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Description

Dive into the authentic world of analog synthesis with the Roland SH-09 Synthesizer, a classic instrument cherished by vintage synth enthusiasts and modern musicians alike. The SH-09 is a monophonic synthesizer that delivers a rich, warm sound, perfect for both studio production and live performances. This classic piece of gear is renowned for its simple yet powerful design, featuring a single oscillator with a choice of three waveforms, alongside a sub-oscillator for deepening your sonic palette.

The SH-09's intuitive layout makes it an ideal choice for those looking to explore the fundamentals of sound design without being overwhelmed by unnecessary complexity. Its resonant filter and envelope controls provide expressive modulation options, allowing you to shape your sound with precision. Whether you're crafting bass lines, leads, or effects, the SH-09 offers the versatility and character needed to stand out in any mix.

Key Features:

  • Monophonic synth with a single oscillator and sub-oscillator
  • Offers sawtooth, square, and pulse waveforms
  • Classic filter section with resonance and envelope controls
  • Built-in external audio input for processing other signals
  • Compact design perfect for both studio and stage use
  • Intuitive interface, great for beginners and seasoned synthesists alike

Product specs

Brand Roland
Model SH-09 32-Key Monophonic Synthesizer
Finish Black
Year 1978 - 1982
Categories Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Analog
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
Number of Keys 32 Keys
Polyphony 1 Voice

FAQs

Is the Roland SH-09 synthesizer monophonic or polyphonic?

The Roland SH-09 is a monophonic synthesizer, meaning it can play only one note at a time, which is ideal for bass lines and lead sounds.

What type of synthesis does the Roland SH-09 use?

The Roland SH-09 uses analog synthesis, which is known for producing warm and rich sounds, characteristic of vintage synthesizers.

How many keys does the Roland SH-09 have?

The Roland SH-09 features a 32-key keyboard with full-size, synth-action keys, suitable for expressive playing.

What are the standout features of the Roland SH-09's sound engine?

The Roland SH-09's sound engine includes a single oscillator with multiple waveforms, a noise generator, and a resonant low-pass filter, allowing for a wide range of classic analog sounds.

Is the Roland SH-09 suitable for live performance?

Yes, the Roland SH-09 is suitable for live performance due to its straightforward interface and robust build, making it easy to tweak sounds on the fly.

Perfect Circuit

Perfect Circuit

Roland SH-09 Analog Synthesizer Demo

Video thumbnail for Roland SH-09 Analog Synthesizer Demo by Perfect Circuit

Roland SH-09 Analog Synthesizer Demo

Perfect Circuit

Perfect Circuit

Video thumbnail for The Roland SH-09 (higher quality) by AutomaticGainsay

The Roland SH-09 (higher quality)

AutomaticGainsay

AutomaticGainsay

Video thumbnail for ROLAND SH-09 Analog Synthesizer 1979 | HD DEMO by AnalogAudio1

ROLAND SH-09 Analog Synthesizer 1979 | HD DEMO

AnalogAudio1

AnalogAudio1

Video thumbnail for Roland SH-09 the SH-101's Dark Sister | CONFORCE by Conforce

Roland SH-09 the SH-101's Dark Sister | CONFORCE

Conforce

Conforce

Video thumbnail for Vintage vs Modern: Worth It? Roland Mono Synths | SH-101 vs SH-09 vs SH-2 vs MS-1 vs Minibrute 2 by Alamo Music Sound Lab

Vintage vs Modern: Worth It? Roland Mono Synths | SH-101 vs SH-09 vs SH-2 vs MS-1 vs Minibrute 2

Alamo Music Sound Lab

Alamo Music Sound Lab

Video thumbnail for Roland SH-09 and Fender Rhodes with tape delay by Benjamin Dehli

Roland SH-09 and Fender Rhodes with tape delay

Benjamin Dehli

Benjamin Dehli

Video thumbnail for Roland SH 09 Sound Demo (no talking) by Bonedo Synthesizers

Roland SH 09 Sound Demo (no talking)

Bonedo Synthesizers

Bonedo Synthesizers

Video thumbnail for EMEAPP SONIC TEST DRIVE: ROLAND SH-09 Feat. DON SLEPIAN by EMEAPP

EMEAPP SONIC TEST DRIVE: ROLAND SH-09 Feat. DON SLEPIAN

EMEAPP

EMEAPP

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland SH-09 Synthesizer.

Comparisons

  • The SH-09 is perceived by some owners as having superior oscillators compared to the SH-101, offering a "fatter" sound especially noted in its PWM capabilities.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The SH-09 is praised for its bass capabilities and unique ability to produce "old sci-fi computer noises," making it a versatile choice for different musical styles.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Modding the mixer section to route the noise source to the external input level control is a recommended upgrade for increased functionality.

    Source
  • Using a TD-3 as a MIDI to CV through box allows for external sequence control.

    Source
  • Replacing worn carbon tracks in sliders with scavenged parts from other devices can restore functionality without high cost.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Cleaning and maintaining the sliders is essential for optimal performance, with some owners wishing for more readily available replacement parts.

    Source
  • Owners recommend checking rotary switches for pitch drops and cleaning contacts to prevent intermittent key issues.

    Source
  • Neoprene-like slider gaskets deteriorate, causing debris in sliders; replacing them with stiffened acrylic felt is recommended for smoother operation.

    Source
  • Main caps on the power board may need replacement due to aging; careful inspection is advised to avoid unnecessary recapping.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners frequently express regret over selling the SH-09, highlighting its enduring appeal and the difficulty of finding one at a reasonable price later on.

    Source

Build quality

  • The waveform rotary knob can become loose and scratchy, impacting smooth waveform transitions.

