I've posted this on a few other places, I finally purchased my E-4 last week. After testing it with the obvious Voice/Mic Input I wanted to do a more systematic test of connecting external gear. In all of the TH-cam Videos including this one, the audio source is unchanged. I decided to do a test with several Synths from Behringer, a Korg Volca FM2 and 2 Roland Boutiques. My connections were as follows: UGreen Brand Mic/Audio Y Splitter TRRS, for the headphone and line in front the synths A UGreen TRS Stereo Cable for the Audio Outs A Standard Mono TR Cable for the Audio Outs - In All Cases the MONO Cable did not produce any Audio Output! Pioneer Headphones Shure PGA58 Microphone with XLR-1/4 Plugs The E-4 worked perfectly, as it should with the Microphone. For my Tests in all cases I used the 3.5mm output connections on the Synths phones or Audio Out, from the front panels not the Main OutPuts. Here is a breakdown of the various Synths and outcome for each: Behringer CRAVE Microphone Cable Plugged In, Audio Out from Headphone Out, TRS Audio Cable - Worked Fine, Plenty of Volume No Microphone Cable Plugged In - ZERO, Nothing Behringer ARP 2600 Blue Marvin Microphone Cable Plugged In, Audio Out from Headphone Out, TRS Audio Cable - Worked Fine, Plenty of Volume No Microphone Cable Plugged In - ZERO, Nothing Here is where it changes: Behringer Pro-1 Microphone Cable Plugged In, used the Audio Out , TRS Audio Cable - Worked Fine, Decent Volume No Microphone Cable Plugged In, also worked but with much more volume, in fact very loud Using the Phones Output with the Microphone Cable Plugged In, softer volume, when No Microphone Cable Plugged In - ZERO, Nothing Behringer K-2 Microphone Cable Plugged In, Audio Out from Headphone Out, TRS Audio Cable - Worked Fine, Decent Volume No Microphone Cable Plugged In - ZERO, Nothing Behringer Model D Microphone Cable Plugged In, Audio Out from Headphone Out, TRS Audio Cable - Worked Fine, Decent Volume No Microphone Cable Plugged In - ZERO, Nothing KORG Volca FM 2 Microphone Cable Plugged In, Audio Out from Headphone Out, TRS Audio Cable - VERY LOUD, this is the only Synth that had the PEAK light come on No Microphone Cable Plugged In - SUPER Loud and the audio was jumping all over, no consistent sound at all, when I play notes on the keyboard it was just random, jumpy sounds and patterns. LASTLY 2 Roland Boutiques, JU-06A and JX-08 In both cases: Microphone Cable Plugged In, Audio Out from Headphone Out, TRS Audio Cable - Worked Fine, Decent Volume BUT With No Microphone Cable Plugged in, they were so full of volume, had to control it so they would not PEAK the E-4 Input The E-4 worked PERFECTLY. CONCLUSION: it is very obvious that the cables used, the Audio Outputs used and the particular Synth all play a role in what works and what doesn’t. But most obvious is the using a Roland Synth 9at least the Boutiques Series is the way it works best. There is certainly a compatibility between the Roland Products!
that is some thorough testing! Would love to see in a video (unless you did, I did not look and that is on me for being lazy) I did find success with the iRig 2 and has worked with anything that I throw at it.
@@krazywabbit I’m sorry but I didn’t do a video. If I decide to do another set of tests I might try to shoot video of it. FYI, I was a Recording Engineer and Studio owner for 20+ years. I’ve been working with and owned Synthesizers since 1972, starting with my ARP 2600’s and Mini Moog. Technology was a lot simpler then. I’ve never experienced so many issues with cables and compatibility with these modern Synthesizers like I do now. Here is a new one, I was rerouting the Audio Out from my Roland S-1 to a different mixer input and needed a longer cable. I got a HOSA Stereo (TRS) 3.5mm to 1/4 inch cable from Sweetwater. When I tried to use it the entire S-1 sounded and acted crazy. Uncontrollable reverb, some presets would not even play unless the Reverb Knob was turned all the way up, weird delays and more odd behavior depending on the preset. I thought my S-1 was defective. I updated the Firmware again and did a Factory Reset but that didn’t fix it. I was about to call Sweetwater and file a claim to have it replaced but on a hunch I tried the other cable I had been using which is a UGreen 3.5mm to 3.5mm TRS and problem GONE. I then tried a regular instrument cable 3.5mm to 1/4 inch and that too worked fine. I’m still baffled why the HOSA cable caused all of the issues, I tried it on the Output of my Behringer K-2 and it works fine.
