Roland Introduces the SH-4d Desktop Synthesizer

Update: two more user videos (Alex Bell's & Starsky Carr's) added to the user playlist below.

video uploads by RolandChannel

"Lose yourself in a world of sound with the Roland SH-4d Synthesizer, a powerful desktop instrument featuring hands-on workflow and deep synthesis tools for in-the-moment magic. Watch as Detroit techno legend Carl Craig takes the SH-4d for a spin, bringing you on a sonic odyssey and diving headfirst into the unit’s array of sonic capabilities.

What’s inside the SH-4d? Command eleven OSC Models for a diverse range of sound-design possibilities, from vintage analog synths and PCM-based sounds to cutting-edge digital tones. Create custom kits with the rhythm part’s rich tone-shaping capabilities containing 26 unique drum instruments that can each be designed from scratch.

Spur spontaneous musical moments with the multitimbral sequencer, extensive effects, and plenty of polyphony. And with the loaded front panel, dynamic controls, motion recording, and more, you can transform ideas into short loops or complete songs as quickly as your ideas come."

User videos (ordered by shortest videos first - use the player controls to skip around):



Playlist:
Roland SH-4d : First jam - Freaky Tweaky
The Roland SH-4d In a Nutshell - Alex Ball
Roland SH-4d：基本機能・VISUAL ARPEGGIO・D-MOTIONの説明 - Freaky Tweaky
Roland SH-4D 1st Look - Sonic LAB - sonicstate
Roland SH-4d Demo & Review - musictrackjp
ROLAND SH-4d REVIEW // Rolands best synthesizer groovebox yet?! - BoBeats
Roland Synthesizer SH-4d Review // A Synth Groovebox with Vintage Vibes - Starsky Carr
Roland SH-4d Review: The multi-engine synth battle heats up! // Full SH4d tutorial - loopop
Roland SH-4d Mega Tutorial - True Cuckoo

And the press release:

Future Retro Desktop Synth with 11 OSC Models, Pro Sound Design Tools, Hands-On Workflow, and Multitimbral Pattern Sequencer

Los Angeles, CA, February 23, 2023 — Roland announces the SH-4d Synthesizer, a powerful new desktop instrument focused on synthesis and sound design. With 11 OSC Models and a hands-on panel filled with knobs, buttons and sliders, the SH-4d fuels on-the-spot creation and endless sonic discoveries. It also features a multitimbral sequencer with four synth parts and a customizable rhythm part, allowing users to compose intricate patterns with motion recording, extensive effects and more. Equally suited for studio, stage and traveling, the SH-4d is a fun and versatile instrument that will appeal to both modern electronic music creators and synth collectors everywhere.

Fifty years ago, Roland launched its first synthesizer, the groundbreaking SH-1000. The SH name has represented the company’s core synthesizer instruments ever since, merging innovative new technologies with tactile interfaces for quickly designing sounds in the moment. The SH-4d opens the next chapter in the long-running series, offering Roland’s latest analog modeling advancements and a deep-yet-inviting panel that catalyzes creativity and rewards exploration at every turn.

Detroit techno legend Carl Craig was so impressed with the SH-4d that he agreed to be the face of the launch video, delivering a spirited performance featuring new music composed solely on the unit. "That machine is a little monster,” he said after spending just a short time with the SH-4d. “So many options to not only shape sound but to shape the musical composition too."

Eleven OSC Models offer diverse sound-crafting possibilities, from vintage analog tones with SH-4d, SH-3D, Chord, Ring and Sync Models to cutting-edge digital textures with Cross FM, Wavetable and Drawing Models. Influential voices from Roland’s historic past include SH-101 and JUNO-106 Models and a PCM Model with a large selection of sample-based sounds. The SH-4d also features a flexible drum synthesizer with rich tone-shaping capabilities for creating custom kits from scratch.

