Absolute banger from Roland. One day they'll empty that warehouse full of 1980's displays.

@tsuobachi

Жыл бұрын

Haha, I wish all my synths with actual 80s displays looked as good as this one.

@neutron7

Жыл бұрын

They still make 7 segment displays.

@maecknyc

Жыл бұрын

i didn't like this post cause it said 101 but i did like it

@22duke

Жыл бұрын

@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.

@raysubject

5 ай бұрын

@@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

@Garnassium

11 ай бұрын

God damn thanks for that tip

@Mr.Marbles

10 ай бұрын

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.

@cambriakilgannon12

4 ай бұрын

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

@celsoch

4 ай бұрын

Thank you so much! Is that on the manual??

@celsoch

4 ай бұрын

​@@cambriakilgannon12its step or pattern, any will do

For me, the simple fact these have a rechargeable built in battery is huge. Amazing little box.

@badfeng

Жыл бұрын

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).

@kierenmoore3236

11 ай бұрын

Yes - I won’t buy unless I’m sure I can replace the internal battery, of/when I want to … #RightToRepair …

@bazrin

11 ай бұрын

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.

@mrz80

7 ай бұрын

@@kierenmoore3236 Given a utility knife, some screwdrivers, and some time, that battery WILL get replaced :D

@cambriakilgannon12

4 ай бұрын

​@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

don't even remotely need this thing but this demo is making it seem like a really easy impulse buy. nice work jorb.

@JorbLovesGear

Жыл бұрын

🙏🙏

@bert3163

2 ай бұрын

My thoughts EXACTLY. I don’t typically impulse buy, but this is super compelling, esp. delivered tomorrow for $199

Just ordered an e-4, t-8, and s-1 and am really excited to play around

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.

@JorbLovesGear

Жыл бұрын

Cheers for all of this, really appreciate it. I agree, really is a banger.

Nice! I LOOOOVE my J-6 - such an inspriation machine and actually sounds so good. This looks to be a similar kickass box!

@dracul74

Жыл бұрын

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.

@sodiumlights

Жыл бұрын

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

Жыл бұрын

@@sneakyalien101 so happy to see I'm not alone on that obvious over-site that will be hopefully rectified jx

It sounds really, really nice. Roland is really hitting it lately.

@JorbLovesGear

Жыл бұрын

Agree they've been hitting it, great signs from them

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!

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.

Think this is a win for Roland. Portable. Battery powered. There are plenty of features. Sounds great. Price is right

By the way, JORB, we all love gear, or we wouldn't be here! (Image said in an Irish accent for effect)

Jorb, thank you for all your help, insight and opinions! Have a great day, dude!

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

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👏🏻🙏🏻👍🏼😎

I can imagine that this and the TR-8S could make a brutal team. Btw., the reverb on this thing is delicious!

@mikemeengs5720

11 ай бұрын

Everything goes well with a TR-8S!

@synkuk

10 ай бұрын

@@mikemeengs5720 totally ... have a room full of gear .. but EVERY jam starts with TR8S beat for me :D:D:D

@zoned7609

10 ай бұрын

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

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.

nice, a new jorb video as a treat for me at 12 am lol

@JorbLovesGear

Жыл бұрын

9 am here in Berlin, I'm wondering where are the people are but you've reminded me 😅😭😭

@Eli_B3000

Жыл бұрын

@@JorbLovesGear It's 4am here on the US East Coast, lol.

got mine yesterday. its a warm welcome to the family from me. well done roland

Boy, ten seconds into it and i'm sold!

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.

@JorbLovesGear

Жыл бұрын

It is!

@MrFidelityc

Жыл бұрын

This tiny little ‘cheap’ box does indeed sound amazing, I’ve not stopped ‘tweaking’ with it since it arrived 😂

Hi Jorb You really are a synth guy, after watching your video l now feel more confident to experiment with my own S-1, I can't thank you enough. Respect.

@JorbLovesGear

Ай бұрын

really appreciate that, cheers

This will definitely be a hit. Great review as always!

Sounds like a stab machine with that polyphony. Top tier demo, my friend.

OMG, had no idea they had put an accelerometer in it! That's actually very cool.

