Roland S-1 // The Most Exciting Compact Synth In Years...
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- čas přidán 22. 05. 2024
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@rolandglobal has another winner. I feel like the Aira Compact stuff deserves the same praise as the Volcas did a decade ago. They're a more capable modern take on a similar product category, and the S-1 here blows me away. I cut out a lot of poorly constructed thoughts comparing to the volca keys but to sum it up, rechargeable batteries, physical keys, and the incomparable boost to flexibility in every dimension makes this a knock out. Felt a bit useless to compare things directly when they're 10 years apart, but that's the most direct comparison that comes to mind.
0:00 Intro
3:19 Parameter Walkthrough
9:31 Brief UseCase Thoughts
10:56 Shift Functions
14:41 Chop
20:17 Draw
24:37 Sequencer
28:37 Global Menu
33:40 D motion baby
34:35 Conclusions - Hudba
Absolute banger from Roland.
One day they'll empty that warehouse full of 1980's displays.
Haha, I wish all my synths with actual 80s displays looked as good as this one.
They still make 7 segment displays.
i didn't like this post cause it said 101 but i did like it
@@instantkarma3164Yeah I don’t know what there is with Japanese and these goofy old displays.
I have just bought it, and that display, just pisses me of. Not many years ago, Toyota still had this ridiculous 80 display type ind their cars as watch.
It’s definitely a nerd synth, and you need some good eyes, to see the ultra small letters.
@@neutron7 of course, probably exclusively for Roland :D
remember, anywhere you're turning the value knob on a number, you can hold shift and adjust it 10 per notch instead of 1. So if you're going from 0 to 255, you can do that with a single twist
God damn thanks for that tip
kind of annoying that they did it that way. imo it should be holding shift for small adjustments, since most of the time you want the bigger scale anyways.
I believe there's another key you can hold that will only show the knobs current value when you move it without actually changing that value
Thank you so much! Is that on the manual??
@@cambriakilgannon12its step or pattern, any will do
For me, the simple fact these have a rechargeable built in battery is huge. Amazing little box.
Only prob is that internal batteries degrade over time. Hopefully these are easy to replace (but otherwise they can be run from a power bank so not a deal breaker).
Yes - I won’t buy unless I’m sure I can replace the internal battery, of/when I want to … #RightToRepair …
I tried this synth out and ultimately, it wasn't for me. The cryptic menu diving and sound quality wasn't it for me. I could excuse the sound quality but the interface on this synth made me wonder if Roland even enjoys using their own products. I say this coming from one of my favorite synths, the Blofeld.
@@kierenmoore3236 Given a utility knife, some screwdrivers, and some time, that battery WILL get replaced :D
@kierenmoore3236 I opened mine up, the battery looks very easy to replace. It's not hidden away and is just connected with a small ribbon. It actually looked like there's enough room for a substantial upgrade
Bought one on impulse following this review as I usually dismiss these digital recreations but HOLY SHIT this thing sounds sweet. One of the most simple devices to use I own and v easy to sketch ideas down. Love it
Great review, and it was the review that tipped me over the edge to buy it. This synth just seems to have some great bang for the buck with so much to offer--and probably a great entry point into the world of electronic music.
don't even remotely need this thing but this demo is making it seem like a really easy impulse buy. nice work jorb.
🙏🙏
This will definitely be a hit.
Great review as always!
OMG I can't believe you used a VHS casette from TDK to pimp up the background 😆 I used to have several of the exact same cover and brand as a kid to record stuff into😄 Awesome! Why not, yet another excellent vid Jorb!
Just ordered an e-4, t-8, and s-1 and am really excited to play around
Jorb, thank you for all your help, insight and opinions! Have a great day, dude!
got mine yesterday. its a warm welcome to the family from me. well done roland
Just got mine yesterday, gonna set up and tweek out this weekend!
Great review and exciting product. Thanks
the waveform chop/draw editor reminds me of ableton operator's similar function; also brings back fond memories of hand-drawn sinusoids in fasttracker ii
Wow, sounds fantastic. It’s got some interesting things buried that you could just ignore and enjoy this as a modern take on the SH-101. If I hadn’t gotten a SH-4d recently I’d be grabbing this. Maybe I will anyway.
I had an extraordinary idea while watching your video. I'd definitely be thinking about it for a while, and a project I would try in the near future.
