Roland SH-4D Desktop Synthesizer Module

All the Models in one box. Thirteen 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.

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. Up to 60 notes of polyphony give you the power to realize complete musical ideas in the box. And with pattern chains, you can quickly transform grooves into song structures for recording and live performance.

Inspiration engine. The SH-4d offers rapid-fire Roland sequencing with four synth parts and a dedicated rhythm part. Use two different step recording modes to enter up to eight notes per step or real-time recording mode to capture playing as you go. Fine-tune note velocity and other settings with detailed list editing. Then manipulate patterns with reverse/random playback, first step/last step, and other powerful performance features.

Mix and fix. In Pattern mode, the SH-4d’s OSC section and LCD transform into a mixer for finessing levels and arranging on the spot. Control part volumes, muting, and panning. View effect send levels at a glance. Make fast changes with ten undo/redo steps. And use Quick Overwrite to directly save pattern updates as you work.

Motion recording. Drop into real-time recording to capture knob and slider movements whenever you’re ready. To refine your motion moves, record another pass or open the list editor and start tweaking. If you want to start over, you can easily clear all motion in a pattern with one command.

Tools for surprise. The SH-4d provides lots of additional ways to infuse your creations with color and detail. Set probability amounts per step to invite unpredictability and add sub steps for flams and ratchets. And along with the Visual Arpeggio feature, there’s a traditional arpeggiator to capture moving note patterns as you record.

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.

MFX to the max. Each sequencer part has a dedicated MFX processor with 95 effect types to explore. From filter, drive, and lo-fi effects to delays, pitch shifters, phasers, flangers, and the famous JUNO chorus, you’re sure to find what you need for any style.

Global color. The SH-4d includes shared chorus, delay, and reverb effects with send controls for each part and top-level buttons for fast on/off access. These effects can be applied to individual patterns or system-wide for ultra-smooth transitions. There’s also an MFX processor for the pattern output, plus a system EQ and compressor for fine-tuning the overall mix.

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.

Bring your friends. The SH-4d excels as a sound module and controller in a more extensive hardware setup, with 5-pin MIDI I/O, a dedicated clock input, and a 3.5 mm stereo audio input for an AIRA Compact, Roland Boutique, or another external instrument.

Powerful production partner. Class-compliant driver mode provides a plug-and-play stereo USB-C connection with computers and mobile devices, while the dedicated driver lets you record 12 discrete channels directly into your favorite DAW. The primary panel knobs, D-Motion, and Visual Arpeggio also send CC messages, enabling you to use the SH-4d as a full-featured control surface for software instruments and MIDI hardware.

Your mobile synthesis studio. The SH-4d runs on a standard USB-C phone charger or AA batteries for up to four hours. The rugged, grab-and-go design lets you create non-stop, whether in the studio, on the road, or lounging around the house.