The SH-4d puts everything creators need for pro sound design at their fingertips, with 32 knobs, four sliders and a massive array of multi-function buttons. The LCD, sliders and buttons automatically reconfigure their functions to follow the selected mode, eliminating menu-dive roadblocks that slow the creative flow. Dedicated Filter, Amp and LFO sections are always ready to shape any tone or pattern. And with the powerful Matrix section, users can create an even wider range of sounds by routing the output of the LFO or envelope generator to parameters in a Model.

Among its many tricks, the SH-4d features built-in motion sensors that allow the user to pick up the synth and adjust sounds with physical movements. D-Motion mode provides X/Y control for two parameters, while the unique Visual Arpeggio shapes note patterns via fun interactive displays.

The SH-4d sequencer is always a button press away, ready to transform sound ideas into compact loops or extended compositions. Up to 60 notes of total polyphony provide ample resources to develop complete musical ideas in the box. There’s also a versatile selection of renowned Roland effects to frost, finesse, rough up or mangle tones and patterns.

The SH-4d runs on a standard USB-C phone charger or AA batteries for up to four hours. There’s a two-plus octave button keyboard for self-contained composition, plus MIDI I/O for use as a sound module and controller in an expanded hardware setup. The SH-4d also functions as a USB-C audio/MIDI interface with 12 discrete audio channels for computer music production.

CLICK FOR MORE »

SH 4d Editor as VST and Standalone Version, for Roland SH-4d Synthesizer

video upload by mller30161

"You can buy it on my Homepage:
https://roland-sh-4d-editor.jimdofree...
Price: 6,90 € / $ 7

Here are my Midi Editor for the Roland SH-4d Synth.
The Roland SH-4d Editor gives you direct access from the DAW to the Roland SH-4d parameters,
allowing you to integrate it into the DAW project.
In the PlugIn VST version you can record the controller movements and so the sound change can be saved.

Editor Features:

- Complex sound changes can be made easily and quickly.
- Change Roland SH-4d Sounds directly from Editor.
- All controllers can be automated.
- X-Y modulation of all parameters
- You can random the Controllers of the Roland SH-4d Synth
- You can use your Roland SH-4d as a sound module in the DAW!

The Editor are available for:
- PC: As VST2 and Standalone for 32bit and VST2, VST3 and Standalone for 64bit Windows.
- MAC: As VST2, VST3, AU and Standalone, compatible with MAC Intel and Silicon."

Roland SH-4d v2.0 Update: Everything You Need to Know

video upload by RolandChannel

"The free Roland SH-4d v2.0 update expands the desktop synthesizer’s sonic capabilities with new Harmonic and Step Oscillator Models joining the existing eleven OSC models. Plus, smooth out your workflow with Pattern Chaining, system-wide reverb, chorus, and delay effects, a new Quick Overwrite process for saving tones and patterns, new Sub Step options to push sequence timing off the grid, and more.

In this video, Dustin Good walks through the features included in this major SH-4d update.

00:00 Intro
00:25 Step Oscillator Model
02:43 Harmonic Oscillator Model
04:50 Pattern Chain
06:14 Effects
07:25 Sub Step
08:25 Additional Features

To update to version 2.0, please visit: https://www.roland.com/global/product..."

Roland SH-4d V2 Firmware is here!!
video upload by Starsky Carr

0:00 what's this all about?
1:13 New Synth #1 HARMONICS
4:35 New Synth #2 STEP
10:49 Pattern Chaining
13:31 Step Shift Microtiming
15:16 Quick Saving & QUERTY input
16:08 It's got 10 undos
17:09 MIDI & USB

Update: press release follows:

The Roland SH-4d Desktop Synthesizer expands its creative potential with Version 2.0. The free upgrade gives electronic music producers new sonic capabilities with two expressive new OSC Models, pattern chaining for streamlined performances, and serious workflow refinements.

Two new OSC Models

STEP for step-based LFO modulation to produce dynamic movement within tones. From rigid, classic analog step sequencer-inspired phrases locked into the groove, to experimental soundscapes with curves, swells, bleeps and bloops.

