Roland has introduced the S-1 Tweak Synth, the battery-powered compact AIRA Compact version of its iconic SH-101 Synthesizer.
The Superbooth 23 starts in less than one studio. Finally. Who is not there again is the Japanese manufacturer Roland.
But like almost every year, they take advantage of the time and release a new product. This year the new Roland S-1 Tweak Synth.
Roland S-1 Tweak Synth
Yes, you read that right, Roland is again making an SH-101 in digital—this time in the popular Aira Compact series. So it joins the T-8 Beat Machine, J-6 Chord Synthesizer, and E-4 Voice Tweaker from last year. And the nice thing: the S-1 is a polysynth and is battery-operated. He also offers a good amount of hands-on parameters for such a little synth.
Key Features
Inspired by the legendary Roland SH-101 from the 1980s, the S-1 is a potent micro polysynth with futuristic wave manipulation, onboard sequencing, and a range of unique performance features. With its inspiring tactile controls and intuitive workflow, this powerful instrument provides a fun and satisfying creative experience for beginners and serious synth adventurers alike.
- ACB technology based emulation of the SH-101
- 4-voice poly synth
- oscillator, sub, and noise
- oscillator draw function using the step pads
- OSC chop allows you to cut waveforms into section for more harmonic timbres
- filter
- full ADSR envelope
- multi-wave LFO
- effects, including Juno/JX-3P-style chorus, delay, and reverb
The bottom section of the panel features 26 multi-function pads, providing access to a keyboard with a two-plus octave range, a step sequencer interface, and a wealth of creative options to spark fresh ideas.
With its 64-step sequencer and 64 patterns, the S-1 is made for on-the-spot music capture and song development. Users can record live with the onboard keyboard or switch to step mode for detailed note entry and editing. Motion recording, probability settings, sub steps, and other features like velocity, shuffle, and portamento are also available to bring sounds to life.
The unique D-Motion controller creates compelling sound changes simply by moving the synth, while the Step Loop function is perfect for live fills and on-the-fly rhythmic improv. There’s also an onboard arpeggiator and the ability to transpose patterns to instantly add harmonic richness to jams.
And like the other Roland Aira Compact, you get an internal battery, sync in/out, mix in for out for combining with other synths/drum machines, and volume control on the front panel.
First Impression
The S-1 doesn’t offer a lot of innovation, to be honest. It’s, however, a funny little polysynth for your pocket. You won’t go wrong here if you’re looking for a Roland SH-101 for on-the-go with a good amount of parameters and some cool new extras.
Roland S-1 Tweak Synth is available now for $199,99.
More information here: Roland
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