English Before using this unit, carefully read “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (leaflet

et “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and Owner’s Manual.)

After reading, keep the document(s) including those sections where it will be available for immediate reference.
CONTROLLER + GENERATOR Owner’s Manual Copyright © 2015 ROLAND CORPORATION

Introduction Using SEQ Mode System Settings

The A-01 is a MIDI controller with two ribbon controllers and four rotary encoders. You can assign any MIDI messages to these controllers, and use them to control your DAW or external MIDI device. In addition, SEQ mode contains settings for the entire pattern (16 steps) and settings for each individual step. Here’s how to make system settings for the A-01 and MIDI-related settings.
the A-01 contains an 8-bit CPU sound module and a step sequencer, allowing you to also use it as a stand-alone synthesizer.
The A-01 also supports the Bluetooth® Smart standard, and can wirelessly exchange MIDI data with a mobile device such as a tablet or smartphone.
Select a bank Play/stop 1. Press the [MENU] button. 3. When you have finished making settings,
press the [MENU] button to return to the
2. Use the [H][I] buttons to select a parameter,
and use the [DEC] / [INC] buttons to specify original mode.
a value.
Panel Descriptions Switching the Mode (CONTROLLER / SYNTH / SEQ) Step operations Parameter list
77Top panel The A-01 has three modes: CONTROLLER, SYNTH, and Switching between modes SYSTEM parameter Value Explanation
SEQ. Press the [MODE] button to switch between these
modes. CONTROLLER SYNTH SEQ Master Tune -64–63 Species the master tuning.
Specifies the basic tempo. If synchronization (slave) is disabled, the
tempo of the pattern will be the value that you specify here.
Playing/stopping the pattern System Tempo 40-240
77CONTROLLER Mode ** When you change this value, the tempo of the currently-recalled
To play the pattern, press the [s] button. To stop the pattern, press the [s] button once again. pattern also changes.
In CONTROLLER mode you use the two ribbon controllers (C1, C2) and four encoders to control your
LCD Contrast 1–10 Adjusts the brightness of the display.
MIDI equipment. The assignments of each controller can be saved in buttons [1]–[4].
Settings for the entire pattern Specifies the time after which the power automatically turns off if
4 77SYNTH Mode Auto Off Off, 30 min the unit has not been operated.
1 2 3 1. As shown in the table below, make settings for the entire pattern. * Auto Off does not occur if the unit is USB-connected.
In SYNTH mode you can create sound by editing the settings of the oscillator, filter, envelope, and
Parameter Explanation Controller Off, 3 sec, Specifies the time after which the display is dimmed if the unit has
1 Ribbon controllers (C1, C2) 3 Rotary encoders (R1–R4) LFO. You can save up to 16 of the sounds (tones) that you create (8 tones x 2 banks). Eco Mode
10 sec, 1 min not been operated.
Step Specifies the number of steps (1–16). Encoder (R1)
These are touch-type controllers. Use these to control external devices. 77SEQ (Step Sequencer) Mode Shuffle Adjusts the rhythmic swing of the notes. Encoder (R2) Bluetooth LE Off, On Turns Bluetooth communication on/off.
** From the left, they are numbered C1 and C2. (Subsequently, we’ll call these “encoders.”) Bluetooth LE Name Off, 1–9 Specifies the name that is displayed for the Bluetooth device.
The A-01 operates as a 16-step step sequencer, allowing you to view and edit the steps in four Specifies the playback order of the steps.
** From the left, they are numbered R1, R2, R3, Specifies the velocity value that is transmitted when you play the
blocks each containing four steps.
and R4. Normal Normal (default) Odd-numbered only keyboard.
O0E
Invert even/ odd- 0Even-numbered only
2 Operation buttons 4 Bluetooth LED Step Order EvenOdd Encoder (R3) The transmitted velocity corresponds to the force with which you
numbered Even-numbered only Key Velocity Touch
E0O play the key.
Use these to make settings for the A-01. This LED is lit blue when a Bluetooth connection Odd Odd-numbered only 0Odd-numbered only
is enabled. Using CONTROLLER Mode Even Even-numbered only Random Random 1–127
A fixed velocity is always transmitted, regardless of the force with
which you play the key.