@@floyd101954 Really appreciate you sharing your knowledge. thank you. One of the things that frustrate me with this space. It's not always plug and play. I guess standardization is not.a thing here. Too many companies trying to make a dollar. I don't know. I find myself having wasted too much time plugging things in and then get weird noises. I just want to play and have fun. Seriously, I do appreciate the time you've taken to provide your feedback, I will check out some of your videos and look forward to any further knowledge you have to offer, I am a sponge! Stay safe!
I’m experiencing the same frustration as you. I also watched both Loopop’s and Freebeat’s videos and thought I’d be able do it with the cables and splitter that I already own. But no luck so far. I look forward to seeing what you find out on your next video
Good to hear it’s not just me. Crossing my fingers one of these cables work. It shouldn’t be this difficult. Thanks for sharing your experience. Sorry it’s been like this.
Update: I got an E4 today. I plugged in my iPhone headset to the headphone and it worked no problems. I plugged the gooseneck mic I use with MicroFreak headphone Jack into E4 and it also worked. I tried a random TRRS mic splitter, and it did not work properly (when plugged in as intended… nothing… if pulled the mic cable out slightly it worked. The MicroFreak uses a CTIA type/standard TRRS jack, and the Thomann site description of E4 specified the jack as CTIA, too. I have ordered a CTIA splitter now to see if it works. I’ll report back after it arrives. I guess the upshot is… the jack works, but getting the correct plug is trickier than it should be. There are two main TRRS standards, of which CTIA is one. Rarely do companies state which format they use… that said… CTIA is the most common.
@@krazywabbit Well... I the splitter I ordered to try comes tomorrow... but I remembered I have this old iRig2 "interface" (its just a TRRS splitter for older iOS devices). I tried it and it works great! Haven't checked... but I'm sure it's not easy to find since discontinued. But just as a proof that some-such adapter exists out there. I will again report back regarding whether or not the splitter I get works. Here's a link to a video I just made/posted of the iRig2 working with E4: th-cam.com/video/nEKXbjetIEs/w-d-xo.html
@@oldschoolSupertech is it this one? www.amazon.com/IK-Multimedia-Interface-Adaptor-IPIRIG2PLGIN/dp/B00T631UTC?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A1NIJ4PF0MWJGZ
You are so right, If I understood correctly, A company so serious and as large as Roland had to release videos to TH-cam that explain how to operate the Aira Compact devices, it’s a minimum they should do, or attach operating instructions, but they let the presentors do advertising to them. And a shame. Wisdom not only sell the product.
I agree with you. It's not rocket science. I am more frustrated with the lack of a response from Roland customer support. Nothing. I've connected with them on all social media platforms and website. Nothing. This is not something that is hard to address. A. I am using the wrong cable and boom, here is what you need. B. What you saw was not a work as design and here is why., I am not asking for free gear,. I am not asking to be CEO. I just need a simple answer from the company that I am a fan of their sound. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Be safe.
@@krazywabbitwish i see your comments and video before i bought this. mini jacks are pain in ass for serious setup, but main problem that my ios setup already had audio interface and when i plug e4 it became an audio interface too but ios cant use 2 audiointerface atm so this device is suck for ios live loop artist like me :(
We just picked up one of these. What is the correct adapter to run from main out to an 1/4 input jack on a guitar amp? Roland manual says you can't use mono 1/8" mini plugs, they have to be stereo. So is an adapter that combines left and right channel ok to use? Open to suggestions. Thank you.
I'm using the mix out with a 3,5mm normal stereo blug as I don't need mic there and it worked. But if You have a 3,6mm mono cable in "mic in" it doesn't work. Thanks for the knowledge that the 6,3 must be a stereo plug because I was stuck there.
As for as I can tell you don't need to use a breakout adaptor to make use of the mix out audio input because the 'mix out mic in' goes to exactly the same circuit as the front mounted 1/4 inch mic input. The E-4 does NOT have line input - it does have a single mic input that can be accessed via the mic input mounted on the front of the E-4 or from the mix out connector via a suitable adaptor. If you look at the E-4 flow chart in the manual you can clearly see this.
