Hi, Dustin from Roland here
to show you the AIRA Compact S-1
Tweak Synth, a pocket-sized
four-voice polysynth with a stack
of innovative sound design and
performance tools to create deep
textures and expressive sequences.
The S-1 is the latest addition to
the AIRA Compact line--powerful,
fun, affordable instruments that
put Roland's legendary sounds in
the palm of your hand.
The S-1 is a powerful synthesizer,
packing a sound much bigger than its
size. Under the hood, the
S-1 uses our Analog Circuit
Behavior technology to replicate
the legendary character of the
SH-101.
But dig a little deeper, and you'll
soon find the S-1 is packed with
new sound design features that push
the ACB capabilities into
overdrive. Explore hands-on waveform
creation with Oscillator Drawing,
and use Oscillator Chop to slice
up each waveform, creating unique
overtones and metallic timbres.
The comprehensive 64-step
polyphonic sequencer features Motion
Recording, probability,
and sub-steps to bring pattern
programming to life.
For new physical performance
approaches, tap into Step Loop
for instant repeats and rhythmic
variation, or try D-Motion
for controlling assignable
parameters by moving the S-1.
Plus, enjoy onboard effects, an
easy-to-use arpeggiator, and
much more.
Let's get familiar with the sounds
of the S-1 by choosing a few
patterns to play.
To create your own sounds from
scratch, choose a blank pattern.
In this case, I've got a sequence
already programmed here.
We can use the Oscillator Mix knobs
to mix various wave shapes together,
shape
the sound further with the filter
and the envelope, add
LFO where desired, and
we've got control for pulse width
modulation.
To really take the S-1 into
overdrive, let's check out a few
innovative sound design features,
starting with Oscillator Draw.
Replacing the square wave, you
can create your own unique waveforms
by changing values on the 16
step pads.
Notice the waveform change on the
Oscilloscope as step values are
edited.
You can then adjust the Multiply
parameter which acts similar to
a hard sync, increasing the
frequency in harmonics but keeping
things in tune.
Another new tool, Oscillator
Chop, unlocks even more harmonic
potential, manually
chopping up sections of each
individual waveform, using the step
buttons, creating small
pulse-like shapes.
The Comb parameter can then be
used to create wild metallic
effects, increasing the repeats.
of the Chop pattern.
You can also perform riser
style sounds, replacing the Noise
oscillator.
Add a finishing touch with the S-1's
onboard effects, including an
adjustable delay, seven types
of reverb, and four types of chorus.
The S-1 boasts a powerful 64-step
sequencer with advanced programming
features like probability,
sub-steps, and Motion
Recording. Sequences can be created
in a few different ways in
real-time, with on-board metronome
keeping the beat, or by programming
each step on the pads with some
different approaches.
The S-1 also has the ability to
add multiple-note repeats per
step using sub-step, creating
ratcheting effects in a variety of
patterns.
You can dig into each step
individually and add even more
notes, up to four per step.
The probability function can create
unpredictable playback results by
assigning a percentage value to any
step, controlling the likelihood
that that step will play each time
around. Motion Recording is also
available on the S-1, meaning you
can easily build dynamic parameter
changes into your patterns with
up to eight parameters per step.
This can include things like filter
cutoff, changes in effects sends,
or deeper options like Multiply
and Comb.
And don't forget the on-board
arpeggiator, a tried and true tool
for generating musical phrases.
Use different rates and phrase types
to get some inspired ideas that can
also be recorded directly into
the sequencer.
Once you've created some sequences,
explore the S-1's performance tools
to further bring ideas to life.
Launch real-time fills with Step
Loop by holding a single or multiple
sequencer steps.
Use the Transpose function to change
the key of your sequence or
to transpose on the fly as part
of your performance.
Finally, test drive D-Motion
to control assignable parameters
with left and right or back and
forth movements.
Add other members of the AIRA
Compact family to build more
complete compositions and
performances.
Tap into the T-8 Beat Machine for
classic TR drums and TB-style
bass.
Add layers with the J-6 Chord
Synth for generating longer chord
changes and musical phrases
with lush JUNO sounds.
And drop in the E-4 Voice
Tweaker to transform, harmonize,
vocode, and loop your voice.
Chain audio from one unit to
another with the MIX OUT and MIX IN
ports. Use 3.5mm
TRS MIDI to sync tempo, send
start and stop commands, and program
change. Or use a SYNC IN
and OUT to keep your units in time
and connected with other gear.
Like all AIRA Compacts, the S-1
is equipped with a USB-C port for
connecting to laptops, tablets,
and smartphones.
AIRA Compacts are class compliant,
so they don't require drivers,
allowing you to easily send audio
and MIDI over a USB cable.
The S-1 has extensive
MIDI CC options, transmitting
and receiving control messages for
most of the sound engine's
parameters, allowing for a wide
range of creative setups.
AIRA Compacts are lightweight and
portable, equipped with Lithium Ion
batteries for hours of jamming,
Pull them out, connect them up, and
jam anywhere, anytime.
And there it is, the new AIRA
Compact S-1, a portable,
powerful synth for creative sound
design and inspiring performances.
For more information about AIRA
Compact, visit roland.com.