Theyre cut-down and modified versions of the existingfull-sized AIRA line.
But who, exactly, are these boxes for?
“I was skeptical when my neighbor invited me round to show me his shiny new Volca beats machine.
Roland
It’s for amateurs, I thought.
But I was struck by how quick and intuitive it was to use.
It reminded me that making music doesn’t have to be a drawn out intellectual exercise.
Roland
“The Aira range looks more interesting to me, though.
They have retro sounds which could really be useful in a track.”
Compromised
There are three AIRA Compacts so far, costing $199 apiece.
Roland
All the AIRA Compacts have built-in rechargeable batteries, unlike the Volcas, which use AAs.
“[T]heres this assertion that devices like this are great for beginners getting into synths.
Sometimes that way in, for musicians, is a bunch of nice-sounding presets.
These small boxes hide too much away.
And even then, they have no idea how that sound is made.
Lets use the guitar as an analogy.
But you learn it on a normal guitar.
You dont see a two-string guitar with automatic tuning and think, “Thats ideal for beginners.”
Its the same here.
Thats not to say they arent fun, or that limitations dont spark creativity.
And in the end, youre only out by $200 if its not for you.
