Superbooth 25: A couple of years back were were singing the praises of the SH-4d. At the time, we were thrilled that Roland had finally released something that wasn’t firmly retro-angled, and was orienting the ethos of the brand forward into a new domain. That superb desktop synth/drum machine has now received a significant update.
The new free V2.0 firmware update expands the unit’s original capabilities in a number of key ways.
Of particular note are two new OSC models, the introduction of pattern chaining and some slick workflow tight-ups including system-level FX and a new Sub-Step option for off-grid note entry.
The two OSC models are the main draws here though. Firstly there’s Step, a basic step-based LFO modulation that can conjure those more classic-sounding analog step sequencer-esque phrases and movements.
Meanwhile, Harmonic can be a bit more expansive, and - via a classic drawbar organ layout - can be used to carve anything and everything from rich pads to throbbing bass tones.
The new pattern chaining functionality makes it easy to graft distinct patterns together into song-arrangement esque structures.
Also of note, is the deeper system settings that allow the same effect parameters to span across multiple instrument layers (reverb, chorus and delay).
The upgrade is free and available now for all SH-4d owners.
Back in 2023, we called the SH-4d a “rich and flexible instrument with a wealth of functionality that rewards play and experimentation. Among a mass of Roland products, this is the one most worth your attention.”
With this latest update, that final point just got a line underneath it.
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