SH-4d // Has Roland Perfected Portable Sound Design?

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High key, cannot believe I didnt take any footage out the window of the plane.

The SH4d in my interpretation, is a synthesis sound module first and foremost. The sequencer is really not positioned to be the main draw. It didnt get mentioned much on camera, but to be sure my thoughts aren't lost; I would really love unquantized recording, a note scale mode, MOTION RECORDING IN THE RHYTHM PART, and the arpeggiator to stay held while I move between parts. Any other complaints were aired in the video.

Taking a step back, that I can use AA batteries or the same charger as my phone to power this very capable instrument could be enough of a sell, but lucky for us it also sounds really good.

0:00 Intro
1:56 Demo 1
3:33 Demo 1 Breakdown
12:44 Demo 2
13:46 Demo 2 Breakdown
20:49 Demo 3
22:22 Demo 3 Breakdown
28:18 Overall Conclusions

[foxincyansox]

Love your videos! My wife said I could keep her or the SH-4D. Now I have neither because she took it in the divorce...

[Youxitube]

This was such a great demonstration. You understood that this is a multi-timbral synth first, the sequencer is just a bonus. Would love more SH-4D content.

[digital_crickets]

This really is the first synth from Roland that has excited me in many years. Thanks for taking the time to learn it, and demo it for us!

[portnull]

Mine is being delivered tomorrow, I can hardly wait. The kicker for me is that the SH4D looks just perfect for a tiny setup like mine, where I do want to be able to fully sculpt my sounds. The only other device I have in active use is a Polyend Tracker, which I love, because it's perfect for my way of working. I can just plug the SH4D into the Tracker's line-in without needing the space for an additional mixer, and with these two I'll probably have everything I need: Tracker for song building and sampling, four parts SH4D for my sounds and effects, and then I even have a drum part as an additional bonus.

[georgevargas]

I watched this entire video upside down to enhance the realism. Sick vid, Jorb.

[BenKrogh]

Nice, I’ve been intrigued by the SH-4d ever since it was announced. Seems very cool. Demo 3 was my fav, love that spaced out vibe compared to some of the more acid style demos that seem to be the staple for this lil buddy.

[thedeepblueskys]

I had the SH-32 back in the day so the first thing I thought of when I seen the 4D crop up. I really like the 4D, and I had to have it for sound design. I don’t really think of it as a groove box, or the SH-32 as well. Thanks for making this video, because I was starting to feel alone on the 4D as a sound design tool, rather then groove box. Also, I’d love to see an editor and some firmware updates in the future to improve on things. Plus added FX and more options for them.

[enma_music]

I just got mine a few weeks ago and plan on creating a portable rig with it and my Deluge! Only thing I would like to add to that setup would be a vocal FX unit of some sort and then I will have all my bases covered. It's fun to play in the studio but there's something really nice about going outside and using different settings as inspiration!

[Bloom_Music]

Good stuff. You got some warmth out of this thing that I haven't heard in the other demos. Thanks!

[shuasaladbar]

Dude I'm so glad you love gear. Thanks for this modified tutorial, please show more sketches with this thing if your pressed for time and need a "quick" vid.

[chillwalker]

Dude...your videos are ALWAYS fun to watch!

[gffg]

Good to see you, Jorbson. Had me laughing when you pretended to dive in every footage in front of a landscape.

[rainbow_mess]

All of the SH-4d demos made me want a 707. So I picked that up, and have really enjoyed it after the updates. I really like the hands-on controls on the 4d, and the new engines, but the lack of clear/powerful sequencing feels like a dealbreaker for a lot of uses. Nice to see the way you're using it though. :)

[MatthewDoudtPhotography]

I love how you and others are pushing this further as its been out a bit longer. I've been searching for someone who's done a demo using this with a Novation launchpad. Seems like this is exactly what the 4 track launchpad has been waiting for! If you own a launchpad I'd LOVE to see how you could use the internal sequencer in combination with live performance on the launchpad etc. Am I missing something or doesn't this seem like a fun DAWless combo??

[ruffiankick]

I think this is gonna be my next investment. Seems like a Swiss Army Knife. I remember I use to have a GAIA SH-01 like 5 years ago, and yoooo that was perfect for the Electronic Hip-Hop type shit I'd create it was just too big for the desk and i was in a tight space so i had to let it go.

But this! This looks like its right up my alley! Biggest selling point for me is its footprint! deskspace is everything!

Thanks for this video Jorb! safe travels, G!

[RJ_Eckie]

It's now 7 months after this was posted and I just got this. They have actually added more mod destinations! There's a variety of LFO destinations and its rate can be modulated by either envelope *and* the second LFO when using the 3D model. (You can even have the same LFO as source and destination! Which I haven't found any useful means for, but it's possible.)

[synthnerd]

Not enough demos have a "swarm of bees" patch, keep up the good work.

[christdolphin]

dammit, i told myself i didnt need this and then you had to make that insane first patch

pretty incredible to have a groovebox with this kind of power combined with that quality of sound

[dzaxys]

just orderd mine earlier watched a few videos this is the best so far usable intel thanks hope you enjoy your holiday peace

[Jin-Hu]

Hey man, welcome to my lands! Awesome! You’ve chosen a great route unfortunately misses out my city but I’ll forgive that. Enjoy the amazing drive Jorb. If you find yourself accidentally in Christchurch give me a shout