I Might Have a Faulty Roland E-4? (FIXED, Please Read Top Comment)

I Might Have a Faulty Roland E-4? (FIXED, Please Read Top Comment)
Today I'm demonstrating why I believe I might have a faulty Roland E-4 Voice Tweaker. While the main 1/4" mic in works fine, the 1/8" variant seems to have an odd quirk. It won't work, even with a proper (and tested to work) TRRS splitter, unless there is also a mic plugged into the main 1/4" input, and the unit is set to force audio through the headset. I'm hoping there's just some big obvious mistake I'm making, but if not, I might have a faulty unit. Let me know if you spot any I'm doing wrong, and enjoy the video :)
GEAR IN THIS VIDEO
Roland E-4 Voice Tweaker: amzn.to/3muMBRf
Teenage Engineering PO-33 KO: amzn.to/3NC8gTk
Zoom Livetrak L-12 (audio recorder): amzn.to/3xyJldW
Questions? Ask them below!
Support the Channel: / freebeat
Bandcamp: free-beat.bandcamp.com/releases
Follow me on Instagram: / freethebeat. .
If you enjoy this video, considering subscribing to the channel! It's free, and I upload new content every single day!
All links in this description are Amazon affiliate links, the gear is the same price to you, but I get a small kickback when you use these links! It's an easy way to support the channel at no extra cost!

[@floyd101954]

I finally purchased my E-4 last week. After testing it with the obvious Voice/Mic Input I wanted to do a more systematic test of connecting external gear. In all of the KZbin Videos including this one, the audio source is unchanged. I decided to do a test with several Synths from Behringer, a Korg Volca FM2 and 2 Roland Boutiques. My connections were as follows: UGreen Brand Mic/Audio Y Splitter TRRS, for the headphone and line in front the synths A UGreen TRS Stereo Cable for the Audio Outs A Standard Mono TR Cable for the Audio Outs - In All Cases the MONO Cable did not produce any Audio Output! Pioneer Headphones Shure PGA58 Microphone with XLR-1/4 Plugs The E-4 worked perfectly, as it should with the Microphone. For my Tests in all cases I used the 3.5mm output connections on the Synths phones or Audio Out, from the front panels not the Main OutPuts. Here is a breakdown of the various Synths and outcome for each: Behringer CRAVE Microphone Cable Plugged In, Audio Out from Headphone Out, TRS Audio Cable - Worked Fine, Plenty of Volume No Microphone Cable Plugged In - ZERO, Nothing Behringer ARP 2600 Blue Marvin Microphone Cable Plugged In, Audio Out from Headphone Out, TRS Audio Cable - Worked Fine, Plenty of Volume No Microphone Cable Plugged In - ZERO, Nothing Here is where it changes: Behringer Pro-1 Microphone Cable Plugged In, used the Audio Out , TRS Audio Cable - Worked Fine, Decent Volume No Microphone Cable Plugged In, also worked but with much more volume, in fact very loud Using the Phones Output with the Microphone Cable Plugged In, softer volume, when No Microphone Cable Plugged In - ZERO, Nothing Behringer K-2 Microphone Cable Plugged In, Audio Out from Headphone Out, TRS Audio Cable - Worked Fine, Decent Volume No Microphone Cable Plugged In - ZERO, Nothing Behringer Model D Microphone Cable Plugged In, Audio Out from Headphone Out, TRS Audio Cable - Worked Fine, Decent Volume No Microphone Cable Plugged In - ZERO, Nothing KORG Volca FM 2 Microphone Cable Plugged In, Audio Out from Headphone Out, TRS Audio Cable - VERY LOUD, this is the only Synth that had the PEAK light come on No Microphone Cable Plugged In - SUPER Loud and the audio was jumping all over, no consistent sound at all, when I play notes on the keyboard it was just random, jumpy sounds and patterns. LASTLY 2 Roland Boutiques, JU-06A and JX-08 In both cases: Microphone Cable Plugged In, Audio Out from Headphone Out, TRS Audio Cable - Worked Fine, Decent Volume BUT With No Microphone Cable Plugged in, they were so full of volume, had to control it so they would not PEAK the E-4 Input The E-4 worked PERFECTLY. CONCLUSION: it is very obvious that the cables used, the Audio Outputs used and the particular Synth all play a role in what works and what doesn’t. But most obvious is the using a Roland Synth 9at least the Boutiques Series is the way it works best. There is certainly a compatibility between the Roland Products!

[@FreeBeat]

This is AWESOME information! Seriously, good freaking work, I'm impressed!

[@baduino]

pop 3.5mm connections out and soft insert, bypass mic in channel and forces constant stable audio out.