The oscilloscope view has sold me. What a nice wavform...

Just got mine yesterday, gonna set up and tweek out this weekend!

For $50 more than any Volca, this thing is a phenomenal value!! Been having a blast with mine…

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!!

My brother and cousin got me one for my birthday! Looking forward to learn it

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? :)

@JorbLovesGear

Жыл бұрын

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

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).

@christopher_ecclestone

Жыл бұрын

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.

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?

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 !

@JorbLovesGear

Жыл бұрын

🙏🙏🙏Cheers

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.

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 :)

@willlister9804

Жыл бұрын

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.

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.

aint no way jorb posting at 3 am

@JorbLovesGear

Жыл бұрын

😭😭😭Berlin time baby

@sat1241

Жыл бұрын

@@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

@coolguy2783

Жыл бұрын

fursona game on point

@JorbLovesGear

Жыл бұрын

@@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?

@Y2F0

Жыл бұрын

@@coolguy2783 LOL thx

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

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.

I had to pause the video, so I could add the S-1 to my amazon wishlist. Okay I'm back!

Late upload but I'm up so thanks for that very funky lullaby

An extra 2 notes of polyphony would have made this a killer.

@cepheid4288

Жыл бұрын

If this had 6 voices, might be a solid replacement for my Alpha Juno.

@Fractalite

Жыл бұрын

Its an Sh-101 modelled sound engine with an extra three voices.

@mrz80

Жыл бұрын

Yep. As a guitarist (and guitar synthesist) I tend to think in terms of blocks of six voices at a time.

@kierenmoore3236

11 ай бұрын

@@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

@zoned7609

10 ай бұрын

@@kierenmoore3236 hahaha that's so Roland

Finally; the real spiritual successor to my casio VL-Tone is born.

One tiny machine with a massive sweetspot. Want! This will go well with my J6.

one of the only youtubers that laughs his A** off at synth waveforms really getting a good chuckle out of those chop oscillators

@JorbLovesGear

Жыл бұрын

😭 Im pleased with them. Lol

Cool review! Mine will arrive overnight in the UK.

LOVE your channel

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 KZreadrs. 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.

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.

@jimbotron70

Жыл бұрын

The entire Boutique series in this form factor!

@kcat80

Жыл бұрын

​@@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.

@jimbotron70

Жыл бұрын

@@kcat80 They both are "FPGAs in a box", electronically...

@mikemeengs5720

11 ай бұрын

There's the JD-08 boutique.

I would absolutely mount this on a tiltable shelf, and use it like a dbeam

Seems like a nice companion for the Circuit Rhythm

Damn, this is terrific. It sounds good. I want this very soon!!!

Wow what a awesome virtual synt.

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!!

they hide the filter aliasing by smoothing the interpolation (introduces lag) - try turning the filter knob really slowly

S1 or J6 for a beginner to combine with a po33 for drums/samples (t8 maybe later)?

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. 👍🏻😊

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!

@kierenmoore3236

11 ай бұрын

Boutiques were just hamstrung, pretty little synths, sold as a money grab / to recoup ACB R&D …

Ugh that display BUT its probably still worth it, as it sounds so good.

Great review and exciting product. Thanks

Best review out there! Bravo 👏🏼

@JorbLovesGear

6 ай бұрын

Appreciate that, cheers

I really wish the sequencer had slides. That would make it a buy for me.

@DustinGoodChannel

Жыл бұрын

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.

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!

@JorbLovesGear

9 ай бұрын

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.

Wow, I am really excited about the S-1

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.

I love gear too, Jorb. Your videos rock btw.

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??

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?

@JorbLovesGear

Жыл бұрын

Correct, 4 is the cap

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.

It is such a mighty synth as well.

Gosh this thing looks so cool

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

That's a sweet bit of kit... Unlike you, I am def going to hold on to my SH-01a :)

You can get a System 1 for $320 right now, and you will get WAYYYYYYYYYYYYY more out of it than the S-1. It's small and cute, but if you are a little more serious, I think you will be hard to beat something like the System 1's Plug Outs

Gave in to the S-1. It's an absolute treasure. Why on earth do you not like on-board sequencing?

