Roland - J-6 | Chord Synthesizer

The J-6 Chord Synthesizer is an endless well of musical inspiration, pairing a powerful chord sequencer with the lavish tones of the renowned JUNO-60 synth. Generate soul-stirring song ideas in seconds, and experiment with styles and variations to coax dancing lines and rhythmic patterns from your chords. Add lush effects to frost your sound, and expand your possibilities by interfacing with other AIRA Compacts, MIDI hardware, and music production software.

Chord heaven.

With 100 chord sets spanning a wide range of genres, you’ll always find fresh fuel for songs and jams with the J-6. There’s no need to know chords or theory to make cool music—simply call up a set and compose chord progressions on the fly with one-touch presses on the keyboard. Generate ideas for new tunes, create accompaniment for live performances, or send chord information to other MIDI gear.

Move and groove.

Using the J-6’s style banks and variations, it’s easy to infuse static chords with dynamic energy and compelling movement. Transform an idea with sweeping arpeggios and rhythmic phrases, and keep the groove running non-stop with a press of the hold button.

Craft your
next hit.

Once you’ve got a chord progression in mind, bring it together with the J-6 chord sequencer. There are 64 patterns with up to 64 steps each, and you can quickly enter chords, style variations, single notes, and tempo changes in each step to mold your masterpieces.

Tweak and tweeze.

After you’ve captured a pattern on the J-6, hit play and inject even more color with tactile controls. Select different synth presets, tweak the filter and envelope in real time, and complete the picture with customizable reverb and delay effects.

Historic JUNO sound.

The J-6 puts the influential synth sound behind decades of hits in your pocket or backpack. Our acclaimed Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology realizes the famous JUNO-60 voice in flawless detail, complete with 64 presets derived from the original. Use the J-6 engine with the chord sequencer, play it from the onboard keyboard or an external MIDI controller, or use it as a sound module in an expanded setup.

Expand your vision.

The J-6 has the connectivity you need to integrate with other AIRA Compacts and larger music rigs. Back your chord creations with drums and bass from the T-8 Beat Machine, and add evocative vocal textures with the E-4 Voice Tweaker. Or interface with computer DAWS, mobile music apps, and hardware instruments via USB-C or MIDI.

Everywhere
at once.

Compact and convenient, the J-6 is ready to deliver instant inspiration everywhere you go. The lithium-ion battery provides up to 4.5 hours of runtime per charge, while the rugged Roland build ensures years of musical pleasure.

AIRA COMPACT

Meet the gang

T-8
Beat Machine

Create infectious tracks in seconds flat with a miniature rhythm factory powered by pristine TR drums plus bass from the inimitable TB-303.
INFO

P-6
Creative Sampler

Sample and perform anywhere with sophisticated granular sound design options, advanced sequencing tools, and hands-on MFX.
INFO

E-4
Voice Tweaker

This outrageously jammable effects box harmonizes, auto-pitches, vocodes, loops, and glitches your voice and anything else you feed it.
INFO

S-1
Tweak Synth

Divine a new world of sonic textures with a potent micro polysynth and sound design playground inspired by the legendary SH-101.
INFO

Specifications
User Patterns: 64
Sequencer: Maximum measures: 64
Instruments: Preset Patches: 64
Effects: DELAY, REVERB
Display: 7 segments, 4 characters (LED)
Connectors: SYNC (IN, OUT) jacks: Miniature phone type
MIX (IN, OUT) /PHONES jacks: Stereo miniature phone type
MIDI (IN, OUT) jacks: Stereo miniature phone type
USB port: USB Type-C® (Audio, MIDI)
Power Supply: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Obtained via USB port (USB bus power)
Current Draw: 500 mA
Expected battery life under continuous use: Approx. 4.5 hours
* These figures 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).
Accessories: Leaflet ”Read Me First”
USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable
Size and Weight
Width: 188 mm
7-7/16 inches
Depth: 106 mm
4-3/16 inches
Height: 36.2 mm
1-7/16 inches
Weight (including batteries): 295 g
11 oz

Video Library

AIRA Compact Overview

Fun, go-everywhere instruments that put Roland’s legendary creative magic in the palm of your hand.

Vocal Harmonizer History: Effects Processors, Vocoders, and More

Learn the origin story of vocal harmonizers and processors and explore the science behind creating vocal harmonies with music technology.Read more…

Getting to Know AIRA Compact: J-6 Chord Synth

The J-6 offers a streamlined method to create chord progressions and sequences. Learn to use this flexible, portable instruRead more…

Getting to Know AIRA Compact: P-6 Creative Sampler

The P-6 is a compact sampler capable of a wide range of sample processing and compositional techniques. Learn to use this flexible, portable instrument.Read more…

A Few Minutes with Junior Simba

From Africa to the United Kingdom, eclectic dance star Junior Simba shares his passion for infusing ethnic sounds into his songcraft.Read more…

A Few Minutes with H31R

Experimental duo H31R strives to break through genre boundaries. The pair shares insight into their influences, gear, and creative process.Read more…

Getting to Know AIRA Compact: An Introduction

The AIRA Compact line is Roland’s most portable to date. Here’s an introduction to the individual members of the family.Read more…

Getting to Know AIRA Compact: The Basics

The AIRA Compact line is Roland's most portable to date. Learn the key skills needed to get started with this powerful instrument series.Read more…

Downloads

Updates & Drivers

J-6 System Program Ver.1.02

Support

If you have questions about operating your Roland product, please check our Knowledge Base for answers to the most common questions.
You can also contact our Product Support through Roland Backstage.
In addition, we have a library of Owner’s Manuals and Support Documents that you can download and reference.

AIRA COMPACT

J-6 CHORD SYNTHESIZER
Inspiration machine.

Chord heaven.