Roland SH-4D Sound Module

Description

ROLAND SH-4D SOUND MODULE

Retro future.

Compact desktop synthesizer with 11 OSC Models, professional sound design features, direct control workflow, multi-timbral pattern sequencer, an extensive effects section, and much more.

Introducing the SH-4d Synthesizer, a powerful desktop unit with a fluid, direct workflow and detailed synthesis capabilities to create the sounds of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Create innovative and original musical moments with 11 OSC Models, a multi-timbral pattern sequencer, a wide selection of effects, and inexhaustible polyphony. And with a comprehensive panel, dynamic controls, motion recording, and much more, you can create evolving sounds and compositions that match your ideas. Equally suited for the studio, stage, and travel, the SH-4d is an incredibly versatile synth that unleashes your inspiration the moment you turn it on.

Main Functions

Compact desktop synthesizer with professional sound design features, intuitive workflow with direct controls and built-in pattern sequencer.

The eleven OSC Models cover everything from vintage analog to classic PCM sounds, up to the most innovative digital textures.

OSC Models include the new native SH-4d generator, Wavetable, Cross FM, JUNO-106, SH-101, and more.

Four independent synth parts and a dedicated rhythm part, with up to 60 total voices of polyphony*.

Rhythm part with selectable waveforms, powerful synthesis controls, layering capabilities, and much more, for individual sound design of each instrument.

Comprehensive panel with direct access to 32 knobs, four sliders, and an impressive selection of buttons.

The interface reconfigures the LCD and panel controls depending on the Model or execution mode, eliminating menu navigation and never slowing down your creativity.

Dedicated Filter, Amplifier, and LFO sections, with full controls.

Advanced matrix for modulating multiple assignable parameters.

Two-octave button keyboard for creating music directly on the instrument.

Multi-timbral sequencer with 128 patterns, real-time recording, two step input modes, and motion recording.

Probability and Sub Step settings for each note, for the timbral and rhythmic parts in pattern sequences.

Exclusive D-Motion and Visual Arpeggio, for creating performance effects by physically moving the SH-4d.

Comprehensive internal 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.

Clock input for synchronization with modular synths and other Roland devices.

1/4" stereo audio outputs and headphone jack.

3.5 mm stereo audio input for mixing with other synths like AIRA Compact and Roland Boutique instruments.

Robust portable design with battery or USB-C power.

*Maximum polyphony varies depending on OSC Model voice settings and sound generator load.

The dream machine, portable.

The SH-4d is a new generation of Roland SH synthesizers, catalyzing creativity on every occasion. Turn the knobs and move the sliders to create sounds, textures, and ideas that will energize you for hours. And with its portable, battery-powered design, you can create exceptional music whenever and wherever you want.

All Models together.

The eleven OSC Models provide you with the widest and most varied sound creation power: from vintage analog and PCM-based synth sounds, to the most revolutionary and innovative digital timbres. Plus, there's also a versatile drum synthesizer with powerful sound editing capabilities to create custom kits from scratch.

A classic.

Inspired by legendary Roland SH synthesizers, the new SH-4d Model lets you build rich vintage analog-style sounds with up to four different waveforms. Or, choose the SH-3D Model, which features an extra LFO instead of the fourth part. There's also a versatile Chord Model for creating complex chord sequences with individual notes and simple slider movements.

The future.

Bring modern textures to life with the two-operator Cross FM Model. Develop complex and evolving sounds with the powerful Wavetable Model. Or use the Drawing Model to draw your own waveforms and create never-before-heard sounds.

Modulation.

Create bold metallic textures with the Ring Model, offering complete sound editing possibilities through Crossfade, Waveshape, Tuning, and many other parameters. And with the Sync Model, it's easy to create synchronized oscillator sounds rich in evolving harmonics with powerful envelope control.

The legacy.

The SH-4d is also rich in influential sounds from Roland's historic past. Create classic analog timbres with the authentic sounds of the SH-101 and JUNO-106 Models. And lay the foundation for your tracks with the PCM Model and its wide selection of sample-based sounds from our historical library.

The rhythm.

The dedicated rhythm part features 49 preset kits and 64 slots to save your own. You have 26 instruments in a kit, each with up to two layered waveforms, dedicated equalizers, and a choice of synthesis features to shape your sounds to perfection.

The sound explorer.

The SH-4d provides you with everything you need for professional sound design, with instantly accessible controls and an intuitive, dynamic interface that allows you to work as fast as your imagination.

A comprehensive panel.

