speed, reproducing the sound of a turntable stopping.

Parameter Value Explanation

DEPTH 0–100 Adjusts how much the playback speed should be slowed down.

RATE 4/1, 2/1, 1/1, 1/2, Sets the period at which the playback speed is changed.
1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32,
1/64

RESONANCE 0–100 Adjusts the filter’s resonance level.

Increasing the value further emphasizes the effect, for a more unusual sound.

FLT MOD 0–100 Attenuates the high-frequency range according to the playback speed.

AMP MOD 0–100 Lowers the volume according to the playback speed.

130
 Effects and effect parameters

Super Filter
This is a filter with an extremely sharp slope (attenuation characteristics). The cutoff frequency can be varied cyclically.

Parameter Value Explanation

CUTOFF 0–100 Sets the frequency range in which the filter

works (the cutoff frequency). Higher values
increase the frequency range.

RESONANCE 0–100 Adjusts the filter’s resonance level.

The larger the value, the more that the
frequency range set in CUTOFF is
emphasized.

FLT TYPE Sets the filter type.

LPF Low pass filter. This filter lets frequencies

pass through that are lower than the
frequency range set in CUTOFF.

bPF Band pass filter. This filter lets frequencies

pass through that are near the frequency
range set in CUTOFF.

hPF High pass filter. This filter lets frequencies

pass through that are higher than the
frequency range set in CUTOFF.

DEPTH 0–100 Sets the depth of the effect.

RATE When the SYNC parameter is Off: Sets the cycle (period) of the effect.
0–100
When the SYNC parameter is On:
2/1 (Double note), 1/1d (Dotted whole note), 2/1t
(Double-note triplet), 1/1, 1/2d, 1/1t, 1/2 (Half note),
1/4d, 1/2t, 1/4, 1/8d, 1/4t, 1/8, 1/16d, 1/8t, 1/16,
1/32d, 1/16t, 1/32, 1/32t, 1/64, 1/64t (Sixth-fourth
note triplets)
(*1)

SYNC Off, On When this is On, the effect sound

synchronizes with the tempo.

*1 Sets the value as a note value.

Triplets are shown as “t”, and dotted notes are shown as “d”.

131
Effects and effect parameters

Vinyl Sim
This effect models the Vinyl Sim effect of the SP-404SX. The effect simulates the sound of an analog record playing.

Parameter Value Explanation

FREQUENCY 0–100 Sets the frequency characteristics of the playback system.

NOISE 0–100 Adjusts the volume of the noise.

WOW FLUT 0–100 Sets the inconsistencies (wow/flutter) heard when the analog record “rotates”.

132
 Effects and effect parameters

Cassette Sim
This effect simulates the sound of a cassette tape playing.

Parameter Value Explanation

TONE 0–100 Sets the tone.

HISS 0–100 Adjusts the volume of the noise.

AGE 0–60 (years) Sets how many years the cassette tape has degraded.

DRIVE 0–100 Adjusts the amount of distortion.

WOW FLUT 0–100 Sets the inconsistencies (wow/flutter) heard when the cassette tape plays back.

CATCH 0–100 Sets how much the cassette tape has stretched out.

133
Effects and effect parameters

Lo-fi
Degrades the tonal character.

Parameter Value Explanation

PRE FILT 1–6 Sets the type of pre-filter (the filter that the sound passes through
before effects are applied).

LOFI TYPE 1–9 Larger settings cause more tonal degradation.

TONE -100–100 Sets the tone. Larger settings emphasize the high-frequency
range. Smaller settings emphasize the low-frequency range.

CUTOFF 200, 250, 315, 400, 500, 630, 800, 1.00k, 1.25k, Sets the frequency range in which the post-filter (the filter that
1.60k, 2.00k, 2.50k, 3.15k, 4.00k, 5.00k, 6.30k, the sound passes through after effects are applied) works.
8.00k (Hz)

BALANCE 100.0–0.100 (%) Adjusts the volume balance between the dry (original) sound and
effect sound.

LEVEL 0–100 Adjusts the volume of the effect sound.

NOTE
This effect may output a very loud sound, depending on how the parameters are set. Use caution not to raise the values too much.

134
 Effects and effect parameters

Reverb
Adds reverberation to the sound.

