Roland SH-4D

Digital Desktop Synthesizer

Future Retro

Compact, powerful, and loaded with deep, professional synthesis tools for designing the sounds of the future and past, the SH-4d Synthesizer from Roland is a desktop powerhouse, built to provide users with a hands-on workflow, multitimbral pattern sequencing, extensive effects, and much more. The creative potential of the SH-4d is nearly unlimited, with 11 varied oscillator models, ranging from vintage Roland synths, like the Juno-106 and SH-101, to cutting-edge digital textures and with dynamic controls, motion recording, a unique visual arpeggiator, an advanced modulation matrix, and an innovative D-Motion function that lets you create performance effects from physical movement of the synth, it’s easier than ever to craft spontaneous musical moments and evolving compositions.

The SH-4d sports 32 knobs, four sliders, a two-plus octave button keyboard, 5-part multitimbrality (four synth parts, one rhythm part), and 256 user sound patches with 128 patterns. With 60-voice polyphony and an incredibly intuitive interface that reconfigures on-the-fly for whatever function you need, there are simply no limits on your creativity. This rugged, portable synth is USB-C bus or battery powered and includes a USB-C to USB-A cable and four AA batteries to get you started.

All the Models in One Box

Eleven OSC Models put a diverse range of sound-making power at your command, from vintage analog synths and PCM-based sounds to ultramodern digital tones. There’s a flexible drum synthesizer too, with rich tone-shaping capabilities for creating custom kits from scratch.

• Classic: Inspired by legendary Roland SH synths, this new SH-4d model lets you build thick vintage analog-style sounds with up to four different waveforms. Choosing the SH-3D model swaps an extra LFO for a fourth timbre. You can also create complex chord changes with single notes and slider movements using the Chord model
• 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 that have never been 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 mode, 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 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

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 Panel: Craft tones and perform in the moment with 32 knobs, four sliders, and a massive array of multifunctional buttons. The LCD screen, sliders, and buttons automatically reconfigure functions to follow the selected mode, eliminating menu diving, which might slow your creative flow
• Grab-and-Go Synth Controls: Whether building tones or creating patterns, the Filter, Amp, and LFO sections are always ready to shape what you’re working on. The new ladder filter offers multimode operation with interactive Drive and Resonance, full envelope control, and an independent HPF to instantly tighten any sound. The Amp section provides ADSR, while the deep LFO section features numerous waveforms, fade, filter, pitch, and more
• Build Sounds Fast: The dynamic OSC section puts the most important creative parameters within easy reach. Shape sounds from scratch by starting from a clean slate. Or call up preset and user tone libraries for each model and begin tweaking from there
• Enter the Matrix: With the powerful modulation matrix, you can use LFOs, envelopes, or external MIDI sources to modulate model parameters. Easily set assignments by grabbing knobs and dive deep into settings via the intuitive menu structure
• 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 new patterns via the fun, interactive displays

Massive Effects

The SH-4d is filled with renowned Roland effects to frost, finesse, rough up, or mangle your tones and patterns. Using focused controls and dynamic menus, you can quickly call up effect types, adjust parameters, set send levels, and more while creating and performing.

Each sequencer has a dedicated MFX processor with 93 effect types across 5 systems to explore, from filter, drive, and lo-fi effects to delays, pitch shifters, phasers, flangers, and the famous Juno chorus, you’re sure to find what you need for any style. The SH-4d includes shared chorus, delay, and reverb effects with send controls for each part and top-level buttons for fast on/off access. There’s also a MFX processor for the pattern output, plus a system EQ and compressor for fine-tuning the overall mix.

Stay in the Flow, Wherever You Go

The SH-4d packs a lot of versatility into a portable design that flows with any creative scenario. The SH-4d excels as a sound module and controller in a more extensive hardware setup, with 5-pin MIDI I/O, a dedicated clock input, and a 3.5mm stereo audio input for an AIRA Compact, Roland Boutique, or another external instrument as well as 1/4″ stereo line outs and a 1/4″ stereo headphone output.

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

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 Engine: The 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 Mute: In 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 Recording: Drop 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 that Surprise You: The 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

FEATURES

• Compact Multi-Engine Synthesizer
• 11 OSC Models
• 5-Part Multitimbrality: 4 Tones + Rhythm
• 60-Voice Max Polyphony
• 256 User Sound Patches, 128 Patterns
• Two-Plus Octave Range Button Keyboard
• Step Sequencer Buttons, D-Motion Sensor
• Multi-FX: Five Systems with 93 Types
• Visual Arpeggiator, Motion Recording
• USB-C or Battery Power