Roland SH-101 

Roland SH-101 grey model
SH-101 by Roland
Synthesis type: Analog Subtractive
Polyphony: Monophonic
Timbrality: Monotimbral
Oscillators: 1 VCO with 3 simultaneously mixable
waveforms : Pulse with PWM, Saw and
Sub wave (selectable -1 Oct. Square,
-2 Oct. Square or -2 Oct Pulse)
The Pulse wave can be modulated by
LFO, by Envelope or manually
Noise is also available at the oscilator
mixing stage
Filter: 1 resonant VCF, modulated with
ADSR, LFO, keyboard tracking
and/or bender controller
Attenuator: ADSR envelope, triggered by
gate or LFO
LFO: 1 LFO: triangle, square, random
and noise waveforms
Keyboard: 32-note
Left hand control: Bender assignable to VCF frequency
and/or pitch as well as pitch bend and
mod wheels on attachable handle
Velocity sensitive: No
Aftertouch: No
External control: CV/Gate
Memory: 100 step sequencer
Onboard effects: Arpeggiator (up, down, up/down)
Produced: 1982-1988

Roland SH-101 is a synthesizer from the early 1980's, manufactured by Roland. It is a small, 32 key, monophonic analog synthesizer. It features one oscillator with two waveforms, an 'octave-divided' sub-oscillator, and a low-pass filter/VCF capable of self oscillation. The controls are simple to use as there is a slider or switch available for every single parameter, and there is an external trigger input to control the speed of the sequencer or the arpeggiator. External control is achieved using CV/Gate and not MIDI (as is the case with many older synths), but MIDI to CV/Gate converters are readily available from third-party companies such as Kenton Electronics. The SH-101 was produced in at least three colors: gray, blue, and red: there are persistent rumors of a very limited run of white, but until pictorial evidence is seen these must be considered apocryphal. A shoulder strap can be connected to it, and a small handgrip can be plugged into the side which contains a pitch bend wheel and a pitch modulation trigger. When slung over the shoulder it doubles as a "keytar".

The Roland MC-202 MicroComposer, a monophonic analog synthesizer/sequencer released by Roland in 1983, is similar to both the Roland TB-303 and Roland SH-101 synthesizers, featuring one voltage-controlled oscillator with simultaneous saw and square/pulse-width waveforms and a resonant -24db filter.

Software Emulation

The popularity of the SH-101 is such that many companies have seen fit to cater to a significant market of musicians who want the sound of the 101 but are not able to pay for one. This has led to a rise in clones—devices designed to emulate the SH-101 for a much cheaper price.


Notable Users

External links