I love mine. For my ears and purposes it's a lot more versatile than the digitone or syntakt. I pair it with my analog rytm mk2. Please keep up the sh-4d videos!
@@mizazu75 Yeah, it's not the best, but i do use the AR sequencer. I use all of the choke group tracks plus the MT track as midi tracks for each of the tracks on the SH-4D. I can get 3 note chord polyphony if I nudge the notes onto the same step. It's not ideal and I'd rather use a parallel elektron box to do this, but none of them really fulfill the synth stuff I have in mind like the Roland.
Still playing mine every day. It's so versatile and with so many knobs that even with it's shortcomings it's a great tool. Very annoying how it's been so ignored by Roland. I have an SP404 MK2 that got so many extra features in updates there almost aren't enough controls. The SH4D has the opposite problem, all the knobs and buttons and no updates. Re the sequencer I've decided to embrace how limited it is by changing the scale. This way I can reduce the steps of the patterns even further and play around with 4 or 8 step loops and I increase/decrease on the fly. Alternatively I use the full 64 steps but use 1/8 scale to stretch it out for ambient patterns.
And thanks for all your videos and tutorials they have helped me a lot! I also have the Oxi One and that resolves the limitations! Cheers from Mexico City!!
@@esquivelmusica1724 No es fácil decirlo sin saber lo que se busca. Pero si buscas un sintetizador con múltiples partes, con una parte de batería, con sonido Roland y con un secuenciador como extra, a un precio atractivo, entonces sí, te lo recomiendo.
Is it possible? We have the firmware files, so its possible to hack it. Its just is there someone who knows what they are doing and cares to improve this device.
yes, this is exactly the reason why I purchased this device for myself, despite its obvious shortcomings, this device allows you to have a large number of Roland synthesizers in a compact design
As far as I can tell, I haven't hit any actual 'bugs' in the firmware, so any firmware update would be feature adds not fixes.If you buy a device like this, you buy it for what it is, not what it might be after an update. Of course there are improvements they could make, but I'm happy with what we got. I use mine paired with a Circuit Tracks as an addtional 2 synths or sometimes even use all 4 tracks on the CT to controi the SH-4D. That said while it's not a full groovebox, it's battery powered and stand alone, and the sequencer is good enough just to get a a couple of ideas down. Happy with it.
I love sketching and making beats on the SH-4d. I sold my TR-8s because the drums sound better on this, and the synths have been used on several records I've produced. It's a keeper for sure!
Hi, good video. I like your cross references. I just bought a pre loved one from a music store in Australia. It cost me AUD $399. That's US$245. They still sell here for $800 to $900 Aussie dollars. Cheers form Oz.
I coupled mine with a Sonicware Liven Ambient Ø. Together these two very different creatures can make beautiful things and gives you 8 tracks plus a rhythm track.
I just ordered an SH-4D. I must admit, after the initial bad reviews I ignored this device. In hindsight, it seems like this may be one of the most misunderstood synths. As stated here it’s labeled a synth not a groovebox. While the sequencer is quite basic compared to the Elektron’s, it’s should be seen as a bonus having it. 4 separate poly synths, a surprisingly good drum track, and a generous amount of knobs is rare thing and completely different to anything else out there at this price point. I’m looking forward to having such a wide pallet of sounds to use in a small form factor, and apart from the saving ball ache it seems like a really fun box that can do a lot.
Speaking of Elektron stuff, SH-4d is a different league. I like both, and didn't understand the bad reviews they made in the First place. I fell in love at first sight and so far I never regret it. Thanks for your comment, very appreciated. Cheers!
@@loubang100 I do believe the team that worked on the device is no longer available or simply there is no room for any update… or both. The thing is that Roland releases a ton of gears every now and then, and I think it’hard to stay up to date for Roland themselves.
Thanks for your videos on the SH-4d ! Would love a tutorial on using the LFO etc to control things via the Matrix. That adds a whole dimension to the sound creation. Also, I see a Microcosm in the corner of the screen, so perhaps do something with that and the SH-4d?
I just got one and love it as well. I never understood why Roland just abandoned such an amazing system. Maybe someone who knows how to program and jail break the SH-4d.
