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Two independent LFOs with BPM sync
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The LFO waveforms are triangle, sine, sawtooth, square, trapezoidal,
sample & hold, and random. Convenient features are included
such as simultaneous editing of both LFO1 and LFO2 by pressing
both LFO1 and LFO2 switches at the same time, and the ability to
initialize either one by pressing either LFO1 or LFO2 together
with the EXT key. A wide setting range is provided for setting the
rate width, and when the LFO fade-in function is used,
transpositions are possible for dynamic musical changes.
Notable in the LFO section is the ability to synchronize the phase
with a song’s BPM. In addition to setting by tapping, synchro-
nization can be done with an external MIDI clock by setting system
parameters. Another convenience is the Beat/Cycle function,
which lets you set four beats of the set BPM to one LFO phase.
Furthermore, being able to select among 8, 4, 2, 1, 1/2, 1/3 and 1/4
(in other words, from 2 measures up to 16th notes), opens up a
world of inspiring musical possibilities.
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Effects from mild to extreme
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The SH-32 is loaded with killer effects capable of transforming
your sounds even further. These effects can be broadly classified
into two groups: insertion effects and reverb/delay. With so many
effects, you don’t need any outboard gear to create finished-
sounding patches on the SH-32.
The SH-32’s two effects sections can be connected serially (for
connecting delay after distortion, for example) or connected in
parallel. Parallel connection is useful when you want to set the
send level individually for each part of a performance or for each
tone in a rhythm set.
Separate reverb and delay are also included in the insertion effects
to broaden your toolbox. This allows you to use reverb and delay
at the same time or use the two types of delay (long and short) if
needed.
Many unique effects are also built into the SH-32. Slicer, for
example, is a stereo effect that automatically and continually cuts
the sound. A second Slicer type is also provided, which cuts to the
BPM of your song using 16th or dotted 8th notes. This effect is
useful when, for example, you want to change a filter pad to a
rhythmic cutting pattern.
Distortion 1 and 2 are perfect distortion effects for modern
musical use. For some truly distinctive effects, try selecting among
the record noise types (LP, EP, SP, and rnd) for the LoFi Noise
effect. The SH-32’s phaser, which offers a natural phase feeling,
captures the true feel of this classic effect without sounding
digital. For modulation effects check out the step flanger (Track
10) and ring modulator (Track 11).
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Analog Feel for true vintage sounds
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Another one of the SH-32’s unique features is Analog Feel. This
function is designed to add instability to a sound’s pitch—just like
analog synths of the past. The amount can be set anywhere
between 0-127 with a higher value producing more instability.
Even though the effect is analog in nature, the pitch is still being
controlled digitally! Imagine how useful this effect would be
when playing a lead sound with lots of portamento. And, unlike
analog synthesizers, pitch instability can be controlled.
Experiment with this function to get the best results.
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Chord memory function for composing
and performing
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Let’s dive a little deeper now and take a look at the SH-32’s Chord
Memory function. This function allows you to play, by pressing a
single key on the keyboard, a harmony which was registered
beforehand as a “chord form.” For example, if you register note C
to be Cm7, you will get a Dm7 chord by pressing D and an Em7
chord by pressing E, etc. (Track 12). This function was commonly
found in synths of the early ‘80s. However, today, with music such
as Artcore in which sampled electric piano harmonies parallel the
riff, chord memory functions offer you a fascinating and creative
new way to make music.
EFFECTS SECTION
Select effect parameters
with the knob and set
values with the Value
buttons
▼▼
Insertion Effects
STEREO EQ/EZ FILTER/ISOLATOR/AUTO WAH/OVERDRIVE/DISTORTION 1/DISTORTION 2/
STEREO COMPRESSOR/STEREO LIMITER/PHASER/ROTARY/HEXA-CHORUS/TREMOLO
CHORUS/SPACE-D/STEREO FLANGER/STEP FLANGER/STEP FLANGER SYNC/RING
MODULATOR/LOFI/LOFI NOISE/SLICER/SLICER SYNC/TREMOLO/TREMOLO SYNC/
AUTO PAN/AUTO PAN SYNC/2-VOICE PITCH SHIFTER/FEEDBACK PITCH SHIFTER/
STEREO DELAY/STEREO DELAY SYNC/LONG DELAY/ LONG DELAY SYNC/RESONANCE
DELAY/REVERB/GATED REVERB
Use the button to turn
INS-FX on and off.
Adjustments can be
made with the Intensity
knob.