That idea came through a few minutes after I considered subscribing to your channel 😂
Thanks, Jorb! 💪😎
An important finding, if you’re a Logic Pro user.
Since Roland doesn’t seem to know this (May 2024),
I will post this through my favourite electronica CZcamsrs.
Having owned the S-1 for about 5 minutes I began thinking about
how I could integrate it into my UA/Logic Pro set up.
USB-C connection to the Mac.
First try resulted in the S-1 taking over completely, no access to UA.
The Roland “support” site said that it wasn’t possible to use it with multiple audio interfaces!
Accepting the challenge I created an Aggregate Device in the the Mac’s Audio MIDI set up,
with the UA as master device.
Let there be audio!
The MIDI part was a brain twister though.
Audio still working fine when I started the S-1’s internal sequencer.
But no MIDI triggering the S-1.
Double checking the MIDI setting on the S-1 revealed
that I had adjusted the chorus, Cho, mistaking the o for a zero.
The correct parameter is called CH.
Why it wasn’t already set to channel 1 is anybody’s guess.
Cool box, lousy support site, as usual.
Roland, please fix your extremely slow and unhelpful site
Thank you for sharing a helpful video.
LOVE your channel
Comprehensive fun tiny unit. The waveform capabilities are going to be fun to explore. It’s a nice addition to the drum and chord units. I’m adding a volca drum modeler and SE-02 synth. Should be interesting to experiment with! Both software with an element of hardware is totally immersive.
Damn, this is terrific. It sounds good. I want this very soon!!!
Nice! I LOOOOVE my J-6 - such an inspriation machine and actually sounds so good. This looks to be a similar kickass box!
My exact thoughts. I think if I didn’t like the j-6 I wouldn’t take the plunge… but since i do and like what I heard I ordered one.
Adore using the j-6 with multisample Black Box but it drives me nut that Roland haven't made one simple update that would make life so much easier; displaying what bloody chord is in the led! As a songwriting tool it's an invaluable instrument, or could be if I knew what some of those more exotic chords are without having to decipher the chart every time
@@sodiumlights Spot on!
@@sneakyalien101 so happy to see I'm not alone on that obvious over-site that will be hopefully rectified jx
My novation circuit OG needs a new portable friend🎉 💥👍🏼 I'm sure they will sync/clock fine. When the UK summer comes around I'm heading to the beach and create some tunes. Great review mate👏🏻🙏🏻👍🏼😎
Cool review! Mine will arrive overnight in the UK.
My brother and cousin got me one for my birthday! Looking forward to learn it
A few thoughts:
1. Excellent review. I know many of us wait for your reviews due to the vibe you bring that's free of the commentical hysteria when gear is released. A no nonsense approach. This is what it can do. Make your decision and get back to making noise.
2. I love the phrase "institutional knowledge" you used. I often wonder when people comment in the negative, do they have the same?
3. As a fan of the J6, T8 and E4, this will fit nicely in the batting order. Not because it's Roland or I need to "complete" the set. Someone that does not have deep pockets, for what this does, it's a no brainer. Also as an iPad user, these are one of the few devices that work perfectly with and are even seen as an audio interface by the iPad.
4. I said complete earlier. I have no inside knowledge, but this could be the start of something "big" for Roland. Imagine other devices in this form/price factor. Groovebox, sampler, mixer/interface. Again, at price points that most of us do not need to abuse our wallets over.
5. Thank you for this. I know you get some interesting comments and I felt it was important to help show love. As end of the day, it's about having fun. Stay safe.
Cheers for all of this, really appreciate it. I agree, really is a banger.
It sounds really, really nice. Roland is really hitting it lately.
Agree they've been hitting it, great signs from them
Late upload but I'm up so thanks for that very funky lullaby
To be honest I didn't expect much when I clicked on the video but the synth really excited me! Especially its sound character: the oscillators, the filter, even the noise generator. These for some reason just instantly clicked with me. I don't know, the sound just feels sort of 'cinematic', I'm afraid I can't explain that any better! Now, I don't need a synth being mostly an ITB guy but this looks reeeeally tempting at its price and capabilities, even not taking into account all those level-two and level-three functions :)
And great video Jorb! That trick with a mirror and an inverted oscilloscope is just bonkers, loved it! :) was it a nod to Cuckoo? :)
Mirror surely a bit inspired by cuckoo! I have been trying to keep as much as I can in a single camera angle to streamline editing, and the mirror let's me focus and frame based on the gear where I need high detail
The oscilloscope view has sold me. What a nice wavform...
