Roland SH-4d // Classic Detroit Techno in 10 Minutes

[@kennylarkin6943]

Your honorary Detroit Techno membership card is in the mail, sir. I’m going to send Kevin the link to this video. Thanks for representing our sound! 🙏❤️❤️

[@user82938]

Wow!

[@StarskyCarr]

Excellent… I’ll pick out a frame and hang it pride of place above the tele!

[@kennylarkin6943]

💪🏿❤️👍🏿

[@Cubik303]

Wow! A high honor indeed!

[@regularchickens]

🤯

[@thedeepblueskys]

I’m from Detroit and grew up to these tunes in the clubs, and abandoned warehouses. It blows my mind to hear people producing it on new gear. Great…. We’re having big fun, with the 4D. Can’t wait till mine ships!

[@RobotalismGames]

Now I want to listen to Inner City :)

[@BassamAbusamra]

Your coverages of this device is truly outstanding 👏👏👏

[@StarskyCarr]

High praise indeed...😁 thanks :)

[@yoemichelp_yoe]

Yes, they truly are. Thank you for the effort of creating them. I just got mine, and after trying to figure it out by myself, your videos and tutorials are very reassuring of what things should be done. If I missed something you are already showing me how.

[@OMNS777]

Just ordered mine. Can’t wait for it. Super stoked.

[@StrobeSteppa]

Absolutely bangin' Starsky! That Detroit sound has been in my blood since i was 16 listening to 'Number Of Names - Sharivari from 81'. I'm now 60 and can still tell if a sound is bangin' and this is. Get it mastered, mixed and sell it, i'd buy it. Boom!

[@avace917]

Takes me back to going to clubs in the 90s. Palladium, Sound Factory, Webster Hall, etc. Excellent track.

[@thedoc1210]

Kevin Saunderson in the hoose 😆

[@enphour7960]

All happened at the corner of Gratiot Ave & Riopelle St, Detroit, MI USA

[@prinzbach]

I like your style of old school techno/dance/trance. Always a pleasure to listen to your demos! The SH-4d is the most recent machine by Roland that I would consider buying (after the SP404 MKII). Cheers!

[@ShaunCymruDS8]

Let’s all go OLD SCHOOL! amazing how a few simple patterns brighten up a Tuesday evening. Thanks Mr S :)

[@firstandlast4415]

Fab. What do we want Starsky? "More of this please".... When do we want it? "Now".

[@Geepstar]

Waiting for the voice to sing "strike it up!" or "we're having big fun" . This is soo early nineties. Bringing back memories! Think I am gonna buy this one for one the road. Thanks again for a great vid!

[@PeterKNoone]

That's amazing. You are a wizard. This new device is triggering severe gear acquisition syndrome. Must resist........

[@JonManness]

I just learned 5 shortcuts watching this video! Great demo!

[@Honeysmack]

When I grow up I want to be just like you - love it. Probably the best demo I've seen on this unit.

[@StarskyCarr]

haha If I were you I'd set my sights higher!

[@johnchesters81]

Can you make some dub techno? Love to hear some dub chords out of this device. Great job, btw.

[@AdventureAlbert]

I'd love to see how this pairs with the Polyend Tracker, this pulling drum and bass duties seems like a great partner for it.

[@Justsomeguyyyyyyy]

Wondering the same thing, but I'd like to pair this with my digitakt.

[@mpmi7588]

im gonna go listen to Good Life now

[@e-dub808]

Thank you for text description. Shift start for live recording! Brilliant!

[@ultramet]

With your talent and this interesting new Roland gear, you just took many of us to a very happy time in our lives. "Move your body...Rock your body" great job 👏

[@dankirkhus]

Awesome! Seems like Roland finally has a winner on their hands. Though, this would have taken only 5 minutes on the OG Korg EMX 1. (Oh man, now I've done it.) 😁

[@digitalduch1111]

I still love the detroit vibes! Timeless sound 🙂

[@cougarman8]

Fantastic! Will be revisiting this video when I get the synth!

