Roland S-1 // The Most Exciting Compact Synth In Years...

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@rolandglobal has another winner. I feel like the Aira Compact stuff deserves the same praise as the Volcas did a decade ago. They're a more capable modern take on a similar product category, and the S-1 here blows me away. I cut out a lot of poorly constructed thoughts comparing to the volca keys but to sum it up, rechargeable batteries, physical keys, and the incomparable boost to flexibility in every dimension makes this a knock out. Felt a bit useless to compare things directly when they're 10 years apart, but that's the most direct comparison that comes to mind.

0:00 Intro
3:19 Parameter Walkthrough
9:31 Brief UseCase Thoughts
10:56 Shift Functions
14:41 Chop
20:17 Draw
24:37 Sequencer
28:37 Global Menu
33:40 D motion baby
34:35 Conclusions

[Gainn]

Absolute banger from Roland.
One day they'll empty that warehouse full of 1980's displays.

[treschlet]

remember, anywhere you're turning the value knob on a number, you can hold shift and adjust it 10 per notch instead of 1. So if you're going from 0 to 255, you can do that with a single twist

[biggrime]

Think this is a win for Roland. Portable. Battery powered. There are plenty of features. Sounds great. Price is right

[phonolis]

For me, the simple fact these have a rechargeable built in battery is huge. Amazing little box.

[MrFidelityc]

Bought one on impulse following this review as I usually dismiss these digital recreations but HOLY SHIT this thing sounds sweet. One of the most simple devices to use I own and v easy to sketch ideas down. Love it

[musicjjl]

got mine yesterday. its a warm welcome to the family from me. well done roland

[azazabacheche]

don't even remotely need this thing but this demo is making it seem like a really easy impulse buy. nice work jorb.

[treschlet]

Just ordered an e-4, t-8, and s-1 and am really excited to play around

[krazywabbit]

A few thoughts:
1. Excellent review. I know many of us wait for your reviews due to the vibe you bring that's free of the commentical hysteria when gear is released. A no nonsense approach. This is what it can do. Make your decision and get back to making noise.
2. I love the phrase "institutional knowledge" you used. I often wonder when people comment in the negative, do they have the same?
3. As a fan of the J6, T8 and E4, this will fit nicely in the batting order. Not because it's Roland or I need to "complete" the set. Someone that does not have deep pockets, for what this does, it's a no brainer. Also as an iPad user, these are one of the few devices that work perfectly with and are even seen as an audio interface by the iPad.
4. I said complete earlier. I have no inside knowledge, but this could be the start of something "big" for Roland. Imagine other devices in this form/price factor. Groovebox, sampler, mixer/interface. Again, at price points that most of us do not need to abuse our wallets over.
5. Thank you for this. I know you get some interesting comments and I felt it was important to help show love. As end of the day, it's about having fun. Stay safe.

[yujgkjhjk]

Great and very direct demo, no unnecessary talking. Thank you!!!😊

[nexuzeb]

OMG I can't believe you used a VHS casette from TDK to pimp up the background 😆 I used to have several of the exact same cover and brand as a kid to record stuff into😄 Awesome! Why not, yet another excellent vid Jorb!

[TacticalLulu]

Finally, someone that knows what they're talking about

[stevenreich]

Great review, and it was the review that tipped me over the edge to buy it. This synth just seems to have some great bang for the buck with so much to offer--and probably a great entry point into the world of electronic music.

[CrittendenIV]

Jorb, thank you for all your help, insight and opinions! Have a great day, dude!

[stuCameraman]

My novation circuit OG needs a new portable friend🎉 💥👍🏼 I'm sure they will sync/clock fine. When the UK summer comes around I'm heading to the beach and create some tunes. Great review mate👏🏻🙏🏻👍🏼😎

[jelig]

Just got mine yesterday, gonna set up and tweek out this weekend!

[basura]

Nice! I LOOOOVE my J-6 - such an inspriation machine and actually sounds so good. This looks to be a similar kickass box!

[OneAndOnlyMe]

OMG, had no idea they had put an accelerometer in it! That's actually very cool.

[noisetheorem]

It sounds really, really nice. Roland is really hitting it lately.

[pluto]

i'm debating on buying an S-1 and have seen a couple of vids but this one is by far the most insightful and complete. thank you!