My 2 cents: After ckecking out the J-6 (which I found a bit underwhelming) and the T-8 (which was way better) I was curious about the S-1. Having owned several iterations including the original SH-101, I was looking forward to giving the S-1 a try. It checked most of the boxes and expansions such as OSC Draw and Chop come really handy when doing sound design. It opens the sonic palette towards metallic and more aggressive sounds. As I already liked the polyphony on the SH-01a a lot, it didn’t come as a surprise that the S-1 convinced me also as a small poly-synth. Possible flaws: The size factor can be challenging, but you get used to it. Same with the hidden functions and additional features. But after some hours of working with the unit you’ve internalized most of the short cuts. Of course, that won’t replace dedicated knobs or switches. But nonetheless, I wouldn’t like to miss these extra features. In a nutshell: The S-1 is a great sounding little polysynth and extended SH-101 clone which can be run by an internal battery. Price point is fair and it can be a great addition to a small live setup.
Despite being a modular junkie I love these compact series. Specially the s1 and p6 I mean if you are ok with a bit of menu thing, these little toys become very very legit sound making tools. I couldn’t believe what an amazing drone mashine the s1 can be or what a full fledged granular section the p6 has. Great video
I’m new to synths & drum machines from the electronic music perspective. I’ve been a live player for my paying gigs on guitar/bass/vocals for 28 years. Picked my S-1 up from a local GC last Thursday. This thing has a lot more to offer than I realized, and I’ve got more to learn. I have the T-8 (I dig it) & the J-6 (Like it more than I love it, but it’s useful). Last night’s hour long jam found me using some of my pre-programmed stuff in the T-8 along with the bass riff in preset 1-14 on the S-1 (pure coincidence that it lined up). Added in a 4 note line on the spot with the J-6 and it was absolutely amazing. Looking forward to creating more with these.
If you still kept your bass or guitar pedals, especially distortion and reverb pedals, don't sleep on running your synths through them. You can make a 200$ synth sounds like a 2000$ one with a few decent pedals, and get some massive sounds.
@@Rochester92G I would have thought it was a reference to Hurt, but it could have been a coincidence too. I know I've definitely accidentally played a few NIN melodies by chance in my tracks before 😅
This thing punches harder than i would have expected. This is just the S-1 itself and no other treatments? Nice. Thank you. I still have a 'problem' with Roland continuing to use the most primitive display possible. I'm not sure there's a reasonable justification for a user having to see a three-segment LCD and needing to decipher the mixed-case abbreviations. What year is it in Japan?
Excellent work! Blown away by how amazing this little machine is in the hands of a professional. Do you mind if I ask how I can get close to that 'Powers of 101' sound from scratch?
Thanks but I'm sure almost everyone can get nice sounds of the S-1 as it offers lots of sweet spots. In any case, there will also be a sound pack most likely ;)
Amazing video as always! I especially like the patch "101 Classic 1" at about 8:56 in....I notice that you are manually changing the LFO rate. Are you able to program this LFO rate automation somehowe, so that you don't have to manually change it?
Hello, A question for the experts. *How do I connect devices with built-in sounds Directly to a control keyboard that has no sounds? *Which cables do I need? And what is the friend why? - I have: launchkey 25 mk Novation control keyboard and want to connect it for example: to CIRCUIT TRACKS. Or - for the Roland device / Roland Aira S-1 and use their sounds. Many thanks to the helpers
I'm new to synthesizers, but can you save sounds in banks? Are there factory presets? I searched for this, but couldn't find answers yet. I think I'll buy one
can you have the parameters recorded in the sequencer but the notes to be sent from external midi (not coming from the internal sequencer)? ps: to work like a complex modulator for 8 parameters
I know that you can ‘save patches’ on the S-1 as they are tied in with the patterns. But is there any way to back them up to like a backup file? What I am really wondering is, will there be any way for you (or someone else) to make and sell a custom preset patch pack for this?
Yes, I've just tried that and it's possible by holding "Hold" when switching the unit on. Then copy and paste the backup-folder to your computer and that should (hopefully) do the job.
@@schmapps1 Maybe! I'm already one month behind my release schedule (LIVEN XFM being the next one, then Rev2). So I'm not quite sure if this will happen this year.