[@XanderEwald]

Great video! The first thing by Roland that sparks my interest in a while. Looks fun.

[@StarskyCarr]

That’s the big take away for me… it’s fun.

[@bresgear7960]

I love that there are new SH-4D videos every time I check back! so good!

[@robinhay5235]

Living the good life there Mr Carr, carefull you don't upset Margo and Jerry with all that boom boom boom

[@Rolanoid]

I just time travelled back to November 1988 - great work! I might just stay there 💫

[@StarskyCarr]

I’ll come with you.

[@StarskyCarr]

And I’ll bring this and we’ll make out fortune!

[@CommodoreCrush]

The best I've seen anyone use this thing yet.

[@classfront]

exactly the type of demo i wanted to see

[@realestatecult3105]

Pfffft, playing in time is for musos.... Top notch as ever, Mr Carr.

[@StarskyCarr]

Haha… I did think about editing it, but stuck with the 10 minutes. Too much fun.

[@AcidAlex]

I think you have highlighted a couple of things with your out of time strings. Firstly, Roland really need to add a metronome with count-in. Secondly, they need a way to be able to shift recorded notes left/right.

[@StarskyCarr]

Maybe also the quantisation is biased toward the preceding note - so if you’re a tiny bit early it quantises to the earlier note, rather than the nearest.

[@AcidAlex]

@@StarskyCarr could be, I think this is adjustable on the MC-707

[@BenColemanUK]

I think metronome & count-in will come in an update such a simple and fundamental thing to add. Roland has been pretty good at supporting things like the TR6-S and MC-101/707 with several great updates

[@cMaXeJIJIo]

I don’t know where the original came from, but this exact chord stab in this same exact key, I think, can be heard on an actual record: Gardeweg - All I Want, courtesy of Kontor Records! Back from the time when Kontor records wasn’t the garbage that it is today! 😂 And thank you for the excellent demonstration!

[@palindrone]

Having Big Fun ❤ Great job with this one! Curious to see how the SH-4d integrates with other pieces of kit. Seems like it’d pair well with a dedicated acid box.

[@reazallykhan]

It’s at tune bro… don’t worry about being out of time … that’s a vibe man….human ….man 👍🥁🥁🥁🚀keep it up 👊🏾👊🏾

[@StarskyCarr]

Haha cheers. 👍

[@aptudo]

I’d say you connected with this device in no time flat! Awesome, mate.

[@StarskyCarr]

I did. It surprised me - lots of fun.

[@lukakoprivica]

Best demo of SH4d so far! Great job! Thanks!

[@paueraka5097]

Ei is Juan Atkins with you?😜 top perfermance.

[@TobyBorrow]

It’s 91 again in a box which is the selling point

[@TanzBarKeiten]

I have to t.h.x. you for this great Video, I had at so much enjoyed and so much new learned about the SH 4D. t.h.x. you for the great Sound my friend 😎 greetings from Berlin ❤️😏

[@Death_By_Media]

Seams like you are gelling with this box quite well . Have fun I'll join you once they hit the used market , hopefully luck out and repeat the SH-32 find cause I got that one dirt cheap back in the day ! Cheers !

[@RikMaxSpeed]

I love this groovebox, the synth is superb (except for the stupidly limited PCM samples) and the workflow is so easy!

[@AcidAlex]

I see you managed to find the chord model waveform selector 😜 Great video, thanks 👍

[@StarskyCarr]

Haha… I had to include it

[@XPirateMental]

Love this sound.

[@JohnMark61355]

Thank you. Brilliant!

[@StarskyCarr]

Haha, high praise indeed.. thanks :)

[@FreeKittensLA]

such a great sound, thanks for the video

[@spectralknights2]

Love this!👍. Sounds more like a house to me

[@FUNKINETIK]

Thankfully not scouse house : ) No offense Starsky.

[@80iesDude45]

Sounds like good old «Eurodance» to me ;-)

[@alfabutane]

Awwwww, thats the sound!

[@UpandDownRacing]

Defo some good life vibes off this

[@auntheforest]

うわー！めっちゃありがたいっす！

[@dawlessnoob]

Dope video, easy to follow. Thanks brother.