Best review out there! Bravo 👏🏼
Appreciate that, cheers
Boy, ten seconds into it and i'm sold!
I like your enthusiasm!
OMG, had no idea they had put an accelerometer in it! That's actually very cool.
Wow what a awesome virtual synt.
nice, a new jorb video as a treat for me at 12 am lol
9 am here in Berlin, I'm wondering where are the people are but you've reminded me 😅😭😭
@@JorbLovesGear It's 4am here on the US East Coast, lol.
I'm definitely getting one of these
Jorb, your vids are killer, and putting the VHS tape and oscilloscope in the vid just sells the killer retro vibe of this . But I have 17 synths and drum machines!! how many more can I get?!?!? I'm actually out of room but.... that thing would be good for sitting bed with before going to sleep.
Sounds like a stab machine with that polyphony. Top tier demo, my friend.
Found your channel via this video… enjoyed the video and subbed.
Thanx!!
As far as I can tell this is the exact same ACB engine used for the SH-101 "Plugout" that you could get for the System-1 and 1m, but then they added those cool oscillator "chop" and "draw" and other neat features. Pretty great sounding.
It is!
This tiny little ‘cheap’ box does indeed sound amazing, I’ve not stopped ‘tweaking’ with it since it arrived 😂
Thank you!
Def one I’m going to grab for my box. Sounds great,and so many features. At $200 it’s a no-brainer.😅⚡️
Thanks Jorb. Bought one based off this video
Think this is a win for Roland. Portable. Battery powered. There are plenty of features. Sounds great. Price is right
I love gear too, Jorb. Your videos rock btw.
Awesome, sounds great.
Do wish they did something like this in a sort of korg monologue sort of format, that thing is such a nice gigging/travel thing. Spose there's the SH-01a but that isn't as featured as this.
Great review jb
Nice performance!
Gosh this thing looks so cool
Wow, awesome little synth. I wish it had a built in oscilloscope, it would really make the chop and draw parameters the stars of the show.
I ordered one today. I am hoping they will do a firnware update where you can draw/chop envelopes/lfo or at least be able to modulate draw/chop with envelopes/lfo. Or that riser, hot damn that sohnds awesome!
Wow, I am really excited about the S-1
One tiny machine with a massive sweetspot. Want! This will go well with my J6.
I can imagine that this and the TR-8S could make a brutal team. Btw., the reverb on this thing is delicious!
Everything goes well with a TR-8S!
@@mikemeengs5720 totally ... have a room full of gear .. but EVERY jam starts with TR8S beat for me :D:D:D
fun tip: there are multiple types of reverbs! although IMO they start it on the best one, the spring sounds fantastic. but the others are good too
good demo and points well made...i think the chop and shape modes, plus all the extra menu parameters take this far beyond a beefed-up volca-like device (still love and use my 3 volcas).
I would absolutely mount this on a tiltable shelf, and use it like a dbeam
Sounds great
Man, just bought this for 120€ and gonna sync it with my PO-33. My first synth and a nice addition for my little hobby desktop setup, I'm really excited.
Appreciate you jorb
🙏🙏Happy to do it
they hide the filter aliasing by smoothing the interpolation (introduces lag) - try turning the filter knob really slowly
Seems like a nice companion for the Circuit Rhythm
Was hoping for the Behringer Edge to get a preorder but nope.. Sorta hyped about dreadboxs new modules I don't have anything from them yet. But their designs are so smart! Their new osc/vcf/env module has everything you need in one module and it's just one part of new line
I hope Roland keeps releasing this form factor/pricing. I'd love to see a polyphonic MC-202-based one (and TR-808 and 909 based-ones for more percussion possibilities than the T-8, although the TR-6S I guess fulfills this already).
The 202 is almost identical to the 101. It sounds identical, but the 202 only has one set LFO shape, and no noise source. The difference is in the way you play it; keyboard on the 101 Vs the weird sequencer on the 202.
If you have a 101, you've got a 202.
This thing is actually mad!
