Introducing Roland AIRA Compact S-1 Tweak Synth

The Roland S-1 Tweak Synth is a powerhouse micro polysynth that merges the legendary tones of the SH-101 with futuristic tools for the modern creator. Get reacquainted with the snappy bass tones and expressive leads brought to life in exquisite detail by our Analog Circuit Behavior technology. Then tap into a world of new creative possibilities with expanded four-voice polyphony and an array of innovative features, including cutting-edge wave manipulation, advanced sequencing, and unique performance features.
In this video, Dustin Good dives into the S-1 features, capabilities, sounds, and more.
0:00 - Introduction and Overview
1:32 - Sounds
2:01 - Basic Sound Design
2:35 - OSC Draw
3:13 - OSC Chop
3:44 - Riser
4:06 - Effects
4:33 - Sequencer
5:06 - Sub Steps
5:36 - Probability and Motion Recording
6:25 - Arpeggiator
6:54 - Performance Tools - Step Loop, Transpose, D-Motion
7:53 - Connectivity and Portability
Build from square, saw, sub, and noise oscillators and mono, poly, unison, and chord modes. Craft custom waveshapes with OSC Drawing. Dice sounds with OSC Chop to produce a labyrinth of overtones and metallic timbres. And use the noise oscillator as an independent riser to add sweeps and pulsing sound effects for transitions and dramatic effect.
Bring programming and performances to life with a 64-step sequencer, motion recording, and D-Motion. And humanize patterns with Probability, ratchet tones with Sub Steps, and create on-the-fly fills with Step Loop.
Sync the S-1 Tweak Synth with the rest of the AIRA Compact gang for a highly jammable micro-studio in perfect sonic symphony. Chain them together or connect with MIDI gear, computers, and music apps to expand your setup. Just power on, hit play, and go with the flow.
To learn more about the S-1 Tweak Synth, please visit: www.roland.com/global/product...
To learn more about AIRA Compact instruments, please visit: www.roland.com/global/promos/...
#roland #rolandaira #airacompact

[@vertigev]

This is very compelling, nice work Roland!

[@4matcollectiva847]

Im so in love with all aira series ❤

[@partymarty6969]

@4:06 OMG THAT CHORUS ❤

[@80iesDude45]

Nice little sounding box. Finally coming with deeper Sounddesign functions, than the J-6 offers.

[@SachinJames89]

Recently got J-6 & T-8... Just was planning to get a groovebox but then this dropped!!😁

[@jakobthiesen]

This is cool to see deep oscillator params in a small machine like this

[@4matcollectiva847]

Thanks you Roland greetings from Greece 🤘

[@alecsbuga]

Looks and sounds great!

[@Jason75913]

Ordered one, eagerly await!

[@JalexWROK]

Gnomes work in Korg and Roland.

[@ReggieBishop]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@descry1]

bwahahah, cept that gnome is over 6' tall

[@BananaJuice1984]

I love my J-6 and happy to get the s-1 this week

[@Lo-fi_Hi-brow]

I've heard great things about the S-1, but does it come with knob-turning tweezers, or do I have to supply my own?

[@davygranules]

Smurfin smurfs

[@andrewstanworth529]

Soopoyb! I really want this un. Finally! Atchally, kinda want them all. Got the j-6 chord synth. Excellent for playing back other gear via midi.

[@krazywabbit]

Thank you for making gear for those of us who can’t afford the bigger toys. Imagine what could be next in these form factors and price range. Sampler, audio interface, groovebox. Roland has something with the compact series and I hope they keep surprising us.

[@I.O.M.]

A sampler in the series would be awesome!

[@insert_irony_or_arrogance_here]

Something like Chompi but made for people not on the top of economic food-chain.

[@isaac.anthony]

@@I.O.M. volca Sample is your kit then, i doubt Roland tries to make something like that in this format. I mean maybe i'm wrong, but they don't seem to repeat exactly what Korg has already done?

[@I.O.M.]

@@isaac.anthony True. I am an SP404 MKII user and love this box. A smaller version with not all the features would be nice, but you are right they most likely won't go that route given the small market for samplers.

[@SlaserX]

You can get a System 1 for about $340, which does everything the S-1 does and substantially more (there's tons of plug outs), and it has keys!

[@jeremymapa5498]

Love the motion function, that could get real expressive

[@danecustance2734]

Small but mighty, i love it.

[@lou19]

Love you guys.

[@SynthgodXXX]

Very cool, Roland! Looks GREAT 👍

[@bonsaibloom]

Love that y’all brought over D motion ❤

[@Scotty_0077]

Is this a feature that a lot of people like? I personally never use it but was curious if others like it?