Still have and use mine. One thing I actually like a lot, even though theres not much variety, is the PCM engine - why? Because I can use the motion recording to adjust the levels of each oscillator, and if I'm using all four layers, I have a 16 pcm-osc vector happening, which is actually pretty fun, to try and get D50 or VS type of sounds. [note - to get motion recording going on all four layers, you need to do so first with the first layer, or at least thats what I've found]. I'm already up to the 7-1 to 7-16 bank with my projects. I will be filling the rest no doubt, soon. Actually, I only have a few more user sound presets left in the 256 memory slots, so it becomes how clever can I combine them. When I make kits on this synth, I double them up to boost levels in the mix with the other parts, and sometimes, I have to use a bit of saturation on either the kits, or the synth parts, [depending on the sounds used] to boost and balance the levels of each part. But it really seems to do the trick for me anyway. A favorite of mine on this synth, to make up for only having 2 op fm, is the matrix destination of 'carrier' and separate 'mod', and also 'ratio', and 'lfo-ratio', which I actually have ended up using quite a bit with certain user sound presets. I'm still trying to get the oxi one to work well with my sh4d. But I love the oxi as well and use it as much time as I have for, on my other synths right now [with hopes to integrate it with my sh4d]. It can get a little weird sometimes, between oxi and sh4d, for me, with either program changes [I only can get program change from sound preset 128 through 256, and not yet from preset 0 to 127], or the 'not available' sign I sometimes see when I try and change parts on the sh4d while oxi is sequencing. But I know with more work to practice on it, I can figure it out. I think theres some MSB 87, LSB 64 information I read, regarding the CC menu on the oxi, [to get sh4d program changes to access the other 127 user presets] but I didnt really understand how to set that part up. Ill check the oxi discord again to see if someone knows more on that.
Great commenti indeed, there is a lot of stuff going on here! I am trying to pair Oxi One and SH-4d better as well, are you struggling with changing banks? Same here! Thank you for sharing, cheers!
You made the right choice my friend side note I’m still optimistic for a update even though it seems like no plans too maybe all the sp 404 mk2 stuff had them busy and now they working on it 🤞
The only thing I hardly understand with this device is the non Class Compliant USB audio and MIDI. It was released at a moment when Roland was already switching to generic drivers for other devices so if there was a firmware update to happen, it would be to change this, like they actually did with the MC lineup through firmware. Needless to say it would instantly become the best companion to an iPad for sequencing and recording it. If you think of it as a synth, it does not need anything more. Not fan of some workflow choices (like sharing the faders for other stuff than part volume). If you think of it as a groovebox, you’d be asking for song mode, side chain etc… I personally connect it to my Drumlogue and sidechain it through it’s own sidechain feature. But then I think : it’s a bit of a shame they put a cool drum part and didn’t allow us to sidechain it with the others. Like they even do on the tiny Roland T-8.
I think they designed this in their spare time! There is no other explanation... And now maybe the team that worked on Is no longer available. Another issue, I believe, is the lack of EEPROM available for the improvements. But, for the sake of the community, why doesn't Roland tell us the thruth? Why are they silently ignoring us? Anyway, I appreciate your comment, thanks for sharing!
@@malvinusmusic They probably thought : let’s make something that has its own character, not yet another ZenCore container. And I believe that’s what they did. I don’t mind if it is not expandable I kinda like the fact it’s not cloud connected to an ecosystem. As said it really only bothers me that it is not USB class compliant. Sidechain would have been cool too because of the drum part and for « one synth live » situations. I agree they should be more clear on their intentions because the feature set really made us think about MC lineup which received a bunch of updates. So many of us thought they would be buying a synth and end up with a groovebox. There hasn’t even been any investment in marketing to really provide their take on the product.
I sold mine because i was frustrated there were no updates and now i kind of regret it. Is replacement is great but just not as fun as the sh4d was. I miss how fun it was to play
@@malvinusmusic MC707. I thought it would be the great sounds with more features. it was sort of true, but the sounds were better on the SH4D and the MC707 is harder to sounds design. I do like it but the SH4D was more fun and fatter sounds.
it's a brilliant techno machine. put batteries in, headphones in and you can create brutal beats on every place. it's rugged, looks sexy, sounds wonderful clear and powerful. if you dont like it, dont buy it.mi love it. for under 500 bucks a no brainer. if I want complex tracks, i use my mpc one with beta 3. this is the best in this point
I feel the same way about MC707 and TR8s. They could be better with a couple of firmwear tweaks, but they will never do it, just have to live with them as-is. I still like these boxes, but seeing potential that you know will never be achieved is sad. Roland could learn a lot from Elektron, who put out OS updates 10+ years til they go as far as they can.
