Without a doubt, best video I've seen on the 4d. Andy and Jack are a great double act. Roland need to give Andy a Roland minute series to show all of these tips off as short vids. Really enjoyed this. Cheers lads.
That was 45 worthwhile mins spent, and I'm left with the firm impression that you could go another 45 and still be discovering more by the end. This is the kind of demo format I like to see. 👍🏻👍🏻
Huge credit to Andy for getting that John Carpenter vibe in along with his clear explanations and enthusiasm. And credit to the Andertons team for giving Andy space and time to do his thing without stepping on what he was doing.
I watched many reviews of this and he was so good at explaining this machine and synthesis in general I thoroughly enjoyed this, and learned so much. I also immediately ordered one and my god the house jam at the end, he went off on the keyboard.
Yes!!! Andy is here! I've been waiting for this video and was not disappointed - thank you for the deep dive with regards to sound design on the SH-4D - I really love this synth! 😍
its really pretty fleshed out once you get your head around it, they had me at multi-timbral and multitrack audio over USB, hopefully they can add class compliance and more PCM sounds in the future 🤞
Lovable cheeky chappy Jack is back with the SH-4D. Andy....your an absolute LEGEND, and Roland have absolutely not just smashed it out the park, they smashed out the neighbourhood !!. The level of complexity achieved with so little menu diving, and the intuitive nature of the machine means your rocking within minutes without even looking at a manual, I was and I'm useless with pretty much everything LoL. Thankyou to Andertons and especially Andy.. what a guy !!
I’m trying to get pattern changing through a midi device (Roland compact t8) and it’s a whole nother puzzle.... but!!! If I get it it’s gonna be a moment.... haven’t seen it done , the one guy can do it through a desktop daw
Andy did such a great job demoing this and made me buy one. Other videos made me want to pass on the unit but this sold me and I have been having so much fun with it. Put some batteries in it and it is a fun little couch synth/groovebox that is also great to throw in a small bag for on the go. Does need some updates but glad I got it. Good job Andy.
Hi, thank you very much for this structured overview. I wonder if that´s the next iteration of user interface design from Roland. Coming rrom clear and rectangle illuminated buttons (MX, TR, System) going over pad-style velocity sensitive areas (MC, MV) now to illuminated small knobs (compares to nothing yet, AFAIAO). Or is this SH-4D more like a "fit inbetween" elektron and some others? That piano style button section looks like a great and versatile space!! Aira and ZenCore seem not to be mentioned, this makes it appear a bit "bought from elsewhere", but why not. Looking forward to test this fully loaded box after having wrapped my head around my System-8 :) . Again, thank you for this comprehensive demo. Helps to see it´s place.
I love that it has a battery compartment on the back. Presumably you could use this with a USB powered controller and headphones and you would be all set. One less thing to worry about at a gig too (where to find a power outlet).
Found a couple ways, another guy here on UA-cam suggested altering the attack and decay on individual instruments achieves effect, I found panning all the rhythm track instruments out from the center does the job nicely....
@@Avalaraeon Yep, these types of work arounds I also use on my MC 101, like programming an LFO to control the VCA in a 4 on the floor pattern. I don't understand why Roland doesn't just provide that as a regular function. Should be simple for them.
I just got one of these, (I’m in America so not from Andertons, but that’s where I’d go if I lived there!) I think this is THE greatest synth available right now! And it’s cheap! In regard to the gentleman that doesn’t like the small screen, maybe they’ll come up with an app to fix that! Nowadays that should be a gimme in my humble opinion! If an independent programmer does it and sells it for 10 bucks, I think these are going to sell well and that individual would have a hit on their hands!
Smart people really aren't that smart when they think they know better than you for your own wants. Trust your gut instincts and go with what you want, not what they think.
I own this device, but rediscovered it after this video. I didn’t read the manual. Not sure if it is the design or if I need Andy to come over to assist. Jack knows.
Andy is so talented, the end shows that, also a nice deep knowledge of the product he has - well of course. If I could use this seamlessly with Bitwig I'd get rid of my A4 MK2 which has been collecting dust for a year or so. I say Bitwig/seamlessly as I saw a post from a person struggling to do that on Reddit with no replies.
It's black, capable AND it does "Ping Pong" ... whats next a multitimbral Kitchen Aid with MIDI over Bluetooth ... i'm sitting on the fence watching and having fun
As a total newbie on this and connectivity can you please tell me where the Roland A49 midi keyboard gets its nice sound from. How is it connected and does the Sh 4d have speakers? And if you could use the pads or anything else on the midi keyboard to play drum sounds from the sh 4d?
