Roland Tweak Synth (S-1)

This is a remarkable little device. Fully battery powered with an internal rechargeable battery that holds a decent charge, and recharged / powered via USB C. Output audio is clean and can be huge if sent through a large system. Built in FX are convenient and sound great. Despite the size there's a two octave keyboard and sequencer, along with a useful relevant layout of knobs. Sound quality is quite good too, advancements in DSP are apparent when a little box like this sounds deceptively analog.I got it with the inclination of it being more of a toy and novelty, but it has the potential to be put to serious use for music making and performance. At the moment I haven't dived all the way to the deep end with it, but I have spent some hours playing music with this. The built in patches are quite good and making adjustments follows the usual synth logic.One downside is that the small form factor cuts down on the amount of buttons or a well developed screen. This gives it a bit more of a learning curve to figure out, as you will have to dive into using it via a manual even if you have extensive synth knowledge. Takes time to get used to the sub menus and the full capability if you want to go beyond just making sound happen. And the only thing I can speak of to detract from this synth is that it didn't come with a 1/8" to midi adaptor cable, just arrived with a USB C cable.Overall I highly recommend this to someone who wants to make music on the go as the portability is amazing. You can put on a sequencer show on the street with this thing! But it can also be a serious tool in the studio as the sound quality is proper.

The Roland AIRA Compact S-1 is proof that great things come in small (and green!) packages. This synth is a portable powerhouse that punches way above its weight. Whether I’m producing at home, jamming at a friend’s house, or just noodling on the go, the S-1 is always by my side. Its compact size makes it ridiculously easy to carry, and let’s be real—the green design? Chef’s kiss. It stands out in the best way possible.What really sets the S-1 apart, though, is its tweakability. It’s a playground for sound designers. The knobs and buttons make crafting unique analog sounds an absolute joy, and the built-in reverb and delay are just…wow. The reverb is lush, the delay is crisp, and together they elevate this little synth into atmospheric bliss. You can go from subtle ambiance to full-on space opera in seconds. The small keyboard is surprisingly good and velocity sensitive. You can even use it as a midi controller to sequence other gear, although I tend to use a full size keyboard to control the S-1.Now, it’s not all perfect. There is a bit of menu diving, which can be a slight hurdle if you’re trying to stay in the creative flow. But once you learn the layout, it’s manageable. Plus, there are third-party apps out there that let you use the S-1 as a VST, which opens up even more possibilities in a DAW.Final thoughts: The S-1 is small, portable, endlessly tweakable, and sounds fantastic. It’s perfect for anyone who loves hands-on sound creation without being tied to a big studio setup. If you’re looking for a synth that’s as fun to use as it is to listen to, the S-1 is a no-brainer. Bonus points for looking cool while doing it.

Bought this to get better at synthesis while on the go or at coffee shops. Very happily surprised by how intuitive it is and how powerful the sounds that come from it are. The USB interface is fantastic, no hassle to get it plugged in and the drivers automatically install. Sometimes I even use it as a MIDI controller if I want to mess around with songs in public, but it’s not the most ideal keyboard.Being battery powered is absolutely mint. So easy to bring this thing around. I recommend buying the carrying case, it’s great for putting a few extra cables in so you don’t have to worry about forgetting any of your connectors.

The Roland Tweak Synth (S-1) has quickly become the crown jewel of my music production setup, and for good reason. This compact powerhouse packs a punch that belies its size, delivering a sonic palette that's both rich and incredibly versatile. From the moment I unboxed it, I knew I was in for something special.First off, the build quality is what you'd expect from Roland - solid, with every knob, button, and slider feeling both sturdy and satisfyingly tactile. The design is sleek and intuitive, making it a joy to explore and tweak sounds on the fly. It's clear that Roland has put a lot of thought into the user experience, blending traditional synthesis with modern functionality in a way that feels both familiar and innovative.But let's talk sound - the heart and soul of any synth. The S-1 delivers in spades, with a range of presets that showcase its capabilities right out of the gate. From deep, growling basses to ethereal pads and cutting leads, every preset is a starting point for exploration. The real magic happens when you start tweaking. The synthesis engine is robust, allowing for deep sound design that can cater to any genre, from EDM and pop to ambient and beyond.The feature that sets the S-1 apart for me is its portability. It's compact enough to fit in a backpack, but don't let its size fool you - this synth can easily become the centerpiece of a live performance or studio session. The onboard effects are top-notch, adding depth and dimension to the sounds without the need for external processing.In conclusion, the Roland Tweak Synth (S-1) is a revelation for synth enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned producer or just starting out, the S-1 offers a perfect blend of usability, portability, and sound quality that's hard to beat. It's become an indispensable tool in my music-making process, inspiring new ideas and bringing a level of creativity and fun that's genuinely exciting. Roland has truly outdone themselves with this one, and I can't recommend the S-1 highly enough.