It's not good for performing but it's good for live rec. And tweaking nobs live rec.. And it sounds good as a digital digital Roland. And it's compatible, with 4 ch. + drum machine the 5'th.
I love mine. For my ears and purposes it's a lot more versatile than the digitone or syntakt. I pair it with my analog rytm mk2. Please keep up the sh-4d videos!
I also have Digitone 2, Digitakt 2 and Syntakt, but SH-4d keeps sticking around in my setup. Thanks for sharing!
@@malvinusmusic is it comparable to tweaking of an elektron device?
@vergellim7361 nope, Elektron stuff is way more deep, but this is also the strength of SH-4d, It is simple and effective. Cheers!
do you use the internal sequencer when synced up to the AR?
@@mizazu75 Yeah, it's not the best, but i do use the AR sequencer. I use all of the choke group tracks plus the MT track as midi tracks for each of the tracks on the SH-4D. I can get 3 note chord polyphony if I nudge the notes onto the same step. It's not ideal and I'd rather use a parallel elektron box to do this, but none of them really fulfill the synth stuff I have in mind like the Roland.
Still playing mine every day. It's so versatile and with so many knobs that even with it's shortcomings it's a great tool. Very annoying how it's been so ignored by Roland.
I have an SP404 MK2 that got so many extra features in updates there almost aren't enough controls. The SH4D has the opposite problem, all the knobs and buttons and no updates.
Re the sequencer I've decided to embrace how limited it is by changing the scale. This way I can reduce the steps of the patterns even further and play around with 4 or 8 step loops and I increase/decrease on the fly. Alternatively I use the full 64 steps but use 1/8 scale to stretch it out for ambient patterns.
SP404 MK2 and SH-4d, Roland's Boromir and Faramir ;-)
@@Youxitube SP404 MK2 Is a nice piece of gear as well. And yes, changing the scale Is a good way to change the game. Thanks for sharing, cheers!
Currently i use mine as an excellent sound box sequenced by my polyend tracker+
I totally agree, for me, apart of all that you mention are the tweeking possibilities and the effects!! This machine is amazing, I love it!!
And thanks for all your videos and tutorials they have helped me a lot! I also have the Oxi One and that resolves the limitations! Cheers from Mexico City!!
@@agustinbernal2760 thanks for your kind words, I really appreciate 'em, cheers!
Lo recomiendas comprar?
@@esquivelmusica1724 No es fácil decirlo sin saber lo que se busca. Pero si buscas un sintetizador con múltiples partes, con una parte de batería, con sonido Roland y con un secuenciador como extra, a un precio atractivo, entonces sí, te lo recomiendo.
@@esquivelmusica1724 A mi me gusta mucho, trae muchos sonidos, es muy práctico y fácil de usar, si lo recomiendo
If only we had a hardware hacker type with an obsession for improving Rolands products through custom firmware updates. Lol
It would be great! Cheers!
I was going to say the same... I use hack tribe on my ec2, and it's a game changer. Too bad the SH-4D doesn't have the same.
Is it possible? We have the firmware files, so its possible to hack it. Its just is there someone who knows what they are doing and cares to improve this device.
It just has ‘that’ sound, so silky smooth 😊
@@thelibrarian3734 absolutely!
yes, this is exactly the reason why I purchased this device for myself, despite its obvious shortcomings, this device allows you to have a large number of Roland synthesizers in a compact design
Thanks for your comment!
Aunque dispongo de poco tiempo para jugar, cada vez amo mas mi SH-4D.
Gracias por los videos, son de gran ayuda 👌🏼👍🏼.
Salu2😜
@@fillmac7320 Espero que encuentres más tiempo para jugar. Gracias, saludos
Lo tengo difícil pero es buen acompañante cuando decido llevarlo de paseo 🚚...🎹💨💨😜
As far as I can tell, I haven't hit any actual 'bugs' in the firmware, so any firmware update would be feature adds not fixes.If you buy a device like this, you buy it for what it is, not what it might be after an update. Of course there are improvements they could make, but I'm happy with what we got. I use mine paired with a Circuit Tracks as an addtional 2 synths or sometimes even use all 4 tracks on the CT to controi the SH-4D. That said while it's not a full groovebox, it's battery powered and stand alone, and the sequencer is good enough just to get a a couple of ideas down. Happy with it.
