Navigate this product

FA-08: Music Workstation

Taking the “Work” Out of the Music Workstation

Features

Roland’s new FA series completely reimagines the music workstation, streamlining it for effortless real-time power, ultra-fast workflow, and maximum versatility. Ready to support any type of music you play, the FA-08 features an 88-note weighted-action keyboard and comes packed with a massive sound collection inherited from the flagship INTEGRA-7, a ton of studio-quality effects, and expressive real-time controls, plus onboard sampling with zero load time for instant audio playback from the 16 backlit pads. The sequencer offers simple operation and non-stop loop recording, letting you capture songs and ideas as they come and export them as multitrack data to use with your DAW. Flowing seamlessly into every part of your creative world, the FA-08 morphs instantly from a standalone keyboard to become the command center of your computer music studio, with USB audio/MIDI interfacing, powerful real-time controllers, DAW transport controls, and much more.

  • Reimagined music workstation designed to maximize your creative flow
  • 88-note Ivory Feel-G Keyboard provides premium weighted-action performance in a lightweight design that’s easy to transport
  • Over 2000 sounds from the flagship INTEGRA-7 sound module, including SuperNATURAL synth and acoustic tones and drums; add even more tones via internal wave sound expansion slots
  • SuperNATURAL synth engine is fully compatible with the expansive collection of free INTEGRA-7 synth tones available from Roland’s Axial sound library site
  • 16-track sequencer with non-stop loop recording makes it easy to build songs quickly; export your sequencer tracks to an SDHC card as a complete stereo mix, or as multitrack audio or MIDI data for use in your DAW
  • Onboard sampler based on the SP-404SX features 16 pads x 4 banks and direct recording/playback via SDHC cards
  • Polish your sounds with a multitude of studio-quality effects, including 16 independent MFX engines, six COMP+EQ processors for drums, unique TFX (total effects), and global EQ, chorus, and reverb
  • Tweak tones, effects, and external MIDI devices in real time with six user-assignable Sound Modify knobs
  • Intuitive, streamlined interface with large color LCD
  • Press one button to instantly configure the FA-08 for use with your DAW via USB
  • D-Beam, Rhythm Pattern, Arpeggiator, and Chord Memory functions to expand your creative palette
  • Guitar/Mic and Line input jacks for performing, sampling, and DAW audio recording; dedicated input reverb provides ambience for performing/recording
  • USB ports for sound expansion data, updates, and audio/MIDI interfacing with a computer; MIDI communication with the iPad is possible when using Apple’s iPad Camera Connection Kit

Taking the “Work” Out of the Music Workstation

More Info

No Work, All Play

Music workstations play an important role for keyboardists in a wide range of creative activities, from live performance to song development to production in the studio. However, they can often be complicated and difficult to use to their full potential, bogging down the creative process and inhibiting the flow of ideas. In developing the FA series, Roland has completely reimagined the music workstation to provide musicians an inspiring platform that’s extremely powerful and versatile, yet simple and intuitive at the same time. With a streamlined interface and focused, practical features that maximize your creative flow, the FA series allows you to experience newfound freedom to deeply explore and develop your musical ideas with less effort than ever before.

Perform and Record with a Massive Selection of Roland’s Very Best Sounds

The true measure of any music workstation lies with the quality and diversity of its sounds. Filled with over 2000 tones directly inherited from the INTEGRA-7, Roland’s flagship pro sound module, the FA series truly delivers in this area and then some. All of the INTEGRA-7’s SuperNATURAL synth and XV-5080 PCM tones are onboard, plus an essential collection of ultra-expressive SuperNATURAL acoustic tones that includes pianos, organs, drums, bass, strings, and more. The FA-08’s sound engine is fully compatible with the large, growing collection of INTEGRA-7 synth tones available as free downloads from Roland’s Axial sound library site, and it’s also possible to expand the onboard sound set with FA-series wave sound expansion collections.

Capture Ideas and Create Songs Without Interruption

Simple yet powerful, the FA-08’s intuitive 16-track sequencer has been designed to let you capture your inspiration as it happens—recording is always just a simple button press away, ensuring that you’ll never lose an idea. In a flash, you can build a full arrangement with the FA-08’s huge array of sounds, and with continuous recording in loop mode, you’re able to fill up all 16 tracks without ever stopping! In addition to real-time capture, step recording is also possible, and you have complete control to edit and mix your tracks as you go and save your song to an SDHC card as a stereo audio file. It’s also possible to export your tracks as individual WAV audio files and/or MIDI data for further development in your DAW, making the FA-08 a powerful sketchpad for capturing initial sparks that will form the basis for your full-scale computer music productions.