[@FreeBeat]

FIX: So using a "TS" cable instead of a "TRS" cable from the external audio to the mic in on the TRRS splitter fixed the issue. Thank you to everyone for reaching out with suggestions!

[@mathewdenboer]

Just found this video after driving myself nuts for an afternoon. I've had the same experience, and for some reason the issue isn't fixed by using a TS cable. My workaround has been to leave a 1/4 unbalanced adaptor in the main mic in, which is mostly OK since I don't really use the main input that often. Still, it bugs me that things don't feel like they are working properly. One difference in my situation is that the secondary input only works when FORCE is on. I'm also using a PO-33 as an audio source.

[@FuZZbaLLbee]

Just like the Midi to 3,5mm jack connectors come in different variants, where the metal parts of the jack are connected differently. That is probably the same with this splitter

[@theozonechamber5122]

Just a stab in the dark. But could it have anything to do with which channel (L/R) the PO is set to play the audio and sync click? Maybe try switching the sync setting.

[@justanothersounddiary]

Agree, - looks like a Korg SQ-1 TS patch cable on one of Loopop's video, Plugging a TRS may be "halving" the signal if that headphone jack is on the Roland support TS

[@FreeBeat]

Thanks for all of the comments! So I'm inclined to believe that the issue is that I'm using a "TRS" cable going from the PO (or whatever my external audio source would be) into the mic in on the splitter, where I should be using a TS. I'm actually completely out of TS cables right now, so I've got some on the way, and we'll try again. Once more, thanks for all the suggestions!

[@pdmidipd_patch7476]

You need a CTIA-type mini plug that has the proper pins. Don't know if you need a TS cable, but I wouldn't connect a line/headphone out with mono TS ,since you bridge one channel to the ground. If you want to connect a device I'd use a TRS to TS that has R not connected to S

[@FreeBeat]

@@pdmidipd_patch7476 The cable isn't for iPhone (not specifically anyway), as I said in the video it was listed as a CITA connector. Thanks for the response!

[@jorgeuribera]

Good luck! Let us know your findings

[@raball]

@FreeBeat did this resolve your issue in the end? I just got an exchange on my cable to TS from TRS and the noise floor is still at -40dB, the best I can do. It would be nice to know for sure

[@raball]

and it seems to be resolved by using unbalanced on both sides in/out?

[@blkrbbt]

Le dot. Bro, this is the second piece of gear that I got because of you! Could you follow up with what you figured out about this? Even if you realize you can’t get it to work? Love you! And your angelic voice. “Testing”

[@blkrbbt]

Actually, after seeing this, I bet this is another Roland idiosyncratic design choice. It follows logic that it would dedicate the mic line in and dampen the audio in mic, plus sharing the signal with the mix out. And forcing in the menu clears up the signal path for max gain on the splitter. Maybe to manage line noise? Especially with “third party” headphone mics.

[@amberruby4896]

Testi testi testi testi,you can. Tell these lyrics are coming straight from the heart 😌

[@wiggesobk]

Maybe the splitter cable that goes into the Mixer is the reason? Or have you tried to use the same Adapter like loopop? I've seen in a older video you have a similar adapter. Hope that will work.

[@Rompler_Rocco]

To simulate Loopop's MK2, maybe plug that TRS into a stereo source like the headphone out of a phone. I'm sure you know that Pocket Operators output mono in various odd ways depending on the Sync mode.. maybe adding your 2nd input balances it for the Roland somehow. PS- My TRRS breakout cable like that came wired wrong- maybe worth knowing 🤷‍♂️ ...Good luck!!

[@DJSockmonkeyMusic]

Is the po stereo output? Cos the mic in is mono, so if you're using a TRS mini cable, it might not be connecting properly. Just a thought, you might want to try a mic into that secondary mic input just to see if that works.

[@ScottRobinson23]

Beautiful singing voice IMO

[@johnruschulte2593]

Try powering down with the 1/4 jack in and than take it out and power it back on. Maybe try different combinations with the other jack. It may be something you missed or they missed in the manual. My experience with Roland manuals is painful too tried to look at this one online and can’t get it past the first page. It could also be something in the software that is supposed to recognize the incoming signal but has a bug. Good luck.

[@MarkWagner33]

What was the resolution in the end?.... I just got one and having the same problems among others, I usually use XLRs and 1/4" jacks so I don't have many mini jacks and adaptors to play around with but a little disappointed so far with connectivity and how unintuitive this seems.... The manual doesn't seem to specify exactly what cables are required and there are all sort of unpleasant quirks (like the volume levels jump all over the place when using the scatter function!) If it weren't for this video I would have assumed it's faulty....