[@buffalorevolver6473]

Whats the little yellow box its running through ? Thanks

[@olivergroves2007]

Amazing!!! I want one

[@MrFidelityc]

This sounds better than some of the high end kit I own and is much more accessible, bravo Roland I love this little magic box 👌

[@ansgar-kruetzmann]

Awesome! This will make a great companion to my Digitakt, order went out ;)

[@Engineeringpower]

Price performance is aways great at Roland! Phantastic sound engine! O bought my first Roland SH-09 end of 70s and continued woth all kind of Rolands like Sh-101 102 SH-5 Juno 60 modular and even Jupiter 6. All of them belong to the best synths of that time and even today! I still like and have the D-50 too, so special and warm and also a lot of nice effects. So thank you Roland for all your great technologies in sound.

[@Jason75913]

Price performance ratio indeed rocks with Roland ROMplers and digital pianos, but anything else? Pray for a miracle. S-1 seems to be one of those rare things.

[@andrewverran3498]

Didn't really want to shell out the coin for a Bass Station 2. This is fkn GROOVY!

[@Jason75913]

That's a different beast.

[@andrewverran3498]

@Jason75913 ended up buying a S1 to add to my T8 and E4. ✌️

[@RosalvoParadella]

Que legal. Está na minha lista. Quando teremos uma linha de Roland Aira Compact Interative Arrangers ? A linha antiga E70, E80, VA, BK, merecem essa homenagem. 😅😅

[@Mgm_Designs]

This is BIG! Its like a smaller version of the SH4-d This thing is definitely on my list!

[@NatLifeSounds]

SH4-d is not acb

[@valuemastery]

Except the SH-4d has 4 synths + drums in one box. It's much more powerful.

[@NatLifeSounds]

@@valuemastery not so, it's just more digital. Digital isn't more powerful than analog. Acb be closer to real analog.

[@valuemastery]

Nice! Already got it. Next, an AIRA Compact mixer with effects please! (M-1?) Would be an instant buy for me. Maybe even with small built-in speakers for monitoring without headphones?

[@akdm82]

This looks very cool. I already have the other three, so I guess I’ll have to get this one now. I’m a sucker for collecting. LOL. I know myself. I’m getting it. Completely off-topic, the dude showing this off might want to call an HVAC guy since his house is obviously so uncomfortably cold that he has to wear a flannel shirt and knit cap inside. That’s a shame. 😜

[@tr606]

You had me at "we've got a new synth". I'm still waiting on a back order of an SH-4d though :(

[@karlmasters3804]

Roland, some more Aira Compacts ideas... J8 would be nice obviously lol T7, A TR707/727 with at least 4 mini outputs for BD, SD, Toms and Hats. Z1. A hardware version of Zenology with the basic knob controls and your famous LCD screen included! A drum machine version of the SH4d's drum track. Or anything that has a bit more tinkering options than the T8. Plus the T8 would of been nice if the 303 had its own line out so maybe a MK2? A 6ch mixer with each mini input as stereo/mono and assignable reverb, delay, EQ and compressor and ability to record a mix to USB Stick or MicroSD card. Lastly, possibly some sort of 6-8 track sequencer, haha I wish!! Just some ideas I thought would be cool for this line up. You could be on to a winner with these cheap but high quality sounding devices.

[@hugocaldeiravinagre]

great video. can i control (and scale) the filter cutoff with the modwheel of an external midi keyboard?

[@bebussound7991]

very cool

[@ReggieBishop]

Last question -- can sounds be updated via Roland Cloud? This would be a cool lead or bass synrh for gigs

[@bdxfhsf]

Mini MX-1 to go with all this.. These Compacts are all great

[@isaac.anthony]

it has to be much better than Volca Mix...

[@rorz999]

​@@isaac.anthony wouldn't be difficult

[@ShotgunTurtle816]

That's the job of a pawn shop Behringer mixer ;) In all seriousness though, a compact mixer/looper/recorder with some FX (and maybe even a sequencer) would be perfect.

[@LEDBOO]

I have the J6. Looks like I’m getting this baby.

[@MaximilianoSchneider]

This line it's pretty nice for a lot of people, but I hope the boutique line is not dead. Same with expansion for some of the high end synths like the Jupiter X and Juno X.

[@popwa6977]

Good job ROLAND

[@williepurificacion2474]

Hi, is it MIDI compatible to sync/quantize with a looper like rc-600?

