Surprising! - AIRA Compact S1 - Sonic LAB Review

#soniclab
#roland #S1
Find it here:-
thmn.to/thoprod/564999?offid=...
And you can buy this from Perfect Circuit right now:
bit.ly/pc_aira_s1
We take a look at the newest member of the Roland AIRA Compact range - the S1 Tweak Synth - its a Volca sized 4 voice digital synthesizer - using the well regarded ACB method of emulation, based on the SH-101 but with a bunch of additional features:
Four-voices
Additional oscillator modes - Draw and Chop
Sequencer
FX
It's an impressive little machine, you get a lot for the money (£169/$199).
Incidentally,
Exclusive extra content on Patreon
/ sonicstate
00:00 Jam
00:42 Intro
01:38 Perfect Circuit Ad
02:18 Overview Continued
05:09 Oscillators
08:24 Chop and Draw
14:12 Filter + LFO
17:50 FX
22:21 Sequencer
26:05 Riser
27:58 Summary
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[@sonicstate]

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[@user82938]

We need a Sonic State page that's just a chart that shows whether a particular synth has made Nick go "ooooh".

[@VacancyOfDisco]

HOLY MOLY! thats sound at 13:15!! 😲😲😲

[@suga4all]

I love how they put a second filter in there just for the riser feature 😁 It's a total no-brainer. Best compact synth release so far this year. Mine arrived 2 weeks ago. Can't stop jamming around with it 🔥🎶

[@e-conrecords4665]

The S1 is just one massive sweet spot. How can you not buy one at this price! Best thing Roland has done in ages.

[@michaelkonomos]

This would be a great first synth for anyone curious about hardware. Really nice design. Sounds great.

[@BOOelectric]

We absolutely love this little thing! Thanks for the demo!!

[@Psychlist1972]

The internal battery actually isn't hard to replace. It's a separate item in the device and uses a reasonably standard connector and capacity. It's very similar to what people put in small robots.

[@Stadsjaap]

The one in my E-4 fried the unit after two charge cycles though. Count me out.

[@horatiotimewaster5755]

I have the T-8 and E-4 and am not concerned about the battery. If they fail, I will try to replace. If that doesn't work, it looks like they can still run on AC power.

[@Rompler_Rocco]

I appreciate that info! Rechargeable gear is normally a deal breaker for me, but I must admit it's convenient! Roland has my respect if they made it repairable (vs. disposable)🙏👍💯

[@UrbanGarden-rf5op]

An important finding, if you’re a Logic Pro user. Since Roland doesn’t seem to know this (May 2024), I will post this through my favourite electronica KZbinrs. Having owned the S-1 for about 5 minutes I began thinking about how I could integrate it into my UA/Logic Pro set up. USB-C connection to the Mac. First try resulted in the S-1 taking over completely, no access to UA. The Roland “support” site said that it wasn’t possible to use it with multiple audio interfaces! Accepting the challenge I created an Aggregate Device in the the Mac’s Audio MIDI set up, with the UA as master device. Let there be audio! The MIDI part was a brain twister though. Audio still working fine when I started the S-1’s internal sequencer. But no MIDI triggering the S-1. Double checking the MIDI setting on the S-1 revealed that I had adjusted the chorus, Cho, mistaking the o for a zero. The correct parameter is called CH. Why it wasn’t already set to channel 1 is anybody’s guess. Cool box, lousy support site, as usual. Roland, please fix your extremely slow and unhelpful site Thank you for sharing a helpful video.

[@nexuzeb79]

Excellent review, Nick! Very inspiring! Absolutely getting this one...

[@kerzwhile]

Excellent review Nick!! 😉

[@mikemeengs5720]

I've had mine for a couple of months. Watched this and learned a lot...thanks!

[@88Fitzy88]

Great video Nick!! Super interesting lil synth

[@sonicstate]

Thanks, I agree, a bit fiddly but delivers a lot for the $

[@noodlingaround2023]

Brilliant demo. Thanks.

[@oscillationcommunications709]

Just got one myself,really great fun. Splitting new patches into half crafted patches for midi,and half for internal seq fun.⚡️🤘🏻⚡️ Thanks for the great reviews as always!✨

[@CommunityGuidelines]

What a powerful little instrument. Very cool range of sonic architecture.