Parameter Value Explanation

TYPE A÷B (Ambience), Roo÷ (Room), hAL1 (Hall 1), hAL2 (Hall 2) Sets the type of reverb.

TIME 0–100 Sets the reverb time.

LEVEL 0–100 Adjusts the volume of the effect sound.

LOW CUT FLAT, 20, 25, 31, 40, 50, 63, 80, 100, 125, 160, 200, 250, 315, Sets the frequency range at which the effect
400, 500, 630, 800 (Hz) sound is attenuated.

HIGH CUT 630, 800, 1.00k, 1.25k, 1.60k, 2.00k, 2.50k, 3.15k, 4.00k, 5.00k,
6.30k, 8.00k, 10.0k, 12.5k, FLAT (Hz)

PRE DELAY 0–100 (ms) Sets the time before the effect sound is output.

135
Effects and effect parameters

Chorus
Adds spaciousness and richness to the sound.

Parameter Value Explanation

DEPTH 0–100 Sets the depth of the effect sound.

RATE 0.33–2.30 (sec) Sets the cycle (period) of the effect sound.

BALANCE 100.0–0.100 (%) Adjusts the volume balance between the dry (original) sound and effect sound.

EQ LOW -15–15 (dB) Adjusts the boost/cut of the low frequency range.

EQ HIGH -15–15 (dB) Adjusts the boost/cut of the high frequency range.

LEVEL 0–100 Adjusts the volume of the effect sound.

136
 Effects and effect parameters

Flanger
This effect creates modulation like a jet airplane taking off and landing.

Parameter Value Explanation

DEPTH 0–100 Sets the depth of the effect sound.

RATE When the SYNC parameter is Off: Sets the cycle (period) of the effect sound.
0–100
When the SYNC parameter is On:
4.000–0.016 (Bar)

MANUAL 0–100 Sets the frequency range in which the effect is applied.
Smaller values reduce the flanging effect in the low end.

RESONANCE 0–100 Adjusts the filter’s resonance level.

Increasing the value further emphasizes the effect, for a more
unusual sound.

BALANCE 100.0–0.100 (%) Adjusts the volume balance between the dry (original) sound
and effect sound.

SYNC Off, On When this is On, the effect sound synchronizes with the tempo.

137
Effects and effect parameters

Phaser
This effect creates modulation by adding a phase-shifted sound.

Parameter Value Explanation

DEPTH 0–100 Sets the depth of the effect sound.

RATE When the SYNC parameter is Off: Sets the cycle (period) of the effect sound.
0–100
When the SYNC parameter is On:
4.000–0.016 (Bar)

MANUAL 0–100 Sets the frequency range in which the effect is applied.
Larger values reduce the phasing effect in the low end.

RESONANCE 0–100 Adjusts the filter’s resonance level.

Increasing the value further emphasizes the effect, for a more unusual
sound.

BALANCE 100.0–0.100 (%) Adjusts the volume balance between the dry (original) sound and effect
sound.

SYNC Off, On When this is On, the effect sound synchronizes with the tempo.

138
 Effects and effect parameters

Tremolo/Pan
Cyclically varies the volume or panning.

Parameter Value Explanation

DEPTH 0–100 Sets the depth of the effect.

RATE When the SYNC parameter is Off: Sets the cycle (period) of the effect.
0–100
When the SYNC parameter is On:
1.000–0.010

TYPE Sets the type of effect.

trE (Tremolo) Cyclically changes the volume (tremolo).

PAn (Pan) Cyclically changes the panning.

WAVE Sets how the effect modulates the sound.

tri (Triangle) Triangle wave

Sqr (Square) Square wave

Sin (Sine) Sine wave

SAľ1 (Saw 1), SAľ2 (Saw 2) Sawtooth wave

trP (trapezoid) Trapezoidal wave

SYNC Off, On When this is On, the effect sound

synchronizes with the tempo.

139
Effects and effect parameters

Ring Mod
This effect alters the tonal character to make the sound more metallic.

Parameter Value Explanation

FREQUENCY 0–100 Sets the frequency range to which the effect is applied.

SENS 0–100 Adjusts the volume of the effect sound.

BALANCE 100.0–0.100 (%) Adjusts the volume balance between the dry (original) sound and effect sound.