@@limbicbits Fair enough! One last question if you don't mind. When you record into the S-1 unquantized, does it actually play back exactly as you recorded it? Or do the notes like snap to the nearest 16th note?
It's the same patch but by rising the sustain level of the EG, the continuum bass gets more affected by the change than the shorter played notes in the sequence. You can hear a subtle change there, too
Maybe I’m dumb, but in the first clip, how did you have the lead playing at the same time you were keying the bass? Didn’t realize you could have a sequence running with one instrument and then play another instrument simultaneously…
It's the same patch but by rising the sustain level of the EG, the continuum bass gets more affected by the change than the shorter played notes in the sequence. You can hear a subtle change there, too
I would say a bit different, especially when using the Envelope for PWM. But it's equally possible that my memory plays tricks on me. The S-1 sounds really good but for SH-101 sounds, I'd most likely stick with the SH-01a as it offers a more authentic experience with the faders. I know, that's not really rational but when it comes to music and creative processes, what is rational, eventually?
And for $199, thats like throw away money. Cheaper than dinner for 2 at a sushi joint. Ill give it a whirl. Actual SH-101's in excellent condition are fetching $2k.
@@tommyk88888 Denver, Sushi Den, Matsuhisa, etc. You aren't getting out of these places for less than $300 for 2 people. Some people don't mind strip center sushi, but these aren't that.
It’s ok for me once I got used to it. Great for traveling or small studios but if you want a bigger solution, I can very much recommend the sh01a or maybe an MS-1 (although I find this one to be a bit too harsh in a direct comparison)
▶ Subscribe: th-cam.com/users/limbicbits
▶ Purchase Link* Roland S-1 (Thomann): www.thomann.de/intl/roland_s_1.htm?offid=1&affid=397
▶ Roland S-1 Arctic Sound Pack: limbicbits.com/roland-s-1-presets-for-ambient-and-techno-arctic-sound-pack/
▶ Book "Electronic Music Production": limbicbits.com/book-electronic-music-production/
are they factory patterns/sounds ?
@@peterfuzz3887 these are all custom made and available here limbicbits.com/roland-s-1-presets-for-ambient-and-techno-arctic-sound-pack/
The S1 is just one massive sweet spot.
My 2 cents: After ckecking out the J-6 (which I found a bit underwhelming) and the T-8 (which was way better) I was curious about the S-1. Having owned several iterations including the original SH-101, I was looking forward to giving the S-1 a try.
It checked most of the boxes and expansions such as OSC Draw and Chop come really handy when doing sound design. It opens the sonic palette towards metallic and more aggressive sounds. As I already liked the polyphony on the SH-01a a lot, it didn’t come as a surprise that the S-1 convinced me also as a small poly-synth.
Possible flaws: The size factor can be challenging, but you get used to it. Same with the hidden functions and additional features. But after some hours of working with the unit you’ve internalized most of the short cuts. Of course, that won’t replace dedicated knobs or switches. But nonetheless, I wouldn’t like to miss these extra features.
In a nutshell: The S-1 is a great sounding little polysynth and extended SH-101 clone which can be run by an internal battery. Price point is fair and it can be a great addition to a small live setup.
What do you think of it in comparison to the sh-01a?
@@bumdittybrendan3710 I still like the sh-01a a bit better but the S-1 really is a great synth, especially considering the price.
S-1 is not to be missed, they outdid themselves this time.
Best demo of this that I've heard on TH-cam. It sounds great. Thanks.
Despite being a modular junkie I love these compact series. Specially the s1 and p6 I mean if you are ok with a bit of menu thing, these little toys become very very legit sound making tools. I couldn’t believe what an amazing drone mashine the s1 can be or what a full fledged granular section the p6 has. Great video
I’m new to synths & drum machines from the electronic music perspective. I’ve been a live player for my paying gigs on guitar/bass/vocals for 28 years. Picked my S-1 up from a local GC last Thursday. This thing has a lot more to offer than I realized, and I’ve got more to learn. I have the T-8 (I dig it) & the J-6 (Like it more than I love it, but it’s useful). Last night’s hour long jam found me using some of my pre-programmed stuff in the T-8 along with the bass riff in preset 1-14 on the S-1 (pure coincidence that it lined up). Added in a 4 note line on the spot with the J-6 and it was absolutely amazing. Looking forward to creating more with these.
