The Roland S-1 is a pocket-sized, four-voice polyphonic synthesizer from the AIRA Compact range, powered by Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology that faithfully recreates the tone and response of the legendary SH-101. It extends the classic monosynth formula with polyphony, custom waveform manipulation, a 64-step sequencer, and modern performance features in a battery-powered format that fits in one hand.

ZEN-Core Analog Modeling

The S-1 delivers the snappy basses and expressive leads of the SH-101 with the added flexibility of four-voice polyphony and chord modes. Its oscillator section blends square and sawtooth waves with pulse width modulation, a sub-oscillator, and noise source through a resonant low-pass filter with ADSR envelope. The OSC Draw function lets you create custom waveforms across 16 steps on the pads, while OSC Chop slices waveforms into sections to explore metallic, harmonic-rich timbres. The noise oscillator doubles as an independent riser generator for sweeps and pulsing effects. A built-in 64-step sequencer supports velocity, gate length, sub-steps, motion recording, probability, scale quantize, transpose, and shuffle. D-Motion, an onboard accelerometer, modifies parameters based on physical movement of the device. Onboard delay, reverb, and chorus effects (inspired by the JUNO and JX-3P) round out the sound. The S-1 connects to other AIRA Compacts via AIRA Link, interfaces with DAWs and mobile apps over class-compliant USB-C audio/MIDI, and runs for approximately 4.5 hours on its rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

Specifications

• Sound Engine: ACB (Analog Circuit Behavior), SH-101 based
• Polyphony: 4 voices (mono, poly, unison, chord modes)
• Oscillator: Saw, Square (with PWM), Sub, Noise
• Filter: Resonant low-pass with ADSR envelope
• User Patterns: 64
• Step Sequencer: 64 steps with velocity, gate length, sub-steps, motion recording, probability
• Effects: Delay, Reverb, Chorus
• Pads: 26 multi-function
• Display: 7-segment, 4-character LED
• Connectors: Sync in/out (1/8"), Mix in/out / headphones (1/8" stereo), MIDI in/out (1/8" TRS), USB-C (audio/MIDI)
• Power: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery (approx. 4.5 hrs, 3 hr charge time) or USB bus power
• Dimensions: 7-7/16" x 4-3/16" x 1-7/16" (188 x 106 x 36.2 mm)
• Weight: 11 oz (305 g, including battery)

In the Box

• Roland S-1
• USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable
• "Read Me First" leaflet