Once you've built a whole 5-part pattern, you're somewhat stuck with those 64 steps. If you're in a performance, can you then load other kits on the fly? Or change out some of the parts for other stored ones while its all playing?
This is surreal for me... like someone went into my mind and created the design I always dreamed of. Finally a complete stand-alone dawless system with classic Roland sound and really high level of design possibilities... I'm just fed up of computers, man. This feels like a plug-in but in real life... it's crazy. It sounds like stuff sound in my mind for some reason.
I'm loving it but wish it had some better piano / e-piano sounds. It's a bit sad that it's so powerful and "based on" zen core but zen core is not available as a model. I upgraded from the mc-101 and really miss a lot of the cool sounds from that little box.
Don't think SH-4 is any upgrade over MC-101. Of course, it's products of different categories. MC-101 is a groovebox/sound module and SH-4 - a lead n'bass synth/drum machine.
It's called appealing to everyone.. Not everyone wants bigger gear and those just starting out might want smaller gear first. Roland is a business too. So why wouldn't they make various types of equipment
@@halcyondaystunes this makes no sense what so ever, the smaller gear is harder to use, doesn't cost any less to produce, and really isn't stage friendly at all under dim lights.
@@sooperheep I don't know how old you are but with age comes eye sight loss. This means for me, I need to wear glasses when jamming or doing my thing, glasses are counter productive due to only working with things in close proximity. This is why I rely on decently sized things, unless I am intending to put all my attention on that particular device. I struggled using 2 Mother 32s, especially the patch bay under lights off conditions. It doesn't matter how well something sounds to me, if I can't see what I am doing, it's just too frustrating to use.
There’s a very economical screen on it. I don’t think you need an oled taking up additional processor space just for optics.... we’re talking about a sound machine now....
Nice screens are nice, but can make a device feel like a less usable computer (akai mpc/force). So it might be a deliberate choice to appeal more to people looking for a dawless solution, either as their primary or a secondary setup (me)
the Fx section is very hard to understand the way it works ! please, do a real focus on it ! as well for the arpeggiator (not the visual one, but the normal one) !!
I really wish Andy had done all of the demos for the JD-xi/XA synths...they'd probably have been more successful. That Ed Diaz guy really screwed the pooch on those
its like an RS7000 without a sampler.. i guess nobody wants to make a digilog synth/drum/sampling groovebox with mini keys anymore.. shame on u yamaha.. the door is wide open and u guys refuse to walk thru it.. smh..
So much dishonesty from Roland regarding the unit’s polyphony. Now apparently an oscillator is interchangeable with a voice. So Douchey on Roland’s behalf.
I'm curious what you're referring to. What did they claim and what is the reality? Sorry if I missed some obvious context I skipped around a bit watching this one.
@@fjfrancois you think you'll get 60 voice multitimbral ANALOG? get a clue dude, nothing wrong with digital, the three people who might hear your shit aren't gonna care anyway
There's that, but some nice little touches. The lights that come through the buttons are actually quite visually pleasing. And not a lot of people notice this, but the grooves on the black knobs actually reflect rainbow colours like an oil slick if you turn the unit in the light, why they added that I don't know. But it's a cool little feature.
@@bramsanjanssan4908 it's from the "Data 70" font. It was used on Tangerine Dream's 'Zeit' as well as Bowie's "Space Oddity" and a million other retro video games and albums. So I can kinda see why they used it. They really pushed the retro angle with this synth. They even added 'Pong' as a visual arpeggiator as an added extra, as well as a kind of etch a sketch looper. Both not particularly useful, but fun all the same.
![[UA] NAVI vs MOUZ | BO5 | IEM Rio 2024](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/CMBYk0cbGoA/mqdefault.jpg)
Without a doubt, best video I've seen on the 4d. Andy and Jack are a great double act. Roland need to give Andy a Roland minute series to show all of these tips off as short vids. Really enjoyed this. Cheers lads.
That was 45 worthwhile mins spent, and I'm left with the firm impression that you could go another 45 and still be discovering more by the end.
This is the kind of demo format I like to see. 👍🏻👍🏻
It's always a treat when Andy comes in. What a fun video. Now I want a SH-4D.
Huge credit to Andy for getting that John Carpenter vibe in along with his clear explanations and enthusiasm.
And credit to the Andertons team for giving Andy space and time to do his thing without stepping on what he was doing.