Reverb/Delay
REVERB ROOM/REVERB STAGE/REVERB HALL/STEREO DELAY/STEREO DELAY
SYNC/LONG DELAY/LONG DELAY SYNC/PAN DELAY/MODULATION DELAY/STEREO
CHORUS
To make life easy, the SH-32 comes with 64 chord forms already
built in. You can come up with cool, quick-and-dirty riffs right
away by selecting chord forms and playing the keyboard at
random. (When thinking up ideas for remixes users will probably
use this procedure a lot.) Preset chord forms include all the basic
chords as well as sus4, half diminished, 6/9, and those found on
Artcore, etc., such as minor 9th and minor 11th.
Of course, it is also possible to create and store your own original
chord forms manually. The procedure is extremely simple: Press
the Chord button and then play the chord you want to set with a
connected MIDI keyboard, or use the Preview function (virtual
keyboard) on the SH-32. You can connect a foot switch and use it
to change the chord form numbers (the numbers saved to
memory). This is great for gigs and for polishing up musical ideas.
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Programmable arpeggiator—even more
powerful with chord memory
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Next, we will introduce the arpeggiator. As you know, the function
of an arpeggiator, as a creative tool, goes beyond its inherent
purpose of simply splitting up and playing chords note-by-note. It
has many important roles including the production of materials for
making phrases, coming up with new song ideas, making basic
arrangements, and creating new rhythm patterns.
The SH-32’s arpeggiator is powerful in many ways. First of all, it
comes with 64 preset arpeggio styles and 64 rhythm styles that use
the preset rhythm sets. The patterns are as varied as they are
inspired. Notable arpeggio styles include those in cutting-edge
dance music as well as trance riffs. Rhythm styles include not only
the standard house and techno patterns, but R&B, drum ‘n’ bass,
2-step and even reggae.
There are many parameters you can choose from. When playing
preset patterns, you can change the beat or swing (Grid
adjustment), change staccato and tenuto (Duration adjustment),
change the pitch range (Range), or change the ascending/
descending variation (Motif). Note, in particular, the great number
of Motif variations provided. Aside from the simple low-to-high
and high-to-low, the ten types available include “UP. H”, in which
the arpeggiator plays, in order, from the lowest key pressed while
both the lowest and the highest notes are played each time, and
“rn. L”, in which the keys pressed are played at random while the
lowest note pressed is played each time. These fun variations alone
are likely to keep you busy for quite a while.
Now let’s take a look at the setting variations for Duration.
Normally, the level of staccato is set using a numerical parameter.
On the SH-32 you can optionally perform this setting by
controlling filters on the arpeggiator with “Ft1” and “Ft2”. With
Ft1, the note number values generated by the keys pressed are
replaced with the filter cutoff setting and the sound changes
(Track 13). With Ft2, the filter cutoff setting changes with the note
number played when the arpeggiator style is being created,
regardless of which key is pressed during the performance.
Because of this, a fixed pattern step change is obtained that is
similar to step modulator. Arpeggio style 52a is also worth
checking out (Track 14) as it lets you play in an ethnic style.
65
Section 2 Exploring the SH-32
ARPEGGIATOR
Buttons used when using step
input. From left: Tie, Rest, To Top
(returns next input grid to top) and
Back (deletes last note input).
These buttons also function as part
selection buttons when using
performance mode.
These are the main parameters. The four
buttons are, from the left: Range (octave
range), Grid (beat and shuffle), and Style
(arpeggio). When the buttons are flashing
they are, from the left: Motif (ascending or
descending variations), Duration (staccato
and tenuto), and Store. Select between step
and realtime input by pressing the Arpeggio
On button together with either the Value ▲
or VALUE ▼ button. You can set the tempo
with the Tap button.
CHORD MEMORY
Press this button to turn on the Chord Memory function. Use the
following procedure to register original chord forms: Press Chord
button and make it flash ➜ Press Value button to select a chord
form to be overwritten ➜ Press Write button ➜ Preview function
activates and sound is played ➜ Press Hold button to stop sound
➜ Press virtual keyboard button to specify sound ➜ Press Write
button. Press once more to save!
MIDI/SYSTEM PARAMETER
Turning the effect settings knob to
“SYSTEM” accesses parameters
that apply to the entire system.
Select the parameters using the
buttons located above the Roland
logo and set them with the Value
buttons. By pressing the Preview
button located above on the far left,
these buttons—along with the
Manual, Bank, Solo, Unison and
Portamento buttons—will function
as a virtual keyboard.
A knob is available for controlling
modulation parameters to make
operation easy. LFO destination, bend,
velocity and aftertouch settings are
possible.
Track
10-11
Track
12
Track
13-14
Section 2 Exploring the SH-32