README from GitHub, MIT
sh4Dow: Roland SH-4d Controller for Ableton Move
sh4Dow is a specialized Schwung Overtake module designed to bridge the gap between the tactile, portable interface of the Ableton Move and the powerful synthesis engine of the Roland SH-4d. By mapping the Move’s physical controls directly to the SH-4d’s MIDI CC parameters, this module enables deep, hands-on sound design and performance manipulation without requiring direct interaction with the SH-4d’s own interface.
🚀 About the Roland SH-4d
The Roland SH-4d is a versatile desktop synthesizer featuring a multi-timbral engine capable of classic analog-style modeling, wavetable synthesis, and high-quality drum sounds. Its complex architecture benefits greatly from dedicated hardware control, which is exactly what sh4Dow provides: a seamless way to tweak filter cutoffs, envelopes, LFOs, and effects across 16 different MIDI channels.
🎹 Control Pages & Mapping
Navigate between parameter pages using the Move’s Step Buttons 1–4.
| Page | Description | Key Parameters |
|---|---|---|
| TONE | Core Synth Engine | Cutoff, Resonance, AMP Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release, Timbre, Mod |
| FILTER | Filter Shaping | Filter Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release, Env Depth, HPF, Key Track, Drive |
| SHAPE | Pitch & LFOs | Pitch, Portamento, LFO Rate, LFO Fade, LFO Depth (Pitch/Filter/Amp), Hold |
| AMP/FX | Dynamics & MFX | Level, Pan, Sliders 1–4, Expression, Sostenuto |
| DRUM 1 | Rhythm Slots 1–8 | Controls rhythm parts 1–8 on the designated drum MIDI channel |
⚙️ Setup Guide
- Hardware Connection: Connect the Ableton Move to the SH-4d using a dedicated USB MIDI interface.
- SH-4d Configuration: Enable USB MIDI on the SH-4d and ensure the receiving MIDI part is set to the same MIDI channel as the sh4Dow module.
- Module Installation:
- Download the package
dist/sh4d-control-1.0.9.tar.gz. - Use the Schwung manager to install the package.
- In the Schwung menu, navigate to the Overtake section to load the module.
- Download the package
- Parameter Alignment: Configure the chain parameters (
MIDI Channel,Pad Octave,Drum Channel) within the Schwung module settings to match your SH-4d patch structure.
🛠 Advanced Sequencer Workflow
- Toggle Sequencer: Press REC to enter or exit Sequencer Mode.
- Connection Test: Pressing REC sends a short C note (MIDI 60) across all 16 MIDI channels to verify your USB MIDI interface connection.
- Synchronization: Pressing PLAY on the Move sends a standard MIDI Start message to the SH-4d, ensuring your external synth stays in perfect time with your Move project.
- MIDI Routing: Use Shift + Jog Wheel (Main Knob) to change the active SH-4d MIDI part/channel on the fly.
🚧 Status: Work in Progress
Thank you so much for using sh4Dow! Your support and feedback are incredibly appreciated as we refine this controller.
Please note that this module is under active development:
- Sequencer Functionality: The built-in sequencer engine is a work-in-progress; advanced timing and playback features are still being optimized.
- Drum Pages: The Drum 1 and Drum 2 pages are currently under construction and are not yet fully functional for triggering internal SH-4d rhythm slots.
Coming Soon: We are excited to announce that a similar module is currently in development to provide deep, dedicated control for the Korg Volca FM! Stay tuned for updates.
Developed by clairebear | Version 1.2.3
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