[@StarskyCarr]

Nice one. Hope it helps get the creative juices flowing.

[@SonicVibe]

Roland SH-4d is a great groovebox

[@dominicshaw4140]

intro bangs...instant foot tapper

[@user82938]

It would be nice if there was some way to tell which rhythm kit instruments had notes in the pattern, so you know which ones to mute and unmute at a glance. Half-dim when muted or something. Instruments without notes in the pattern could be black when muted.

[@StarskyCarr]

They do flash as they play, but very dimly. Maybe visible in a dark room but kit easy on a sunny day!

[@e-dub808]

Will live recording work with an external keyboard?

[@rottenandremixedrecords]

Dope beat

[@williamwallace6508]

is this a mustbuy purchase?

[@5lip5pace]

Do deamau5 on the SH-4d

[@HansuMyura]

Thanks for all the videos you've made so far. I’m very much looking forward to the delivery of my SH-4d. I’m particularly interested in how I can use this device as a sound module in combination with my Elektron Digitakt/Digitone or the Akai Force. Hopefully you will make more videos with this device, looking forward to it. 😎👍

[@StarskyCarr]

I’ve got to put it down for a while … it’s too distracting.

[@HansuMyura]

@@StarskyCarr Understandable. You've already spent a lot more time on it than other reviewers. Thanks for providing this content. It is appreciated! 👍

[@saintnicholas5507]

Really good Kudos ❤

[@djgalawak]

nice toy ;), you can have on one part: two leads and change it, same for a bass and a bridge.. maybe by using 2 presets ? i will try this real groovebox ;) best vibes

[@adelinrapcore]

Hi, can you nudge the notes on this thing?

[@jevogroni4829]

bah i might buy one. but worried i will regret it. i really just want an emx

[@PorchBass]

Please can you try making some drum sounds with the synth parts? Then we could have automation etc

[@StarskyCarr]

haha ... I guess that's an option! I've mentioned this in a few comments. If you want variations of drum sounds there's plenty of slots to copy them to different keys. Plus we have probability, gate, velocity and ratchets as automation.

[@PorchBass]

@@StarskyCarr it's a good test of digital envelopes as well, making some bass drums

[@travymoto1]

Can you side chain synth parts to a rhythm section part?

[@StarskyCarr]

Not that I’ve found. I’d have to check the manual tbh.

[@legitimatefrenzy]

I really like your coverage and seeing the capability of this. Do you think if you have a Jupiter xm and a Roland verselab there is much use for this piece? I like the ability to make patches on it but I'm a little iffy on the sequencer keys and the keyboard. Thanks for the good coverage the potential of making drum hits I to synths is tempting

[@StarskyCarr]

With those you’ve got everything covered… except the immediacy I’ve found you get with this. The simple interface and ease of editing makes a big difference for me at least.

[@legitimatefrenzy]

@@StarskyCarr thanks for the response! Seems pretty tempting still especially with the tons of new sounds on the new engines

[@ApexCypher_]

Can we have a Chicago House version? 😀

[@StarskyCarr]

Wait for the Scouse House version. 🤩

[@ApexCypher_]

@@StarskyCarr PMSL 🤣🤣🤣

[@jaysmith2858]

@@StarskyCarr That would be boss la.

[@rakazamra148]

Great reviews of this suprising machine!!! Is there any advantage buying now,ju 06 or sh1a?

[@StarskyCarr]

They’ve got a more authentic sound and interface. But for me I think this is close enough to get the right vibe and much easier to sequence, plus they’re both in the same place! Can’t remember if they have song mode or pattern chaining on the sequencers. For me that’s not a big one.

[@phfrixion]

I had Big Fun (sorry for the pun) watching this! *ggg*

[@BurstupTV]

The SH-4d looks and sounds nice. But I will stick with my MC-707. The main reasons: The MC-707 has velocity sensititve pads, the SH-4d doesn't. The MC-707 has 128 steps per patterns, the SH-4d has 64 steps. The MC-707 has 8 channels for synths and/or drums, the SH-4d has 4+1. The MC-707 has a sampler and looper, the SH-4d doesn't.