If you still kept your bass or guitar pedals, especially distortion and reverb pedals, don't sleep on running your synths through them. You can make a 200$ synth sounds like a 2000$ one with a few decent pedals, and get some massive sounds.
Everything about this video is beautiful.
With a KURZWEIL connected via MIDI Sounds that small Part Just great .
Nice sounds - like the background visual too. Interesting comments - I’m giving the S-1 some serious consideration.
Just got mine, I have so much to learn!!
Damn that thing sounds good... So cool that it has a battery too!
4:06 was a pleasant surprise. More NIN needs snuck into demo vids 🤣🥰🥰🥰
Very sneakily snuck!
What song is that by NIN?
@@Rochester92G Hurt
@@Rochester92G I would have thought it was a reference to Hurt, but it could have been a coincidence too. I know I've definitely accidentally played a few NIN melodies by chance in my tracks before 😅
Actually, it was a coincidence in this case, but as I like NIN and especially that song I guess my subconciuosness played the keys here.
This thing punches harder than i would have expected. This is just the S-1 itself and no other treatments? Nice. Thank you.
I still have a 'problem' with Roland continuing to use the most primitive display possible. I'm not sure there's a reasonable justification for a user having to see a three-segment LCD and needing to decipher the mixed-case abbreviations. What year is it in Japan?
1984 & they are loving the LED...
Very interesting stuff! Thanks for posting. I have an s1 and t8 hopefully arriving tomorrow. This seems quite a bit more versatile than the t8. 👍
Haha I'm glad that you did a psytrance example, because I just got a bit back into it (specifically forest and Goa) 😁
Cool demo bro
I can feel my hands cramping up just watching this guy play this thing.
I bet you’ve worked with smaller
@@Pbenterlolololol!
@@Pbenter 🤣🤣
It has midi ports. Fits in a big shirt pocket. Built in battery.
If I can get it worked out, I on pairing mine with a LaunchControl…
awesome jam at the end my dude
Wow, this sounds really good.
Great performance and sweet synth tones.
Might have to pick one of these up 😻
Excellent work! Blown away by how amazing this little machine is in the hands of a professional. Do you mind if I ask how I can get close to that 'Powers of 101' sound from scratch?
Key elements are lowering the cutoff down and have the filter frequency modulated by a Saw-LFO.
@@limbicbits Thanks for the insight! Much appreciated!
You make this sound amazing. I look forward to buying it and not managing to make it sound anywhere near as good 😅
Thanks but I'm sure almost everyone can get nice sounds of the S-1 as it offers lots of sweet spots. In any case, there will also be a sound pack most likely ;)
Well i could buy one and not manage to make it sound as good as yours !
Wasnt paying any attention to this line until this video 🫣
Thanks. I'm liking the SH-4D also. Cheers
Siento que lo necesito❤️🔥
Amazing video as always! I especially like the patch "101 Classic 1" at about 8:56 in....I notice that you are manually changing the LFO rate. Are you able to program this LFO rate automation somehowe, so that you don't have to manually change it?
Yes, you could record the movements as motion sequence
Magician
Yeppp definitely need one
great demo.
Sehr geil 👌
Hello,
A question for the experts.
*How do I connect devices with built-in sounds
Directly to a control keyboard that has no sounds?
*Which cables do I need? And what is the friend why?
- I have: launchkey 25 mk Novation control keyboard
and want to connect it for example:
to CIRCUIT TRACKS.
Or - for the Roland device / Roland Aira S-1
and use their sounds.
Many thanks to the helpers
MIDI cable out of the keyboard into device MIDI in
7:40 Amo Bishop Roden vibes! ;)
I thought this is an add-on for a keyboard syth. For the purpose of premium sounds and effects.
Fu#%ing awesome !!!!
I'm new to synthesizers, but can you save sounds in banks? Are there factory presets? I searched for this, but couldn't find answers yet. I think I'll buy one
You can save your own presets. All the displayed presets in this video are from the "Arctic" Sound Pack (link in description)
can you have the parameters recorded in the sequencer but the notes to be sent from external midi (not coming from the internal sequencer)?
ps: to work like a complex modulator for 8 parameters
Yup!