    Source
  • Ribbon cables between PCBs are fragile, and the glue for strain relief can bond the control PCB to the case, complicating disassembly.

    Source
  • Original sliders are Alps pots with part number '171M'; finding modern equivalents may require matching these specifications.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The SH-09 offers smooth octave transitions from 32’ to 2’, providing a wide tonal range.

    Source
  • The synth's filter is noted for its intense resonance, enhancing audio input features.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Roland SH09

soundonsound.com

The Roland SH-09 Synthesizer is a hidden gem from the 1980s, often overshadowed by its more famous siblings. Praised for its simplicity and robust sound, this monophonic, single-oscillator synth is an excellent entry point for anyone new to analogue synthesis. Despite its basic design, the SH-09 offers surprising sonic flexibility, delivering rich bass lines and warm, delicate lead sounds. However, its limited real-time performance controls and compact keyboard might frustrate some users. Yet, its reliability and unique 'bleepy' sound make it a charming addition to any vintage synth collection.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 10 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
professor_greybeard

My first synth

My first synth and still going strong, bought in 1981. It has one oscillator and a sub-oscillator it sounds huge.

sprock

First pro synth

Saved all my paper round money for one of these. learnt my craft even though monophonic , great sounds.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Richard H. Kirk uses Roland SH-09 Synthesizer

Richard H. Kirk

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Cabaret Voltaire

...
Verified via The Quietus

"I'd got a Roland CSQ-100 Sequencer and a Roland SH09 Synth and a TR-808. I’d had the 808 for a while and not really used it but I was noticing that people were using them on these electro records. I was writing stuff on the sequencer and drum machine and we’d build stuff around that."

See how David A. Stewart uses Roland SH-09 Synthesizer

David A. Stewart

Singer, Guitarist

Eurythmics

...
Verified via Muzines

"We just set up our gear like we did Sweet Dreams. I took it right back to the way we started and we wrote one song a day for ten days with the simplest things like the Roland SH09, Movement Audio Visual drum computer etc." It was these same tracks which made up the basis for the actual masters, since they subsequently brought over their Soundcraft 24 track, bouncing up from the eight track and adding horn parts. It was only after all this had been done that the jet set recording began.

See how Jack Patterson uses Roland SH-09 Synthesizer

Jack Patterson

Bassist, Keyboardist

Clean Bandit

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Although he owns various vintage synths including a Roland Juno 106 and SH09, Patterson tends to just use his Yamaha upright piano and Wurlitzer electric piano during the writing process, with soft synths for bass parts and pads, his favourite being U-he’s Diva. “It’s kind of like a Frankenstein of synths,” he says. “You can just pick an oscillator, and it doesn’t say specifically what it is, but you can tell by the graphic what it’s supposed to be replicating. So you can get an oscillator from something that looks very much like a Juno 60 and then a filter from something that looks very much like a Minimoog and take the best elements of certain things and build stuff. It’s really cool.”

See how DMX Krew uses Roland SH-09 Synthesizer

DMX Krew

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Appears at 0:48 in this video, below the Sequential Circuits Pro-One synthesizer.

See how Stuart Price uses Roland SH-09 Synthesizer

Stuart Price

Music Producer

The Killers

...
Verified via MusicRadar

At his home studio (dubbed “50” for the street address where he lives), Price would often access his bank of vintage synths — including a Moog Polymoog, Korg MS-20, Roland SH-09 and a rare Rhodes Chroma — to add textures to a demo track or to supplement the Clavia Nord Lead 3 that Flowers uses as his main synth.

See how Graham Massey uses Roland SH-09 Synthesizer

Graham Massey

Guitarist, Keyboardist

808 State

...
Verified via Photo

can be seen in this post from September 10, 2020

See how iamamiwhoami uses Roland SH-09 Synthesizer

iamamiwhoami

iamamiwhoami

...
Verified via YouTube

In the live performance video "CONCERT IN BLUE" by iamamiwhoami, at around 52:58, the Roland SH-09 Synthesizer can be seen. Its appearance matches other images of the Roland SH-09, suggesting its use by the artist.

See how Mike Score uses Roland SH-09 Synthesizer

Mike Score

Singer, Guitarist

A Flock of Seagulls

...
Verified via YouTube

Seen playing in video.

See how Martin Cooper uses Roland SH-09 Synthesizer

Martin Cooper

Bassist, Keyboardist

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

...
Verified via The Electricity Club

"Martin Cooper’s set-up included Roland SH09 and SH2 monosynths for basslines and melodies plus a Vox Jaguar organ for chords."

See how Bryant Clifford Meyer uses Roland SH-09 Synthesizer

Bryant Clifford Meyer

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Isis

...
Verified via Vintagesynth

In the Vintage Synth Explorer Forums, a discussion highlights Bryant Clifford Meyer's use of the Roland SH-09 Synthesizer during an Isis concert in Montreal.

See how Martin Price uses Roland SH-09 Synthesizer

Martin Price

Keyboardist, Composer

808 State

...
Verified via 808state

"We use the Roland SH09 - it was the first synth I ever had. You can get all the 808 sounds out of it- it's all the same chips and everything. I used to use that and an ARP bass sequencer, and that was my set-up. There's a real purity to it.

See how Richard Fearless uses Roland SH-09 Synthesizer

Richard Fearless

Keyboardist, Composer

Death in Vegas

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video by Crossfire Live Sessions, Richard Fearless gives a tour of his riverside studio. At the 1:36 mark, he shows a Roland SH-09 Synthesizer.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Roland SH-09 Synthesizer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
kinzo_chrome

kinzo_chrome

Gear IQ 73

robert_pierson

robert_pierson

Gear IQ 435

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