[@StarskyCarr]

I’ve got a friends 707 here at the mo… I’m Thinking of making a quick comparison so any other things that you think would be useful to demo… let me know - cheers 👍

[@BurstupTV]

@@StarskyCarr I looked into the SH-4d a bit more. And while I still would prefer to own an MC-707 over Roland's newest toy, there are a few things that I didn't realize when I wrote the first comment. The SH-4d offers some synth engines that are very interesting, especially the wavetable synthesis that can sound very interesting and a nice 2-operator FM synth. It clearly wants to be a very versatile but easy to use synthesizer with a built in sequencer. Not a groovebox, but a very interesting desktop synth. I also like that the SH-4d can be powered with standard batteries. I sometimes run the MC-707 with a powerbank via USB (Ripcord cable). I still think the MC-707 is the better machine, but I'm watching those SH-4d videos and feel a tiny bit of GAS. 😸

[@BurstupTV]

@@StarskyCarr Regarding a quick comparison video (I'd like that): I think the way you edit sounds and create your own patches on the MC-707 can go very deep, especially in "Advanced Mode". Comparing the capabilities of the synth engine and how accesible they are would probably make sense. Also, how well can you play these instruments. I really love the MC-707's pads for both playing melodies/chords and drums. But the SH-4d looks fun to use thanks to its buttons and sliders. It's a pity that it doesn't have velocity-sensitive pads. Another thing to compare: analog outputs (the 707 has more) and effects inserts. And of course the MC-707's sampler/looper, which is great fun and the SH-4d lacks.

[@sooperheep]

@@BurstupTV 707 is also $400 more

[@DankePlace]

People keep dismissing this like it's not a groove box, you don't blame the instrument for not having groove, that onus falls on the user. Even Madonna approves!!!!

[@StarskyCarr]

Strike a pose!

[@DankePlace]

@@StarskyCarr Strike a pose, pick your nose, let's see if this groove box, can transpose!!!

[@JAAPIOJO]

What does tie mean?

[@StarskyCarr]

Holding the note over to the next step.

[@AJOLDMUSI]

Nice

[@enphour7960]

All happened at the corner of Gratiot Ave & Riopelle St, Detroit, MI USA

[@StarskyCarr]

Nice bit of local knowledge 👌 can’t imagine how cool it must’ve been to be there and see it blow up across the world

[@enphour7960]

@@StarskyCarr absolutely. I lived in the upper flat/rehearsal space in the back of KMS Record’s Studio throughout the 1990s. I was keyboard player in a rock band then, but my roommate was former keyboard player for Inner City. I met Kevin S once. Cool times.

[@Steril707]

I'd buy that record... : )

[@valdiskrebs566]

Amazing! When you know your instrument... 😉

[@TwinCitiesOxygen]

I thought this one the drumlogue for a second and thought “this isn’t so bad” hah

[@brunovalente2077]

I tottlay understand now the pratical workflow of the maschine, tgough a little bit snappy for me, they could have implemented endeless style encoders and more intuitive record/write/step recording buttons.

[@atomaalatonal]

back when the lines between house and techno were still very blurry^^

[@StarskyCarr]

I’d have classed it as house but apparently it’s techno. Who knew 🤷‍♂️

[@ChristopherOrth]

Sweet!

[@McGeeeeesees]

What is it about Roland PCM drum samples that make them sound so naff? Seems like they've been using the same algorithm since the original Grooveboxes through to this and I really can't stand it.

[@reazallykhan]

Was that in a minor key ??

[@StarskyCarr]

Minor 7th

[@reazallykhan]

@ I’m hopefully receiving my sh-4d tomorrow…

[@roncolem4558]

@@StarskyCarr What's the chords used?

[@RikMaxSpeed]

How often did you select a sound, then forget to press Enter before going to record a track? 😂

[@StarskyCarr]

1000

[@RikMaxSpeed]

😂

[@richarda7058]

Streets of rage or ridge racer vibes.