POLARITY Off, On Sets the direction in which the frequency modulation moves.

EQ LOW -15–15 (dB) Adjusts the boost/cut of the low frequency range.

EQ HIGH -15–15 (dB) Adjusts the boost/cut of the high frequency range.

140
 Effects and effect parameters

Crusher
Produces a lo-fi effect.

Parameter Value Explanation

FILTER 331–15.4k (Hz) Sets the frequency range in which the pre-filter (the filter that the sound passes through
before effects are applied) works.

RATE 0–100 Sets the sample rate of the effect. Larger values make the sample rate lower, for a more lo-fi
sound.

BALANCE 100.0–0.100 (%) Adjusts the volume balance between the dry (original) sound and effect sound.

141
Effects and effect parameters

Compressor
This effect reduces high volume levels while bringing up the level of quieter sounds, smoothing out any variations in overall volume.

Parameter Value Explanation

SUSTAIN 0–100 Sets how long the effect is applied to the decaying sound.

ATTACK 0–100 Sets how long it takes to reduce the volume when a high input level is detected.

RATIO 0–100 Sets the compression ratio.

LEVEL 0–100 Adjusts the volume of the effect sound.

NOTE
This effect may output a very loud sound, depending on how the parameters are set. Use caution not to raise the values too much.

142
Signal flow

143
 MIDI implementation chart
Model: P-6
Date: Aug. 29, 2024
Version: 1.02

Function Transmitted Recognized Remarks

Basic channel Default 5 (granular sampler) 5 (granular sampler) These settings are stored in memory.
11 (sample pads) 11 (sample pads)
16 (program change) 15 (auto)
16 (program change)

Changed 1–16 1–16

Mode Default Mode 3 Mode 3

Messages x x

Altered x x

Note number Sample pads 48–95 (C3–B6) (*1) 48–95 (C3–B6) (*1) These correspond to the sample pad
numbers (sample pad [1] of bank A
through sample pad [6] of bank H).

True voice 0–127 0–127

Velocity Note on o o

Note off x x

Aftertouch Key’s x x

Channel’s x x

Pitch bend x x

Control change o o For the values, refer to “Control change

message (p. 146)”.
(*2)

Program o o
change
Settings range 0–63 0–63

System exclusive x x

System Song position x x

common
Song select x x

Tune request x x

System Clock o o
realtime
Start o o

Continue x o
Works the same as the start
command.

Stop o o

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 MIDI implementation chart

Function Transmitted Recognized Remarks

Aux messages All sound off o o

(*3)

Reset all controllers o o

(*3)

All notes off o o

(*3)

Omni mode off x x

Omni mode on x x

Monophonic mode on x x

Polyphonic mode on x x

Active sensing o o

System reset x x

*1 The note numbers are used to specify the sample pads.

For this reason, you can’t specify scale notes (the pitch does not change for each note).
*2 For ver. 1.01, this data is received only when the receive channel is set to 15 (auto).
For ver. 1.02 and later, this data is received when the receive channel is 5 (granular sampler) or 15 (auto).
*3 Transmitted when a MIDI offline message is detected.

Mode 1: Omni on, Polyphonic

Mode 2: Omni on, Monophonic
Mode 3: Omni off, Polyphonic
Mode 4: Omni off, Monophonic
o: Yes
x: No

145
MIDI implementation chart

Control change message

MEMO
Control change messages are received under the following conditions.
¹ For ver. 1.02 and later, data is received using the channel that’s set in the Granular MIDI Channel (p. 92) or Auto MIDI Channel (p. 93)
parameters.
¹ For ver. 1.01, data is received using the channel that’s set in the Auto MIDI Channel (p. 93) parameter.

