Device Overview

A-01 CONTROLLER + GENERATOR

The Roland A-01 is a unique dual-purpose device in the Boutique series that combines MIDI control capabilities with an 8-bit sound generator. It features two ribbon controllers and four rotary encoders that can be assigned to various MIDI functions, plus a built-in sound engine and 16-step sequencer.

Key Features

• Compact MIDI controller with two ribbon controllers and four rotary encoders
• Built-in 8-bit CPU sound module
• 16-step sequencer with motion recording
• CV/Gate outputs for controlling analog synthesizers
• Bluetooth MIDI capability for wireless control of mobile devices
• Compatible with K-25m keyboard unit (sold separately)
• Three operational modes: CONTROLLER, SYNTH, and SEQ (sequencer)

Connections

Physical Inputs

• MIDI In (16 channels)

Physical Outputs

• MIDI Out (16 channels)
• CV Out (analog control voltage)
• Gate Out (analog gate signal)
• Phones (1/8” stereo mini jack)

USB Connection

• USB 2.0 Type Micro-B
• 16 MIDI channels

Sound Generator

The A-01 includes a built-in 8-bit synthesizer with the following characteristics:

• Single oscillator with sawtooth, square, PWM and noise waveforms
• Low-pass filter with resonance
• Envelope generator (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release)
• LFO with sine, square, saw, and random waveforms
• Built-in memory for 16 tones (8 tones × 2 banks)

Controller Features

The A-01 offers extensive MIDI controller capabilities:

• Two ribbon controllers (C1, C2) can be assigned to various MIDI messages
• Four rotary encoders (R1-R4) for parameter control
• Memorizes up to 16 different controller setups (4 patches × 4 banks)
• System Exclusive (SysEx) message support
• Bluetooth MIDI for wireless control of compatible devices

Step Sequencer

The 16-step sequencer allows for:

• Note entry using step buttons or the optional K-25m keyboard
• Gate time adjustment per step
• Motion recording of parameter changes
• Multiple playback modes (forward, reverse, ping-pong, random)
• Shuffle and scale settings
• Memory for up to 16 patterns (8 patterns × 2 banks)

CV/Gate Integration

The CV/Gate outputs allow the A-01 to interface with analog synthesizers:

• CV Scale and Fine Tune adjustments available
• CV Reference Note selection
• CV Portamento with adjustable time and three trigger modes
• CV Pitch Bend Range setting

Notes

• Part of Roland’s Boutique series of compact controllers and sound modules
• Can operate on batteries (4 × AA) or USB bus power
• Perfect companion for modular or analog setups due to its CV/Gate outputs
• Ideal for mobile music production with its Bluetooth MIDI capabilities
• Can be mounted on the K-25m keyboard unit (sold separately) for traditional playing
• Features a “Fixed Battery Operation Mode” that prevents switching to USB power when connected