Thanks for sharing, cheers!
Adds to the PCM library would be nice.
I love sketching and making beats on the SH-4d. I sold my TR-8s because the drums sound better on this, and the synths have been used on several records I've produced. It's a keeper for sure!
Yes it is, thanks for sharing!
I really love my SH-4D ❤
Hi, good video. I like your cross references.
I just bought a pre loved one from a music store in Australia. It cost me AUD $399. That's US$245. They still sell here for $800 to $900 Aussie dollars. Cheers form Oz.
It seems to me it costs as here in Europe, where they sell it for about 500 €. Have good time with it and thank you!
I coupled mine with a Sonicware Liven Ambient Ø. Together these two very different creatures can make beautiful things and gives you 8 tracks plus a rhythm track.
I think it's a great combo! Have fun with it!
Roland and abandonware go hand-in-hand.
Not always, look at the SP404 mkII
I just ordered an SH-4D. I must admit, after the initial bad reviews I ignored this device. In hindsight, it seems like this may be one of the most misunderstood synths. As stated here it’s labeled a synth not a groovebox. While the sequencer is quite basic compared to the Elektron’s, it’s should be seen as a bonus having it. 4 separate poly synths, a surprisingly good drum track, and a generous amount of knobs is rare thing and completely different to anything else out there at this price point. I’m looking forward to having such a wide pallet of sounds to use in a small form factor, and apart from the saving ball ache it seems like a really fun box that can do a lot.
The save is not as bad as ya think just click ok and bunch of times and save to pattern slot it takes me less then 3 seconds
@@SonicVibeI can live with that, cheers!
Speaking of Elektron stuff, SH-4d is a different league. I like both, and didn't understand the bad reviews they made in the First place. I fell in love at first sight and so far I never regret it. Thanks for your comment, very appreciated. Cheers!
Im not understanding why Roland doesn't have firmware updates for the SH4D
@@loubang100 I do believe the team that worked on the device is no longer available or simply there is no room for any update… or both. The thing is that Roland releases a ton of gears every now and then, and I think it’hard to stay up to date for Roland themselves.
@malvinusmusic that is very unfortunate
The magical sounds
He's right . I'm using Sh-4d for the same reasons
Thanks for your videos on the SH-4d ! Would love a tutorial on using the LFO etc to control things via the Matrix. That adds a whole dimension to the sound creation. Also, I see a Microcosm in the corner of the screen, so perhaps do something with that and the SH-4d?
The video Is made with Microcosm as well, and I will make other ones ASAP. I take note of your suggestions, thank you Mate!
Yeah, the SH-4d sounds amazing, looks amazing, feels amazing. What's not to like?
Absolutely! Cheers!
I just got one and love it as well. I never understood why Roland just abandoned such an amazing system. Maybe someone who knows how to program and jail break the SH-4d.
Or maybe they eventually do an SH-4D mk 2 😊 Thanks for stopping by!
Still have and use mine. One thing I actually like a lot, even though theres not much variety, is the PCM engine - why? Because I can use the motion recording to adjust the levels of each oscillator, and if I'm using all four layers, I have a 16 pcm-osc vector happening, which is actually pretty fun, to try and get D50 or VS type of sounds. [note - to get motion recording going on all four layers, you need to do so first with the first layer, or at least thats what I've found].
I'm already up to the 7-1 to 7-16 bank with my projects. I will be filling the rest no doubt, soon. Actually, I only have a few more user sound presets left in the 256 memory slots, so it becomes how clever can I combine them.
When I make kits on this synth, I double them up to boost levels in the mix with the other parts, and sometimes, I have to use a bit of saturation on either the kits, or the synth parts, [depending on the sounds used] to boost and balance the levels of each part. But it really seems to do the trick for me anyway.
A favorite of mine on this synth, to make up for only having 2 op fm, is the matrix destination of 'carrier' and separate 'mod', and also 'ratio', and 'lfo-ratio', which I actually have ended up using quite a bit with certain user sound presets.
I'm still trying to get the oxi one to work well with my sh4d. But I love the oxi as well and use it as much time as I have for, on my other synths right now [with hopes to integrate it with my sh4d]. It can get a little weird sometimes, between oxi and sh4d, for me, with either program changes [I only can get program change from sound preset 128 through 256, and not yet from preset 0 to 127], or the 'not available' sign I sometimes see when I try and change parts on the sh4d while oxi is sequencing.