[@CarlitoProductions]

I'm picking one up, just quick questio though. If I want to record the devices audio, does it need to go through an audio interface? If so, does it need a TRS to 1/4 instrument cable or something similar? Thanks!

[@unclemick-synths]

Is the sequencer able to transpose to incoming MIDI notes? If not, that's my enhancement request.

[@strelokknoize]

Can we have the JP-8000 this size? 🤩

[@tom.quiney]

cant wait for audiopilz' video on this

[@unclemick-synths]

He'd really get some great sounds out of this.

[@ngaftp]

What is that oscilloscope?

[@ARTEMIYNIK]

What I must to do to have opportunity creating fx with input signal from another device to S1?i only heard signal but can’t do nothing with it also cant record

[@Levi-McConnell]

What's that stand that holds a few of these-- the one on your left?

[@jamesmorris9816]

Does the onboard sequncer/arpeggiator output MIDI to drive other synths?

[@bottomtext7700]

Very cool. Fingers crossed that a compact mx-1 is next! 🤞🏻

[@ansgar-kruetzmann]

+1(000) for that. With each new addition to the compact series, it makes more and more sense. Although I wouldn't complain about a MX-1S either 🥰

[@RuiGon1]

How long to be in stores? Thanks.

[@tekrahmuzik2119]

Nice

[@impressionsfromthegarden1915]

What else so I need to just start with doing synth sounds (with a Mac)? Which cables and do I need any more gear to start recording tracks? I’m a beginner.. soon 😊

[@user-rk2xj8gr3h]

And it works phantasticlly with the stuff Like my PC3K8 and R24 via Midi-connection.

[@JRosevelt]

Maaaaan this sounds absolutely amazing. I am in disbelief! I really really wish you could modulate things like the draw/chop/comb and the multiply parameters with an LFO. Automating it is nice, but being able to assign an LFO to them would just be killer! Would destroy other synths in the market! Maybe in a firmware update hopefully! Great synth nonetheless, thanks Roland!

[@mogadon7]

DUSTBIN needs to PUT THE H E A T I N G ON !!! Hat/thick shirt.

[@DustinGoodChannel]

@@mogadon7 🔥

[@user-er4hn1bw7y]

Wow ! Thank you, Mr. Dustin from Roland. Very good presentation of the S-1. So many years ago, I had the D-20 synthesizer. So, somehow, I am still a Roland fan !!

[@duc3r_prod]

Can i use this effects directly recorded in my daw? Noob question i know

[@fregacik]

Hi! I have a problem with my s-1 :( I can’t pair it with midi keyboard (behringer swing) - Mayby there is some menu option that I don’t know about… can u help me?

[@SpeccyMan]

Note that the S-1 defaults to MIDI channel 3 so ensure your Swing is sending MIDI on that channel.

[@Rr0gu3_5uture]

I have an SH-101 & a MS-1, might buy this as a live/jamming tool as the E-4 was pretty cool. How many sequences can this hold, and how do you create a 64-step sequence? Couldn't find any info. Is there a software editor to edit, transmit and receive sequencer data over USB? Also, can you link the Probability to Accent?

[@danselmix]

64 sequences of up to 64 steps each

[@Rr0gu3_5uture]

@@danselmix Cool, thanks.

[@plutostube]

can you have the parameters recorded in the sequencer but the notes to be sent from external midi (not coming from the internal sequencer)? ps: to work like a complex modulator for 8 parameters

[@DustinGoodChannel]

Yes!

[@DetroitMicroSound]

Sold! Beating Korg, in this game, suddenly! ...and offering some of the innovative connection features I first received with my Sonicware Liven 8bit warps, and XFM. Ordered my S-1 today from Detroit Modular, down the street. Will be here tomorrow! 😁

[@NathanChisholm041]

Agreed! Korgs Volca range sucks! I took mine back the next day. I cannot see what people like in these...

[@DetroitMicroSound]

I don't agree on the Volcas at all. What Volca did you take back? I still very much enjoy the Drum, and the Sample.@@NathanChisholm041

[@fjfrancois]

The digital world of Roldmart 👍🏻

[@disconnectpub]

Hi there, Dustin. Glad you like it. it’s really a very interesting cheap sent with great sound but a lot of trouble trying to coordinate and control it to get what you want. It’s so unforgiving and the menus suck beyond belief why didn’t ROLAND put in a better screen with more info on it. Lazy.

[@MrGleboPedo]

Please make an update for J6! There are a lot of missed opportunities with that one

[@ansgar-kruetzmann]

Especially when they're talking about the MIDI CC possibilities of this one. Fingers crossed.