@JorbLovesGear

Жыл бұрын

Maybe "don't like" isn't exactly right I just don't find myself doing it outside of a video demo nearly as much as sequencing with my mpc. It's what I'm used to doing

@DetroitMicroSound

Жыл бұрын

@@JorbLovesGear Makes sense. I enjoy exploring sequencers in these sort of form-factors.

@DetroitMicroSound

12 күн бұрын

​​​ And the sequencer is perfectly capable of great sequences, on it's own. I have now seen a bunch of great performances from folks, really making the S-1 shine. It's probably going to be a legend. I love mine so much, I grabbed the T-8 too.

It's clearly a really capable little brick of goodness. My *only* gripe is I'd be willing to shove another 50 clams in Roland's general direction for another 2 to 4 voices' worth of polyphony. At 6 voices, every guitarist with a GK would be beating down the doors to get one! :D

@JorbLovesGear

8 ай бұрын

It is a weird barrier right, that we've almost never gotten 6 voices of ACB

@mrz80

7 ай бұрын

@@JorbLovesGear It's a shame since Roland used to be really up on the whole polyphony/multitimbrality thing. Just piked up a used JV-1010; 64 voices and 16 parts. Processing power is orders of magnitude cheaper nowadays, so why CAN'T they pile on the polyphony? At this price point it's not like they'd be undercutting Fantom sales. :D

@Smokeslikelightningband

6 ай бұрын

@@mrz80to be fair a skill any guitarist should have is reducing their voicings to bare minimum. It only takes the third and seventh to fully describe a chords quality.

@mrz80

2 ай бұрын

@@Smokeslikelightningband Yeah, I guess so... Maybe it's a question of how sparse and minimal vs how full and lush and massive you want the end result to sound. It's kind of a moot point for me since I picked up a JD-08 for cheap, bit I do still kind of eye the little Aira. Roland, stop planting worms in the spendy part of my brain already! 😛

This would be a lot of fun on an airplane or train.

Really surprised by the price considering how much the boutiques go for.

@JorbLovesGear

Жыл бұрын

Exaaactly

Does the noise-shape for the LFO come from the noise oscillator? If so - that would mean that chopping down the noise overtones, etc would really change how the noise LFO would behave. Have I got that right or wrong?

@JorbLovesGear

Жыл бұрын

Yooo great question

@JorbLovesGear

Жыл бұрын

I have no idea but I need to find out

@JoshSemans

Жыл бұрын

@@JorbLovesGear crossing my fingers! in analog world it would make sense to derive/copy the noise LFO to the noise OSC, but who knows what’s going on in digital world! noise as a mod source is one of my favourite things, and the S1 is already tempting enough. if this noise-shaping translates to the modulation then I am 110% sold.

Hoping to hear that little tune on streaming platforms soon :-)

i would love if they brought the draw/chop to the MC707

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

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 !

@JorbLovesGear

Жыл бұрын

🙏🙏 Scopes make gear more fun!

@jimle22

Жыл бұрын

@@JorbLovesGear Cool, I already on a nice Hantek Oscope now I know what I can use it for.

Damn and I just bought the Roland SH-4d, looks nice though.

Literally going after work to guitar center to pick one up. Just discovered this existed today and it's already mine 🎉

Great overview. Great machine. It’s just that riser effect that worries me. It’s a bit one trick pony like…

Can you use the Synth also like a external sequencer ???? I need a sequencer also for my Vermona

Hahahaha I had no idea it was that small. I thought it was like a rackmount sized synth. It’s palm sized.

Affordable fun. Thanks

Found your channel via this video… enjoyed the video and subbed.

Thanx!!

This thing hands-down gets me making sequences every single time I turn it on. I'm just about full and now I'm cannibalizing the factory slots. I'm keeping the sound though, so the challenge is to come up with a new sequence for each sound that exists on patterns 1-16 :)

@zoned7609

10 ай бұрын

this is one of those synths you want the manual handy for, or a cheat sheet

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!

Lovely. When using MIDI keyboard is it velocity sensitive and aftertouch

Nice performance!

Thank you!

I like your enthusiasm!