[@SynthgodXXX]

Sounds very sweet! I still am after the T-8 😊

[@DocFirewire]

The S1, along with the SE-02, are my budget killer-synths from Roland over the past years. No need to spend tons of money on a Juno X or Jupiter X if you can have this much character from a small device. but maybe thats just my opinion…

[@Psychlist1972]

Nice review and demos

[@RPLKTR]

I just randomly clicked on this. Didn't expect the demo tunes to go this hard. Great job!

[@richc848]

Some great minimal jams here. You make this thing sound really good.

[@deep6293]

It's cool to see that Roland is still doing things with their great ACB engine. So I still have hope for a big System 16 Synth 😊

[@TheDungeonDive]

It's true. Their ACB stuff sounds great.

[@randomaztec2208]

Agreed ACB better than zen core to my ears.. Sold mc707 but kept sh01a

[@tcdrx]

I am a beginner and just ordered this one. Can't wait to start learning and make some noise 😊

[@bm63]

I got this from the London Roland shop the day after the release. It’s an amazing bit of kit and for the price it’s a no brainer! I really hope they release a sampler next in this series.

[@napotronix]

An Aira Compact sampler would indeed be great

[@jjrusy7438]

This is one big little box. The oscillator shenanigans are very interesting alone. When loopop, nick, and daniel f. All rave about this , as Florian would say: 'rolca', i may have to check it out. Did I drop enough names? Heh.

[@DetroitMicroSound]

Mine arrives today. In many ways it reminds me of a cross between my long-lost JX-3P, and the SH-101, plus a load modern features...

[@technodrone313]

roland is killing it with the digital analog stuff

[@galaxophone]

Killing my wallet... I want them all...

[@technodrone313]

@@galaxophone I got an sh 4d 🤑

[@galaxophone]

@lefthandedpolack I got the DJ808 for work and I love it. Now I'm looking at the Aira line for my home studio workflow. All of those seem like they should be higher priority purchases than their retro synth modules, which I'd just waste tons of hours turning knobs on without really writing anything or getting any gigs... but damn, I want them more than anything lol

[@technodrone313]

@@galaxophone just get the sh-4d. It's like 4 of these and 26 drum instruments all in one box.

[@infn8loopmusic]

JDXi for the win!!!

[@napotronix]

An excellent little synth, like its brother T-8 loads of fun to play with.

[@valdiskrebs566]

Complete review, as always! Nice to be able to jam on top of playing sequences. Wish I had this as my "first synth". Why did they hide the Chorus behind menu-diving??? Chorus is such a common option with Roland synths. 🤔 Do the MIDI types (A or B?) match between the S1 and Arturia's Keysteps?

[@ginociancio1]

You make it sound, fantastic, like a £1000 synth magic thanks 👍🎼

[@whitelightenergydads]

nick's reviews are the best, as always

[@kevinbirge2130]

I’ve done business with Perfect Circuit. I highly recommend them.

[@Sarahbuildsstepsequencers]

What am I missing - I can’t get mine to record a sequence. Do I first need to erase demo sequences and how do I erase them all at once? Anyone? I’m an absolute synth beginner.

[@GizzyDillespee]

Oh, 64 steps, with a transpose mode, could be fun as background in a jam... assuming transpose works via MIDI

[@mCKENIC]

Wonderful review as always Nick, thank you! Will have to pick one of these up to go with my E-4... oh these are gonna turn in to Pokemon cards for nerds arnt they... 🙂

[@blazrodic]

Gotta catch 'em all!

[@Ariel51_artist]

How do i switch to different sounds? Im only able to access different sounds if im on pattern 1. But if im in patterns 2-4 it only gives me one sound.

[@mike_qbik]

This is what a deep dive looks like. Class as always. Now, should I sell my Sh01a and get this? Nick does make all gear he reviews most wanted.

[@user82938]

I'm tempted to sell my SH01a and buy this just because this one is class compliant. No dumb drivers needed.