Control change number Parameter

(decimal) (hexadecimal)

0 0x00 –

: :

3 0x03 GRANULAR Grain Reverse Probability (p. 104)

: :

7 0x07 GRANULAR Level (p. 109)

: :

9 0x09 GRANULAR Auto Pan (p. 109)

10 0x0A GRANULAR Pan (p. 109)

11 0x0B –

12 0x0C GRANULAR Filter Type (p. 107)

13 0x0D GRANULAR Detune (p. 103)

14 0x0E GRANULAR Level Jitter (p. 109)

15 0x0F GRANULAR Grain Shape (p. 104)

16 0x10 GRANULAR Grain Time Key Follow (p. 104)

17 0x11 GRANULAR Lo-Fi (Setting and checking the Lo-Fi effect intensity (p. 13))

18 0x12 GRANULAR Fine Tune (p. 103)

19 0x13 GRANULAR Head Position (p. 103)

20 0x14 GRANULAR Head Speed (p. 103)

21 0x15 GRANULAR Grains (p. 104)

22 0x16 –

23 0x17 GRANULAR Grain Size (p. 104)

24 0x18 GRANULAR Filter Envelope Depth (p. 108)

25 0x19 GRANULAR Spread (p. 104)

26 0x1A GRANULAR Filter Cutoff Key Follow (p. 107)

27 0x1B –

28 0x1C GRANULAR Amp Switch (p. 105)

29 0x1D GRANULAR T.Env Mode (p. 105)

30 0x1E GRANULAR T.Env Sustain (p. 105)

: :

68 0x44 GRANULAR Grain Timing Jitter (p. 104)

: :

71 0x47 GRANULAR Filter Resonance (p. 107)

72 0x48 GRANULAR T.Env Release (p. 105)

73 0x49 GRANULAR T.Env Attack (p. 105)

146
 MIDI implementation chart

Control change number Parameter

(decimal) (hexadecimal)

74 0x4A GRANULAR Filter Cutoff Frequency (p. 107)

75 0x4B GRANULAR T.Env Decay (p. 105)

76 0x4C GRANULAR Coarse Tune (p. 103)

77 0x4D GRANULAR T.Env Time Key Follow (p. 105)

78 0x4E GRANULAR Filter Velocity Sens (p. 108)

79 0x4F GRANULAR Start Mode (p. 104)

: :

84 0x54 GRANULAR Output Bus Select (p. 110)

85 0x55 GRANULAR Send Delay (p. 110)

86 0x56 GRANULAR Send Reverb (p. 110)

87 0x57 GRANULAR Lo-Fi Switch (Changing the sound quality of the sample playback (Lo-Fi) (p. 12))

88 0x58 GRANULAR Sample (p. 103)

89 0x59 DELAY/REVERB Reverb Time (p. 112)

90 0x5A DELAY/REVERB Delay Time (p. 111)

91 0x5B DELAY/REVERB Reverb Level (p. 112)

92 0x5C DELAY/REVERB Delay Level (p. 111)

: :

147
 Main specifications
User patterns 64

Step sequencer Maximum 64 steps

Maximum sampling numbers 48 samples

Maximum polyphony Sample: 16

Granular sampler: 4

Maximum sample time 44.1 kHz, Mono: 5.9 seconds

(Maximum time per sample) 22.05 kHz, Mono: 11.8 seconds
14.7 kHz, Mono : 17.8 seconds
11.025 kHz, Mono : 23.7 seconds
* For stereo samples, the time is half.

Import format WAV (Liner PCM)

Effects Multi-effect: 20 types

Send effect: DELAY, REVERB

Display 7 segments, 4 characters (LED)

Internal Microphone Mono x 1

Connectors SYNC (IN, OUT) jacks: Miniature phone type

MIX (IN) jack: Stereo miniature phone type
MIX (OUT/HEADSET) jack: Stereo miniature phone type (Stereo, CTIA)
MIDI (IN, OUT) jacks: Stereo miniature phone type
USB port: USB Type-C® (Audio, MIDI)

Power supply Lithium-ion battery

Obtained via USB port (USB bus power)

Current draw 500 mA

Expected battery life under continuous use Approx. 3 hours

* This figure will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.

Expected battery charging time Approx. 3 hours

* To charge the unit, use the USB port of a computer or a commercially available USB power
supply adaptor (5 V, 500 mA or higher).

Dimensions 188 (W) x 106 (D) x 37 (H) mm

7-7/16 (W) x 4-3/16 (D) x 1-1/2 (H) inches

Weight (including batteries) 305 g

11 oz

Accessories Leaflet "Read Me First"

USB Type-C® to USB A cable

This document explains the specifications of the product at the time that the document was issued. For the latest information, refer to the Roland
website.

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 P-6
Owner’s Manual
01
Roland Corporation

© 2024 Roland Corporation