I got a J-6 and while it sounds wonderful, I find the workflow cumbersome and it is absolutely un-jammable because of the way soundparameters are stored inside patterns. You can never switch patterns without causing a sharp change in the sound. Also the sequencer is not easy to program
Using it, I really wished they had made the workflow more like the T-8. Sound parameters separate from patterns or sequences, so you can seemlessly change patterns
It looks like they did exactly that, including using the smaller T-8 buttons for a 2-octave keyboard. And then added an absolute boatload of other stuff! Having effects types and parameters is a massive step up over J-6 and T-8. Also, the single thing I was missing most with those two boxes was the lack of transition-possibilities. Having several types of riser-effects built in is just genius, and they sound really great too!
I prefer the fat stereo juno chorus over the sh-101 sound, but I do feel I have to sell the J-6 and get an S-1 instead
Edit: oh yeah, a FULL list of CC midi controls? Yes please!!
Very nice little synth. How did you hook up the oscilloscope to it?
Hoping to hear that little tune on streaming platforms soon :-)
Affordable fun. Thanks
It is such a mighty synth as well.
Hey Jorb, another amazing overview 👏 does this have presets (you might have mentioned in the video but I missed it)?
Yes! Tied to patterns
So the presets are all locked to factory patch (waveform) presets? Or unlocked? Or patches memory is just for saving the sequencer patterns? Seems mad to me they wouldn’t hav sound presets and user assigned memory in a digitally controlled analogue synth. .
The draw and chop functions are cool. If those were controllable via MIDI CC, it'd be a no brainer. Could not find the manual on Roland's site. Tell me the MIDI implementation is great :)
im going to say that it Is - the way Roland display midi CC info online is cr*p and I dont think its in the manual. had the same thing with the VT4 and found a random document online that had all the CC values.
Sounds good
It’s just too small ( for me )
I like gear that you can plug 🔌 into the wall -
I have enough “ on the go “ gear ⚙️
However, I love your channel!!
Your intro already made me buy it ;) Awesome job and insights! I really like the sound so far, one quick question: Do you had the chance to use it with audio over USB? I have it connected to an iPad and the annoying thing is that it both outputs the dry AND the wet signal through its headphone jack. So if i add any post fx on the iPad, i get the dry signal AND the signal chain from the iPad overlapping. This makes it basically impossible to use it properly in a mobile signal chain. Didn't find anything regarding USB monitoring settings in the manual. If you have accidentally stumbled across this problem, i would be very thankful for a hint. All the best
No idea on that, sorry. Lots of worlds I don't have any experience with
@@JorbLovesGear thanks for coming back to me. No worries at all, i‘ve already reached out to the official support. Short answer: NO, it’s not possible at the moment to change this behavior, the S-1 will always monitor its dry signal AND the processed signal from a connected idevice when used in USB mode. The support said they will forward it to the technicians for a possible solution, but my guess is that there won’t be a solution anytime soon. A shame, but besides it’s still a great little synth. All the best, take care and keep up the awesome content! ❤️
I'm looking at something like this as a portable device for live. To be triggered via a Bass foot pedal.
I did look at the idea of using a synth bass FX pedal, to turn the signal from my Bass guitar, into a split output, with dry bass going one way, and the Synth sound going another. (because I want them in seperate channels on the desk), but the drawback of this, is there are passing notes, and fills that I play on the Bass guitar, but I want the Synth Pad to sustain on the Root notes.
I specifically want a long rich, fat cello like pad sound. But I don't want to cart around huge keyboards or rack modules, disassembling my studio in the process, so a compact unit like this or the audio thingies micro monsta 2, might be what I'm after. Ironically it's only really for 1 track we play. The Bass part under the main end solo, of Comfortably Numb, I need to foot play basically the same root notes as my Bass.
In your esteemed opinion, d'ya reckon this would be a good choice, or any other suggestions. If you can maybe refresh your memory and listen to the pad keyboard part on the Floyd track, it's on the main solo, and maybe you can suggest a more adequate alternative. 👍🏻😊
Nice box.
This plus a volca FM would cover a lot of synth ground! I'm glad I held off on buying a boutique.
EDIT: totally blown away by all the chop options! perfect for those weird wavetable/PPG sounds!
Boutiques were just hamstrung, pretty little synths, sold as a money grab / to recoup ACB R&D …
Honestly it is the best sounding demo i have heard so far about the S-1. For me it is a no brainer buy, having and enjoying already the T-8 and the J-6, but i found the Roland video musically disappointing !
Fingers crossed for more to come from Roland (not right now unfortunately i guess) and for your channel !
Thank you !
🙏🙏🙏Cheers
An extra 2 notes of polyphony would have made this a killer.
