Roland S -1 | Interstellar Tutorial | Sound design, pattern programming, & performance

A tutorial for how I created my Interstellar cover on the Roland S-1. The S-1 is a very capable compact synth that gives larger hardware a run for its money. It is battery powered, works great with MIDI controllers (I personally use it with an OP-Z), and most importantly sounds great. I created my Interstellar cover with solely the S-1, as well as many other songs, and I've yet to be let down by the sounds I can get out of it.

If you have any questions about the tutorial, please feel free to ask in the comments.

Timestamps:
00:22 Sound design
03:30 Notes and basic pattern
05:10 Programming notes into S-1
08:48 Performance

GEAR:
Roland AIRA Compact S-1
Zoom F1 Recorder

[rodrigogallego]

So well explained, love you wrote the info on the right!!

[johngalvin]

Only just got the S1 so it's all new to me, I'm going to have to watch the video a few more times, before it sinks in. Thanks for sharing.

[Raku]

Thanks for sharing. I have two S-1s and am enjoying making ambient tapestries with the them. But you have tapped into a whole new section of their abilities! I am going to be studying your video.

[Charlieboy]

I just got the S1, this is right up my alley! Thank you, just subscribed!

[noodlingaround]

Thank you for this. Sounds great, and extremely helpful..

[alex-r-t]

Beautiful music and demonstration. Thank you so much!

[dwainbusse]

I’ve been watching and learning before I buy. But what about speakers set up. How’s that work, what to use.?

[nicodemuspapadopoulos]

Anyone know when Roland will fix the defect of there being no MIDI Volume implemented in the S-1?

[JohnBaronian-qn]

Thanks so much for making time to share so much. You’re the best!

[JohnWarehand]

Excellent and very helpful - thanks very much.

[jeevespreston]

Thanks for sharing, I learn more about this unit every time I pick it up. Been having a blast, amazing value for $200... (I'm guessing the bottom has fallen out of the Volca market!)

[amirpiloo]

THANK YOUUUU, it's very inspiring man

[SupernaturalTVDLove]

thank your for sharing!!! this is amazing

[Charlyaraya]

when you press hold it markes a step but in mine nothing happens, how can i make it work ? thanks

[ud]

Hi Mark, at 6:18 you are able to scroll while hearing the steps, mine is not doing that. Is there a special setting to make it do that ? I feel like it should do it right out of the box

[christopherfarrell-artist]

Great demo....one thing though, sorry, the volume output on your vocals and s-1 is a little low.

[thebombshelter_drums]

This is awesome, thank you for sharing this. I must try this as it's a beautiful piece. Not long had my S1 so very much a learner on it. It's great how you break down the settings and values.
Do you have or can you share any other pieces? 🔥💥🎛🎶🎹❤️

[VinceFinemMusic]

Just a heads up that your gain is very low. When you right click on your YT video on a pc and choose Stats for Nerds, it shows your db is around -18. You should shoot for as close to 0 as possible to be as loud as possible. Anything louder than 0 and YT may cut your audio and make it worse than when you started. I use Audacity (free on pc and mac) and "select all" for the track, then go to apply compression with makeup gain to 0 db and it's always perfect. If you get any clipping, you can then apply a limiter with soft clip.

[walrtbstudios]

Never tried programming a pattern into mine- and now I’ve seen it done I probably never will. Life’s way too short…

[timgirouard]

Thank you for posting! When I tap HOLD it doesn’t advance to the next step. Anyone else having this issue?