Roland SH-4D Desktop Synthesizer

The SH-4d is a new breed of Roland SH synth that catalyzes creativity at every turn. Work the knobs and move the sliders to conjure tones, textures, and ideas that will keep you energized for hours on end. And with the portable, battery-powered design, you can develop amazing music anytime and anywhere.

Update 2.0

The SH-4d was already a monster desktop synthesizer. Now it’s bigger and better thanks to a free upgrade. Update v2.0 expands the sonic capabilities of the SH-4d with two new Oscillator Models (HARMONIC and STEP), Pattern Chain for streamlined performance and composition, and much more.

All the Models in one box

Eleven OSC Models put a diverse range of sound-making power at your command, from vintage analog synths and PCM-based sounds to cutting-edge digital tones. There’s a flexible drum synthesizer too, with rich tone-shaping capabilities for creating custom kits from scratch.

Classic
Inspired by legendary Roland SH synths, the new SH-4d Model lets you build thick vintage analog-style sounds with up to four different waveforms. Or choose the SH-3d Model, which swaps an extra LFO for the fourth part. There’s also a jammable Chord Model for creating complex chord changes with single notes and simple slider movements.

Future
Craft crisp modern textures with the two-operator Cross FM Model. Develop complex morphing tones with the powerful Wavetable Model. Or use the Drawing Model to design your own waveforms and build sounds never heard before.

Modulated
Fashion bold metallic textures with the Ring Model, which offers deep sound-shaping via crossfade parameters, waveshapes, tuning, and more. And with the Sync Model, it’s easy to create oscillator sync tones with evolving harmonic richness and powerful envelope control.

Legacy
The SH-4d also comes loaded with influential voices from Roland’s historic past. Create classic analog flavors with the authentic sounds of the SH-101 and JUNO-106 Models. And anchor your tracks with the PCM Model and its large selection of sample-based sounds from our historic library.

Rhythm
The dedicated rhythm part features 49 preset kits and 64 slots for storing your own. You get 26 instruments in a kit, each with up to two layered waveforms, dedicated EQs, and a slate of synthesis tools for shaping sounds to perfection.

Sonic explorer

The SH-4d puts everything you need for professional sound design at your fingertips, with instantly accessible controls and a clever, dynamic interface that lets you work at the speed of your imagination.

Fully loaded panel
Craft tones and perform in the moment with 32 knobs, four sliders, and a massive array of multi-function buttons. The LCD, sliders, and buttons automatically reconfigure their functions to follow the selected mode, eliminating menu-dive roadblocks that slow your creative flow.

Grab-and-go synth controls
Whether building tones or creating patterns, the Filter, Amp, and LFO sections are always ready to shape what you’re working on. The newly developed ladder Filter offers multi-mode operation with interactive Drive and Resonance, full envelope control, and an independent HPF to instantly tighten any sound. The Amp section provides ADSR and quick level adjustment, while the deep LFO section features numerous waveform types, fade, filter, pitch, and more.

Build sounds fast
The dynamic OSC section puts the most important creative parameters within easy reach. Shape sounds from scratch by starting from a clean slate. Or call up preset and user tone libraries for each Model and begin tweaking from there.

Enter the Matrix
With the powerful Matrix section, you can use LFOs, envelopes, or external MIDI sources to modulate Model parameters. Easily set assignments by grabbing knobs and dive deep into detailed settings via the intuitive menu structure.

Music that moves
Among its many tricks, the SH-4d features built-in motion sensors that allow you to pick up the synth and tweak sounds with physical movements as you perform. Use D-Motion to control two assignable parameters for the X/Y axis. Or call up the unique Visual Arpeggio to shape note patterns via fun interactive displays.

Multitimbral sequencing

The SH-4d sequencer is always on hand, ready to transform your sound ideas into compact loops or extended compositions. The tactile interface works in tandem with your sound design moves, making it easy to discover new tones and textures as patterns play. With up to 60 notes of polyphony, you have enough power to realize complete musical ideas in the box.

Massive effects

The SH-4d is filled with renowned Roland effects to frost, finesse, rough up, or mangle your tones and patterns. Using focused controls and dynamic menus, you can quickly call up effect types, adjust parameters, set send levels, and more while creating and performing.

Stay in the flow wherever you go

The SH-4d packs a lot of versatility into a portable design that flows with any creative scenario.

Highlights

• Compact desktop synthesizer with professional sound design tools, intuitive hands-on workflow, and onboard pattern sequencer
• Eleven OSC Models cover everything from vintage analog and classic PCM tones to cutting-edge digital textures
• OSC Models include the new SH-4d native engine, Wavetable, Cross FM, JUNO-106, SH-101, and more
• Four independent synth parts and a dedicated rhythm part with up to 60 voices of total polyphony*
• Rhythm part with selectable waveforms, powerful synthesis controls, layering capability, and more for individual sound design per instrument
• Fully loaded direct-access panel with 32 knobs, four sliders, and a massive array of buttons
• Top-level interface workflow reconfigures the LCD and panel controls for the Model or performance mode to eliminate menu diving and creative slowdowns
• Dedicated Filter, Amplifier, and LFO sections with comprehensive controls
• Advanced Matrix for modulating multiple assignable parameters
• Button keyboard with a two-plus octave range for self-contained music creation
• Multitimbral sequencer with 128 patterns, real-time recording, two step-entry modes, and motion recording
• Probability and sub step settings per note for tones and rhythm parts in pattern sequences
• Unique D-Motion and Visual Arpeggio for creating performance effects by physically moving the SH-4d
• Extensive onboard sound processing with MFX for each Tone plus global MFX, reverb, chorus, delay, and more
• USB-C audio/MIDI interface and 5-pin MIDI I/O
• Clock input for synchronizing with modular synths and other Roland gear
• Stereo 1/4-inch audio outputs and headphones jack
• 3.5 mm stereo audio input for mixing other synths such as AIRA Compact and Roland Boutique instruments
• Rugged portable design powered by batteries or USB-C
  *Maximum polyphony varies according to OSC Model voice settings and the sound generator load.