77Rear panel In CONTROLLER mode, the A-01 performs the functions that are printed above each operation button. Specifies the tempo (40–240 bpm) of the pattern. Specifies the keyboard touch.
Tempo Encoder (R4)
Editing the settings ** The [MENU] button blinks at the specified tempo. Velo Curve
Light The keyboard feels light.
Normal The keyboard feels normal.
Specifies the same note duration for all steps.
To edit the settings, use the [C] [A] [=] [?] buttons Ribbon Heavy The keyboard feels heavy.
to move to an item, and use the [INC] [DEC] buttons to Gate Time ** It is not possible to enter a tie in the overall settings. To enter a tie, controller (C2) Auto The tempo automatically synchronizes to MIDI clock (default).
5 6 7 8 9 10 edit the parameter. make settings for each individual step.
MIDI Clock The tempo specified on the A-01 unit is used. Choose the “Internal”
Select one of the 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Internal
[32] setting if you don’t want to synchronize to an external device.
The parameter you’re editing following four as the [INC], [DEC]
5 [POWER] switch 8 PHONES jack [16] CV Scale -63–+63 Adjusts the output scale of the CV signal.
Recalling and saving a patch Scale note length value of
[16T] button
Turns the power on/off. Connect your headphones here. each step. CV Fine Tune -100–+100 Applies a fine adjustment to the output voltage of the CV signal.
[8T]
You can recall or save controller settings for the patch as follows. Up to 16 sets of patches (4 patches × 4 Specifies the note number (in steps of an octave) for which the
** Before turning the unit on/off, always be 9 CV OUT jack, GATE OUT jack CV Ref Note C0–C4
banks) can be saved. Inputs the “Rest“ or “Skip“ to all blank steps. output of the CV OUT jack will be 0 V.
sure to turn the volume down. Even with
MIDI messages from the A-01 or from an external Transmits controller settings, tones, and
the volume turned down, you might hear Off Step Rest: Hold down a [1]–[4] button and press [C] button. —
device are converted to single-note CV/GATE 1. Hold down the [?] button and use the [1]–[4] buttons to select a bank. Bulk Dump
Execute, Cancel patterns via MIDI.
Execute: [4] button
some sound when switching the unit on/off. Skip: Hold down a [1]–[4] button and press [A] button. Cancel: [DEC] button
signals and output from these jacks. 2. Press one of the [1]–[4] buttons to recall a patch. If you long-press a button, the current settings Factory Reset Resets the unit to the factory-set state.
However, this is normal and does not indicate
are saved in that number.
a malfunction.
CAUTION ** When you save the settings, the previously-saved settings are overwritten by the newly-saved
Creating a pattern: Inputting and editing steps
6 Micro USB port Take care not to connect these jacks to your settings.
1. Use the [C][A] buttons to select the block that you want to input. PATCH parameter Value Explanation
Connect this to your computer so that MIDI data headphones or earphones. Doing so will cause
Bank Select MSB 0–127 Specifies the bank select MSB value.
can be transferred. malfunctions. 2. Use the [1]–[4] buttons to enter (turn on/off) each step.
Bank Select LSB 0–127 Specifies the bank select LSB value.
7 [VOLUME] knob ** Enter a tie: Hold down a [1]–[4] button and press [INC] button.
Program Change 1–128 Specifies the program change value.
10 MIDI IN connector, MIDI OUT connector Enter a tie Off: Hold down a [1]–[4] button and press [DEC] button. C1 Hold Off
Adjusts the output of the built-in speakers,
PHONES jack. Connect these to your MIDI equipment to receive Using SYNTH Mode 3. As shown in the table below, specify how each step will sound. C2 Hold On (hold value)
This setting specifies whether the value is held or returned to 0
when you release your finger from a ribbon controller (C1, C2).
or send MIDI messages.
In SYNTH mode, the A-01 performs the functions that are printed below each operation button. Parameter Explanation Editing procedure Selects the scale (such as Chromatic or Major) that is used when
Note Scale 16 Types
using the ribbon controller (C1) to play preview sounds.
Connecting Your Equipment Hold down a [1]–[4] button and
Creating a tone Key Specifies the pitch of the step.
turn the encoder (R1). Seq Tx Ch 1–16
Specifies the channel on which the MIDI messages of SEQ mode
(step sequencer) are transmitted.
Specifies the duration of the note. Hold down a [1]–[4] button and Synth Ctrl Src
1. Press the button corresponding to the item (OSC, FIL, ENV, LFO) that you want to edit. Gate Time ALL, KEYBOARD, Selects the source that plays the synth.
To enter a tie, set this value to 101%. turn the encoder (R2). 16STEPSEQ,
The parameters are displayed. Selects the signal that is output from the CV OUT jack and GATE
CV/GATE Ctrl Src MIDI ch 1–16
Hold down a [1]–[4] button and OUT jack.
Button or encoder corresponding to the parameter for each item Cutoff Specifies the cutoff frequency of the low pass filter.
turn the encoder (R3). Applies a portamento effect to the CV signal.
