This page about Roland PMA-5 is a stub. You can help improve it:

Pricing and availability

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Roland PMA-5 is a compact and versatile audio sequencer that caters to DJs, musicians, and producers looking for a portable yet powerful music creation tool. With its sleek, handheld design, the PMA-5 offers an intuitive interface for crafting intricate sequences and compositions on the go. The device is renowned for its built-in sound engine, which provides a rich palette of tones suitable for various genres, from electronic to acoustic.

Equipped with a user-friendly touchscreen, the PMA-5 allows for seamless navigation through its comprehensive set of features, making it ideal for both novice and seasoned musicians. The sequencer includes a wide array of preset patterns and rhythms, offering a solid foundation for your creative endeavors. Moreover, its MIDI compatibility ensures easy integration with other devices and software, expanding your musical possibilities.

Whether you're sketching out new ideas or performing live, the Roland PMA-5 provides the flexibility and sound quality you need. Its battery-operated functionality ensures that your creativity isn’t bound by cables or power outlets, making it an essential companion for music creation anywhere.

Key Features:

  • Built-in sound engine with a diverse range of tones
  • Intuitive touchscreen interface
  • Extensive library of preset patterns and rhythms
  • MIDI compatibility for seamless integration
  • Portable, battery-operated design for creativity on the go
  • Ideal for DJs, musicians, and producers seeking versatile music creation tools

FAQs

What are the main features of the Roland PMA-5 audio sequencer?

The Roland PMA-5 is a portable MIDI sequencer with a touch screen interface, built-in GM/GS sound module, and a wide variety of preset patterns. It allows musicians to compose and arrange music on the go.

How does the Roland PMA-5 integrate with other MIDI devices?

The PMA-5 can connect to other MIDI devices via its MIDI In/Out ports, allowing users to control external sound modules or integrate with other MIDI-compatible equipment for expanded music production capabilities.

Is the Roland PMA-5 suitable for live performances?

While primarily designed for portable music composition, the Roland PMA-5 can be used in live settings for triggering sequences and controlling MIDI devices, though its compact size and interface are more geared towards studio and on-the-go use.

Can the Roland PMA-5 be used with modern DAWs?

The PMA-5 can be integrated with modern DAWs via MIDI connections, allowing it to send and receive MIDI data. However, users may need additional interfaces or converters to connect with newer computer systems.

What type of power supply does the Roland PMA-5 require?

The Roland PMA-5 operates on six AA batteries or an optional AC adapter, providing flexibility for portable use or stationary setups.

LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

The Strangest Most Frustrating Music Machine Of The 90's Roland PMA-5

Video thumbnail for The Strangest Most Frustrating Music Machine Of The 90's Roland PMA-5 by LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

The Strangest Most Frustrating Music Machine Of The 90's Roland PMA-5

LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

Video thumbnail for Bad Gear - Roland PMA-5 by AudioPilz

Bad Gear - Roland PMA-5

AudioPilz

AudioPilz

Video thumbnail for ROLAND PMA-5 VIDEO MANUAL / MUZICIAN by Myke Mitchell

ROLAND PMA-5 VIDEO MANUAL / MUZICIAN

Myke Mitchell

Myke Mitchell

Video thumbnail for Roland PMA-5 tutorial - demo of quick rhythm build. by Gearfacts

Roland PMA-5 tutorial - demo of quick rhythm build.

Gearfacts

Gearfacts

Video thumbnail for Roland PMA-5 - "Pocket" touchscreen Sequencer - Mid 1990's era by debuglive

Roland PMA-5 - "Pocket" touchscreen Sequencer - Mid 1990's era

debuglive

debuglive

Video thumbnail for Roland PMA-5. A new demo of this pre-iPad era classic! by Gearfacts

Roland PMA-5. A new demo of this pre-iPad era classic!

Gearfacts

Gearfacts

Video thumbnail for Best module ever? The Roland PMA-5 still sounds good by Gearfacts

Best module ever? The Roland PMA-5 still sounds good

Gearfacts

Gearfacts

Video thumbnail for Using a Roland PMA-5 as a PC synth by Foone Turing

Using a Roland PMA-5 as a PC synth

Foone Turing

Foone Turing

Video thumbnail for ROLAND PMA-5 1996 HQ DEMO by Microesfera

ROLAND PMA-5 1996 HQ DEMO

Microesfera

Microesfera

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland PMA-5.

Features and functionality

  • The PMA-5's MIDI OUT supports sequencing with external gear via its touch keyboard or internal sequencer.

    Source
  • Each of the PMA-5’s 8 tracks can be assigned to different MIDI channels, allowing versatile external device control.

    Source
  • The Roland PMA-5 is praised for its portability, being battery-powered and pocket-sized, ideal for on-the-go MIDI recording without a computer.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners have successfully used the PMA-5 to sequence other synthesizers like the Roland System 1M.

    Source
  • Owners find the PMA-5 useful for capturing spontaneous musical ideas in outdoor settings, similar to an audio recorder but for MIDI data.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The PMA-5 manual contains detailed MIDI setup instructions on pages 89 and 110, though it is extensive at over 150 pages.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The PMA-5 is often compared to Yamaha's QY series (QY70, QY100) for its compact size and MIDI sequencing capabilities.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Roland PMA5

soundonsound.com

The Roland PMA-5 impresses with its innovative design, intuitive interface, and versatility as both a sequencer and a GM/GS sound module. Its touch-sensitive LCD makes navigation easy, although the lack of backlighting can be a drawback in low light. While the stylus interface and sound quality are generally well-received, some preset Styles lack authenticity. Overall, the PMA-5 is a valuable tool for musicians on the move, offering good value for its features, despite minor usability quirks.

positive

Test Drive: The Roland PMA-5 Personal Music Assistant - Radio And Production

rapmag.com

Roland's PMA-5 Personal Music Assistant tackles the challenge of composing on the go with its pen-computing interface and robust feature set. It offers a wide range of musical styles and a handy 8-track sequencer, making it versatile for creating custom music beds. The device is both portable and durable, surviving accidental drops—though it's not recommended to test this yourself. However, the reliance on an LCD pen interface may not suit everyone, especially those accustomed to traditional instruments. Overall, the PMA-5 stands out as a flexible tool for musicians looking to experiment with different genres and compose music efficiently.

positive

4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 7 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Autechre uses Roland PMA-5

Autechre

Music Producer

...
Verified via Mikebaas

Autechre uses this sequencer

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Roland PMA-5, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Yamaha NS10 Studio Monitor
Yamaha NS10 Studio Monitor Active & Passive Monitors
1
Yamaha FS1R
Yamaha FS1R Synthesizers & Sound Modules
1
Boss RDD-10
Boss RDD-10 Effects Processors
1
Boss RSD-10
Boss RSD-10 Effects Processors
1
Miny Portable Tape Recorder
Miny Portable Tape Recorder Studio Recording Gear
1
HHB CDR850 Plus
HHB CDR850 Plus CD Recorders & Duplicators
1
RME Hammerfall ADI-8 Pro
RME Hammerfall ADI-8 Pro A-D & D-A Converters
1

More Roland Audio Sequencers

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides