The Roland SH-4d In a Nutshell

[@bilonggrisimmeri]

Is it just me, or is the sound on this video considerably better than other SH-4d reviews, including Roland's own ones? This really sounds lovely, detailed and bass heavy. Bravo!!

[@AlexBallMusic]

I guess we have different preamps, DAWs, plugins, monitors etc as well as making our own sounds to our own taste. Perhaps those change the vibe of the same instrument in different environments?

[@electro-soma]

I agree. I thought it sounded pretty dull, kind of flabby sounding, until I watched Alex's video.

[@neonblack211]

he just recorded it properly, and is a great composer

[@Konnekta]

@@AlexBallMusic Brilliant demo as always Alex. Any chance of sharing the Pre, Interface and any post processing used?

[@dyscotopia]

Just like most Roland gear, I thought this sounded super digital and lifeless, despite the lovely features, until this demo... And now I'm wondering what I should sell :)

[@The-word-I-does-not-exist]

Behringer are doing a single voice “tribute” version in Volca format, coming at the beginning of April, the SH-1t.

[@dankeplace]

Derphinger have been doing this for years, with everyone of their releases.

[@EarlyMist]

Now that truly sounds like the shit!

[@audiowanderer]

Like the retro vibe of the design and the futuristic sound you can build with it. Definitely a right attempt to make a modern groovebox from Roland

[@MarquisDeSang]

All the little demos you make sounds amazing. You are the only one who can create so many "music gems" like its nothing. Most musicians only make 1 or 2 good pieces in their live. But you, it is a strike 95% of the time.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Better work on that 5% then. 🙂

[@0per4torX]

Agree on this! I like the electronic acid style the most!

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

That's because He has done this for a very long time and only pulish what actually sounds good. He probably has alot of bad sounding stuff that you will never hear.

[@aquaticborealis4877]

If you listen, he layers together different simple musical elements that are catchy. Kind of the secret to good musical composition if you ask me.

[@78thandSynth]

It’s true because the product is always musical. Truly musical. Great works man.

[@MaxVersace]

As an avid lover of both Daft Punk and Aphex Twin, I can safely say this is my dream machine

[@sommersmcc]

Best demo of this unit yet! Really shows off the sounds and the abilities with great musical examples! And Simon likes to do drawer-ings!

[@RabbitRunway]

A Roland box that might not end up in an episode of bad gear? Neat!

[@Tabazan]

We all know it will . .

[@AlexBallMusic]

Nothing escapes.

[@cds8137]

Haha you may be right on this one. Made me laugh anyway. Top.

[@raistaparta]

I know, right? It’s like they finally decided to make a sensible product. Heads will roll at Roland’s HQ…

[@RabbitRunway]

@@raistaparta I’m greatly anticipating the day they go off the rails and make a synth where all menu functions are accessed via d-beam.

[@emilyschmanks]

im very skeptical of any new roland releases but at 2:49 you really got my attention. this seems like a cool groovebox tbh. finally a roland device that isn't purposely gimped

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yep, looks quite unassuming, but it really isn't.

[@Mind_Idiot]

the problem is that I can't gauge how good the device is because the operator is too good. I swear man you could make the shittiest synths in history produce bangers. *sudden realization*

[@XanderEwald]

We need more mediocre reviewers! Working on it.

[@vibratehigh89]

@@XanderEwald bobeats has that lane covered.

[@clarkharrell2227]

​@@vibratehigh89😭

[@MusicZeroOne]

Nice work as usual. Thankfully we have Alex for actual musical reviews.

[@jimbotron70]

Lots of knobs, great sound. Roland is back on the right path, at last.

[@KattKirsch]

Really love the 2002 "look at this weird synth I bought at a pawn shop while on vacationn" energy you bring to these synth demos. I get all the vibe I need in 15 minutes or it's free.

[@AlexBallMusic]

🙃

[@markenevoldsen6908]

Alex you have done it again,wonderful production and when I buy this thing I would demand it had your demo installed.

[@prospectnyc]

It has a lot of cool features but it definitely sounds more 90's than the 80's synths it has in its in feature specs.

[@JoshuaPhilgarlic]

Seriously, this is the first Roland synth in decades that seems interesting to me 🥳!

[@ednasdiscomachine6049]

Loved the Firestarter image montage. Laughed a lot at that. Sounds decent.

[@ryananthony4840]

I'm normally a classic synth guy, but after seeing these recently and the cost of one I am really leaning towards getting one

[@danniielle]

As much as it seems popular to bag the new Roland gear, I must say I think they're nailing some of these. This little guy sounds wonderful! I love my System 8 and that is coming from someone intimately familiar with their vintage gear.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Hi Danniielle. Yeah, there's treats from all the eras to be explored.

[@Death_By_Media]

Legend has it a lost SH32 and a JD-Xi tried to escape a dark forgotten stock room of the Roland factory before becoming the subject of a BadGear episode , but security chased them into one of Dr Seth Brundle’s Telepods where a they stored Zip Disks of Zencore code and somehow activated it ….the rest as they say is history. 😂

[@jumpstar9000]

I also thought the JD-Xi team must have had a hand in this. It's like a JD-Xi with all the hidden internals broken out and then a bit more. Pretty cool.

[@0richbike]

Another Roland classic. Awesome sounds controlled via a 1x2 pixel display and 2 knobs so close to it you cant actually see it while adjusting them. Old skool Roland letterbox. Maybe roland engineers have got tiny hands and huge eyes (and golden ears)

[@leftmono1016]

I’ve still got a Roland D110 - by comparison this screen is no letterbox!

[@hyoonoot]

Roland outdid themselves, jeeeesus. Good stuff, might buy one

[@shane_l8085]

Never thought a digital Roland synth would be on my radar in 2023 but this thing looks fantastic.

[@Helmutronic]

Wow, a groovebox roland that is not a boutique edition and comes with a bundle of cool features. I'm actually going to throw money on this one.

[@tolfred]

This thing sounds incredibly good! Nice demo from Alex also!

[@Dudderlyful]

The chord section music is perfectly complimented by the industrial prcision machinery. Loved that part. Great vid and very interesting instrument!

[@Soundsauca]

Really great sounding box. I’d convinced myself I didn’t need one but it’s so hands on I think it’ll be perfect 👍

[@MusicalWizardryMarcoIannello]

That little thing packs an incredible punch ❤

[@chadpescod-realtor3308]

There are so many really good stand alone boxes that it's hard to stand out. But this one does. I like it.

[@ZozillaThaGreat]

One of the few channel that conjugues , quality reviews and talent ....

[@avace917]

Nice Retrowave like piece during the SH-101/Juno 106 portion. Then again it IS Roland.

[@LousyFacelift]

It's like a new version of the SH-32 with a very similar concept. Wish they had also included SH-101 and Juno 106 filter models though.

[@thedeepblueskys]

Perhaps in firmware updates

[@DaveG207]

I admit, I was looking for a summary of the SH numbering system... but this does look cool 😎

[@AlexBallMusic]

The SH plot thickens. Need to do a TR skit at some point. That line is even worse.

[@MeesterAntrobus]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnm4qYVniJulaNU

[@Ishkur23]

Here's an idea Alex: How about a video on the various kinds of synthesis (additive, subtractive, wavetable, FM, etc.) and what the difference is between them. Unless you've already done a video on that.

[@AlexBallMusic]

This one goes gwamp. This one goes ping. This one goes wow. This one goes dong. Yeah, I reckon I could do that.

[@Death_By_Media]

@@AlexBallMusicbut we need more machines that go bing ! 😂

[@adamoliver82]

​@@AlexBallMusic I hope it's not that technical if you do. That'd be a pretty dry video.

[@roryjineffect]

​@@Death_By_Media no no no, that one means YOUR BABY IS STILL ALIVE

[@tuxedo1557]

@@adamoliver82 idk i feel like alex ball could talk about anything and if he put his creative spin on it, it would be entertaining

[@DavidDeLuge]

What a fantastic demonstration of this synth. I wanted one before but now I REALLY want one! 😜

[@tonverfall_studio]

Great overview, and great sounds! You can make a whole album on what you did with the FM engine - I'd buy it!

[@marketingdisaster]

Whaaaaaaa every channel drops SH-4d review simultaneously

[@liudas5377]

Video production value is off the charts!....

[@analoguewings]

Motion detection on a desktop synth? Great for boat gigs?

[@AlexBallMusic]

Set modulation to pitch for the full nautical experience.

