AIRA Compact T-8/J-6/E-4 (left to right) and F107/Roland Piano App

For Immediate Release

Rebecca Genel
Global PR/Media Relations Manager
Roland Corporation
(323) 890-3718
Rebecca.Genel@roland.com

Los Angeles, CA, October 7, 2022—Roland, a leading manufacturer of electronic musical instruments and professional video products, announced today that the Roland AIRA Compact series of ultra-compact and portable electronic musical instruments, as well as the simple and stylish F107 Digital Piano with companion Roland Piano App, have won a GOOD DESIGN AWARD 2022, an award managed by Japan Institute of Design Promotion.

The AIRA Compact series of T-8, J-6, and E-4 are pocket-size electronic instruments that allow users to easily create electronic music using intuitive controls and authentic Roland sound. The products in this series are packed with decades of authentic Roland sound and electronic instrument expertise, allowing anyone to start creating and playing music anytime, anywhere. By connecting and synchronizing AIRA Compact models with each other, users are able to expand the range of songs they can create and enjoy a variety of expressions.

AIRA Compact Series T-8, J-6, and E-4

T-8 Beat Machine
The T-8 is a beat machine that makes creating beats for electronic music easy. The drum sound of Roland’s legendary TR series of rhythm machines and the bass sound of the TB-303 are condensed into one, allowing anyone to create drum and bass phrases intuitively.

J-6 Chord Synthesizer
The J-6 is a chord synthesizer that combines a powerful chord sequencer with the sounds of the JUNO-60 synthesizer from the past. Users can select a variety of preloaded codes and create phrases with the push of a button.

E-4 Voice Tweaker
The E-4 is an instrument that combines a variety of voice effects and loopers for easy vocal performance. By connecting a microphone to the main unit, users can add echo and harmony to a song or voice and adjust the voice quality and pitch to create robot voices. There is also a looper function that allows users to record multiple recordings in real time for an impressive live performance.

“By combining these two characteristics, intuitive operation and portability, users can enjoy the sounds of the instrument and feel the joy of creating a song in many different environments. It is easy and intuitive to operate. The instrument is designed for anyone to get started, and the results can be shared with family and friends anywhere, expanding the prospect of musical experience. Although light on design, the pads, buttons, and knobs are beautifully arranged, and the overall high-quality of the design, from product planning to detailed processing, was evaluated highly,” said the jury members.

F107 and the Roland Piano App
The Roland F107 Digital Piano with its companion Roland Piano App is a new style of piano that fits the modern lifestyle. By linking the piano, which pursues simplicity in response to diverse interior tastes and living environments, and the app, with a content addition function via cloud service and lesson support, players can enjoy playing the piano even more.

F107 Digital Piano
The F107 is a digital piano with a stylish design that harmonizes with home decor in a space-saving manner. Although an entry-class model, it is equipped with Roland’s authentic and acclaimed SuperNATURAL Piano engine and keyboard, which are also installed in higher-end models. In addition, players can enjoy their music even further by wirelessly connecting a piano to a smartphone or tablet with the Bluetooth® function and using the Roland Piano App.

Roland Piano App
The Roland Piano App is Roland's original free iOS/Android app that lets players connect their Roland piano with a smartphone or tablet to further enhance their piano practicing and music enjoyment. It functions as a wireless remote control for intuitive operation, such as sound selection, metronome setting, and recording. There is also a Timeline that allows users to check how much they have practiced in a day and a Flash Card that helps them acquire basic piano skills through sound-based games. Plus, an accompaniment function allows them to recognize chords by left-hand fingering and add auto accompaniment for a variety of genres in real-time, and a One Week Master allows them to master a variety of piano songs in about a week. It is also possible to display music on the screen of the mobile device for the songs onboard the piano itself. When users subscribe to a paid Roland Cloud membership, they can access more than 300 songs and scores, making their practice and performance even more enjoyable.

“With the expanding diversity of living environments and the digitization of music sources, the way performances are enjoyed is changing every moment. In this context, a design to fit lifestyle was created by reconsidering the way digital pianos should be, which is greatly appreciated. It is also wonderful that the design can be operated intuitively and that it creates a variety of performance experiences by linking with a dedicated application. This is the result of a good balance of hardware and software that satisfies a variety of users, from beginners to advanced,” said the jury members.

To learn more, visit Roland.com.

About the GOOD DESIGN AWARD
The GOOD DESIGN AWARD has been the sole comprehensive design evaluation and commendation system in Japan since 1957. Many companies and designers from both inside and outside of Japan participate in the activity to enhance the industry or the quality of life through design. “G Mark,” the symbol of the award, has been recognized widely as a mark representing good design. For more information, visit G-mark.org

About Roland Corporation
For 50 years, Roland’s innovative electronic musical instruments and multimedia products have fueled inspiration in artists and creators around the world. Embraced by hobbyists and professionals alike, the company’s trendsetting gear spans multiple categories, from pianos, synthesizers, guitar products, and electronic percussion to DJ controllers, audio/video solutions, livestreaming products, and more. As technology evolves, Roland continues to lead the way for gigging musicians, producers, and beatmakers, providing modern software-based solutions and seamless creative workflows between hardware products, computers, and mobile devices. For more information, visit Roland.com or see your local Roland dealer.

Company names and product names appearing in this document are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners.

The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Roland is under license.