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With 11 Oscillator Models, a multi-part sequencer and a hands-on workflow.

Roland SH-4d is a unique instrument that packs 50 years of the company’s history into a portable “future retro” synth.

Roland has launched the SH-4d, one of its more intriguing products. This “future retro” box of synthesis tricks offers 11 oscillator models, a multi-part sequencer and an interface that’s built for hands-on sound design and experimentation.

What they say about it:

“Fifty years ago, Roland launched its first synthesizer, the groundbreaking SH-1000. The SH name has represented the company’s core synthesizer instruments ever since, merging innovative new technologies with tactile interfaces for quickly designing sounds in the moment.

The SH-4d opens the next chapter in the long-running series, offering Roland’s latest analog modeling advancements and a deep-yet-inviting panel that catalyzes creativity and rewards exploration at every turn.”

The SH-4d features a sample-based PCM Model, a flexible drum synthesizer, with rich tone-shaping capabilities for creating custom kits from scratch.

The SH-4d also features 32 knobs, four sliders and a slew of multi-function buttons. The sliders, buttons and LCD screen all automatically reconfigure themselves depending on which mode you’re working in, and there are dedicated Filter, Amp and LFO sections. Modulation is covered off in the Matrix section, which enables you to route the output of the LFO or envelope generator to parameters in an oscillator model.

Among its many tricks, the SH-4d also features built-in motion sensors that allow that spring into life when you pick the synth up and physically move it around. The D-Motion mode offers X/Y control over two parameters, and the Visual Arpeggio feature enables you to shape note patterns using interactive displays.

The SH-4d sequencer enables you create sequences with up to 60 notes of total polyphony. There’s also a versatile selection of Roland effects.

You can play the SH-4d via a ‘two-plus’ octave button keyboard, and there’s also MIDI I/O so you can plug in something a little more practical or use the instrument in conjunction with other studio gear.

The SH-4d also functions as a USB-C audio/MIDI interface with 12 discrete audio channels. It can be powered via a standard USB-C phone charger or with AA batteries for up to four hours.

A performance demo, featuring Detroit techno legend Carl Craig:

“That machine is a little monster,” says Craig. “So many options to not only shape sound but to shape the musical composition too.”

Find out more on the SH-4d on the Roland website. The Roland SH-4d Synthesizer will be available in the Amazon  U.S. in March for $649.

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Behringer has shared a sneak preview of the JT-2 – a Eurorack-format monophonic synth voice, based on the voice of the Roland Jupiter-8.

You might think that Behringer would be keen to release one of its two already-announced takes on Roland Jupiter-8 before it started teasing another one, but no. Behringer is planning a Eurorack-compatible desktop synth inspired by Roland’s Jupiter range.

It now transpires that, as well as a full-size clone and a mini version, the company is also working on a paraphonic, Eurorack-compatible desktop Jupiter synth using the same analogue oscillators and filters, plus automatic tuning and arpeggiator functions.

The styling is certainly in keeping with Roland’s original synth. There are (from left to right) LFO, VCO modulator, VCO-1 and VCO-2 sections, followed by a VCO mix dial and filter section. The two envelopes and VCA are below.

The company has previously teased plans for two other synths based on the Jupiter-8: a knockoff or clone of the Jupiter-8 keyboard, and an inexpensive Volca-style synth module, the Saturn Soul Synthesizer. Neither product has so far been released.

Whether the Eurorack model will beat them to market remains to be seen, but, given that it’s just a prototype at this stage, we’d guess that it’s unlikely.

Roland previously released its own mini Jupiter-8 – the JD-08 – as part of its Boutique range, though this used digital technology to model the analogue circuitry.

What they say about the Behringer JT-2:

“While we’re currently working on a full key version of the Jupiter, here is a new prototype in a smaller and more affordable Eurorack package. It features an authentic Jupiter voice based on the same VCOs and VCFs, plus an autotune and arpeggiator function.

We believe we could make it for US$ 299.”

Availability is to be announced. Behringer has previously indicated that it is moving full steam ahead on designing new synths, but it will be unable to manufacture many of these designs until recent global supply chain issues for electronic components get resolved.

Would you be interested in a monophonic Jupiter-8 in Euro format? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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Modalics EON-Arp is a free plugin for creating wild melody and chord patterns, and comes with a built-in wavetable synth.

Modalics’ first plugin, Beat Scholar, put a new spin on the beatmaking plugin concept, and was notable for its sliceable ‘beat pizzas’. The follow-up, EON-Arp, focuses on the creation of melodic and harmonic patterns, and the great news is that you can currently download it for free.

EON-Arp is an arpeggiator, but it’s one that promises a large amount of rhythmic and melodic control. The note grid is completely customisable: you can adjust the position, length or velocity of every note with either quantised or freeform timing. As such, everything from finely-honed grooves to experimental polyrhythms should be within your grasp.

Up to 128 steps and 11 pitch positions are available for you, and as well as being able to trigger your existing synths, EON-Arp also has its own built-in mini wavetable synth. As such, it can be viewed as a completely self-contained melody and chord pattern generator.

The plugin enables you to take up to eight snapshots, and you can switch between them with quantized triggering using keyswitches. More than 100 chord, progression and scale presets are included to get you started.

EON-Arp runs on PC and Mac in VST/AU/AAX formats and can currently be downloaded for free for a limited-time from the Modalics website. The regular price will be $29.

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