[@martinlubitz3171]

Thanks for sharing, nice synth, great for vacation 🤔🤗😎

[@cornerliston]

I really understand why Roland wants you to showcase this. Great stuff! Although-I think they did something a bit weird with this, putting it into the SH series. No matter how lovely that Data 70 typeface is. : ) This one would fit much better in a separate product line. Nevertheless it'a amazing what quality and flexibility we can get today in one single box. Considering what we needed to do the same in the 80s.

[@GizzyDillespee]

I consider this an evolution of the SH-32 and JD-Xi product philosophies. Yeah, they're inconsistent with the SH and JD prefixes especially... and oddly enough, also with the Jupiter and Juno names. Yet, they're pretty consistent with MC, and somewhat consistent with TR. WTH?

[@Ciopekwah]

'data 70'... i was dying to know what that damn font is called for years holy shit thanks ;3;

[@ccjmusic]

This is definitely on my radar. I wish it had a few slight changes though. 1. Instead of the Pitch buttons I wish it had a small joystick so it could also enable a mod wheel instead of having to use D-motion (demoted to motion, more like) 2. The ability to import your own wavetables 3. An additional USB port that enabled the use of an external D-motion sensor so the unit could be on a desk and not moved to enable D-motion use. The other quirks, such as how you have to save etc. are something to get used to if not fixed in firmware.

[@danjwalker]

A lot of these music examples are super reminding of the synth songs I wrote in the early to mid aughts. I might go revisit some of those! Cheers Alex's Balls!

[@apecityelectronicsoundstudio]

0:08 The word "Synthesizer" looks so good in Data 70, glad to see it out in the wild again.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Love that font. Instant retro future.

[@floridahiker1503]

No one is talking about how good the drum emulations sound.

[@Dovinia]

Mr. Ball... Your presentations are out of this world. Are you human ?!

[@themainman3900]

Nice demo! Got some hardcore Prodigy vibes with the Sync engine demo song.

[@mahusonicstorytelling8693]

You really nailed it with the funky demos! How do you like the sequencer for jamming? Is it one pattern to switch or a individual pattern per part? Thnx! Oh, and microtiming is not possible, right??

[@DeepSpaceus]

Best video of the SH-4d I have seen today. And it has made me want one!

[@mistervalentin8396]

I'm really hoping you get your grubby hands on the Groove Synthesis Third Wave and Melbourne Instruments Nina. In the meantime, this is another great video of a synth I had no desire to purchase but now it's tempting. Darn you, you evil temptress! And once again, I am checking your channel every few days starving for another Alex Ball offering of funky tunes and humorous and informative commentary! This ticks all the boxes of course, as usual.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Funny that you should mention the Third Wave as a video has been setup, we're just waiting on an available unit. Really looking forward to that one. I heard of the Nina I think. Is that with the knobs that move by themselves? Thanks for the support by-the-way, much appreciated! (Sorry for the G.A.S)

[@mistervalentin8396]

@@AlexBallMusic indeed, it has the motorised knobs. I splurged and own one, but I'm curious what could be done with it in your far-more-capable hands.

[@bmartinez1965]

Can the SH-4d be used as a control surface to control parameters of other synthesizers?

[@orthoooo]

Thanks for bring in some of that D Motion

[@hardwaresecuritymodule]

I love how in the "chord" section at 8 mins in, you out-Carl Craig Mr Carl Craig himself with the Detroit vibe - bravo!!

[@hugocaldeiravinagre]

nice video. i have deleted the factory patterns. how can i restore them ? i ve made no backup and i have no restore folder in my 4d drive like the manual mentions.

[@eliaswarg6818]

This is a synthwave gem!

[@tblv9300]

thinking the same thing when i saw it has a tr-707 kit inside

[@echodub81]

KZbin offered me around 39 videos to watch about the sh4d. I don’t watch them, i just need two videos: one to learn about the machine without consulting the manual and one video to hear what talented people can do with it. Guess which one this is 😊 Good job as always

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thank you. :)

[@Toolsquatch]

Jesus…between the number of synth engines, the feature set, and the price tag ($650 at the time of this comment) this may very well be the first new Roland instrument to give me some *serious* GAS 😳

[@henninghoefer]

I came here to comment basically the same thing: First piece of gear in a loooong time which I might want to get - just to play around with it. I _guess_ it's because it's more a groovebox than just a synth?