[@WrightFlyer1903]

PO has stereo output but audio is only mono on R with sync pulse on L so could it be the E4 only uses mono but L not R? Set PO as sync master and play (so audio clicks on L) then see if E4 can hear it. The thing with plugging in second mic may be it then joins L and R.

[@riccardo5143]

hey you give a lots of hints in this video can you maybe link what type of cable adapter are you using please??

[@akdm82]

It could be that you just need a TS instead of TRS cable going to your microphone. Not all microphone connectors are balanced. My Medeli AKX10 won’t work with a TRS connector for a microphone but my Roland Fantom-07 does. I noticed that your cable was TRS. So maybe just try a TS/mono/unbalanced mic cable

[@devondetroit2529]

This is the answer, He is a brainlet

[@croatoansounds]

Any new firmware available? Or did you update to new firmware and then notice the issue? And will Roland refund/replace it, or whoever you got it through?

[@schmapps1]

I thought I heard somewhere that there are two different types of cables (that look the same) for that function, and it’s not always super clear which type a device takes. Maybe it’s the wrong cable? I think there like an “A” and a “B” version or something

[@CmdrMic]

Bro, I just talked to Loopop on this... I asked him where he got his TRRS splitter... He said he got it bundled with other stuff, BUT - that it is an iPhone compatible TRRS splitter - and that they are wired differently than Android TRRS splitters. Hopefully, this will solve the issue! 😊😊😊

[@blkrbbt]

Did he mention about forcing the mic from le menu? Also I’m a Loopop fanboi. “The Trip Starts Here” from his album is a straight banger.

[@adamaka4413]

Aren't you trying to connect PO's output to E'4's mix out?

[@qugoross]

I’m thinking mine might be faulty as well! I have questions!

[@krazywabbit]

Went back to Loopop's video and some appears to have asked a similar question. Since I can't screen shot, will paste. Martin Z 2 days ago Thanks for the great overview! I tried to use the headset in/out with a TRRS splitter, however this does not work with a stereo in cable coming from my laptop and a stereo out cable to my headphones. It does work with a regular headset, where the mic in as well as the headphone out works just fine. Am I missing out on anything? I tried two different TRRS CTIA splitter cables, but none worked... Any help is highly appreciated! loopop Thanks! Perhaps email Roland and let us know the answer? I only had the splitter you see in the video and it worked fine for me. By the way, it may be that the levels coming out of your laptop are low, I did find that some sources were louder than others, but again, I only tested with what you see in the video and my apple headphones Martin @loopop Thanks a lot for the quick reply! I'll check with Roland and will post any potential reply here.

[@noisetheorem]

A guess? The mic input on the top isn’t stereo. I tend to blame the adapter. There is unfortunately no standard way those are wired.

[@adeevision1297]

I think mine has developed a fault on the 1/4in mic input , the gain barely works and the sound is distorted.

[@baduino]

if you dont plug 3.5 in tight (all the way) it forces no mic stereo mode on the line out... fixes mute output without reverb, try pop cable out a tad on the output

[@dj0shtur]

mine won't work with effects on dry. is this something I overlooked or it's faulty? on a clip a saw, dude is runing it without effects easy.

[@RaverOperatorGeeza]

Dude :(. Hope you find the resolution / software update to fix the issue / replacement correct model!

[@kassemir]

I know you must've tried this, but could it be like a firmware issue, or something? Like, you might have different firmware than Loopop?

[@jimbrimble3131]

Your testing appears to have been very thorough so I reckon you do have a faulty unit. Unless Loopop had a faulty unit?

[@oblitafier]

You're plugging in a TRS jack into the adapter when it should be just TS.

[@Whiskeyklone]

I had the EXACT same problem while trying to make a mic work with my MicroFreak for the vocoder. I even bought that EXACT splitter and it didn't work for me at all! You have a MF and a mic that works with it. Have you used that mic with the E-4? If that mic doesn't work, you probably have the wrong kind of TRRS standard. There are two types of TRRS - CTIA and OMTP. I believe the MF uses CTIA. If the mic for your MF doesn't work when plugged directly into your E-4, you need a OMTP TRRS! But please confirm this, I could have those two backwards. Hope that helps!

[@pdmidipd_patch7476]

From the manual it says it needs a CTIA-type mini plug. Also if the TRSS is for Apple product ,it won't work

[@rexcellencemagee6729]

Try resetting it, and call Roland, they’re customer service is great!

[@gmmk-sadf]

their

[@rexcellencemagee6729]

@@gmmk-sadf lol, my Mom was a teacher, I’m ashamed!

[@gmmk-sadf]

@@rexcellencemagee6729 cool reaction! No worries. I am just having that thing with correcting stuff….

