Roland SH-4D Compact Desktop Synth
Roland - SH-4D Compact Desktop Synth
Compact Desktop Synthesizer
Roland - SH-4D
Future retroMeet 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.
Portable dream machineThe SH-4D is a new breed of Roland SH synth that catalyzes creativity at every turn. Work the knobs and move the sliders to conjure tones, textures, and ideas that will keep you energized for hours on end. And with the portable, battery-powered design, you can develop amazing music anytime and anywhere.
at a glance
• Compact desktop synthesizer with professional sound design tools, intuitive hands-on workflow, and onboard pattern sequencer
• Eleven OSC Models cover everything from vintage analog and classic PCM tones to cutting-edge digital textures
• OSC Models include the new SH-4D native engine, Wavetable, Cross FM, JUNO-106, SH-101, and more
• Four independent synth parts and a dedicated rhythm part with up to 60 voices of total polyphony
• Rhythm part with selectable waveforms, powerful synthesis controls, layering capability, and more for individual sound design per instrument
• Fully loaded direct-access panel with 32 knobs, four sliders, and a massive array of buttons
• Top-level interface workflow reconfigures the LCD and panel controls for the Model or performance mode to eliminate menu diving and creative slowdowns
• Dedicated Filter, Amplifier, and LFO sections with comprehensive controls
• Advanced Matrix for modulating multiple assignable parameters
• Button keyboard with a two-plus octave range for self-contained music creation
• Multitimbral sequencer with 128 patterns, real-time recording, two step-entry modes, and motion recording
• Probability and sub step settings per note for tones and rhythm parts in pattern sequences
• Unique D-Motion and Visual Arpeggio for creating performance effects by physically moving the SH-4D
• Extensive onboard sound processing with MFX for each Tone plus global MFX, reverb, chorus, delay, and more
• USB-C audio/MIDI interface and 5-pin MIDI I/O
All The Models In One Box
Eleven OSC ModelsEleven OSC Models put a diverse range of sound-making power at your command, from vintage analog synths and PCM-based sounds to cutting-edge digital tones. There’s a flexible drum synthesizer too, with rich tone-shaping capabilities for creating custom kits from scratch.
FutureCraft crisp modern textures with the two-operator Cross FM Model. Develop complex morphing tones with the powerful Wavetable Model. Or use the Drawing Model to design your own waveforms and build sounds never heard before.
ModulatedFashion bold metallic textures with the Ring Model, which offers deep sound-shaping via crossfade parameters, waveshapes, tuning, and more. And with the Sync Model, it’s easy to create oscillator sync tones with evolving harmonic richness and powerful envelope control.
LegacyThe SH-4D also comes loaded with influential voices from Roland’s historic past. Create classic analog flavors with the authentic sounds of the SH-101 and JUNO-106 Models. And anchor your tracks with the PCM Model and its large selection of sample-based sounds from our historic library.
RhythmThe dedicated rhythm part features 49 preset kits and 64 slots for storing your own. You get 26 instruments in a kit, each with up to two layered waveforms, dedicated EQs, and a slate of synthesis tools for shaping sounds to perfection.
Sound Design
Sonic explorer The SH-4D puts everything you need for professional sound design at your fingertips, with instantly accessible controls and a clever, dynamic interface that lets you work at the speed of your imagination.
Fully loaded panelCraft tones and perform in the moment 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 your creative flow.
Build sounds fastWith the powerful Matrix section, you can use LFOs, envelopes, or external MIDI sources to modulate Model parameters. Easily set assignments by grabbing knobs and dive deep into detailed settings via the intuitive menu structure.
Enter the MatrixWith the powerful Matrix section, you can use LFOs, envelopes, or external MIDI sources to modulate Model parameters. Easily set assignments by grabbing knobs and dive deep into detailed settings via the intuitive menu structure.
Music that movesAmong its many tricks, the SH-4D features built-in motion sensors that allow you to pick up the synth and tweak sounds with physical movements as you perform. Use D-Motion to control two assignable parameters for the X/Y axis.
Pattern Sequencer
Multitimbral sequencing The SH-4D sequencer is always on hand, ready to transform your sound ideas into compact loops or extended compositions. The tactile interface works in tandem with your sound design moves, making it easy to discover new tones and textures as patterns play. With up to 60 notes of polyphony, you have enough power to realize complete musical ideas in the box.
Inspiration engineThe SH-4D offers rapid-fire Roland sequencing with four synth parts and a dedicated rhythm part. Use two different step recording modes to enter up to eight notes per step or real-time recording mode to capture playing as you go. Fine-tune note velocity and other settings with detailed list editing. And manipulate patterns with reverse/random playback, first step/last step, and other powerful performance features.
Mix and muteIn Pattern mode, the SH-4D’s OSC section and LCD transform into a mixer for finessing levels and arranging on the spot. Control part volumes, muting, and panning and view effect send levels at a glance. When you’re not in Pattern mode, you can mute/unmute parts and individual pattern steps with quick button presses.
Motion recordingDrop into real-time recording to capture knob and slider movements whenever you’re ready. To refine your motion moves, record another pass or open the list editor and start tweaking. If you want to start over, you can easily clear all motion in a pattern with one command.
Tools for surpriseThe SH-4D provides lots of additional ways to infuse your creations with color and detail. Set probability amounts per step to invite unpredictability and add sub steps for flams and ratchets. And along with the Visual Arpeggio feature, there’s a traditional arpeggiator to capture moving note patterns as you record.
Roland - SH-4D
The Tech Spec
| Features | Specification | User Memory | Sound Patch: 256 Pattern: 128 |
|---|---|
| OSC Model | SH-4d SH-3D SYNC SH-101 JUNO-106 Cross FM RING WAVETABLE CHORD DRAWING PCM RHYTHM (only for RHYTHM part) |
| Maximum Polyphony | 60 voices (varies according to the sound generator load) |
| Parts | 5 parts (Tone part: 4, Rhythm part: 1) |
| Effects | Multi-Effects: 5 systems, 93 types Reverb: 9 types Chorus: 5 types Delay: 5 types Master Effect: 93 types Master EQ / Comp |
| Arpeggiator | 5 types |
| Sequencer | parts: 5 Steps: 64 Sub Steps Flam Probability |
| Controllers | Switch Keyboard Step buttons D-Motion (motion sensor) |
| Display | Graphic LCD 128 x 64 dots |
| Connectors | PHONES jack: Stereo 1/4-inch phone type OUTPUT jacks (L/MONO, R): 1/4-inch phone type MIX IN jack: Stereo miniature phone type EXT CLK IN jack: Mono miniature phone type MIDI connectors (IN, OUT) USB port: USB Type-C(R) (Audio, MIDI) |
| Power Supply | USB bus power supply (USB Type-C(R) port) Ni-MH batteries (AA, HR6) (commercially available) x 4 Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) (commercially available) x 4 |
| Current Draw | 500 mA (USB bus power supply) |
| Expected battery life under continuous use | Alkaline battery: Approx. 4 hours Ni-MH battery: Approx. 5 hours * This can vary depending on the specifications of the batteries, capacity of the batteries, and the conditions of use. |
| Dimensions | 360 (W) x 195 (D) x 66 (H) mm 14-3/16 (W) x 7-11/16 (D) x 2-5/8 (H) inches |
| Weight(excluding Batteries) | 1,780 g 3 lbs 15 oz |
| Accessories | Quick Start "Safety Precautions" leaflet USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4 |