But I know with more work to practice on it, I can figure it out. I think theres some MSB 87, LSB 64 information I read, regarding the CC menu on the oxi, [to get sh4d program changes to access the other 127 user presets] but I didnt really understand how to set that part up. Ill check the oxi discord again to see if someone knows more on that.
Great commenti indeed, there is a lot of stuff going on here! I am trying to pair Oxi One and SH-4d better as well, are you struggling with changing banks? Same here! Thank you for sharing, cheers!
You made the right choice my friend side note I’m still optimistic for a update even though it seems like no plans too maybe all the sp 404 mk2 stuff had them busy and now they working on it 🤞
Let's hope in a Xmas gift, my friend! Cheers!
I had no idea Nandor was into synths.
Yep
The only thing I hardly understand with this device is the non Class Compliant USB audio and MIDI. It was released at a moment when Roland was already switching to generic drivers for other devices so if there was a firmware update to happen, it would be to change this, like they actually did with the MC lineup through firmware. Needless to say it would instantly become the best companion to an iPad for sequencing and recording it.
If you think of it as a synth, it does not need anything more. Not fan of some workflow choices (like sharing the faders for other stuff than part volume).
If you think of it as a groovebox, you’d be asking for song mode, side chain etc… I personally connect it to my Drumlogue and sidechain it through it’s own sidechain feature. But then I think : it’s a bit of a shame they put a cool drum part and didn’t allow us to sidechain it with the others. Like they even do on the tiny Roland T-8.
I think they designed this in their spare time! There is no other explanation... And now maybe the team that worked on Is no longer available. Another issue, I believe, is the lack of EEPROM available for the improvements. But, for the sake of the community, why doesn't Roland tell us the thruth? Why are they silently ignoring us? Anyway, I appreciate your comment, thanks for sharing!
@@malvinusmusic They probably thought : let’s make something that has its own character, not yet another ZenCore container. And I believe that’s what they did. I don’t mind if it is not expandable I kinda like the fact it’s not cloud connected to an ecosystem. As said it really only bothers me that it is not USB class compliant. Sidechain would have been cool too because of the drum part and for « one synth live » situations.
I agree they should be more clear on their intentions because the feature set really made us think about MC lineup which received a bunch of updates. So many of us thought they would be buying a synth and end up with a groovebox. There hasn’t even been any investment in marketing to really provide their take on the product.
@alexandrosroussos you're right in your perspective
I sold mine because i was frustrated there were no updates and now i kind of regret it. Is replacement is great but just not as fun as the sh4d was. I miss how fun it was to play
What's your replacement?
@@malvinusmusic MC707. I thought it would be the great sounds with more features. it was sort of true, but the sounds were better on the SH4D and the MC707 is harder to sounds design. I do like it but the SH4D was more fun and fatter sounds.
it's a brilliant techno machine. put batteries in, headphones in and you can create brutal beats on every place. it's rugged, looks sexy, sounds wonderful clear and powerful. if you dont like it, dont buy it.mi love it. for under 500 bucks a no brainer. if I want complex tracks, i use my mpc one with beta 3. this is the best in this point
@@mabo1870 thanks for sharing your point, cheers!
I feel the same way about MC707 and TR8s. They could be better with a couple of firmwear tweaks, but they will never do it, just have to live with them as-is. I still like these boxes, but seeing potential that you know will never be achieved is sad. Roland could learn a lot from Elektron, who put out OS updates 10+ years til they go as far as they can.
I would pay $200. for an upgrade if they gave TR8s a generic USB driver mode.
@@isaac.anthony I get your point. This is very sad. Thanks for sharing, cheers!
It's not good for performing but it's good for live rec. And tweaking nobs live rec..
And it sounds good as a digital digital Roland.
And it's compatible, with 4 ch. + drum machine the 5'th.
Waiting for the 200 dollar price point.
And what about an SH-4d MK2? ;-)
@@malvinusmusic By then My budget will be going towards the OSMOSE.
Sell it eventually, so you don’t get stuck in a workflow for too long.
I love that is so easy to come up with a beat
I would like yo have this but in my mind have the roland gaia I think its similar like this
You mean Gaia 1 or Gaia 2?
@@malvinusmusicgaia 2