S1 S2 S3 S4 R1 R2 R3 R4 Emphasizes the overtone components in the region of Hold down a [1]–[4] button and Off Portamento is not applied.
Resonance CV Portamento SW
Portamento the low pass filter’s cutoff frequency. turn the encoder (R4). Always Portamento is always applied.
OSC Saw Square PWM Noise PW Portamento Octave
Time While holding down one of the Legato Portamento is applied only when you play legato.
Envelope Velocity Specifies the strength (velocity) of the note. [1]–[4] buttons, press the [I] Specifies the time of the portamento effect that is applied to the CV
FIL Type1 Type2 Type3 OFF Cutoff Resonance LFO Mod button and turn encoder (R1). CV Portamento Time 1–127
Mod signal. Higher values make the portamento apply more slowly.
ENV Envelope Gate — — Attack Decay Sustain Release CV Pitch Bend Range 1–12 Specifies the range of pitch bend in semitone units.
4. Repeat steps 1–3 to create your pattern.
LFO Sine Square Saw Random LFO Mod LFO Rate LFO PWM (Zoom) SysEX 1
* PWM: Pulse Width Modulation, Mod: Modulation Recalling or saving a pattern SysEX 2 Type: Specify the system exclusive messages that are assigned to the
SysEX 3 Roland, Normal ribbon controllers (C1, C2) or encoders (R1–R4).
Here’s how to recall or save a pattern.
By using the A-01 in conjunction with 2. To edit a parameter, operate the button (S1–S4) or encoder (R1–R4) corresponding to that SysEX 4
the separately sold K-25m keyboard parameter. 1. Use the [BANK 1] [BANK 2] buttons to select a bank.
unit, you can use it as a synthesizer ** Parameters that are assigned to the buttons (S1–S4) allow you to select one choice.
equipped with a keyboard.
2. Press one of the [OSC], [FIL], [ENV], [LFO], or [S1]–[S4] buttons to recall a pattern. By long-pressing
** In LFO, the Zoom parameter lets you change the magnification of the audio waveform. a button, you can save the pattern.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to create your tone.
** When you save a pattern, the newly-saved pattern overwrites the previously-saved pattern.
Connecting a computer
Recalling or saving a tone Important Notes
1. Using a commercially available USB cable (A-micro B-type), connect the A-01 to your computer
Here’s how to recall or save a tone.
Main Specifications Roland A-01: CONTROLLER + GENERATOR The A-01 operates on batteries or on USB bus power. If using the unit on batteries, install four AA
and turn on the power of the A-01.
CONTROLLER mode: 300 (W) x 128 (D) x 46 (H) mm batteries, ensuring that the batteries are oriented correctly.
2. Start the DAW or sequencer software that you’re using, and specify the A-01 as the MIDI device. 1. Use the [BANK 1], [BANK 2] buttons to select a bank.
16 patches (4 patches x 4 banks) Dimensions 11-13/16 (W) x 5-1/16 (D) x 1-13/16 (H)
2. Press one of the [OSC], [FIL], [ENV], [LFO], or [S1]–[S4] buttons to recall a tone. By long-pressing a SYNTH mode: * When the batteries run low, the LED at the top of ribbon controller (C1) blinks. Please install new
Connecting a tablet button, you can save the tone. Memory
16 tones (8 tones x 2 banks)
inches
batteries.
950 g (including batteries)
You’ll use the Bluetooth function to connect the A-01 to your tablet. ** When you save a tone, the newly-saved tone overwrites the previously-saved tone. SEQ mode: Weight ** If you handle batteries improperly, you risk explosion and fluid leakage.
16 patterns (8 patterns x 2banks) 2 lbs 2 oz
* This unit is equipped with a protection circuit. A brief interval (a few seconds) after turning the
1. Power-on the A-01, and place your tablet nearby. Performing Rechargeable Ni-MH battery (AA, Owner’s Manual, Leaflet “USING THE
unit on is required before it will operate normally.
Power Accessories UNIT SAFELY,” Alkaline battery (AA,
2. Enable the Bluetooth function of your tablet, and in the list of detected devices, choose “Roland Supply
HR6) x 4, Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x
LR6) x 4 * The power to this unit will be turned off automatically after a predetermined amount of time has
So that you can perform using the separately sold K-25m keyboard unit, the default settings assign 4, USB bus power
A-01.” passed since it was last used for playing music, or its buttons or controls were operated (Auto Off
pitch bend to ribbon controller (C1) and modulation to ribbon controller (C2). By pressing the [s] Options
When the connection is established, the A-01’s Bluetooth LED is lit. Current function). If you do not want the power to be turned off automatically, disengage the Auto Off
button you can play back the step sequencer. 500 mA (USB bus power) (sold Keyboard unit: K-25m
Draw function.
3. Start the app that you’re using, and specify the A-01 as the Bluetooth MIDI device. separately)
• Any settings that you are in the process of editing will be lost when the power is turned off. If
* In the interest of product improvement, the specifications and/or appearance of this unit are subject to change you have any settings that you want to keep, you should save them beforehand.
without prior notice. • To restore power, turn the power on again.