[@manuelromero4408]

Looks like it's faulty. The two mics connections look like a series circuit caused by missing connection and mic completes the circuit when plugged. Roland should fix that under warranty. Interesting problem. Good it didn't catch fire or burn out. I had a shorted dynamic mic with Roland Jdxi. The place I purchased replaced the mic. It's definitely Roland error in circuit.

[@xorshidjomjomeh80]

for two inputs to work at the same time the unit should have an internal mixer and I don't think that is the case here, it is either or but not both inputs at the same time, obviously you can mix your voice and the pocket operator out of the unit and then send that mix in the E-4, Just like any other effect processor I mean I'm not sure I'm just guessing here, I don't own one but Roland should have good customer support, why don't you send them an email just to be sure...

[@TheCuri]

Wrong sync mode?

[@albertolopeznino9088]

Regardless I don't own that device... MIC IN is mono signal so you cannot plug and pass through a TRS cable without issue. Loopop uses a mono patch cable. When you plug mono jack from desktop mic you're innternally making a bridge between tip and ring from minijack input thats why you hear ayt that point. You can double check just by taking out a bit the minijack cable so eventually it will make contact to be sure 😉. Hope it helps

[@blkrbbt]

Im also having another issue with enabling this as an audio device via USB. I can record into my iPhone and GarageBand, but not into my MacBook and Logic. I contacted Roland, and will see what they say, but any inout would be greatly appreciated.

[@FreeBeat]

Interesting, let us know how it turns out!

[@blkrbbt]

@@FreeBeat Just a noob on my part... Roland helped me out to figure that you select audio in the DAW not MIDI device. Anyways, Love you!

[@EdithFrost]

My theory is that it’s wanting a TRRS cable for the mic, but you’re using TRS?

[@bikegarrett]

The devices we order now are so complicated by the time we figure out their faulty or and how to use them the warranty expires pretty clever marketing haha

[@SonicVibe]

I’d say Faulty unit

[@CmdrMic]

Ugh! Sorry for the STRESS😡😡😡😥

[@DCPier]

You don't have a faulty unit. It all depends on using the right cables with the right plugs. There are so many different standards to TRRS plugs/jacks, maybe you've run into problems using the wrong one.

[@ElGuatequero]

Its like you dont understand what he is saying or dont watch the video

[@DCPier]

@@ElGuatequero Don't know what you don't understand... life in general? GFY

[@ifxman]

Sorry bro but you're not really troubleshooting all possibilities. There are two types of TRRS adaptors for different cellphone configs. One that works with your phone may not be the same internal wiring configuration. Some put the audio in on the tip and some do not. It's impossible to tell simply by looking at the adaptor. From the hookup it's hard to tell what you're using to connect the PO with as well. The input, let alone the TIP config of that particular mic/headphone splitter you're using needs to be troubleshooted and the only way to do that would be to use a TRRS Jack and hard wire it to see if that's not the root of your problem. I can't imagine the audio input of music gear being the same config as say the difference between Samsung and LG and other manufacturers trying to use proprietary connections. Do that and get back to us and if you can't isolate the problem then I would contact Roland or even the place where you purchased it. You really can't make assumptions when you haven't explored all possibilities and the main thing is you're using a Cellphone adaptor instead of an Audio TRRS Splitter. Best of luck. I hope it's just an adapter issue. Let us know what your proper troubleshooting turns up.

[@alexwest909]

This much is a fact: Roland has been outright negligent in not detailing even what type of midi break-out cable is required (A or B) so you can't trust Roland to detail whatever other technicalities apply. Different kinds of audio cables out there. Which one to use? Roland negligently doesn't say. Roland, as a company, is pathetic.

[@flaminggarlic]

MIDI A is now considered the standard, and all companies should be making all new products with that configuration in place.

[@alexwest909]

@@flaminggarlic ...which says nothing of the fact that many devices are out there with type B and so many people have only type B in their possession, and that Roland fails to detail what their specs are.

[@untoward]

Instead of a PO ...diagnose left vs right channel with a different source

[@untoward]

Try reversing the polarity of the stereo in of the Mic line of the trrs splitter

[@bartosz_xenon]

I don't believe it's faulty. It's just that the war between Apple and their imaginary enemies resulted in them having some of the pins wired differently for forced incompatibility. Your splitter just seems incompatible with whatever polarity they wired this input into

[@devondetroit2529]

Dude you are using the wrong cable.. Wow.

[@JakeBooth1]

What cable is it supposed to be please?

[@devondetroit2529]

Throw in TRASH. Problem totally solved

[@davidcooper2514]

Just use the mic input and turn the input gain (level) down