[@oscillationcommunications709]

At $200 a pop for the s1,I say keep the Sh and rock them BOTH!🤘🏻 One can do basslines and the other leads n pads etc✨

[@user82938]

@@oscillationcommunications709 Well well well, if it isn't the devil himself. Here to talk me into another gear purchase.

[@dxutube]

You weren't wrong when you said keep watching. Wowed at times during this, especially chorus & random triangle. Can the sequencer play at different keys rather than just be a static playback?

[@salmon_tag]

Yes! Pg 54 of the manual details key transpose mode.

[@cresshead]

got one - it's Fuggin ACE.

[@SunLogic1973]

Sounds good, and it could be an upgrade in size for those accustomed to where a Volca goes. Use it if it sounds and feels good!

[@leewightman8619]

I got the t8 last week and im getting the s1 in a few weeks...kinda wish the power source was different as having it plugged in while using it you sometimes get usb c buzzing

[@dinogoldie9716]

Will you be reviewing Sonicware's Liven Texture Lab (granular groovebox)?

[@dj_paulinnate]

Anyone know what video he is referencing at 3:15?

[@plasmaforce11]

13:30 you really made this little monster sing

[@SebastianBeyer]

good gear good nick .thx

[@gavintduffy]

What small keyboard can I use with the S1? I was hoping to use the Arturia Microlab but I don’t think it’ll connect with the S1? Any suggestions?

[@markgiddings8382]

Hi Gavin …… same question as you ……. Wondered if you’ve discovered an answer ???

[@gavintduffy]

@@markgiddings8382 So I found out the Midiplus X range will work with it..hope that helps man

[@markgiddings8382]

Cheers Gavin - I’ll have a look 👍

[@JayaLove]

How do you like that Akai MPK Mini Plus?

[@matthewgaines10]

It’s Akai’s best mini keyboard ever. The most useable. Similar to the M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini as far as functionality but it adds a sequencer, a few extra keys, and full sized MIDI ins and outs.

[@EnochDark]

As a long time fan of SH, sure I want one but as others have questioned, should I sell my SH-01a that cost 2x? My original thinking was to pass over the new Roland "Volcas" that I already have covered with other Aira or Boutique gear i.e. TR-8, TR-08, VT-3 and again the SH-01a... This line of thought lead me to purchasing only the J6 since I somehow skipped over the others. Running into the same dilemma when considering the SH-4d when I think about the fact that I've basically got everything in it, just in multiple boxes. Also that I've already got an Elektron Syntakt...

[@h-dawg969]

I was about to buy a second hand sh01a but this might be a better option for me for the moment.

[@ahzootube]

They should do a semi modular with ACB

[@samprock]

Nice asS 1! 😁

[@schmapps1]

Once you have recorded a sequence already, can you press record again and 'overdub' polyphonically? Or do the notes you play on the 2nd pass 'replace' the original ones?

[@sinewaymusic]

I'm pretty sure you can overdub, all of Roland's sequencers that I've tried support that.

[@schmapps1]

@@sinewaymusic that’d be cool. The J-6 does not sadly, which is why I ask

[@sinewaymusic]

@@schmapps1 I just checked the manual but unfortunately in typical Roland fashion, it doesn't say. 🤔 But I'd still be willing to bet on it being possible. Maybe ask one of the smaller, more responsive KZbinrs.

[@Congasjones]

No they don’t in poly mode -once you hit 4 notes on a step it tells you it’s “full” on that step but if you then go into step mode you can edit the note/s

[@sinewaymusic]

@@Congasjones That goes to show me that I shouldn't be so sure when I don't know.

[@SpeccyMan]

Question: Give the choice between buying one of these or a Behringer MS-1, which one would you choose and why? Note: I have a Keystep 37 so the S-1 keyboard isn't part of the equation for me.

[@otherreality]

Im on the same dilemma. I guess the s-1 is the more sane choice given the specs. The ms is more of a purist choice being analog and having the form factor, otherwise i think the s1 can handle the emulating job just fine, it sounds great.

[@WARDISWARD]

WHat's up with the background noise when tweaking the filter ?

[@sonicstate]

It was the fan in the room super hot. Sorry about that

[@circedge]

Needs more voices and mains power, sounds tasty though.

