Roland SH-4D Synthesizer

Roland SH-4D at a glance

• Groovebox with VA Synthesizer
• 5 Parts multitimbral (4 Synth, 1 Rhythm)
• 60 voices
• Newly developed SH-4D synth engine
• 13 oscillator models (SH-4d, SH-3D, Sync, SH-101, JUNO-106, Cross FM, Ring, Wavetable, Chord, Drawing, PCM Samples, Rhythm, Step, Harmonic)
  
• Multimode filter with drive
• 2x ADSR envelope
• Roland LFO for pitch, filter & amp
  
• Modulation matrix
• Effects: Reverb, Chorus, Delay, Multi FX
• 256 sounds
• Pattern Sequencer with Motion Recording
  
• 128 patterns
  
• pattern chain
• Pattern length up to 64 steps
• Sub Steps, Flam, Probability programmable
• Arpeggiator
• D-Motion (tilt sensor)
• 26 keys mini keyboard
• USB MIDI & Audio
• Clock input
• incl. 4 AA batteries + USB-C to USB-A cable

A universe of sounds

The highlight of the synth engine are the eleven oscillator models, which use in-house classics such as SH-101 and Juno-106, master classic synthesis elements such as sync, cross FM and ring modulation, contain modified mixtures (SH-4d, SH-3D) and also cover modern models such as wavetable, chord, drawing and PCM samples. The solid basic sound is processed with a multimode filter (lowpass, Bandpass & highpass) which is additionally equipped with a distortion unit. The filter and the following VCA each have their own ADSR envelope. Superordinate there is a BPM-synchronizable LFO with adjustable delay, which can affect pitch, Cutoff and volume with different intensities at the same time. If that's not enough, you can dive deeper into the sound in the modulation matrix. The rhythm part works independently of the synth tracks and offers 49 preset kits as well as 64 slots for your own creations. Each drum kit contains 26 instruments, each of which can be shaped with two combinable waveforms and other synthesis tools including EQ as desired. In terms of effects, the SH-4D has everything on board that a current Groovebox should have. The five simultaneously usable effect groups Reverb (9 types), Chorus (5 types), Delay (5 types), Master Effect (93 types) and Tone (EQ / Compressor) allow a creative sound design! For own sounds the SH-4D holds 256 memory locations ready.

Sequences in the grid

The sequencer is an old acquaintance and can be programmed via TR grid or live recording, among other things. The mini keyboard with 26 buttons is also used to select the drum sounds. 128 patterns with five tracks and a length of up to 64 steps are available at Groovebox for your own creations. In addition, sub-steps, Flam and trigger probability can be programmed for each track. The recording of controller movements is also possible. Of course, an extensively equipped arpeggiator is also implemented in the SH-4D. An ingenious gimmick is the D-Motion controller: from the outside it is only indicated by a button and is basically a tilt sensor that sends controller commands to the synth parameters as soon as the device is lifted and rotated. The USB interface transmits MIDI and audio to the DAW.

New features and improvements in OS 2.0

With OS 2.0, the SH-4D gains even more power and flexibility. Highlights include two new oscillator models, Pattern Chain, System Effects, Sub Step, and practical features that improve workflow.

• The STEP oscillator model provides dynamic, clock-synchronised pitch modulations, which are perfect for experimental sounds, swells, bleeps and bloops.
  
• The HARMONIC oscillator model brings a classic drawbar organ to the SH-4D. With its simple operation, you can create not only sacred sounds but also official sounds for house tracks and your next jazz interlude.
  
• PATTERN CHAIN allows you to chain patterns together to create song structures and extra-long loops with a ‘built-in break’.
  
• The SYSTEM LEVEL FX option enables consistent reverb, delay and chorus settings for all patterns, allowing for uninterrupted pattern changes live and in the studio by fading out the effects.
  
• SUB STEP is an interesting input option for anyone who needs specific drums and sounds outside the grid. This allows you to shuffle individual notes while the rest of the pattern continues to play.
  
• Other new features include significantly optimised MIDI implementation and a quick save function for saving patterns and sounds in a single step. Undo/redo with up to 10 steps is a useful tool for testing your latest takes before you change your mind or accidentally overwrite something.