Stunning, ordered. Thanks Andy!
I watched many reviews of this and he was so good at explaining this machine and synthesis in general I thoroughly enjoyed this, and learned so much. I also immediately ordered one and my god the house jam at the end, he went off on the keyboard.
Yes!!! Andy is here! I've been waiting for this video and was not disappointed - thank you for the deep dive with regards to sound design on the SH-4D - I really love this synth! 😍
Nice house jam at the end. That's how u demo a synth. Fantastic
I have to get one. Every time I see one of the Roland guys write a track I hear a song idea! They have a great crue demoing their products.
its really pretty fleshed out once you get your head around it, they had me at multi-timbral and multitrack audio over USB, hopefully they can add class compliance and more PCM sounds in the future 🤞
Lovable cheeky chappy Jack is back with the SH-4D. Andy....your an absolute LEGEND, and Roland have absolutely not just smashed it out the park, they smashed out the neighbourhood !!. The level of complexity achieved with so little menu diving, and the intuitive nature of the machine means your rocking within minutes without even looking at a manual, I was and I'm useless with pretty much everything LoL. Thankyou to Andertons and especially Andy.. what a guy !!
Congratulations Jack, Falcon and the rest of the team 🎉
Great product Roland! Give these two a big hand. And nice jam closing out.
Hopefully get some pattern chaining options and expand the sequencer to 128 steps at some point.
A count-in for recording would be nice too.
I’m trying to get pattern changing through a midi device (Roland compact t8) and it’s a whole nother puzzle.... but!!! If I get it it’s gonna be a moment.... haven’t seen it done , the one guy can do it through a desktop daw
Best intro to date, thanks for that Roland.
andy..... ffin luv your passion dude! love anderstons!
It's super cool that Nicky Hopkins comes on the show to demo Roland gear. Legend.
This is an awesome demo, I will be using this in my next live set (that performance mode is perfect!). Epic ending to the video hahaha!
Andy did such a great job demoing this and made me buy one. Other videos made me want to pass on the unit but this sold me and I have been having so much fun with it. Put some batteries in it and it is a fun little couch synth/groovebox that is also great to throw in a small bag for on the go. Does need some updates but glad I got it. Good job Andy.
Hi, thank you very much for this structured overview. I wonder if that´s the next iteration of user interface design from Roland. Coming rrom clear and rectangle illuminated buttons (MX, TR, System) going over pad-style velocity sensitive areas (MC, MV) now to illuminated small knobs (compares to nothing yet, AFAIAO). Or is this SH-4D more like a "fit inbetween" elektron and some others? That piano style button section looks like a great and versatile space!! Aira and ZenCore seem not to be mentioned, this makes it appear a bit "bought from elsewhere", but why not. Looking forward to test this fully loaded box after having wrapped my head around my System-8 :) . Again, thank you for this comprehensive demo. Helps to see it´s place.
Andy, you are the man, I would love to have you as my teacher, love your work!!!!
If Andy really said, "you just button that sh!t", I'm sold on this device! That comment and tip went hard!
Button-mash it
Great demo guys
Bro this last jam was insane.
I love that it has a battery compartment on the back. Presumably you could use this with a USB powered controller and headphones and you would be all set. One less thing to worry about at a gig too (where to find a power outlet).
Excellent video - thanks!
I'd buy this as a drum machine first, synth second!
Than I would recommend the tr6s best drums in portable case.
@@godot5082 interesting! Will check it out thanks!
What a nice video and jam, congrats!
excellent vid guys!!!
The next level video, right here! Well done.
Great video 🔥🙌 This thing really is incredible versatile. Is there a way to sidechain the synth parts with the rhythm part? 🦆🦆🦆
Found a couple ways, another guy here on UA-cam suggested altering the attack and decay on individual instruments achieves effect, I found panning all the rhythm track instruments out from the center does the job nicely....
@@Avalaraeon Yep, these types of work arounds I also use on my MC 101, like programming an LFO to control the VCA in a 4 on the floor pattern. I don't understand why Roland doesn't just provide that as a regular function. Should be simple for them.
I just got one of these, (I’m in America so not from Andertons, but that’s where I’d go if I lived there!) I think this is THE greatest synth available right now! And it’s cheap! In regard to the gentleman that doesn’t like the small screen, maybe they’ll come up with an app to fix that! Nowadays that should be a gimme in my humble opinion! If an independent programmer does it and sells it for 10 bucks, I think these are going to sell well and that individual would have a hit on their hands!