Play and create sounds instantly with 32 knobs, four sliders, and a rich array of multi-function buttons. The LCD, sliders, and buttons automatically reconfigure to follow the selected mode, eliminating the obstacles of menu navigation that slow down your creative flow.

All synthesis controls at your fingertips.

Whether you're creating new sounds or patterns, the Filter, Amp, and LFO sections are always ready to modify what you're inventing. The newly developed Ladder filter offers multi-mode operation, with interactive Drive and Resonance, comprehensive envelope control, and an independent HPF to instantly energize any sound. The Amp section offers ADSR and quick level adjustment, while the LFO section features numerous waveform types, Fade, Filter, Pitch, and much more.

Build your sounds quickly.

The dynamic OSC section puts the most important creative parameters at your fingertips. Shape your sounds from scratch. Or, recall the preset and user sound libraries for each model and start editing from there.

Welcome to the Matrix.

With the powerful Matrix section, you can use LFOs, envelopes, or other external MIDI sources to modulate Model parameters. Easily set assignments by adjusting the knobs, or dive into more detailed settings through the intuitive menu structure.

Music in motion.

Among its many creative capabilities, the SH-4d features integrated motion sensors that allow you to pick up the synth and modify sounds through physical movements during your performance. Use D-Motion to control two assignable parameters for the X/Y axis. Or recall the exclusive Visual Arpeggio to shape note patterns through fun interactive displays.

Multi-timbral sequencer.

The SH-4d's sequencer is always at hand, ready to transform your sound ideas into compact loops or extended compositions. The tactile interface works in tandem with your sound design actions, making it easy to discover new sounds and textures as the pattern plays. With a maximum polyphony of 60 notes, you have all the power to realize complete musical ideas with a single unit.

An engine that inspires.

The SH-4d offers Roland's fast sequencing capabilities with four synth parts and a dedicated rhythm part. Use two different step recording modes to input up to eight notes per step, or real-time recording to capture your performance. Optimize note dynamics and other settings through detailed list editing. And manipulate patterns with reverse/random playback, first step/last step, and other powerful performance features.

Mixing and muting.

In Pattern mode, the SH-4d's OSC section and LCD transform into a mixer for fine-tuning levels and creating arrangements on the fly. Control part volumes, mute, and stereo position, and view effect send levels at a glance. When in Pattern mode, you can mute and unmute parts and individual pattern steps with quick button presses.

Motion Recording.

Immerse yourself in real-time recording to capture knob and slider movements when desired. To refine your movements, record another pass or open the List Editor to begin editing. If you want to start over, you can easily erase all motion in a pattern with a single command.

Amazing features.

The SH-4d offers many other ways to add color and detail to your creations. Set probability to increase the level of variety, and add sub steps for flams and ratchets. And along with the Visual Arpeggio function, there's also a traditional arpeggiator to capture moving note patterns as you record.

The power of effects.

The SH-4d includes Roland's renowned effects to make any changes you can imagine to your sounds and patterns. Using dedicated controls and dynamic menus, you can quickly recall effect types, adjust parameters, set send levels, and much more, while creating and playing.

Multieffects to the max.

Each sequencer part has a dedicated MFX processor available, with 95 effect types to explore. From filters, distortion, and lo-fi effects, to delays, pitch shifters, phasers, flangers, and the famous JUNO chorus, you can be sure to find what you need for any style.

Global color.

The SH-4d includes chorus, delay, and reverb effects shared with send controls for each part, and easy-access on/off buttons. There's also a multi-effect processor for the pattern output, along with system EQ and compression, to optimize the overall mix.

< Section 6: Versatility >

Stay on track, wherever you go.

The SH-4d offers maximum versatility with a portable design, perfect for any creative scenario.

Bring your friends.

The SH-4d excels as a sound module and controller in a larger hardware setup, with 5-pin MIDI I/O, a dedicated clock input, and a 3.5 mm stereo audio input for AIRA Compact, Roland Boutique, or another external instrument.

A powerful production partner.

With the integrated USB-C audio/MIDI interface, you can record 12 distinct audio channels directly into your DAW. The main panel knobs, D-Motion, and Visual Arpeggio also transmit CC messages, allowing you to use the SH-4d as a complete control surface for software instruments and MIDI hardware.

Your mobile synthesis studio.

The SH-4d works with a standard USB-C phone charger, or with AA batteries for up to four hours. The robust and portable design allows you to create without interruption, in the studio, on the go, or comfortably moving around your home.

Specifications

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