Same here! The splitter that I had lying around doesn't work either. It shouldn't be rocket science though, seeing that if I plug my iPhone headset into the audio out of the E-4, then the iPhone mike sends audio into the E-4 just fine (with nothing plugged into the E-4 mike IN port). So the iphone's 3.5mm jack is wired exactly right for this. By the way, am I missing something obvious, or does the E-4 wipe its recorded audio loop when powered off? When I record looped audio on the go, then return to my PC/DAW and switch the E4 back on, and press play, then memory seems empty: no audio plays back. Wondering about your experience with this?
I think the problem is that the mic input on the splitter is TS (mono)… and if you use a TS mono cable into the iPad (which has a TRRS jack), they don’t align properly such that you aren’t connecting the proper channels. Can you try with a source that has a proper mono output like a mono synth or something? This works for many folks and I think your issue is just your source compatibility with your cables and the splitter.
@@krazywabbit I meant did you try using a mono TS source and cable into the mic jack that is split out. I am fairly certain that in addition to having a splitter, the coupling at that mono mic jack is likely going to require a TS 3.5mm tip/cable to work properly.
Vt4 looks fun. I never owned one. Had the VT3. Each device has its pros and cons. If you have the VT4 and it fulfills what you need it to do, you are good!
I've posted this on a few other places, I finally purchased my E-4 last week. After testing it with the obvious Voice/Mic Input I wanted to do a more systematic test of connecting external gear. In all of the TH-cam Videos including this one, the audio source is unchanged.
I decided to do a test with several Synths from Behringer, a Korg Volca FM2 and 2 Roland Boutiques.
My connections were as follows:
UGreen Brand Mic/Audio Y Splitter TRRS, for the headphone and line in front the synths
A UGreen TRS Stereo Cable for the Audio Outs
A Standard Mono TR Cable for the Audio Outs - In All Cases the MONO Cable did not produce any Audio Output!
Pioneer Headphones
Shure PGA58 Microphone with XLR-1/4 Plugs
The E-4 worked perfectly, as it should with the Microphone.
For my Tests in all cases I used the 3.5mm output connections on the Synths phones or Audio Out, from the front panels not the Main OutPuts. Here is a breakdown of the various Synths and outcome for each:
Behringer CRAVE
Microphone Cable Plugged In, Audio Out from Headphone Out, TRS Audio Cable - Worked Fine, Plenty of Volume
No Microphone Cable Plugged In - ZERO, Nothing
Behringer ARP 2600 Blue Marvin
Microphone Cable Plugged In, Audio Out from Headphone Out, TRS Audio Cable - Worked Fine, Plenty of Volume
No Microphone Cable Plugged In - ZERO, Nothing
Here is where it changes:
Behringer Pro-1
Microphone Cable Plugged In, used the Audio Out , TRS Audio Cable - Worked Fine, Decent Volume
No Microphone Cable Plugged In, also worked but with much more volume, in fact very loud
Using the Phones Output with the Microphone Cable Plugged In, softer volume, when No Microphone Cable Plugged In - ZERO, Nothing
Behringer K-2
Microphone Cable Plugged In, Audio Out from Headphone Out, TRS Audio Cable - Worked Fine, Decent Volume
No Microphone Cable Plugged In - ZERO, Nothing
Behringer Model D
Microphone Cable Plugged In, Audio Out from Headphone Out, TRS Audio Cable - Worked Fine, Decent Volume
No Microphone Cable Plugged In - ZERO, Nothing
KORG Volca FM 2
Microphone Cable Plugged In, Audio Out from Headphone Out, TRS Audio Cable - VERY LOUD, this is the only Synth that had the PEAK light come on
No Microphone Cable Plugged In - SUPER Loud and the audio was jumping all over, no consistent sound at all, when I play notes on the keyboard it was just random, jumpy sounds and patterns.
LASTLY 2 Roland Boutiques, JU-06A and JX-08
In both cases:
Microphone Cable Plugged In, Audio Out from Headphone Out, TRS Audio Cable - Worked Fine, Decent Volume
BUT With No Microphone Cable Plugged in, they were so full of volume, had to control it so they would not PEAK the E-4 Input
The E-4 worked PERFECTLY.