Seamless Hardware Integration with Your DAW

In addition to standalone use as a performance instrument and composing workstation, the FA-08 transitions into your computer-based music production world with ease. A simple press of the dedicated DAW Control button instantly sets up the FA-08 to communicate with your computer via USB*, letting you use the keyboard and knobs to send MIDI data to your DAW for playing software synths, controlling plug-in effects, and more. The FA-08 also includes control maps for popular DAWs, providing a quick and easy setup to control transport functions and more in your specific software. You can even use the FA-08 as a USB audio interface to record a variety of different sources directly into your DAW, including a mic, guitar, or stereo line level device connected to the FA-08’s rear-panel input jacks, and you can capture the FA-08’s internal sounds and sampler playback as well. Sound output is also supported, allowing you to monitor the DAW output through the stereo output and headphones jacks on the FA-08.

Instant-Access Performance Sampler Onboard

Based on Roland’s mega-popular SP-404SX, the sampler in the FA series features fun, fast, hands-on operation and sampling/playback via convenient SDHC cards. You can play audio samples directly from the 16 pads on the FA-08 panel, making it easy to expand your performances with loops, backing tracks, one-shots, vocal phrases, sound FX, and more. Thanks to SDHC flash memory, your samples load instantly with no wait time, and you can use the four pad banks and clipboard function to rearrange your samples as needed for any performance. It’s super-easy to sample the FA-08’s own sounds or external sources via the Mic/Guitar and Line inputs, and you can even play WAV, AIFF, or MP3 samples that you’ve transferred from your computer. A variety of editing features allow you to tweak your samples to taste, including quick adjustment of playback position and level. In addition to sample triggering, the pads can be used for numerous functions such as muting parts, entering numeric values in the display, and more.

Enhance Your Sounds with a Wide Range of Simultaneous Effects

With its large selection of pro effects, the FA-08 provides numerous options for polishing your sounds and sequencer tracks to studio-level perfection. Independent MFX engines are available for all 16 parts of a Studio Set, giving you an enormous level of sound shaping for both live playing and song mixing. Each MFX engine contains 67 different effects types to choose from, with an additional option of a vocoder when MFX are used with Part 1. Six separate COMP+EQ processors are dedicated for individual drum sounds, while global EQ, chorus, and reverb are on tap to add a finishing touch to any of your parts as needed. With the unique TFX (total effects), you also have the ability to process the entire output of the FA-08 with dramatic effects such as DJ FX Looper, Isolator, and many others. All the effects can be tweaked in real time via the Sound Modify knobs, making it simple to enhance your keyboard playing, sampling, and sequencer tracks with dynamic sonic textures.

Fast Workflow and Intuitive Real-Time Control

You can feel the speed of this new breed of instrument the moment you hit the power switch—unlike many workstations that can take a minute or more to boot, the FA-08 is ready to play in seconds. The panel is logically organized into dedicated sections, and the large color LCD presents a gorgeous look with inviting hi-res graphics for selecting tones, working with the sequencer, and adjusting various settings. It’s easy to navigate through the FA-08’s large sound selection by category and assign favorites for fast recall, while dedicated buttons deliver instant access to often-used functions such as transpose, octave range, and many others. With six knobs and a powerful yet easy-to-use assignment matrix, the Sound Modify section lets you control a wide range of parameters in real time for maximum expression while performing live and working in the studio.

Light and Mobile Design with 88 Weighted-Action Keys

Incorporating Roland’s most advanced sensor technologies, escapement mechanism, and Ivory Feel features, the FA-08’s 88-note Ivory Feel-G Keyboard delivers inspiring weighted-action performance for all of your musical explorations. Derived from our high-end pianos, this keyboard provides superior touch and sensitivity in an innovative lightweight design that doesn’t compromise authentic playability. This makes the FA-08 much easier to transport than many other 88-note keyboards, something that gigging musicians will greatly appreciate.

