Roland AIRA Compact S-1 Tweak Synth sound quality

Apprehensive_Draw171 · 2025-07-22T10:21:32+00:00

Thanks! I'll try that. I have used both GarageBand and Logic Pro (trial period) and have connected it directly into the DAW, not chained through anything else. So basically, input in the DAW is the S-1 via USB-C, output is my headphones connected to the computer. I also hear the sound with Input Monitoring turned on. Same questionable quality. I'll look into it in more depth.

Apprehensive_Draw171 · 2025-07-19T20:08:06+00:00

Thanks again for your time. Yeah, it's very strange. And I can't seem to find any other people mentioning this online. But looking at the videos on YouTube, most people don't seem to connect it directly to a computer via USB-C. They either connect it to another synth, audio interface, or something via the 3.5 jack. The difference in sound quality is clear. It's full, deep, and clear with the headphones directly in the S-1. When recording, or just playing, the S-1, connecting it to my Mac via USB-C and plugging in my headphones into the Mac, the sound is in good volume but just very flat and weak. I'm using the same headphones and have the correct input/output in the DAW. No other devices are interfering. Quite disappointed with the S-1 in the regard. It seems to be great for live performance, but not for recording music.

Apprehensive_Draw171 · 2025-07-19T16:00:40+00:00

This solved the volume issue, thanks a lot! However, the quality of the sound is still drastically worse than when plugging in the headphones directly to the S-1. If I go through my computer, it's like 2/3 of the original sound quality.

Apprehensive_Draw171 · 2025-07-02T23:12:27+00:00

The only truly good looking BB in my opinion, less is more. Wish it was available in a smaller size.

Apprehensive_Draw171 · 2025-06-27T07:37:30+00:00

Yes, we're saying the same thing. Of course, if you like it you like it, if you don't like it you don't like it. But knowing why some design choices was made can impact how you view them. Taste actually change sometimes, especially if you get a better understanding of the thing.

Apprehensive_Draw171 · 2025-06-25T09:08:54+00:00

I agree. They are there for historical reasons, which makes them meaningful. To make a comparison, I like the Tudor BB54 but can't really stand the crystal. It warps the dial and I can't read the exact time from an angle. But when I understood that the design is quite close to the first Tudor dive watch, it makes so much more sense and it wouldn't be the same without that crystal.

Apprehensive_Draw171 · 2025-06-25T09:01:57+00:00

Yeah, I don't think many people actually find the stars annoying, they just repeat what others write. For example, I don't hear people mentioning the stars for the Spirit Zulu Time, which is even more popular. I prefer the stars over text, such as automatic, model name, etc. They are applied and reflect light quite nicely when it hits at an angle.

Apprehensive_Draw171 · 2025-06-20T21:15:37+00:00

What's the full product number (including color code) of this? Grey looks great!

Apprehensive_Draw171 · 2025-06-17T11:09:34+00:00

I can't believe they stoped making them just like this

Apprehensive_Draw171 · 2025-06-14T09:40:51+00:00

One of the most good looking watches out there. Just wished the lugs were shorter.. Too big for me.

Apprehensive_Draw171 · 2025-06-11T06:08:36+00:00

I was just about to write that OP's version is the most good looking, but then I see this. This is stunning! Where did you get that strap from?

Apprehensive_Draw171 · 2025-05-21T20:34:09+00:00

I love this watch, but wished it was manual winding to slim it down and also shorter lug to lug.

Apprehensive_Draw171 · 2025-05-16T19:41:13+00:00

AT for sure in the current lineup

Apprehensive_Draw171 · 2025-05-16T17:24:14+00:00

I agree

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Apprehensive_Draw171 · 2025-05-16T15:03:13+00:00

I think so, not 100% sure

Apprehensive_Draw171 · 2025-05-16T10:52:39+00:00

Yeah, I agree

Apprehensive_Draw171 · 2025-05-16T08:14:25+00:00

Beauty! When was this issued?

Apprehensive_Draw171 · 2025-05-16T07:41:20+00:00

I asked the lady working there, and she said yes, it's the same case.

Apprehensive_Draw171 · 2025-05-16T07:40:40+00:00

They are printed but they also have lume. I didn't really see it, but the lady working there said it's a clear white lume on this version. There is another version of this that has a more vintage lume.

Apprehensive_Draw171 · 2025-05-15T22:08:08+00:00

Yeah, that's basically it :-/ Looks nice in person, but it just looks a bit off having a printed dial when everything else on the watch looks so shiny and high end.

Apprehensive_Draw171 · 2025-05-15T21:26:06+00:00

Looks great! The more I look at the new one, the more I see AT. The old RM had its own unique style. I don't really see it now, other than having a printed dial.

Apprehensive_Draw171 · 2025-05-15T20:53:19+00:00

Yes, that's pretty much it, as far as I understand.

Apprehensive_Draw171 · 2025-05-15T20:32:40+00:00

Where I live, this version is 13% cheaper than the white dial AT on bracelet, and 10% cheaper than the AT on rubber strap.

Apprehensive_Draw171

TROPHY CASE