If this had 6 voices, might be a solid replacement for my Alpha Juno.
Its an Sh-101 modelled sound engine with an extra three voices.
Yep. As a guitarist (and guitar synthesist) I tend to think in terms of blocks of six voices at a time.
@@Fractalite Yep - mono recreations you get an extra 3 voices you didn’t ask for … polysynths, you get screwed for between 2-4 voices … 🙄 #Roland
@@kierenmoore3236 hahaha that's so Roland
Cool synth! Great FX. Nice that you can play along with the sequence... as long as you do not exceed the 4 note polyphony, right?
Correct, 4 is the cap
i would love if they brought the draw/chop to the MC707
Finally; the real spiritual successor to my casio VL-Tone is born.
I wish they sprung for a small oled display, they could've shows the waveform for the draw/chop function and drawn something actually resembling text for the menus. That would've limited polyphony and automation on whatever 4$ arm chip they're using for these things, maybe.
You didn't say anything about patch memory: loading, saving, duplicating?, naming?, undo?
aint no way jorb posting at 3 am
😭😭😭Berlin time baby
@@JorbLovesGear thanks for the video. How hard would it be to have two tracks, sequencer loops
and have them be in a polyrhythm
So say one is in 5/4 and the other 7/4
but to be a polyrhythm they would not be of the same tempo
the duration of each one would have to be the same to be a polyrhythm,
no shifting, the 1 would meet every time
fursona game on point
@@sat1241 on the S1? You'll need to send in some external sequenced midi, this only has a single sequencer.
So maybe internal sequencer + one external one, synced?
@@coolguy2783 LOL thx
I had to pause the video, so I could add the S-1 to my amazon wishlist. Okay I'm back!
Really good demo, thank you. Will it sync with a Volca?
Yes
The Aira compacts sync nicely with Volcas with midi or pulse sync.
The noise generator on here is really nice. I'm curious how it's generated.
With that 'swoosh' filter, I was expecting Oxygene for a moment. I can't play keyboards or understand the tech jargon, but it would be lovely to tinker with and make some video intro music clips
one of the only youtubers that laughs his A** off at synth waveforms
really getting a good chuckle out of those chop oscillators
😭 Im pleased with them. Lol
Can you use the Synth also like a external sequencer ???? I need a sequencer also for my Vermona
Damn and I just bought the Roland SH-4d, looks nice though.
Truly XLNT video. I liked and subscribed. I also pre-ordered an S1.
The S1 is bound for the Synth Hall Of Fame, IMO. Great work Roland. Also, this video tipped my decision to buy a small touchscreen digital oscilloscope - the FNIRSI 1013D, from Ali Express. Thanks !
🙏🙏 Scopes make gear more fun!
@@JorbLovesGear Cool, I already on a nice Hantek Oscope now I know what I can use it for.
Thanks for the review, Jorb.
So, what products have you sent back, rather than do a review on them? I’d be interested to know!
Cheers, thanks. It sort of defeats the purpose of not being negative if I just out the companies here, but 3 or 4 pedals, 2 things I would say fit into 'groove box' and one standalone synth.
And I say no to every email about software.
This would be a lot of fun on an airplane or train.
17:13 Use the Chop function to make a triangle wave.
Thank you
Best dive into this little* slice
Of. F-ya
I've seen yet.
Sold!
I was wondering,,,, it has to be able to go deeper.
Good job on your review Sir. .
18:01 NOWAY………… Second time again I’m watching the video and I’m still shocked by the sound of this machine…
I usually hate so much this type of form factor with ridiculous micro knobs but the sound my god the sound hits me so much……….. Should I consider to buy this??
I consider this just enough of an improvement over my SA-1 to warrant the upgrade.
I hope there is a d-50 in this form factor with all these great added features. they seem to have got everything right including availability and price.
The entire Boutique series in this form factor!
@@jimbotron70 the boutiques are distinctly different with more controls, larger form factor, commanding a higher price. this is more pocket sized, its more like a volca.
@@kcat80 They both are "FPGAs in a box", electronically...
There's the JD-08 boutique.
I really wish the sequencer had slides. That would make it a buy for me.
You can definitely do slides on the sequencer as you would with many other synths - by using Portamento = AUTO (Legato engages the portamento) and sequencing appropriate ties.
That's a sweet bit of kit...
Unlike you, I am def going to hold on to my SH-01a :)