Taking the “Work” Out of the Music Workstation

Specs

Keyboard
Keyboard
88 keys (Ivory Feel-G Keyboard with Escapement)
Sound Generator Section
Maximum Polyphony
128 voices (varies according to the sound generator load)
Parts
16 parts
Tones
SuperNATURAL Acoustic
SuperNATURAL Synth
SuperNATURAL Drum Kit
PCM Synth
PCM Drum Kit

* GM2 compatible sounds are included.
Wave Expansion Slots
2 slots
* The wave expansion slots are rewritable internal waveform memory. You can download data from the Axial sound library site and write it via a USB flash drive into the FA's internal wave memory (slot).
Favorite
Yes
Effects
Multi-Effects: 16 systems, 68 types (Vocoder can be used only on part 1.)
Part EQ: 16 systems
Drum Part COMP+EQ: 6 systems
Chorus: 3 types
Reverb: 6 types
Master Compressor (This can be changed to Insert FX (78 types).)
Master EQ
Total Effects (TFX): 29 types
Mic Input Reverb: 8 types
Sequencer
MIDI Tracks
16
File format
Original, SMF export/import supported, WAV export supported

* Sampler trigger data can be recorded.
Sampler
Format
16-bit linear, 44.1 kHz, WAV/AIFF/MP3 import supported
Maximum Polyphony
8
Number of Samples
16 Pads x 4 Banks (for each song)

* Samples cannot be used as wave data for the sound engine.
Other
Rhythm Pattern
Yes
Arpeggio
Yes
Chord Memory
Yes
Controllers
D-BEAM Controller
Pitch Bend/Modulation Lever
Assignable Switch x 2 (S1/S2)
Control Knob x 6
Sample Pad
Tempo Knob
Display
5-inch Graphic Color LCD
External Memory
SD Card (SDHC supported)
Connectors
Headphones Jack: Stereo 1/4-inch phone type
MAIN Output Jacks (L/MONO, R): 1/4-inch TRS phone type
Sub Output Jack: Stereo 1/4-inch phone type
AUDIO INPUT Jacks
LINE: Stereo miniature phone type
GUITAR/MIC: 1/4-inch phone type
FOOT PEDAL Jacks (CTRL 1, CTRL 2, HOLD)
MIDI Connectors (IN, OUT)
USB FOR UPDATE Port
USB COMPUTER Port (USB Hi-Speed AUDIO/MIDI)
(Use a USB cable and a computer with a USB port that support USB 2.0 Hi-Speed.)
DC IN Jack
Power Supply
AC Adaptor
Current draw
1,300 mA
Accessories
Quick Start
Leaflet "USING THE UNIT SAFELY"
SD Card (installed in the product when shipped from the factory)
SD Card Protector (installed in the product when shipped from the factory)
AC Adaptor
Power Cord
Options (sold separately)
Keyboard Stand (*1): KS-G8, KS-G8B, KS-18Z, KS-12, KS-J8
Pedal Switch: DP series
Expression Pedal: EV-5
USB Flash Memory (*2)
Wireless USB Adapter: WNA1100-RL

*1 When using the KS-18Z and KS-J8, ensure that the height of the unit is one meter or lower.
*2 Use USB Flash Memory (supports USB 2.0 Hi-Speed Flash Memory) sold by Roland. We cannot guarantee operation if other products are used.
Size and Weight
Width
1415 mm
55-3/4 inches
Depth
340 mm
13-7/16 inches
Height
142 mm
5-10/16 inches
Weight
16.5 kg
36 lbs. 7 oz.

Accessories

KS-G8

Keyboard Stand

KS-G8

A solid, stylish stand for keyboards such as Roland’s Fantom-G8, RD-700GX, and RD-300GX.

Click for Details

KS-G8B

Keyboard Stand

KS-G8B

Sleek and sturdy keyboard stand designed for 88-note keyboards and digital stage pianos.

Click for Details

KS-18Z

Keyboard Stand

KS-18Z

The KS-18Z keyboard stand is attractive, easy to transport, and sturdy enough to hold even the heaviest 88-key keyboard securely.

Click for Details

KS-J8

Keyboard Stand

KS-J8

This premium multipurpose keyboard stand constructed of aluminum and iron is a perfect match for the JUPITER-80.

Click for Details

KS-12

Keyboard Stand

KS-12

A portable, sturdy keyboard stand that can hold the heaviest 76-key keyboards securely.

