Roland SH-4D Synthesizer Module Overview
Unleash your creativity with the Roland SH-4d Synthesizer - a compact desktop synthesizer with the power and versatility to meet the creative needs of music producers and sound designers alike.
Introducing the Roland SH-4d Synthesizer - the ultimate compact desktop synthesizer for modern sound design. With 11 OSC Models and extensive professional sound design tools, the SH-4d offers a hands-on workflow that makes it easy to create spontaneous musical moments. Its multitimbral pattern sequencer and powerful effects give you plenty of options to craft evolving sounds and compositions that inspire you.
All-In-One Synth
The SH-4d is a new breed of synthesizer that packs a diverse range of sound-making power into a single box. It features 11 OSC Models that allow you to create vintage analogue synths, PCM-based sounds, and cutting-edge digital tones. There’s also a flexible drum synthesizer with rich tone-shaping capabilities that enable you to create custom kits from scratch.
Classic
Inspired by legendary Roland SH synths, the SH-4d Model lets you build thick vintage analogue-style sounds with up to four different waveforms. Or choose the SH-3d Model, which swaps an extra LFO for the fourth part. There’s also a jammable Chord Model for creating complex chord changes with single notes and simple slider movements.
Future
Craft 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.
Modulated
Fashion 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.
Legacy
The SH-4d also comes loaded with influential voices from Roland’s historic past. Create classic analogue flavours with the authentic sounds of the SH-101 and JUNO-106 oscillator models. And anchor your tracks with the PCM Model and its large selection of sample-based sounds from our historic library.
Rhythm
The 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.
Multitimbral Sequencing for Creative Inspiration
The SH-4d Synthesizer’s multitimbral pattern 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.
Fully Loaded Panel
Craft 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.
Grab-and-Go Synth Controls
The Filter, Amp, and LFO sections are always ready to shape what you’re working on. The newly developed ladder Filter offers multi-mode operation with interactive Drive and Resonance, full envelope control, and an independent HPF to instantly tighten any sound. The Amp section provides ADSR and quick level adjustment, while the deep LFO section features numerous waveform types, fade, filter, pitch, and more.
Enter the Matrix
With 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.
Powerful Effects Engine
The SH-4d comes equipped with an extensive library of renowned Roland effects, designed to take your sound to the next level. Whether you’re looking to add subtle movement, finesse and polish your tones, or create wild and distorted sounds, the SH-4d has the tools you need to achieve your desired sound. With a comprehensive set of focused controls and dynamic menus, you can easily call up effect types, adjust parameters, set send levels, and fine-tune every aspect of your effects to perfectly complement your performance.
From classic filters and delays to powerful pitch shifters, phasers, flangers, and the iconic JUNO chorus, the SH-4d has the effects you need to make your music stand out. The SH-4d’s powerful effects engine allows you to experiment with different combinations of effects, creating unique soundscapes that are sure to capture the attention of your listeners.
Tools for Surprise
The SH-4d provides lots of additional ways to infuse your creations with colour 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.
Music That Moves
Among 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. Or call up the unique Visual Arpeggio to shape note patterns via fun interactive displays.
Stay Creative Wherever You Go
The SH-4d Synthesizer packs a lot of versatility into a portable design that flows with any creative scenario. With the integrated USB-C audio/MIDI interface, you can record 12 discrete audio channels directly into your DAW. The SH-4d Synthesizer runs on a standard USB-C phone charger or AA batteries for up to four hours. The rugged, grab-and-go design lets you create non-stop, whether in the studio, on the road, or lounging around the house.
- 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
- Clock input for synchronizing with modular synths and other Roland gear
- Stereo 1/4-inch audio outputs and headphones jack
- 3.5 mm stereo audio input for mixing other synths such as AIRA Compact and Roland Boutique instruments
- Rugged portable design powered by batteries or USB-C
- *Maximum polyphony varies according to OSC Model voice settings and the sound generator load.
- 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