[@24FretsGuitar]

I don't suppose it can act as a usb midi host?.

[@colingrethetv1]

Do I need any other equipment to use this? All I've got is an amplifier 😊

[@budgreenwood9359]

Nope !

[@dillipphunbar7924]

Thats a crisp oscilloscope.

[@sonicstate]

£20 from a local junk shop :-)

[@theaudioeng]

😎🤘💥

[@blenderbuch]

I wish some of the features would come to the j-6 with a Firmware update...

[@e-conrecords4665]

The J6 just doesn’t have enough knobs to make it more tweakable. It would have to have a lot of menu diving and extra shift functions. Maybe if they made it compatible with a software editor, it would be doable.. and maybe nominate what you want the knobs to control on each patch kind of like a Novation Circuit. 🤷‍♂️ .. I don’t know… just spitballing.

[@kgbinfo]

Is there some industrial designer working for Roland who really loves green? I can’t figure out why that specific shade keeps popping up on so many of their devices. This thing seems cool though.

[@VagPoop_]

a no-brainer buy

[@johnalver]

I don't know either but if you got the time and the money

[@72ndHUMAN]

But can it Wigger Slam?

[@ZZKJ396]

Pity about the screen, the sound is there though.

[@annother3350]

I don't like Rolands designs but theyre last few instruments sound great

[@Boofski]

This or the Pro VS mini as a first synth?

[@ramseydoon8277]

This. Unless you already decided?

[@Boofski]

@@ramseydoon8277 No the pro vs mini hasnt released yet, but im going with that because of the analog filter and 70eu price difference

[@NathanChisholm041]

@@Boofski I just bought an S-1 best $200 i've ever spent...

[@martindirkzimmer]

PWM sauce! Get it while it's hot! Put it on your LFO! Put it on your envelope! 8:04

[@joshuahenderson5023]

I guess what I don't understand is what is the advantage of this piece of hardware over a software synth that has less GUI and poly limitations?

[@Claidheambmor]

Speed of workflow. And knobs.And GAS

[@Sound.b581]

No annoying Copy Protection, Endless updates or Rent to use + True ownership of your product.

[@NathanChisholm041]

To be able to do DAWless jams without having a shitty computer hooked up!

[@tangofizz77]

Ship horn at 10:36

[@billybartcody3591]

Where's the keytar version?

[@GizzyDillespee]

Microkey 61, this and a few other tiny modules, some carbon fiber and jb weld, or however you want to put it all together. You could do all Aira modules and a MX1, or whatever....some creative planning would be required. Or you could get an "Ax Edge" but the name doesn't match the sounds - I expected like, Viking metal sounds, but it's a lot of 80s leads and basses and typical Roland sounds on that thing.

[@billybartcody3591]

@@GizzyDillespee haha, I'd be lying if I said I haven't built a few keytars in my head, usually involving the integration of a seaboard and plasma pedal. The Ax looks like it was designed by someone based on memories of metal album covers, mine would look like Nicola Tesla hooked up with the Borg

[@grrinc]

Aren’t these just apps with buttons?

[@subs4794]

Massive footprint... Where's Audiopilz?

[@drstupid1]

He's already ticked all the boxes with this one

[@pinatacolada7986]

Get the tweezers ready boys

[@MirlitronOne]

And it uses ACB! What's ACB?

[@teebeedahbow]

You get it sounding like a PPG... not bad for two hundred notes...

[@cnfuzz]

Sure you haven't heard or owned a Ppg in the flesh , a farce to compare it this way , hey a Dacia sandero drives like a Bentley to you know after bottles of wine

[@teebeedahbow]

@@cnfuzz Obviously, it's not exactly the same. Point stands though. It makes a remarkably good sound for the price. Perfectly legitimate to express a critical opinion with a little exaggeration :-* #futureclassic

[@teebeedahbow]

@@cnfuzz Also, don't drink and drive!

[@BassFatCat]

Does this little thing have UNISONO 8 VOICE? How about sounds like SUPER SAW LEAD?

[@sonicstate]

No its only got 4 voices so it will do 4 but there's no way to dial the detune

[@BassFatCat]

@@sonicstate Thank you for your response. I am grateful.