[@Toolsquatch]

@@henninghoefer It’s a perfect balance between both, enough parameters for dedicated sound design and enough sequencing capabilities to be groovebox-capable 👌

[@cds8137]

As a Fantom and TR6S guy I think this sounds way ahead.i had an mc707... Not a big fan. TR is way more fun. This is superb. Thanks for sharing.

[@marklewis4024]

Surprisingly I’m impressed!!! Very nice!!!!!

[@progviddam]

Well done very good demo thanks ! Have you master / Fx the stereo out for the video ? a little ? a lot ? Because the bass are realy fat..

[@tblv9300]

best video for showing osc capabilities

[@SisterRose]

as a groovebox I do like that it's bigger than the MC101 with lots of knobs but not quite as gargantuan as the MC707. I'll probably stick with the MC101 for now but it's neat to know there's an option like this.

[@MrQmason]

The MC707 is great, though :)

[@baward]

The folks over in Japan have clearly got over their reticence about using the number ‘4’

[@Wagoo]

Never stopped the Jupiter-4

[@cryptonic1065]

hey Alex. Great channel, videos and music. Definitely my new favorites. Cheers

[@opeksei]

Very tasty! Any external processing being applied? Or is the snappy and punchy sound quality perhaps coming from SH4d's internal compressor?

[@brutsalvadi]

Coming back to this video for the second time, because I really like this thing. One thing that is missing from this video though is: what you did not like? Thanks

[@EmilHryniewski]

Accordion of the future 😎. Decent review mate!

[@andrewjacobs3731]

AHH an Alex ball video! Great toons and history!!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks Andrew.

[@jonrichards333]

I was like yeah, I kind a got stuff that will do that, then you said the magic word : Wavetable. Sold!

[@cds9000]

Love the video imagery on this one. Made it very entertaining for a "new product demo." :D

[@libla-music]

Killer demo, well done.

[@johnvcougar]

Loving your music, fella!

[@traitortotheliving]

Excellent video I really enjoyed the jams!

[@MattKeenanMusic]

correct me if I'm wrong but this feels like Roland's take on the Elektron Analog Four, with the four parts. plus drums tho.

[@MaxOstrovtheheadyhive]

I’m actually not that familiar with the Analog Four (I’m sure it’s awesome, though!), but you may be right. I DO know that Roland has had the JD-Xi out for a while (I own one and love it), and that has four parts (two digital synths, one analog, and one for drums with LOTS of sounds to choose from and a vocoder).

[@bazrin]

Loving the sound of this machine. Damn!

[@frank_mm]

Great demo !

[@digitaldesigner5284]

A Synth plus Drums, It's about time !

[@MaxOstrovtheheadyhive]

I have the Roland JD-Xi (which also does drums and has lots of options for different sounds over four channels), and absolutely love it! I’m so excited for my new SH-4D! Can’t wait to take it out to some beautiful places and make some music. It’s damn close to perfect in my eyes. 😊

[@jupitermarx]

Wonder if this is a competitor to the KORG durmlouge?

[@this_connor_guy]

Before watching this video: "I don't need any new gear." Me 3/4 of the way through this video: "I see the Guitar Center by my office has them in stock..."

[@mikebest2537]

You didn't mention the multi slot drum engine with 2 waveforms and filters/envelopes etc per slot!

[@MaxOstrovtheheadyhive]

Right!? I feel like everyone just glosses over the drums which are such a huge part of this box!

[@bresgear7960]

I purchased one last night. There are so many awesome things about this one (specifically the portability and accessible layout) but it is tragic that it lacks individual channel outputs. I know its early days on this release, but if they ever revise this model...I really hope they add more outputs! amazing demo as usual!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Congrats! Hope you enjoy it. It has multi-channel outputs over USB, so you can record everything into your DAW. That's what I did in this video. :)

[@novalogue]

@@AlexBallMusic Well, you sold it to me

[@neonblack211]

holy crap this sounds great

[@dfreeman120]

Great piece of kit

[@Wagoo]

D:Motion is the new D:Beam??? Although it's a feature copied from the Radikal Accelerator.. :)

[@AlexBallMusic]

It's been d:motional.

[@HalonOfficial]

What a fun box!