[@Stoovey24]

What is that yellow box?

[@Acrimonious_Snake]

Roland, I give you an idea. Think about a simple and elegant Roland AIRA Compact preset machine with all the LA sounds from the D-50, D-5, D-10, MT-32, D-70 and D-05 onboard, plus a huge collection of 5000+ new sounds based on an extended set of 8 bit waveforms, a set of only four pre-assigned full-size sliders (assigned to different parameters, more relevant for each preset)... and maybe a software editor for those nerds who still want to dig deeper and program that little thingy?

[@giftcardrecipient6057]

@RolandChannel: Could you direct us to the 90 degree patch cables that Dustin used in his demo?

[@ARP_2600]

Dear Roland, could you please add a "hold function" in the sequencer mode where I can edit the velocity and gate for all steps without having to press "D-Motion" once (velocity) or twice (gate) for each individual step!😩🙏 This would be so much more fun and convenient!!!

[@ys2069]

欲しいなあ！❤

[@delmeteor717]

What is the cable you’re using to hook the S-1 to your oscilloscope?

[@Rizzle280]

It looks custom.

[@delmeteor717]

I end up finding bnc to 3.5mm and 1/4” cables for my oscilloscope.

[@Rizzle280]

@@delmeteor717 I actually did the same this afternoon after looking into it lol. Can't wait till mine gets here!

[@delmeteor717]

Lots of fun to see the wave structures change as controls on modules are changed.

[@leewightman8619]

So can you later different patterns on top of eachother

[@adognamedshinji]

Class compliant is the way

[@marike1100]

The S-1 is such a fun, great sounding synth. That said, has anyone gotten the midi over USB to work? Tried Ableton and Logic, midi recording doesn’t seem to work properly.

[@NathanChisholm041]

In Bitwig it works fine.

[@Station2Station-du2gh]

He's the Lumberjack of Roland demonstrators.

[@Sn00ze]

Please Roland, can we get one compact groovebox keyboard with sequencer and looper/recorder to compose regular music on the couch without DAW?

[@Jason75913]

JD-XI

[@Sn00ze]

@@Jason75913 Yeah, I guess that's the closest thing or the old Korg Microstation. But I meant it more like a slightly more advanced Akai Mini Play or Yamaha PSS A50, with proper recording and looping capabilities, maybe a drum sequencer, and USB to Device for backing tracks and exporting ideas. Just a basic, affordable, compact composer keyboard.

[@Jason75913]

@@Sn00ze There's the old Juno-Gi and Korg Kross2 as far as stuff that can loop and record with audio and sequence drums, if that's what you prefer, but without being compact. There's always going to be a trade off. Or JD-Xi + a Boss or EHX looper pedal. MC-707 does all you want, but has no keybed, and just needs a Myvolts Ripcord to run off a USB power bank. Add a Keystep to it.

[@BrinkmannJoerg]

ACB is great, but why is there no option for different modes/scales??? (dorian, phrygian, locrian, …) It would be so easy to realise it on these digital synths as an update. Korg is way ahead in this case

[@DM43685]

I'm so confused, do you need all four modules to produce a sound, what are the other three modules he had linked together???

[@leftovernoise]

No. Each one of those is a different instrument. The s-1 in this video is a 4 voice poly synth. The j-6 is a chord sequencer, it has internal sounds but you only have limited control of the parameters. The t-8 is a drum machine and can act as a bass synth as well. You can use each one on their own, but they are also easy to sync with each other.

[@DM43685]

@@leftovernoise Thanks 🙏

[@rakazamra148]

Hi roland(: Its the same sound engine as the sh01a?

[@rorz999]

Yep

[@kosmikmusa]

For the price I think Roland nailed it.

[@Nightingale1887]

Only slightly more expensive than a Volca for example but loaded with more features

[@matstjean]

Hi! Anyone knowns wich type of trs midi adapter?

[@SpeccyMan]

Type A, same as the Korg Volcas.

[@ReggieBishop]

Can the knobs/parameters be controlled via a midi controller because my hands are too big 😂😂

[@Tomasthanes]

It would've been more helpful to explain the purpose of the DSO-TC2 at the beginning of the video. I couldn't tell whether it was contributing to the sounds or just showing you the shape of the waveforms.

[@Pulse2AM]

I had a DJ 70 and an XP-50, I think they were called man have things evolved from those days! I want the SH-4D next purchase. How do you save your patches and sequences though?

[@royd3715]

what is the yellow device on the side?

[@Jason75913]

Scientific tool thing

[@SpeccyMan]

It is a compact oscilloscope and component tester doodad.

