Hi, I'm Laurence Jepson,
and this is the SH-4d synthesizer,
a desktop powerhouse with hands- on
workflow and deep synthesis tools
for crafting a wide array of sounds.
This five-part multitimbral sense
is packed with 11 oscillator models
that cover everything from vintage
analog settings and PCM sounds
to cutting-edge digital tones.
The LCD sliders and buttons
automatically reconfigure their
functions to follow the selected
oscillator model, while the Filter,
Amp, and LFO sections
are always set to shape whatever
sound you're working on.
The SH-4d also has a five-track
sequencer consisting of four parts
polyphonic record and playback
with any of the 11 oscillator models
and a dedicated rhythm track with 26
customizable instruments.
Let's take a closer look at the
SH-4d's selection of oscillator
models. The first oscillator model
is the SH-4d. Inspired
by Roland's SH synthesizers of the
past, the SH-4d is comprised
of four oscillators to create huge,
analog-inspired sounds.
This is great for massive basses.
Or maybe some rich and full pads.
You'll notice the oscillator mixer
section here is a fundamental part
of how we interact with the SH-4d
and its various models.
On the SH-4d Model, these
sliders act as a mixer for the
oscillator levels.
And using the four buttons here, we
can select which oscillator we'd
like to change and interact with.
Up here are the Pitch and Timbre
knobs that correspond to each
individual oscillator.
Next, we have the SH-3D model,
similar to the 4d, but
swapping out oscillator 4 for a
second LFO.
We can select from ten different LFO
shapes, change its rates,
pitch modulation, and fade time
using the knobs and sliders.
The SYNC oscillator model allows us
to use two oscillators in sync
for a range of modulated metallic
sounds.
We can select from nine different
waveforms, choose between mono
and poly playback, and by using
the four sliders we can change the
pitch depth and envelope character
of the SYNC oscillator.
The SH-4d also includes iconic
legacy models like the SH-101
and JUNO-106, both
great for tapping into classic
analog sounds.
The
LCD screen gives you the familiar
look of the original oscillator mix
section and corresponds directly to
the four sliders.
The Cross FM oscillator model is
great for capturing both classic and
modern experimental sounds with its
two operators: one for
the main output and the other to
modulate it via the pitch, envelope,
and ratio.
I'll select a waveform for each
operator and raise the amount.
I can also add ferocity and
character to any of my sounds using
the SH-4d's newly developed
ladder filter, including a dedicated
Drive knob that can be added to any
model.
The RING mod oscillator model is
built off two waves that distorts
and manipulates via ring modulation,
perfect for experimental textures
and some harsh basses.
The WAVETABLE oscillator model is
perfect for those modern and
futuristic sounds.
With a staggering 31
wavetables to choose from, there are
almost no bounds to the sound
palette you wish to create.
So select wavetable.
Then use the sliders to adjust the
position manually or by using
the envelopes.
And for creating even more movement
in the sound, you can modulate the
Wavetable position with the LFO
using the Timbre knob.
The CHORD oscillator model uses
the SH-4d's four oscillators
to stack up to four
notes paraphonically to deliver
19 different chord variations.
You can use the Timbre knob to mix
the amount of chord tones you want,
and
Slider 2 to pick the inversion
voicing of the chord.
The DRAWING oscillator model lets
you create custom wave shapes using
the four sliders to draw patterns up
to a 32-step resolution.
With the directional buttons, you
can traverse and alter each of the
32 steps to create more intricate
detail within your shapes.
Adjust the Timbre knob to smooth or
sharpen up the edges, and
hold any of the four buttons to
create some slopes.
Lastly, the PCM oscillator
model allows you to mix up to four
different PCM parts, choosing from
a range of 53 waveforms, pulling
from a stackable palette of sounds.
It's also worth mentioning that the
RHYTHM part is actually an entire
synth itself.
For each of the 26 instruments, you
can design and layer your own
bespoke kits, selecting from 439
different drum samples and VA waves
for unique and experimental
layering.
There's a dedicated pitch envelope
for each instrument, and you could
also sculpt each instrument with the
Filter and Amp controls.
To program all sounds and bring them
to life, the SH-4d also
contains a five-part sequencer.
Parts one to four are
for recording and playing any of the
11 oscillator models, and part
five provides a dedicated rhythm
part. Parts can be sequenced
with the step sequencer or in
real-time with substep and
probability available for both tone
and rhythm parts.
In Pattern or Mixer mode, part
levels can be easily adjusted and
muted to create on-the-fly
arrangements.
To give patterns even more life, we
can change the Play mode, reversing
and randomizing playback.
Or finesse them in other ways with
motion recording, capturing knob and
slider movements in real-time, or
programming them step by step.
I can also use the powerful Matrix
section to control up to four model
parameters via a variety
of modulation sources like LFOs,
envelopes, and external
MIDI sources.
Another way of animating and
morphing our sounds is with the
D-Motion feature.
Using the onscreen X and Y pad, I
can select two mod destinations,
then move and tilt the SH-4d to
change those parameters.
Finally, the Visual Arpeggio
offers five different modes for a
fun and interactive playback
experience, great for coming up with
fresh ideas and interesting
sequences.
With the integrated USB-C audio
media interface, you can record and
monitor 12 discrete audio channels
to your DAW, as well as transmit CC
messages via the panel, knobs,
D-Motion, and Visual Arpeggio.
Adding the SH-4d to a more extensive
hardware setup is seamless, with
its five-pin MIDI I/O, dedicated
clock input, and a 3.5
mm stereo input for an external
sound source.
The SH-4d can be powered with a
standard USB-C phone charger
or AA batteries for up to four
hours of play.
And with its perfected grab-and-go
design, the SH-4d is the
ultimate creative tool, whether in
the studio, on the road,
or at home.
And that is the SH-4d.
For more information, be sure to
visit Roland.com.