Click for Details

M-UF2G

2 GB USB Flash Memory

M-UF2G

High-quality 2GB USB memory key that’s compatible with the high-speed USB (USB 2.0) specification.

Click for Details

WNA-150

Wireless USB Adapter

WNA-150

Compact wireless USB adapter that supports a variety of Roland electronic musical instruments to communicate fluidly with iPhone/iPad/Android.

Click for Details

DP-10

Damper Pedal

DP-10

This well-built, real-feel pedal comes with a non-slip rubber plate — essential when performing on hardwood or slip-prone surfaces — and an extended cable (2.2m) for stacked multi-keyboard setups.

Click for Details

DP-8

Damper Pedal

DP-8

A high-quality damper pedal with expressive half-pedal capabilities.

Click for Details

DP-2

Damper Pedal

DP-2

Momentary footswitch for use with keyboards and recording products.

Click for Details

KC-880

Stereo Mixing Keyboard Amplifier

KC-880

A portable keyboard amplifier featuring five channels of stereo input, 320 watts of power and Roland’s famous DSP effects — perfect for keyboards, vocals, and more.

Click for Details

KC-550

4-Ch Mixing Keyboard Amplifier

KC-550

This flagship keyboard amp boasts 180 watts of powerful sound via a 15-inch speaker and horn tweeter.

Click for Details

KC-350

4-Ch Mixing Keyboard Amplifier

KC-350

The perfect combination of power and value, the new KC-350 is ideal for medium-sized gigs.

Click for Details

KC-150

4-Ch Mixing Keyboard Amplifier

KC-150

The KC-150 is a compact 65-watt amp with 4-channel capability including Auxiliary and Microphone inputs.

Click for Details

KC-110

Stereo Keyboard Amplifier

KC-110

Battery-powered stereo keyboard amplifier with high-quality digital effects built in.

Click for Details

KC-60

Keyboard Amplifier

KC-60

The KC-60 brings renowned KC-Series sound quality to an even lower price.

Click for Details

BA-330

Stereo Portable Amplifier

BA-330

The ideal, all-in-one portable PA solution for small music venues, worship events, conferences, seminars, business meetings, and much more.

Click for Details

SA-300

Stage Amplifier

SA-300

The versatile SA-300 is built to handle any type of audio source you plug into it: microphones, rhythm machines, keyboards, CD players, etc.

Click for Details

MOBILE CUBE

Battery-Powered Stereo Amplifier

MOBILE CUBE

Portable CUBE amp with connections for microphones, guitars, keyboards, drum machines, MP3 players, and more.

Click for Details

RH-A7

Monitor Headphones

RH-A7

Comfortable and lightweight open-air headphones optimized for digital pianos.

Click for Details

RH-D20

Monitor Headphones

RH-D20

Light and comfortable headphones with 40mm drivers and rotating earpieces.

Click for Details

RH-D30

Monitor Headphones

RH-D30

Light and comfortable headphones with 45mm drivers and rotating earpieces.

Click for Details

RH-200S

Stereo Headphones

RH-200S

Offer the clarity, sonic accuracy, and comfort needed for mixing and silent practice.

Click for Details

RH-5

Headphones

RH-5

RH-5 headphones are perfect for electronic musical instruments such as Roland’s digital pianos and V-Drums.

Click for Details

RH-iE3

In-Ear Headphones

RH-iE3

Attractive in-ear headphones with deeper bass and extended frequency performance.

Click for Details

RH-ED1

In-Ear Headphones

RH-ED1

The RH-ED1 in-ear headphones offer comfortable, detailed monitoring during recording and playback.

Click for Details

RH-50

Stereo Headphones

RH-50

Professional studio headphones with exceptional low frequency response.

Click for Details

Support

If you have questions about operating your Roland, BOSS or Cakewalk product, please check our Knowledge Base for answers to the most common questions.

You can also contact our Product Support department by phone or email.

In addition, we have a library of Support Documents that you can download and reference. If Support Documents are available for this product, they will be listed below.

Support Documents

FA-08/FA-06 Catalog
FA-08/FA-06 Brochure

Newsletter Sign-up

Sign-up for Roland’s The Educator
educational e-newsletter.

Award-Winning Support

Roland offers free, award-winning product support for all of its products. »

Contact Us

Email

rolandmusiced@rolandus.com

Phone

323-890-3700

Mailing Address

Roland Corp. US
5100 S. Eastern Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90040-2938