I know the smart people think it’s lame and just a copy of (insert really expensive old Roland synth here), but I really want this box… great demo!
Smart people really aren't that smart when they think they know better than you for your own wants. Trust your gut instincts and go with what you want, not what they think.
I think it’s a descent value honestly. As the technology advances you get more sounds and functionality. Did you end up getting it?
amazing demo
I own this device, but rediscovered it after this video. I didn’t read the manual. Not sure if it is the design or if I need Andy to come over to assist. Jack knows.
There was such a game back in Kurzweil K2000 Secret Pong Game
thats a tight piece of kit. potent footprint. not sure how i missed it on launch
Great Synth.
Andy is so talented, the end shows that, also a nice deep knowledge of the product he has - well of course. If I could use this seamlessly with Bitwig I'd get rid of my A4 MK2 which has been collecting dust for a year or so. I say Bitwig/seamlessly as I saw a post from a person struggling to do that on Reddit with no replies.
10 days ago a independent developer created a vst/standalone editor for this from daw, seen a video today on yt
Sold! You answered my big question can the four timbral voices be on separate midi channels! Perfect for my keystep pro!
i would love to see a demonstration of the MOD MATRIX, and what can all be accomplished with that.
did y'all forget the link to the video mentioned at 1:26? Also congrats on 100k!
Love mine
Can you separate the drums by Kick, Snare, e.t.c. with usb out or are you limited to the stereo track?
I’d like to know this as well
You’re limited to the drum channel unfortunately
The Must Have is strong with this. 🧸💕🎹
It's better than I thought. Ability to save to save patches?
yes
It's black, capable AND it does "Ping Pong" ... whats next a multitimbral Kitchen Aid with MIDI over Bluetooth ... i'm sitting on the fence watching and having fun
Lol
hands down this is the best synth Roland has brought out since the JD800.......
Next time please ask Andy, when Roland will fix the polyphony issues with Fantom keyboards….
What problem?
Driver for OSX10.14 like the MC707/101 has please ?
WOW! Sold
As a total newbie on this and connectivity can you please tell me where the Roland A49 midi keyboard gets its nice sound from. How is it connected and does the Sh 4d have speakers? And if you could use the pads or anything else on the midi keyboard to play drum sounds from the sh 4d?
I'd buy it just for the drums!
"... great Caricature Examples" ??? lmao 'charmisatic' or 'characterful' I think you meant but thanks for the giggle
Best video demo by far. Phatter than mr phat from phattonshire
Once you've built a whole 5-part pattern, you're somewhat stuck with those 64 steps. If you're in a performance, can you then load other kits on the fly? Or change out some of the parts for other stored ones while its all playing?
You can cue patterns but it’s not a good way to work in a performance. Let’s hope they address this asap
Sold
This is surreal for me... like someone went into my mind and created the design I always dreamed of. Finally a complete stand-alone dawless system with classic Roland sound and really high level of design possibilities... I'm just fed up of computers, man. This feels like a plug-in but in real life... it's crazy. It sounds like stuff sound in my mind for some reason.
I'm loving it but wish it had some better piano / e-piano sounds. It's a bit sad that it's so powerful and "based on" zen core but zen core is not available as a model. I upgraded from the mc-101 and really miss a lot of the cool sounds from that little box.
Yes it misses piano / e-piano sounds common Roland
definitely need more PCM stuff, I'm sure they'll add more, Roland's been pretty good with the updates
Don't think SH-4 is any upgrade over MC-101. Of course, it's products of different categories. MC-101 is a groovebox/sound module and SH-4 - a lead n'bass synth/drum machine.
@@alicaramba7680 mc 101 is way more menu diving to me I like the knob per function of this but you have full zencore with the 101
The Digital world of Roldmart 😂
What can the Juno X do that this can’t? It seems I should sell my Juno x and get a sh4d.
I dont get it... What is the benefit from hw like this over a good vst or a roland fantom or mpc!
I really do wish Roland sticks to these sized bits, their newer releases seem far too small in format.
It's called appealing to everyone.. Not everyone wants bigger gear and those just starting out might want smaller gear first.
Roland is a business too. So why wouldn't they make various types of equipment
@@halcyondaystunes this makes no sense what so ever, the smaller gear is harder to use, doesn't cost any less to produce, and really isn't stage friendly at all under dim lights.