[@igorbeuk4068]

Sound modulations can't be used in sequencer but can be recorded as a sample to another Device, Virtual or Analog . Mirror OSC Chops are only for sound design and can't be used in sequencer... It would be nice but in this state it is usable for making samples for further processing, let's be honest

[@endoflevelboss]

Nice hat Dustin. Makes you look like the guy who washes my car.

[@isaac.anthony]

When will my TR8s get class complaint USB? I'm jealous!

[@muzzmacc6411]

We need a Roland multitrack recorder of the same size. With Bluetooth capabilities.

[@nicodemuspapadopoulos4708]

Will the lack of CC07 (MIDI Volume) be addressed in a firmware update? It's shocking that you left this out. I mean....it's been around for 40 years, and Roland just kind of "forgot" about it!

[@dionysiaex5538]

Has it got a D-Beam?

[@theLeonidas26]

No, it's got D-Motion

[@cg8208]

Image doing a compact version of the jp8080

[@korsmakolnikov]

This thing sound amazing but, to be honest, I can see how is related to SH-101 :D

[@cdj9966]

This or Behringer Pro vs Mini vector 4 voice Poly?

[@SpeccyMan]

Both. 😁

[@joebrewer4529]

If electron was halfway smart, they would do this with their line of products. If they were able to make something, I have chargeable batteries it’s like a crazy Octa track portable thing like this thing would sell loads.

[@lundsweden]

Yeah, I agree. I love Elektron stuff, but I think they'll have to have something new and exciting in the next few years, just for them to survive. I would like to see a Digitakt MK2, 50GB plus drive, 1GB RAM, Stereo sample capability, internal battery- done. I think they could keep the form factor the same- they look awesome already!

[@glenesis]

Thanks for doing it with ACB! If these had speakers they'd be perfect "car synths". Is there an editor?

[@Jason75913]

I don't like the garbage speakers in the Volcas, I wouldn't like that on these either.

[@glenesis]

@@Jason75913 I find it useful, especially on my Volca Keys.

[@Gabriel.Glacial]

Looks great! (Given I ignore that physical tilting mechanism that is utterly stupid and will surely be of zero use to the large majority of users.)

[@SunlightOfTheSpirit]

More polyphony than the Fantom 😂

[@lundsweden]

What is it with Roland in the last ten years, four note polyphony? Really? It's not fooking 1978!

[@Acrimonious_Snake]

Would you prefer a Moog with one note polyphony?

[@lundsweden]

@@Acrimonious_Snake Yes!

[@Acrimonious_Snake]

@@lundsweden Don't complain then. The original SH-101 was monophonic. The S-1 has four voices. And this darn thing doesn't need to warmup for 20 minutes as original, fits into a pocket and runs on an internal battery.

[@valuemastery]

It's marketing. This is their cheap offering. Technically, it would nowadays be no problem to have more voices.

[@junglejingle7836]

very nice little one, people are still waiting for a mx-1 mk2 mixer with more analog imput My tr8s needs accent probabilty ... and just a few other things im not telling you cause roland dont listen the base..I will mail akai

[@Wild_D]

It would be way more helpful if he said the button combos outload for what he's doing

[@CentaurusRelax314]

One window to communicate information and Roland is still using 1978 display tech. Evolve, please, Roland.

[@Acrimonious_Snake]

But then the price will go up, you will need a more complex controller onboard for drawing pixels on a more complex display, which consumes more energy and reduces battery life, etc.

[@CentaurusRelax314]

@@Acrimonious_Snake There are much more informative displays on devices at much lower price points than this. Roland is a huge company-they can afford to engineer and produce displays. Battery draw, as well, is not significant. Don't they use similar displays on AC-powered devices? I don't think that's the rationale anyway. Price? A few dollars, tops, at Roland's production volumes. I'd have to believe they could just make that up in sales, but i'm assuming other people would not freak out if Roland evolved a little bit....

[@valuemastery]

I second that. A small OLED would make this much easier to use. And they're cheap. I can't stand the cryptic menu in the display.

[@1ksweatyrikers455]

tbh I've never been much of a fan of "hard sync" style sounds. otherwise synth sounds pretty good

[@larrylynch8113]

Respectueusement y a des gens ils devraient faire une thérapie plus tôt que de se lancer dans l’humour

[@summerlaverdure]

this is really cool and i want one, but d-motion is kinda dumb x_x

[@synthetic24]

You don't have to use it.

[@schmapps1]

Unless you could record the d-motion movements into motion sequencing automation….I wonder if that’s possible?