Install Free Expansions on your FA06 Workstation

One of the great things about the Roland FA series workstations is that you can download free expansion packs from the Roland Axial website. Here’s a how to guide on how to get those expansions and patches off of the Roland website and onto your Roland FA06 or FA08 keyboard.

Step 1: Download the Expansion Packs

  1. Download one or two of the expansion packs here.
  2. Unzip the file you just downloaded and copy the .BIN file to the root level of a compatible USB stick.

The file should be named something like EX04.BIN. It will be the biggest file in the zip. If you’re looking for a compatible USB stick here’s the one that I use Sandisk Cruzer 32GB  FA06 Compatibble USB Stick on Amazon.

Step 2: Boot the Roland FA06 in WAVE UPDATE MODE

  1. Turn off your FA06/FA08.
  2. Plug in your USB stick with the expansion packs on the root level.
  3. Hold down the PREVIEW button while turning on the keyboard power to enter wave update mode. Hold the preview button until you see the screen change to WAVE UPDATE MODE.

Step 3: Install the Expansions Into Your FA06

  1. The prompt will now say “Please select a file for slot 1“.
  2. There should also be a list of available files numbered from 01 and up.
  3. Press the corresponding SAMPLE PAD to select which file to load into slot 1.
    1. If you want to skip slot 1 press the EXIT button and it will jump to slot 2.
  4. The prompt will now say “Please select a file for slot 2“.
  5. Use your SAMPLE PADS to select a file for slot 2 or press EXIT to skip slot 2.
  6. Then press ENTER to confirm (or EXIT to cancel)
  7. The prompt will say “Writing…” and should take a minute to load.
  8. When the prompt says “Complete.” turn the keyboard POWER off and turn it back on.

To find the tones you just loaded, unlock any studio set and scroll down to type. You should be able to change the type to the name of the expansion you just loaded (ie: EX04) then cycle through all of your new patches.

Products Used:

Video Demonstration on How to Load Expansions on your FA06 Keyboard

How To Import Samples Into Your Roland FA06 / FA08 Sample Pads

IMG_20150411_132018One of the first things I wanted to do when I unboxed my new Roland FA06 was import some fresh samples and try out those sample pads! Here’s a quick start guide on how to import samples into your FA06 sample pads. (The video that follows is me importing a couple of  samples into my FA06)

Step 1: Copy Samples Onto Your SD Card

If you haven’t already, first remove the protector that covers the SD card on the back of your keyboard. You’ll need a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws. Set the plate aside and press inwards on the SD card to release it. Then slide it out. Put your SD card into an SD card reader (Here’s the one I use on Amazon: FA06 SD Card Reader). Copy you WAV or MP3 samples into the IMPORT folder on your FA06 SD card. Now you can remove your SD card from the computer and put it back into the FA06. I don’t think you have to power down to put the card back into the FA06. I didn’t and it worked fine.

Step 2: Load Your Samples From the SD Card to Your FA06 Sample Pads

  1. Press the SAMPLE button to the left of the sample pads.
  2. Hold SHIFT and press the SAMPLE IMPORT soft key (#5).
  3. Use the CURSOR buttons to highlight the sample that you would like to import and click SELECT.
  4. Use the CURSOR buttons to select the pad that you would like to drop the  sample on and press the EXECUTE soft key (#7).
  5. Click OK.

The FA06 will convert the file to Roland format and the sample pad that you selected during the import will now be glowing red and ready to use!  Products Used:

Here’s My Video Demonstration on How to Load Samples On Your Roland FA06

If you have any questions, please leave me a comment!

Roland FA-06 / FA-08 User Group

UPDATE: Check out Amazon’s new low price on the FA-06!!

Hey everyone,

The Roland FA-06 / FA-08 User Group was started to provide a dedicated communication channel for users of the Roland FA workstation. I’m an owner of the keyboard and thought it would be cool to chat with  other owners about patches, technical stuff and other stuff about the board.

Let’s  make this  a valuable resource for new and seasoned users of this keyboard. Sign up, and create a post about how you use the FA-06 or 08.  Whether you use it live, for the studio  or just for home use I wantot hear about it.

Let’s help everyone make the most out of this keyboard!