HARMONIC for rich, layered sounds with a classic drawbar organ layout. Prime for creating essential house bass tones, bell-like chimes, deep pads, and powerful organ sounds with hands-on control of four harmonically tuned drawbars.

Workflow refinements

PATTERN CHAIN for streamlined hands-free performances and song construction.

SYSTEM-LEVEL FX options for consistent Reverb, Delay, and Chorus settings across all patterns for cohesive mixes in the studio as well as uninterrupted pattern switching while playing live.

QUICK OVERWRITE for saving tone and pattern data with less steps, never breaking creative momentum.

UNDO/REDO function now supported up to 10 times for worry-free experimentation when creating sequences.

New SUB-STEP options for off-grid note entry, shifting synth and drum hits behind-the-beat for looser grooves and greater variations when paired with Probability.

Extended MIDI control with improved program change implementation and new options for which MIDI data is transmitted to external devices.

Elektron Octatrack and Roland SH-4D - Live energetic performance

video upload by Jay Hosking

"A live synthesizer jam performed entirely on hardware.

This is a remix/reimagining of "Suantrai" by Jan Steiner, which is on his new EP. Jan is a friend, and a member of my Patreon community, and he reached out about the idea of a remix. The song itself is quite sparse, but beautiful and melodic, and the whole EP is a little hard to predict; I tried to take the beauty and melody, and add my own type chaos into the mix.

I started with altered versions of four of Jan's instruments (string thing, bass drone, Rhodes, light percussion) and went wild with my own additions (my own orchestra sound, off the top; mangled drum breaks; glitched percussion). This left me with some audio files I could work with in the Octatrack.

Once in the Octatrack, I realized I wanted additional melodies and sounds, so I hooked up the Roland SH-4D. The SH-4D is a four-part multi-timbral synth with a fifth layer for drums, very useful for making songs. The melody, arpeggio, extra bass, and midrange distorted drums all come from the SH-4D.

Altogether this left a pretty full arrangement, and the scenes/fader—the magic of the Octatrack—helped to bring out the performance. Most scenes were to alter the drum breaks, by reordering, repitching, and/or retriggering the drum slices, plus with additional effects like phaser, sample- and bit- reduction, distortion, etc.

The end result captures what I loved about Jan's track, and his EP in general: beautiful and melodic, sprawling but intentional, but with a little chaos thrown into the mix. I hope you enjoy.

Thanks for listening.

Elektron Octatrack MkII - Six audio sample tracks playing eight or nine audio sample parts across the song, plus effects, plus sequencing of everything (including MIDI), plus mixing of the audio from SH-4D, plus scenes

Roland SH-4D - Three synths (melody, arpeggio, bass) plus minimal drums in the finale

Performed and recorded live to a stereo output, with EQ, compression, and limiting on the master.

https://jayhosking.bandcamp.com"

When Versatility Becomes a Burden.. // Roland SH-4D Workflow and Thoughts

video upload by Ricky Tinez

"Let's take a closer look at the Roland SH-4D synthesizer and explore its many features and capabilities. With "60-note polyphony" and a 4-part multi-timbral design (plus an additional drum machine part), the SH-4D is an incredibly versatile synth that can produce a wide range of sounds and effects. It also includes selectable synth engines from the vintage Roland family, such as the Juno 106 and the SH-101, as well as a 64-step sequencer and tons of built-in effects. -- However, as you'll see in this video, the SH-4D’s workflow can be a bit cumbersome at times, requiring you to be in many places at once and leading to some potentially time-consuming mistakes. We’ll also explore some of the other issues you might encounter when using this synth and discuss whether it’s really the best choice for your needs. -- Overall, the Roland SH-4D is a great synth for beginners or anyone looking to experiment with different sounds and styles. But if you’re looking for something more focused or specialized for a particular task, you may want to consider other options."

