Roland SH-01A

Four times the sound in a compact package:

The SH-01A is an exact reproduction of the legendary Roland SH-101, one of the most popular synthesizer classics of all time Our Analog Circuit Behaviour (ACB) technology reproduces the unique sounds of the SH-101, accurately replicating the behaviour of the original analog circuit down to the finest details and unusual sonic quirks that have secured the synthesizer a special place in the hearts of musicians and producers for decades. The SH-01A offers the great sound and creative immediacy of the original in the popular Roland boutique format, with exciting new polyphonic possibilities, inspiring new performance features and a level of authenticity that only Roland can deliver.

Beauty through simplicity:

The legendary SH-101 was launched in 1982 and was a relatively simple monophonic synthesiser. In contrast to far more complex synthesisers of the time, the SH-101 quickly gained popularity due to its characteristic sound and simple 1 VCO 1 VCF 1 VCA 1 LFO structure. Many artists appreciated the SH-101 for its quick programmability, its bright, edgy sounds and its exciting sound effects. The basses in particular have a legendary reputation and, almost magically, every sound of the SH-101 blends perfectly into the overall mix.

More than 30 years later, countless electronic artists around the world still emulate the trademark sounds of the SH-101. The SH-101 forms the basis of every vintage synthesiser collection and can be found above all in excellently equipped world-class studios. Now it provides the inspiration for the new SH-01A.

The A stands for authenticity:

SH-101 originals are becoming increasingly rare and are being offered at ever higher prices on the second-hand market. For this reason, there is a whole range of sample libraries, hardware replicas and software plug-ins that are more or less modelled on the original SH-101. The SH-01A is an exact reproduction of what makes the original so special, including a 100% authentic, more compact user interface.

Thanks to the proprietary Analogue Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology, the sound of the SH-01A is just as lively and dynamic as the original. Thanks to ACB, all the details and sonic characteristics of the original hardware can be recreated by modelling each individual analogue circuit down to the individual components. Personal conversations with the developers of the time and incessant research far beyond the original circuit diagrams resulted in a detailed reproduction of the behaviour of the oscillators, filters and envelopes - the perfect basis for a new generation of 101 fans.

Reissue of an inspiring, legendary sequencer:

One of the most creative features of the original SH-101 was the 100-note step sequencer Simply press Load, enter notes one after the other with legato and rests, press Play - done. Designed to inspire with the utmost simplicity, the SH-101 sequencer was the starting point for countless basslines and lead melodies of legendary dance tracks. The SH-01A removes the biggest limitation, the reduction to a single playable sequence: Now up to 64 sequencer patterns can be stored and played - ideal for any performance situation. Access all patterns at any time and use the sequencer to control your modular rig, hardware synthesiser and software plug-ins via CV/gate, MIDI and USB. In this way, the SH-01A becomes the centrepiece of your electronic instrument setup, on stage and in the studio.

Did I hear polyphonic?

The SH-101 drew its power and sound diversity from a single, enormously powerful oscillator. The SH-01A now has four of these powerful voices, which can be used to create different modes that expand the sound palette of the original even further. In addition to the classic mono mode, the four voices can be operated in unison mode to add extra punch to bass and lead sounds. Chord mode allows up to four notes to be layered, each of which can be transposed in semitone intervals. In Poly mode, up to four notes can be played back simultaneously. The legendary mono synthesiser now also offers pads and chords.

Mobile performer:

The no-frills circuit design of the SH-101 made it easy to create patches, with sounds changing instantly with every key press and slider movement. However, the lack of a patch memory meant that even the most inspiring sounds were soon irrevocably lost. The SH-01A has 64 overwritable patches that can be used either as presets for different tracks or as a quick starting point for sound design experiments, providing inspiration at the touch of a button.

The SH-01A also takes the mobility and live capabilities of the original SH-101 to a whole new level. The SH-01A is compact enough to take anywhere, and with its sturdy knobs, metal sliders and robust buttons, it has the same indestructible stability as the original. Thanks to its different set-up angles, the SH-01A provides an excellent view of the control panel in any studio or live situation and can also be used as a portable audio interface with low latency. The synthesiser also features an internal speaker system and can be powered by batteries. In combination with the optional K-25m keyboard unit and the velocity-sensitive 25-key keyboard, the SH-01A also becomes an all-in-one synthesiser. Despite its performance and flexibility, the price of the SH-01A is probably the biggest surprise, making the legendary spirit of the SH-101 accessible to almost any musician.