[@compucorder64]

Do I detect Some Jexus vibes/nods in the video aesthetics, processing and B-movie clips? One preset was called 'Syncgarb' You two are my favourite synth-operators. Because you both bring out the best of the synths, and their character. SH-1000 was the star here. This and a TR-6S together would probably friendlier to a beginner than say, Syntakt+Model:samples. I guess those limitations are the same thing that make it more approachable. But, I'd choose a Digitakt+Arturia Minifreak or microfreak+model:cycles, or Digitone + Model:samples over this. The lack of song mode (for now?) and user samples, plus the restricted programmability make this bit of a creative cul de sac.

[@johnmiddleton4291]

It reminded me of Jexus also. That's not a bad thing. I don't think this is meant to be a groovebox. The Roland site markets it only as a desktop synth and an evolution of the Boutique stuff.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Jexus is our Elrond.

[@compucorder64]

@@AlexBallMusic B-movies only appear to exist so that Jexus can soundtrack them with his synth patches.

[@Death_By_Media]

@@compucorder64Jexus taking the Chuck Norris meme for synthdom ? 😂

[@danwhite7629]

Watched a few vids, but I knew you'd make it sing.

[@soulflower8687]

Also has a "visual arpeggiator" which is a new thing. Ridiculously powerful little box really.

[@rodolphep0nthus555]

Excellent video

[@giffypopvids]

Love this thing! reminds me of my Korg EMX and thats exactly whats been missing from the groovebox game lately

[@jevogroni4829]

if korg wont do it, someone else has to, i guess. but probably 400 dollars more than it should be 🤷‍♂️

[@mastermachetier5594]

Hey Alex , between this and the Jupiter XM which one would you learn towards

[@dankeplace]

Personally I think the Xm keybed is horrible, you might find you can tweak more on the SH than you can with the Xm. To me the SH is like a module of the Xm, albeit the Xm having more voice count but also being more expensive. The Xm also has the I arpegio, I just think the SH can do more for live stuff.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Good question. Had all of 10 minutes on an Xm, so I can't really help.

[@mastermachetier5594]

@@AlexBallMusic man id love to see you review it ! I feel like modern Roland’s are all so close to being what I want but never quite hit the mark. But alas I can’t afford the vintage stuff 😂

[@sullycliftona]

What’s good is showing that screen … it gives me a idea of what it’s about .. clearer now.. still , I don’t think I’ll be affording one this year

[@JFB-Haninge]

Nice played again Alex 👍👍👍👍😊😊😊😊

[@BeatMax2023]

Nice demo!

[@Pablo668]

It would be the height of all irony if Roland were to sponsor an episode of bad gear. Great vid btw Alex. Noticed the wedding ring, you've just spoiled the dreams of a legion of your fans who were thinking of going slightly heteroflexible for you....after a few drinks.

[@AlexBallMusic]

They should, just for the utter confusion it would cause. Plus, the ongoing joke of "Bad Gear" is that Florian makes everything sound great. Ring- 20 years next year. The ship has sailed, I'm afraid (drinks permitting).

[@Pablo668]

@@AlexBallMusic Ha ha ha ha! Yeah agree about Florian, he's so awesome.

[@leftmono1016]

@@AlexBallMusic - I got hitched in 2001, which means I’ve been happily married for about 4 months 😬

[@rubberplant6375]

Great video. Look like an inspiring piece of kit to me. I just need to have the credit leeway, but will think of getting it soon enough.

[@maceobot]

Huge variety of cool sounds but why the motion controls? With any number of cables plugged in I don't really want to wiggle around a piece of gear. Gimme that ole D-Beam or let's just skip it. Thanks for showing it off for us!

[@skepticalbeliever]

My only request regarding the SH4-D is add pattern chaining / song building abilities.

[@sunnyschramm9650]

the best feature is: NO GREEN ANYMORE on the panel/case! 🥳

[@AlexBallMusic]

Norman Osborn is very upset.

[@klinkske]

This is the best comment of the entire internet today, @Sunny

[@antonwitter]

Looks like an amazing machine…

[@isaac.anthony]

At no point in time have i ever thought to myself: i should pick up this plugged-in descktop synth, and jerk it around, for fun! LoL, Roland!

[@isaac.anthony]

I wish they put an FM oscillator in the MC707