Ambient improv on SH-4d featuring the visual arpeggiator

I performed an ambient improvisation on the Roland SH-4d. This one focuses on using the visual arpeggiator to generate interesting arrhythmic sequences on a melodic part.
A lot of my generative droning ambient work over the past few years has focused on arrhythmic motion as it’s interesting when focused on, but doesn’t draw attention to itself. It also adds variety where looping might become tiresome.
The visual arpeggiator is one of the features of the SH-4d that caught my attention when it was first announced. I only wish that Roland would have made the feature available in the background when I turn my attention to another track.
Gear I used in making this video (as an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases):
• Roland SH-4d - amzn.to/3IZVjCl
• Kirlin Stereo Audio Cable 1/4” 6 ft. - amzn.to/3PSprmT
• Tascam X8 audio recorder - amzn.to/3x8jdc0
• LUXCEO Handheld Light Wand - amzn.to/4acxdQQ
• VILTROX L116T LED Key Light - amzn.to/3TWrDfr
• Overhead camera mount for phone - amzn.to/4cz85VZ

[@fillmac7320]

Genial, un bonito pasaje para volar alto. Cada vez me alegro más de haber adquirido mi unidad. Gracias, un saludo 👍🏼

[@lectronin]

De nada.

[@karl.weaver]

It really doesn’t get any better than this!

[@lectronin]

Thank you.

[@jedmarsillo]

Very relaxing. Every time I wach one of your videos featuring the SH-4d. It makes me want to go run and jam on mine. I haven't used the visual arpeggiator yet. Now i definitely have to try it out. A break down of those pads you made would be cool too. Nice work. 👍

[@lectronin]

Thank you for watching. Your request is noted.

[@lectronin]

I just uploaded a video on how I make pads th-cam.com/video/K2m404wvQ0E/w-d-xo.html

[@geolectric_universe]

This is really nice. The more I hear ambient styles on the SH-4d the more I think I might be leaning towards picking one up. At first I completely dismissed it for various reasons, but that may have been a mistake. Also, really great improv piece - I love this kinda stuff.

[@lectronin]

Thank you. I also think with its polyphony, effects, and built-in sequencing, it lends itself well to ambient.

[@fillmac7320]

Enamorado de esas secuencias largas, interminables, y galácticas llenas de vida.
Buen trabajo , enhorabuena 👍🏼😜...
Me encanta mi SH-4D aunque con muy poco tiempo para descubrirlo y jugar con él...
Gracias 😜👍🏼

[@nunomollc]

I like smooth transition

[@lectronin]

Thank you.

[@vertigev]

Very nice

[@lectronin]

Thanks

[@wendelynmusic]

I've been wondering about the visual arpeggiator. Can you record it or can it only be used the way you did here? This is a lovely piece. I really like mine a lot as well.

[@lectronin]

Thank you. Great question. I was just wondering the same thing. I know you can record the time-synced arpeggiator. I believe I’ve read that it doesn’t have a micro-step recording function like the Circuit Tracks. So, even if you can record the visual arpeggiator, it wouldn’t retain the nuance of its arrhythmic nature, or be continuously variable. It’s something worth looking into.

[@wendelynmusic]

@@lectronin Thanks for the reply. That makes sense to me. I will have to do some digging around, though i suspect I'll end doing what you did here. get everything going and then do the visual arp live.

[@SonicVibe]

Well done

[@lectronin]

Thank you.

[@Jux925]

How is that first note triggered so that it plays forever -- it is not a loop, right?

[@lectronin]

The drone is created by tying all the steps together, including the last step (so it ties back to the first).