AMBIENT Roland SH-4d & Roland Jupiter-Xm

video upload by Alba Ecstasy

"Ambient Patches 👉 https://www.albaecstasy.ro

Not quite what I really wanted to produce today - I started to prepare a nice demo of the Roland SH-4d - but it turned to combining my new favourite synths: Roland Jupiter-Xm and Roland SH-4d into this track.

Putting these amazing synths together to create a space ambient Berlin School track was really nice and easy.
With both you can create on the fly and have really nice results!

Roland Jupiter-Xm provides pads, sequence 1, lead and drums.
Roland Sh-4d comes with the bass line and sequence 2.

No MIDI connection between them.
Some additional delay & reverb effects were added from Logic Pro X.

Name of the track: Iridium, from the 'Indigo, Iridium and the Cosmic Tree' album
https://albaecstasy.bandcamp.com/albu..."

Roland SH-4d + Elektron Syntakt | Playing an ambient minimal tune

video upload by Malvinus Music

"Trying to change pattern via MIDI from the Elektron Syntakt to the Roland SH-4d I came up with this ambient tune. Enjoy, peace!"

Roland SH-4d + Elektron Syntakt | Tutorial


00:00 Intro
00:27 Changing pattern via MIDI issue
02:06 Setting the kick on Syntakt
02:44 Setting a pluck line on SH-4d
03:13 Setting a rim short on Syntakt
03:28 Setting a bass on Syntakt
03:55 Setting a random part on SH-4d
04:15 The groove!
04:48 Outro

One-Stop Roland Shop: The SH-4D First Look

video upload by Patchwerks

"In today's stream we have a look at the Roland SH-4D. The SH-4D is a desktop powerhouse with hands-on workflow and deep synthesis tools for designing the sounds of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Create spontaneous musical moments with 11 OSC Models, a multitimbral pattern sequencer, extensive effects, and plenty of polyphony. And with the loaded panel, dynamic controls, motion recording, and more, you can craft evolving sounds and compositions as fast as the ideas come. Equally suited for studio, stage, and traveling, the SH-4d is an incredibly versatile synth that unleashes inspiration from the moment you power on.

Get yourself a Roland SH-4D here: https://bit.ly/roland_sh4d

https://www.patchwerks.com
Video by: Matthew Piecora (aka @EZBOT_ )"

From Korg M1 to Roland SH-4d: Reimagining a 1991 Track

video upload by Malvinus Music

"Reimagining 'Verso Dove': A Journey from 1991 to 2023

In 1991, I composed the track Verso Dove using my brand-new Korg M1, excited by the possibilities of its 8-track sequencer. Fast forward to 2023, and I decided to breathe new life into this song with the Roland SH-4d, completely rearranging and reinterpreting it.

Verso Dove, which means 'toward where', reflects an existential question I asked myself as a kid: What would I become? What did I want to be? The fear of the unknown, the uncertainty of the future—it all lived within this track. That’s why I chose it to be part of my record Synthetic Horizons For Dreamers (SH-4d). It connects me to my younger self, and through music, I want to reassure him: you will make it.

Come along for the journey—this is going to be fun. Peace! 🎶✨

🔊 Gear Used in This Performance:
✅ Korg M1 – bringing the original 1991 composition to life with its classic 8-track sequencer
✅ Roland SH-4d – reimagining and modernizing the track with a fresh arrangement in 2023

🎧 For the best experience, use headphones!"

Roland SH-4d | A problem that Roland should fix

video upload by Malvinus Music

"Roland SH-4d jam and a problem Roland should fix (in my opinion).
Enjoy, peace!"

Update:

Roland SH-4d and Live | The secret Roland didn't tell us

Ambient jam with Elektron Octatrack, Roland SH-4D, and Soma Cosmos

video upload by Jay Hosking

"Please support my work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jayhosking
A live, semi-improvised synth jam performed entirely on hardware.

