Average rating of 3.67 out of 5 stars
Roland SH-4D
Ideas for a track often do not arise in the order in which they are heard later. First a bassline, then a percussive accent, followed by a chord change. The Roland SH-4D brings together multiple sound engines, a rhythm part, and a sequencer into a compact desktop instrument that can capture and further shape such sketches immediately.
Five parts for sounds and rhythm
Four independent tone parts and a dedicated rhythm part form the heart of the synthesizer. The total polyphony of up to 60 voices is sufficient for multi-layered patterns and complete grooves; the actual available number depends on the sounds used and the load on the sound engine.
The rhythm part manages 49 preset kits and 64 memory slots for your own kits. A kit can contain up to 26 instruments. Synthesis parameters, two combinable waveforms, and a dedicated EQ are available for every instrument, allowing drums to be edited much more extensively than with a fixed sample selection.
13 OSC models and direct sound shaping
The 13 OSC models cover different working methods: the proprietary SH-4d model, SH-3D, Sync, Ring, Wavetable, Chord, Drawing, PCM, Step, and Harmonic stand alongside models for the SH-101 and JUNO-106. This allows you to combine basic analog sounds, FM-style structures, wavetables, PCM sounds, and harmonic pads within one device.
For editing, filter, amp, and LFO sections are located directly on the control panel. The multimode ladder filter works with drive, resonance, envelope control, and a separate high-pass filter. This keeps the path from the oscillator to sound shaping easy to follow, even when multiple parts are running in parallel.
Sequencer, motion recording, and performance functions
The multitimbral sequencer stores 128 patterns and records input in real-time or via two step-input modes. Up to eight notes are possible per step. Probability, sub-steps, flam, and motion recording bring movement to rhythmic and melodic sequences without the need for a connected computer.
32 knobs, four sliders, and the dynamic assignment of display and controls accelerate your work on the pattern. D-Motion uses a motion sensor to control two assignable parameters via the X/Y axis. The Visual Arpeggio complements a classic arpeggiator with a visual input option for note patterns.
Audio, MIDI, and mobile power supply
The module connects to computers and mobile devices via USB-C for audio and MIDI. In class-compliant mode, a stereo connection is available without additional drivers; with the Roland driver, 12 discrete audio channels can be recorded in a DAW. MIDI In/Out, EXT CLK IN, Mix-In, outputs, and a headphone jack also integrate it into hardware setups.
Four AA batteries or Ni-MH rechargeable batteries power the synthesizer on the go; alternatively, USB-C handles the power supply. The housing measures 360 x 195 x 66 mm and weighs 1.78 kg without batteries. This means the SH-4D finds space on a small table, next to a groovebox, or in a mobile setup.
Is the Roland SH-4D suitable for your way of producing?
The Roland SH-4D suits producers who want to develop multiple synthesizer and drum tracks in one handy hardware instrument. Its parts, the wide spectrum of OSC models, and the sequencer support sketches as well as elaborate patterns for electronic music, live performances, or a compact studio.
If you want to touch sound parameters directly, mix parts while playing, and develop patterns without a mouse, the module provides a dense work surface. USB-C audio/MIDI, MIDI ports, and EXT CLK facilitate integration into DAW, synthesizer, and modular setups. Battery operation keeps your workflow flexible even away from your fixed workstation.
Features Roland SH-4D
Desktop synthesizer with four tone parts, rhythm part, and multitimbral sequencer
13 OSC models, including SH-4d, Wavetable, Drawing, PCM, SH-101, and JUNO-106
Up to 60 voices total polyphony, depending on sound engine load and OSC model
Rhythm part with 49 preset kits, 64 user kit memories, and up to 26 instruments per kit
32 knobs, four sliders, and graphical LCD with 128 x 64 dots
Multimode ladder filter with drive, resonance, envelope control, and separate high-pass filter
128 pattern memories, real-time recording, two step-input modes, and motion recording
Probability, sub-steps, and flam for varied sequences
D-Motion motion sensor and Visual Arpeggio for performance control
USB-C audio/MIDI, MIDI In/Out, EXT CLK IN, Mix-In, as well as stereo outputs and headphone jack
Class-compliant stereo audio/MIDI via USB-C and up to 12 discrete channels with Roland driver
Power supply via USB-C or four AA batteries or Ni-MH rechargeable batteries
Technical data
Sound engine13 OSC models
Polyphonymaximum 60 voices | dependent on sound engine load and OSC model
Parts4 tone parts | 1 rhythm part
Pattern memory128
Rhythm kits49 preset kits | 64 user kit memories
Effects5 MFX systems with 93 types | Reverb with 9 types | Chorus with 5 types | Delay with 5 types | Master MFX with 93 types | Master EQ/compressor
Displaygraphical LCD | 128 x 64 dots
ConnectionsHeadphones | OUTPUT L/MONO and R | MIX IN | EXT CLK IN | MIDI In/Out | USB-C for audio/MIDI
Power supplyUSB-C | 4 x AA alkaline batteries | 4 x AA Ni-MH rechargeable batteries
Battery lifeapprox. 4 hours with alkaline batteries | approx. 5 hours with Ni-MH rechargeable batteries
Weight1.78 kg without batteries
Dimensions (W x D x H)360 x 195 x 66 mm
Included in delivery
Roland SH-4D desktop synthesizer
USB-C to USB-A cable
4 x AA alkaline batteries
Quick start guide
Safety sheet
Sale price:
€524.00
Regular price:
€739.00
(29.09% saved)