CONCLUSION: it is very obvious that the cables used, the Audio Outputs used and the particular Synth all play a role in what works and what doesn’t. But most obvious is the using a Roland Synth 9at least the Boutiques Series is the way it works best. There is certainly a compatibility between the Roland Products!
that is some thorough testing! Would love to see in a video (unless you did, I did not look and that is on me for being lazy)
I did find success with the iRig 2 and has worked with anything that I throw at it.
@@krazywabbit I’m sorry but I didn’t do a video. If I decide to do another set of tests I might try to shoot video of it.
FYI, I was a Recording Engineer and Studio owner for 20+ years. I’ve been working with and owned Synthesizers since 1972, starting with my ARP 2600’s and Mini Moog. Technology was a lot simpler then. I’ve never experienced so many issues with cables and compatibility with these modern Synthesizers like I do now.
Here is a new one, I was rerouting the Audio Out from my Roland S-1 to a different mixer input and needed a longer cable. I got a HOSA Stereo (TRS) 3.5mm to 1/4 inch cable from Sweetwater. When I tried to use it the entire S-1 sounded and acted crazy. Uncontrollable reverb, some presets would not even play unless the Reverb Knob was turned all the way up, weird delays and more odd behavior depending on the preset.
I thought my S-1 was defective. I updated the Firmware again and did a Factory Reset but that didn’t fix it. I was about to call Sweetwater and file a claim to have it replaced but on a hunch I tried the other cable I had been using which is a UGreen 3.5mm to 3.5mm TRS and problem GONE. I then tried a regular instrument cable 3.5mm to 1/4 inch and that too worked fine. I’m still baffled why the HOSA cable caused all of the issues, I tried it on the Output of my Behringer K-2 and it works fine.
@@floyd101954 Really appreciate you sharing your knowledge. thank you. One of the things that frustrate me with this space. It's not always plug and play. I guess standardization is not.a thing here. Too many companies trying to make a dollar. I don't know. I find myself having wasted too much time plugging things in and then get weird noises. I just want to play and have fun.
Seriously, I do appreciate the time you've taken to provide your feedback, I will check out some of your videos and look forward to any further knowledge you have to offer, I am a sponge! Stay safe!
I’m experiencing the same frustration as you. I also watched both Loopop’s and Freebeat’s videos and thought I’d be able do it with the cables and splitter that I already own. But no luck so far. I look forward to seeing what you find out on your next video
Good to hear it’s not just me. Crossing my fingers one of these cables work. It shouldn’t be this difficult. Thanks for sharing your experience. Sorry it’s been like this.
@@krazywabbit I have the same problem.
@@markusschreck6062 not cool.
Update: I got an E4 today. I plugged in my iPhone headset to the headphone and it worked no problems. I plugged the gooseneck mic I use with MicroFreak headphone Jack into E4 and it also worked. I tried a random TRRS mic splitter, and it did not work properly (when plugged in as intended… nothing… if pulled the mic cable out slightly it worked. The MicroFreak uses a CTIA type/standard TRRS jack, and the Thomann site description of E4 specified the jack as CTIA, too. I have ordered a CTIA splitter now to see if it works. I’ll report back after it arrives.
I guess the upshot is… the jack works, but getting the correct plug is trickier than it should be. There are two main TRRS standards, of which CTIA is one. Rarely do companies state which format they use… that said… CTIA is the most common.
Agree with everything you said. If you find the golden ticket, please share a link! Good luck. We’re all counting on you lol
@@krazywabbit Well... I the splitter I ordered to try comes tomorrow... but I remembered I have this old iRig2 "interface" (its just a TRRS splitter for older iOS devices). I tried it and it works great! Haven't checked... but I'm sure it's not easy to find since discontinued. But just as a proof that some-such adapter exists out there. I will again report back regarding whether or not the splitter I get works.
Here's a link to a video I just made/posted of the iRig2 working with E4:
th-cam.com/video/nEKXbjetIEs/w-d-xo.html
@@oldschoolSupertech is it this one? www.amazon.com/IK-Multimedia-Interface-Adaptor-IPIRIG2PLGIN/dp/B00T631UTC?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A1NIJ4PF0MWJGZ
@@oldschoolSupertech I bought it. Arrives tomorrow. Crossing fingers!
@@krazywabbit yes! That’s the one!