This one came together unexpectedly as I was wrapping up a longer video on some of my favourite gear (spoiler alert). I stumbled into some ideas with the Octatrack and Cosmos, and added the closest synth on hand—the Roland SH-4D, which I just got and am exploring—to fill in the gaps. Add in a sample from an old favourite and the song was complete. The Cosmos always creates music that sounds like the music in my dreams, ambient and blurred, ideas reverberating across the sonic space.

Thanks for listening.

Elektron Octatrack MkII - Samples, effects,
Roland SH-4D - Synth lead and bass sounds
Soma Cosmos - Asymmetrical looping into infinity

https://jayhosking.bandcamp.com"

Roland SH-4d - "Synergy" Soundbank 64 Presets

video upload by LFOstore

"Take your Roland SH-4d to the next level with 'Synergy', a carefully crafted sound pack featuring 64 presets and 4 patterns developed using all engine models.

Buy: https://kav-sound-explorer.sellfy.sto...

This pack offers a diverse selection of inspiring sounds:

Deep and punchy basses to drive your grooves.
Dynamic arpeggios to add rhythm and movement to your tracks.
Expressive synth tones, perfect for melodies, solos or multi-layered textures.

Each preset is finely tuned to showcase the warmth and character of the Roland SH-4d.

Whether you're creating electronic, techno, pop or cinematic music, "Synergy" provides the perfect palette to expand your creative possibilities.

Made by Alexander Kav"

Transforming Audio with the Alter Audio Timetosser + Roland SH-4d | (Quick Sound Demo, No Talking)

video upload by k1wtaBfQGxk

"Quick Demo of the Alter Audio's Timetosser live sampling and slicing directly from the new Roland SH-4d Digital Groovebox + Desktop Synthesizer.⁠

Win a Timetosser: https://bit.ly/3l5C8Pi
Learn more about the Timetosser: https://bit.ly/3lhfFi7
Learn more about the Roland SH-4d: https://bit.ly/3lgMprW

#timetosser #rolandsh4d #shorts #sounddemo
+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+
Perfect Circuit is an independent electronic instrument shop with an online store at https://www.perfectcircuit.com/ and a Burbank showroom at 2405 Empire Ave. Open seven days a week, 12-8 PM, get your hands on the most excellent gear!"

Roland SH-4d // in-depth oscillator models, mod matrix, & How to Make the Hoover Patch in 5 Steps

video upload by Starsky Carr

1st video in the user playlist here. Additional Roland SH-4d demos here.

"Tutorial demoing what each of the SH-4d Oscillator models can do, and more importantly what they can sound like because that's not available from the manual - :)

What's interesting here is that the mod matrix options change per model. For example, some have 2 slots, others have 4 and the wavetable oscillator has an additional envelope to auto play through the wavetable shapes, and this becomes available in the mod matrix as a source for all the destinations.

In other words, the basic sound engine is very simple, like the vintage units, but you can go more complex if thats your thing."

How to Make the Hoover Patch in just 5 Steps

video upload by Starsky Carr

"Try this on any synth but the @rolandglobal SH4d had got an Alpha Juno style sawtooth with PWM.. so thought I'd give it a go!...turns out it quite simple :)"

Bad Gear - It's really Bad?

video upload by AudioPilz

"Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools. Today we are going to talk about the Roland SH-4d. Is this groovebox and multitimbral synthesizer based on subtractive synthesis, wavetable, FM synthesis, ring modulation and vintage synths like the Roland SH-101 or Roland Juno-106 the missing link between synth and drum machine. Can it keep up with competitors like the Elektron Syntakt or Teenage Engineering OP-1? Does it play in the same league like the new Roland Jupiter-X or even its conceptual predecessor, the Roland SH-32? It's really Bad?

Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
00:59 Overview Roland SH4d
02:15 Synth Engines, 4D, Fat, 3D, Sync
02:47 Vintage Emulations (Roland SH101, Roland Juno106)
02:56 FM/Cross Mod, Ring Mod, Wavetables, Chord, Draw
03:18 Sample Player & Limitations
03:30 Filter, Envelopes, LFO
03:46 Drum Section
04:08 Tone Parameters (Analog Feel,...), Mod Matrix
04:26 FX (EQ, Reverb, Delay, Modulation, Multi FX)
04:48 Groovebox Functionality, Sequencer
05:12 Arpeggiator, D-Motion, Visual Arpeggiator
05:45 Limitations (many, many Limitations)
06:27 What Else??? (Features, Pricing, Thanks)
06:52 Hate
07:17 Jam 1 (Tech House)
08:17 Jam 2 (Downtempo)
09:20 Finale (Epic Synthwave)
09:50 Verdict"

ROLAND SH-4d | PLUCK SYN BEATS Pattern / AL-DEMO SONG

video upload by Andro Lectric

"Small DEMO SONG with the SH-4d Synth

The Pattern "Syn Pluck Beats" is so fantastic.
I thought I'd just make a smart Song out of it,
without editing the Pattern.

Fading via REASON-DAW

You hear the direct AUDIO from the SH-4d.
Recording via USB directly with REASON.
Final little, smart Master with Wavelab.

Conclusion:
The Synth is fun straight away.
Kind of a reduced MC-707 - it's OK.
The Sounds can be edited more quickly directly.

Great Addition for AIRA-Link Fans... anyway.
Perfect for spontaneous jamming outside the Studio.

(c) 2024
Written, Produced & Mixed by (Androlectric)
(c) Pattern "Syn Pluck Beats" by ROLAND"

ROLAND S-1 - ONE SYNTH CHALLENGE

video upload by Alba Ecstasy

"3 BANKS / 196 PATCHES for Roland SH-01a 👉https://www.albaecstasy.ro/roland-sh-...

I think (therefore I am!) I never used a synth that much - seven parts! - to make a One Synth Challenge episode!
What can come out of this little box, you won't believe!
And it's only day two since the S-1 arrived!

Each part is programmed (patch & sequence) and recorded one right after each other.
It took me longer to compile all the videos (almost the entire day), than to make and record the actual song!

All you hear is Roland S-1. And of course, drums from the Roland SH-4d. I could make some percussion sounds with the S-1, but I considered the track deserves some really nice drums!

Please keep in mind, if there any audio-video mismatching (especially that last lead that starts at 4:40), is because my very-very old Macbook Pro (11 yo!) can't handle very well 9 video parts and I kind of had to guess the timestamps!

Enjoy!

#RolandS1 #Ambient #sequencer
❤️, ae"

New Roland Roland SH-4b Bassline Synth In the Works?

New Roland SH-4d on the left. On the right there appears to be a mini version with 1 octave touch keyboard. Roland SH-4b Bassline?

DAY OF THE SUN (The Lost Equinox): Jupiter Xm | Roland Sh-4d | Sequential PRO 3

video upload by Alba Ecstasy

"Arturia MiniFreak #ambient patches 👉🏻 https://www.albaecstasy.ro/arturia-mi...

Roland Sh-4d (leads)
Sequential Pro 3 (main sequence)
Roland Jupiter-Xm (bass and drums)
Lewitt LCT 240 PRO microphone (vocals, claps and vocal effects)

Additional virtual effects:
Waves H-Delay
Eventide Blackhole
Arturia Refract
Arturia M12
DS Tantra 2"

💥 ROLAND SH-4D 💥 - Desktop Multi-Engine Synthesizer - FACTORY PATTERNS

video upload by Another Machines

"Meet the SH-4d Synthesizer, a desktop powerhouse with hands-on workflow and deep synthesis tools for designing the sounds of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Create spontaneous musical moments with 11 OSC Models, a multitimbral pattern sequencer, extensive effects, and plenty of polyphony. And with the loaded panel, dynamic controls, motion recording, and more, you can craft evolving sounds and compositions as fast as the ideas come. Equally suited for studio, stage, and traveling, the SH-4d is an incredibly versatile synth that unleashes inspiration from the moment you power on."