@@dankeplace yeah thats really what turned me off from the mc101, this size seems perfect, wish they'd make rack ears for some of this stuff
@@sooperheep I don't know how old you are but with age comes eye sight loss.
This means for me, I need to wear glasses when jamming or doing my thing, glasses are counter productive due to only working with things in close proximity.
This is why I rely on decently sized things, unless I am intending to put all my attention on that particular device.
I struggled using 2 Mother 32s, especially the patch bay under lights off conditions.
It doesn't matter how well something sounds to me, if I can't see what I am doing, it's just too frustrating to use.
If you need to do that much menu diving make the screen freaking bigger and full colour.
Was it that much menu diving? Have you used a sp 404 mk2 or a mc 101 idk I think this is better knob per function myself
There’s a very economical screen on it. I don’t think you need an oled taking up additional processor space just for optics.... we’re talking about a sound machine now....
@@Avalaraeon yup
Nice screens are nice, but can make a device feel like a less usable computer (akai mpc/force). So it might be a deliberate choice to appeal more to people looking for a dawless solution, either as their primary or a secondary setup (me)
I think the point is that once you remember what you're doing and have that muscle memory you don't need to look at the screen very much.
Frankie say... PUSH 3!!
the Fx section is very hard to understand the way it works ! please, do a real focus on it ! as well for the arpeggiator (not the visual one, but the normal one) !!
how to create a mute group in the rhythm section, and how to organize it ?!
Is this an Aira-product?
wonder if i wanna replace it with my mc 707?
I really wish Andy had done all of the demos for the JD-xi/XA synths...they'd probably have been more successful. That Ed Diaz guy really screwed the pooch on those
And now an update please.. microtiming/quantize off and fix that awful save system
Roland! Update this thing pls
Bring Mike Patrick in to see what he can get out of it.
Did they give out the 100k prize ever?!
yeah I was the winner, I got a Moog One, Osmose and UDO Gemini.
I play them with my hands and toes and sometimes nose.
@@dankeplace Is that what happens when you go DAWless? I'm hanging on to Cubase!
So far the only thing that I don’t like about the sh-4d is human machine interface.
I want it 😂😂😂
If this unit was priced at £299 I'd be in.
I'm not sure what the value of a music shop attempting to be neutral while massively invested in selling the gear is?
I guess you get insight, but you still get to choose. Or spend time in stores and see for yourself.
desert island synth
Sounds more like a collection of desert island ticks in your leg to me , 11 models of sameness
Too many button combinations and the screens too small. PCM waste of time, and with no patch software, it feels like half a Zen Core. Sent mine back.
Like this one
its like an RS7000 without a sampler.. i guess nobody wants to make a digilog synth/drum/sampling groovebox with mini keys anymore.. shame on u yamaha.. the door is wide open and u guys refuse to walk thru it.. smh..
is no one ever gonna sand that desk back and re-stain it?
Lol yeah it is more attractive those wash marks in that table than the synth.
Always a moan
So much dishonesty from Roland regarding the unit’s polyphony. Now apparently an oscillator is interchangeable with a voice. So Douchey on Roland’s behalf.
I'm curious what you're referring to. What did they claim and what is the reality? Sorry if I missed some obvious context I skipped around a bit watching this one.
I think there’s some confusion about the terms on your part. Every oscillator has full polyphony…
Digital... 😢
Thankfully yes 👏
get a syntakt
Yeah digital 😢 👎🏼
@@fjfrancois Doesn’t generally break though…
@@fjfrancois you think you'll get 60 voice multitimbral ANALOG? get a clue dude, nothing wrong with digital, the three people who might hear your shit aren't gonna care anyway
Why did they make it so ugly? is my question
The SH-4d has clear white text on black background. Such a relief for older eyes.
@@jeffryarchambeau5441 ^^ This
There's that, but some nice little touches. The lights that come through the buttons are actually quite visually pleasing. And not a lot of people notice this, but the grooves on the black knobs actually reflect rainbow colours like an oil slick if you turn the unit in the light, why they added that I don't know. But it's a cool little feature.
@@Xanaduum My main objection is the use of that hideous "robot font".
@@bramsanjanssan4908 it's from the "Data 70" font. It was used on Tangerine Dream's 'Zeit' as well as Bowie's "Space Oddity" and a million other retro video games and albums. So I can kinda see why they used it. They really pushed the retro angle with this synth. They even added 'Pong' as a visual arpeggiator as an added extra, as well as a kind of etch a sketch looper. Both not particularly useful, but fun all the same.
lol seems cool