3:27 😊
The least Roland could do is give the damn thing an alarm clock function with a sequence of your choice.
😂 I would even use that
@@limbicbits the one solution for people to accept the led screen. Its an alarm clock with a synth built-in 😎👍
I know that you can ‘save patches’ on the S-1 as they are tied in with the patterns. But is there any way to back them up to like a backup file? What I am really wondering is, will there be any way for you (or someone else) to make and sell a custom preset patch pack for this?
Yes, I've just tried that and it's possible by holding "Hold" when switching the unit on. Then copy and paste the backup-folder to your computer and that should (hopefully) do the job.
Well that’s good news! You considering making a preset pack? 😉
@@schmapps1 Maybe! I'm already one month behind my release schedule (LIVEN XFM being the next one, then Rev2). So I'm not quite sure if this will happen this year.
@@limbicbits Fair enough! One last question if you don't mind. When you record into the S-1 unquantized, does it actually play back exactly as you recorded it? Or do the notes like snap to the nearest 16th note?
@@schmapps1 it snaps to the nearest step / 16th note
How were you doing a separate bass track in that first clip (Electro Lead)? When you were tweaking parameters on the bass the arp didn't change.
It's the same patch but by rising the sustain level of the EG, the continuum bass gets more affected by the change than the shorter played notes in the sequence. You can hear a subtle change there, too
@@limbicbits Gotcha..that's super clever! Need to try this.
Maybe I’m dumb, but in the first clip, how did you have the lead playing at the same time you were keying the bass? Didn’t realize you could have a sequence running with one instrument and then play another instrument simultaneously…
It's the same patch but by rising the sustain level of the EG, the continuum bass gets more affected by the change than the shorter played notes in the sequence. You can hear a subtle change there, too
Does it sound any different from the SH-01A? Seems like it might slightly?
I would say a bit different, especially when using the Envelope for PWM. But it's equally possible that my memory plays tricks on me. The S-1 sounds really good but for SH-101 sounds, I'd most likely stick with the SH-01a as it offers a more authentic experience with the faders. I know, that's not really rational but when it comes to music and creative processes, what is rational, eventually?
I need your opinion, i am between
The S1 or the J6 ! Which one is better?
I find the S1 waaaaaay better. But mainly because you can barely create your own sounds with the J6. That’s always a no go for me
are these the factory presets ?
Custom made only (from the arctic soundbank: limbicbits.com/roland-s-1-presets-for-ambient-and-techno-arctic-sound-pack/)
Sounds a bit thin?
3:02
And for $199, thats like throw away money. Cheaper than dinner for 2 at a sushi joint. Ill give it a whirl. Actual SH-101's in excellent condition are fetching $2k.
Where do you live man? 😅
@@tommyk88888 regarding the price of used SH-101's? Excellent and Mint examples recently sold on Reverb are $1850-$2500
@@Station2Station-du2gh i meant the sushi joints 😅
@@tommyk88888 Denver, Sushi Den, Matsuhisa, etc. You aren't getting out of these places for less than $300 for 2 people. Some people don't mind strip center sushi, but these aren't that.
If that's what it takes to keep those filthy common folk out, then that's what takes I say chap.
too technically presented!
I am so sorry.😂
This is so small and tiny. Why they made this for puppets
It’s ok for me once I got used to it. Great for traveling or small studios but if you want a bigger solution, I can very much recommend the sh01a or maybe an MS-1 (although I find this one to be a bit too harsh in a direct comparison)
You really can’t see a reason why someone would want this? Cmon dude
Enjoy it. Its just my opinion.@@HotStrange
roland nowadays: crapoland.
Wow how long did it take you to think up that masterpiece of a pun
@@rorz999 just listening their boutique craps, their recent fake junos and all the crap you love.
@Falangista Valeroso they now make toys for people who feel it is necessary to buy this kind of thing to make music
@@hdslave for toys I prefer Mattel for my He-mans mate, no one beats Skeletor lol
I call it Not Roland, Roldmart 😅
No unison detune?? What's the point then?