Lots of Roland’s latest devices, that are not simply rehashes of basic gear, take an “every little thing and the kitchen sink” method. Sampling and drum synthesis? Why not. Presets numbering within the hundreds — plural? In fact! A devoted vocal impact part and phantom energy for operating a condenser mic? Could be foolish to not. The SH-4d follows the identical fundamental system, it has principally any characteristic you possibly can need, and few you marvel who would need them, however sticks it in a field centered synthesis and sound design (principally).
Not like most of Roland’s newer fare although, the SH-4d has loads of hands-on controls. There is a full two octave keyboard, 16-step sequencer buttons, 4 faders and 32 knobs. It even has movement controls for some motive — You may truly decide up the synth and tilt it to alter parameters. I am unsure what the enchantment of that’s, however you already know what, I am simply glad to see Roland including controls as a substitute of stripping again extra.
Beneath the hood is a strong sound engine with 11 oscillator varieties, starting from emulations of basic analog sounds from Juno-106 and SH-101, to metallic FM tones, PCM samples and 31 completely different wavetables. There is a multi-mode filter, an amp envelope, and LFO and a multi-effects engine with 93 completely different choices, together with 9 reverb varieties and 5 choruses. The 128 x 64 LED display screen is not the sharpest, nevertheless it’s positively an enchancment on the considerably archaic seeming shows on the Verselab and TR-6S
Based mostly on the demo clips, it looks like the instrument is leaning closely into Roland’s legacy as a cornerstone of techno, home and different digital dance music. But it surely’s it would doubtless be versatile sufficient to work for different genres as properly. So long as you are pairing it with different devices.
However the SH-4d does not cease at sound design. There’s additionally a 5 monitor, 64-step polyphonic sequencer with movement recording and three completely different playback modes. The primary 4 tracks can management any of the 11 oscillator fashions, The fifth is a devoted rhythm monitor that may play again a collection of 439 completely different samples and digital analog waves.
The sequencer and rhythm part flip the SH-4d into extra of a groovebox than a synth, which has type of been Roland’s specialty over these previous few yr. However its interface positively screams synthesizer, which is a welcome change from the menu-divey affairs the corporate has been pumping out just lately.
At practically 4 kilos and over a foot extensive, to not point out virtually eight inches deep, the SH-4d is not tremendous transportable, however it may be powered 4 AA batteries none the much less. It’s also possible to energy it with a regular USB-C charger such as you would possibly use on your cellphone, which is good. Plus, not less than you already know it will not eat up an excessive amount of desk area. The Roland SH-4d might be arriving someday in March for $650.
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