[@vincewatson_official]

This video displays exactly why i immediately sent mines back....its hard to use it without it moving around on the table, and for a livesetup its not gonna work without taping it to the table. and with the menu diving for live use it just became irritating, despite its great sounding engine. The SH4D arrived instead and blew me away.

[@DoctorRevers]

Of course it’s cool that all that fits in a little box like that but the sound quality is not doing it for me.

[@PORRFNK]

No user replacable battery :( The display is just too cryptic. But good sound

[@Superlover]

tiny Serum Vst in a box 😊

[@riemac2]

Too bad that the delay is mono. A ping pong delay would be great.

[@dankeplace]

tRoland releasing more devices you need tweezers for. Florian's vid using tweezers was a classic, but using them for real is just not inviting at all.

[@AboveTheTrees00]

the reason sh101 is great is because of it's form factor and playability, sure cool it's great about the 4 voice poly and other new stuff, but you're missing the point of the original synth with this miniature bs. Here comes the barrage of hate comments:

[@skummelkatt]

Totally agree! I thought the boutiques were too small already. I like their sound. But the form factor and the cheap polyphony are deal breakers for me sadly.

[@VNDM-MUSIC]

fair point. I ordered a S1 but changed my mind and returned it . Got a SH-01A instead (which I actually owned previously and sold about two years ago). Couple of reasons: SH-01A is more sexy to look at. More hands on control, tho still small, less menu-diving. More true to the OG 101 in terms of the range of sounds, which for me is a good thing.

[@AboveTheTrees00]

@@VNDM-MUSIC HA! I literally did the same thing today ;) i mean ive got the SH01A, if it's good enough for Sebastian Mullaert its more than great for me. I also want behringer one too but waiting for mk2 to come out

[@ilumijaxxi]

"welcome to bad gear..." Just kidding 😅

[@jeevespreston]

For only $50 more each, these things absolutely obliterate the Volca series…

[@BRIGGS2710]

you lost me at "no user serviceable battery".

[@stevekirkby6570]

More of the same? Meanwhile, you missed reviewing the Korg Modwave... hope you do one on the Wavestate v2 :) Regards the Roland... we really have heard it all before: glorified subtractive. The market is crowded. By now these things should be available on the NHS. LOL.

[@sheilarodriguez2451]

😘 *Promo SM*

[@dinogoldie9716]

Disappointing it's only 4 voice polyphonic (should be at least 6). Also disappointing that there's no modulation matrix nor way to link the many control parameters to an LFO. Other than that, seems pretty good.

[@e-conrecords4665]

It’s already feature packed for its price point. Don’t be such a malcontent. The synth community already has its fair share of whingers.

[@horatiotimewaster5755]

No joking! For $199, it's almost free.

[@mattgwiltmusic]

It looks so unnecessarily complicated for what it is… that that screen is ridiculous

[@robinr22]

Not entirely convinced Roland didn't buy a job lot of cheap calculator screens in 1975 and are still trying to work through them...

[@XHALE303]

Way too large. I think i'll wait a while till Schwab or Musk makes an AIRA line, the size of a chip in my brain.

[@johnathantyrer6077]

Adult man tinkering about with a little toy 😂

[@smashSpikeMC]

so its another overpriced synth with soy features

[@TheSunshineGroup]

Dude I cannot get my midi controller to work on this thing, really don’t know what’s going on as I’ve figured out how to do it with so much other gear. Not a fan of the sound…really bummed

[@cresshead]

did you break it? .. mine has been all sunshine and rainbows here.. really really like it. type A trs connector btw.

[@sonicstate]

Check the midi channel setting in shift 15 key. I think it defaults to channel 3. Or change the channel on your midi controller to ch 3

[@TheSunshineGroup]

@@sonicstate yea I noticed such and tried doing so many different things to make it work. It doesn’t seem to want to receive any sort of midi unless it’s over USB which isn’t what I want

[@TheSunshineGroup]

@@cresshead yeah I’ve got a type A trs connector from Novation…it works fine on circuit but does nothing for S-1. Also hi :)

[@cresshead]

@@TheSunshineGroup hmm oodd, works fine with my mpc one, t-8 or sp404mkii