You are so right,
If I understood correctly,
A company so serious and as large as Roland had to release videos to TH-cam that explain how to operate the Aira Compact devices, it’s a minimum they should do, or attach operating instructions, but they let the presentors do advertising to them. And a shame. Wisdom not only sell the product.
I agree with you. It's not rocket science. I am more frustrated with the lack of a response from Roland customer support. Nothing. I've connected with them on all social media platforms and website. Nothing. This is not something that is hard to address. A. I am using the wrong cable and boom, here is what you need. B. What you saw was not a work as design and here is why., I am not asking for free gear,. I am not asking to be CEO. I just need a simple answer from the company that I am a fan of their sound. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Be safe.
@@krazywabbitwish i see your comments and video before i bought this. mini jacks are pain in ass for serious setup, but main problem that my ios setup already had audio interface and when i plug e4 it became an audio interface too but ios cant use 2 audiointerface atm so this device is suck for ios live loop artist like me :(
We just picked up one of these. What is the correct adapter to run from main out to an 1/4 input jack on a guitar amp? Roland manual says you can't use mono 1/8" mini plugs, they have to be stereo. So is an adapter that combines left and right channel ok to use? Open to suggestions. Thank you.
I'm using the mix out with a 3,5mm normal stereo blug as I don't need mic there and it worked. But if You have a 3,6mm mono cable in "mic in" it doesn't work. Thanks for the knowledge that the 6,3 must be a stereo plug because I was stuck there.
As for as I can tell you don't need to use a breakout adaptor to make use of the mix out audio input because the 'mix out mic in' goes to exactly the same circuit as the front mounted 1/4 inch mic input. The E-4 does NOT have line input - it does have a single mic input that can be accessed via the mic input mounted on the front of the E-4 or from the mix out connector via a suitable adaptor. If you look at the E-4 flow chart in the manual you can clearly see this.
Got this resolved with the irig 2 and working great using mix out as a line in.
Same here! The splitter that I had lying around doesn't work either. It shouldn't be rocket science though, seeing that if I plug my iPhone headset into the audio out of the E-4, then the iPhone mike sends audio into the E-4 just fine (with nothing plugged into the E-4 mike IN port). So the iphone's 3.5mm jack is wired exactly right for this.
By the way, am I missing something obvious, or does the E-4 wipe its recorded audio loop when powered off? When I record looped audio on the go, then return to my PC/DAW and switch the E4 back on, and press play, then memory seems empty: no audio plays back. Wondering about your experience with this?
Definitely not rocket science! As far as the recorded audio loop, I believe it does wipe it when you power off. I’ll double check.
The E4 does not hold recorded looped audio when powering off and on my my testing.
ok, thanks for checking!
I think the problem is that the mic input on the splitter is TS (mono)… and if you use a TS mono cable into the iPad (which has a TRRS jack), they don’t align properly such that you aren’t connecting the proper channels. Can you try with a source that has a proper mono output like a mono synth or something? This works for many folks and I think your issue is just your source compatibility with your cables and the splitter.
Thanks. I’ll try that option.
@@krazywabbit any luck?
@@oldschoolSupertech none. Nothing back from Roland. Cable that Free Beat used, out of stock still.
@@krazywabbit I meant did you try using a mono TS source and cable into the mic jack that is split out. I am fairly certain that in addition to having a splitter, the coupling at that mono mic jack is likely going to require a TS 3.5mm tip/cable to work properly.
@@oldschoolSupertech I’ll give it a go. I’m hesitant as seeing Free Beat use a TRRS cable and it worked for him. Thanks.
You can use a headphone with a microphone attached to the headphone itself and you can hear the music and your voice through the mic
Did you end up finding a good cable?
iRig2. Works like a charm! (I need to update the description or pin a comment)
@@krazywabbit wonderful! I actually have that at home! thanks so much :)
Hi Dude. As simple as that: you must use MONO CABELS only!
Real oversight error by Roland
@@tcunliffet that or is it on us as the consumer expecting a company to do? Differing opinions abound. Thanks for stopping by.
E4 not like VT4
Vt4 looks fun. I never owned one. Had the VT3. Each device has its pros and cons. If you have the VT4 and it fulfills what you need it to do, you are good!
I just sold my VT-4 because I need first of all the Scatter functions that are just on E-4 :(
Fail! www.amazon.com/dp/B01AHJC3KS?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details