[@unitedsouls11]

Might be the best thing Roland has done in years (except the file system and the ever annyoing 4 bar limitation wich cuts long string melodies for example)

[@StarskyCarr]

yeah 128 steps would be better I agree, but I've been enjoying it too much.

[@unitedsouls11]

Roland MC 303 had 32bars = 512steps ... in 1995. Are modern users not creative enough for more than 4 bars?

[@kasparsonnemans4359]

Hi Starsky, great demo's and tutorials! Can it smoothly transition between different patches? So far my other gear never had song mode, but would smoothly tranisiton from one pattern into the next manually. Does this box do that as well? Because for my use case (wanting to string along songs live) that would still work perfect. But I haven't seen it be done yet.

[@StarskyCarr]

Just putting something together demoing this. Yes a patch with a long release will continue to play over the next pattern.

[@technodrone313]

this thing could use an update. great workflow though.

[@Iofflight78]

I actually like the strings like this.. it's a bit wonky and sounds rather authentic tbh.

[@StarskyCarr]

Yeah me too! There are much more slick sounding patches in there but this hit the mark.

[@Iofflight78]

@@StarskyCarr I think you and the knobs sold me.

[@SuperEgido]

¿Siempre tiene que sonar el “clap” o se puede anular de la batería? ¡Es horroroso!

[@Iofflight78]

Now this is the filth I'm looking for!

[@wavegalactic663]

starsky it's not a new stuff i own a jupiter xm i don' t know the difference betweeen lol whats new really ?

[@StarskyCarr]

It’s more about how you approach it and the workflow than any radical new synth techniques. I think that’s just, or even more, important than features. The 106 is a great example of something that’s not exactly an amazing synth, but is so easy to use it’s become a classic.

[@wavegalactic663]

@@StarskyCarr i've just noticed and i think it's not easy to play button roland should create keyboard

[@regularchickens]

This is the shit!

[@Jaysusitsme]

Lemme take you to a place you wanna go.... 😊

[@thelibrarian3734]

Sounds like late 80’s dance music that’s been done to death but Roland in all their wisdom decided to reinvent the wheel again 🙄

[@DawlessHouseMusic]

Ugh.. don't make me want one more.

[@StarskyCarr]

DAWless House Music…. Says it all! It does what it says on the tin.

[@wolfgangdevries127]

Clap is too apparent. Nice demo, though. Actually like it :)

[@StarskyCarr]

Haha if I’d have spent 11 minutes making it I might have got the levels better 😂

[@wolfgangdevries127]

@@StarskyCarr just kidding. It reminds me I have to take a break 🙃

[@StarskyCarr]

@@wolfgangdevries127 no worries whatsoever… I thought it was just a bit of fun 🤩

[@wolfgangdevries127]

@@StarskyCarr Think it's a winner when it comes to creativity/getting new ideas on the fly. You have demonstrated that very well.

[@activelow9297]

Another jam-box.... yawn. What does this do that an Electribe EMX1 can't do?

[@regularchickens]

It won't have worn-out encoders and a SMC card slot and the funk of tribe tekno parties all over it.

[@tbornottb303]

Polyphony.

[@activelow9297]

@@tbornottb303 EMX1 has up to 5 voice polyphony in the synth section.. and automatic chords too.

[@tbornottb303]

@@activelow9297 I am a huge fan of the EMX-1 myself. The synth parts are monophonic vs. the SH-4d 4 polyphonic synth parts. And the chord oscillator doesn’t sequence in all the midi notes of the chord, it’s just an effect based on one note. I read the SH-4d operates like the J-6.

[@tbornottb303]

Although, if it is just a chord oscillator on the SH-4d vs. Chord Mode on the J-6 (which is awesome), you would still be able to sequence chords on the synth parts. I pre-ordered my SH-4d but it has yet to arrive, so we’ll see.

[@topofthemornintoya]

Annoyingly; Sounds like a cheap plug in.

[@sooperheep]

I'd say Galaxy 2 Galaxy has a new member👍