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Description

Discover the iconic Roland SH-101 Synthesizer, a musical instrument that's been at the forefront of techno and acid house music since 1982. This synthesizer is a monophonic bass powerhouse, and its simplicity is one of its biggest strengths. The SH-101 boasts a single oscillator with mixable waveforms, giving you the freedom to craft your unique sound. It's also equipped with CV/Gate control, a 100-step sequencer, and an arpeggiator, providing you with a wide range of creative possibilities. This synthesizer was available in a spectrum of colors, including gray, blue, red, and a rare white finish, and even featured an optional hand grip controller for keytar performances. Renowned artists like Orbital, The Prodigy, Aphex Twin, Devo, Boards of Canada, and Future Sound of London have all harnessed the power of the Roland SH-101.

Key Features:

  • Analog monophonic bass synthesizer
  • Single oscillator with mixable waveforms
  • CV/Gate control
  • 100-step sequencer
  • Arpeggiator
  • Multiple color options (gray, blue, red, and a rare white finish)
  • Optional hand grip controller for keytar performance
  • Endorsed by numerous renowned artists

Product specs

Brand Roland
Model SH-101 32-Key Monophonic Synthesizer
Finish Blue, Gray, Red
Year 1982 - 1986
Made In Japan, United States
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-101 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Roland SH-101 is popular for live performances due to its compact size, intuitive interface, and the ability to produce rich analog sounds. Its portability and ease of use make it ideal for on-stage use.

What type of synthesis does the Roland SH-101 use?

The Roland SH-101 uses analog synthesis, providing a warm, classic sound that is highly sought after for its rich basslines and distinctive leads.

Does the Roland SH-101 have built-in effects?

The Roland SH-101 does not have built-in effects. It focuses on providing pure analog sounds, which can be further enhanced with external effects processors or pedals.

Can the Roland SH-101 be battery-powered?

Yes, the Roland SH-101 can be powered by batteries, making it a versatile option for musicians who need portability and the ability to perform without being tethered to a power outlet.

How many keys does the Roland SH-101 have?

The Roland SH-101 features a 32-key keyboard with full-size keys, offering a comfortable playing experience for synthesizer enthusiasts.

What are the color options available for the Roland SH-101?

The Roland SH-101 is available in three colors: blue, gray, and red, allowing users to choose a finish that suits their style preferences.

loopop

loopop

Roland SH-101 vs Behringer MS-101/MS-1: Can you hear the difference?

Video thumbnail for Roland SH-101 vs Behringer MS-101/MS-1: Can you hear the difference? by loopop

Roland SH-101 vs Behringer MS-101/MS-1: Can you hear the difference?

loopop

loopop

Video thumbnail for Mathew Jonson Presents His Synthesizer Favourites: Roland SH-101 (Part 1of 2) by Telekom Electronic Beats TV

Mathew Jonson Presents His Synthesizer Favourites: Roland SH-101 (Part 1of 2)

Telekom Electronic Beats TV

Telekom Electronic Beats TV

Video thumbnail for The Roland SH101 In Action by Doctor Mix

The Roland SH101 In Action

Doctor Mix

Doctor Mix

Video thumbnail for Classic, Simple, & Still Very Special // Roland's SH-101 by Jorb

Classic, Simple, & Still Very Special // Roland's SH-101

Jorb

Jorb

Video thumbnail for Roland SH 101 Famous Songs and Sounds by Nicolas Melis

Roland SH 101 Famous Songs and Sounds

Nicolas Melis

Nicolas Melis

Video thumbnail for How to use a Roland SH101 Analog Synth complete guided tour by TONELAB

How to use a Roland SH101 Analog Synth complete guided tour

TONELAB

TONELAB

Video thumbnail for World's Greatest Mono Synth: Roland SH-101 by Alamo Music Sound Lab

World's Greatest Mono Synth: Roland SH-101

Alamo Music Sound Lab

Alamo Music Sound Lab

Reviews

PROS

  • Filter growls and howls, excellent for bass

  • Unique and punchy sound quality

  • Simple, user-friendly sequencer

  • Amazing for techno and electronic music

  • Iconic sound that's stood the test of time

  • Versatile for many styles of music

  • Step sequencer simplicity and effectiveness

  • Can produce both classic and unique sounds

  • Great for both beginners and experienced users

  • Durable and reliable over time

CONS

  • Single oscillator, LFO, and EG limits versatility

  • Pricey compared to similar models

  • Power button can cause issues

  • Limited integration in modern workflows

  • Loses memory when turned off

  • Basic feature set compared to earlier SH models

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland SH-101.

Features and functionality

  • The SH-101's trig in allows separation of rhythm from note order, enabling evolving patterns, especially beneficial for rhythm-centric music styles.

    Source
  • The SH-101 is praised for its extremely snappy envelopes, which are particularly effective when used in arpeggiated sequences.

    Source
  • The Curtis 3340 analog oscillator chip is part of the SH-101, though its full functionality is underutilized.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Bass Station II lacks the SH-101’s trig in and ability to transpose a running sequence, which are key advantages for some users.

    Source
  • The Roland SH-01A is noted for its comparable sound and added polyphony, making it a strong alternative to the original SH-101.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners note the SH-101 is intuitive for quick melodic and bass recording, making it inspiring for certain users despite its limitations.

    Source
  • Some owners find the Behringer MS-1's keybed unsatisfactory, indicating a potential drawback for those sensitive to key feel.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the SH-101's straightforward, accessible internal layout, enhancing its appeal for maintenance and modification.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The SH-101 is considered overpriced by some, suggesting alternatives like the MS-101 or boutique versions for those focused on music production over collection.

    Source
  • Owners question the $1300 price tag, suggesting the Behringer MS-1 as an affordable alternative with similar sound quality.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The SH-101 is favored for EBM/Electro-Industrial music due to its simplicity and effective bass capabilities.

    Source
  • The System-1M with the SH-101 plug-out is praised for its affordability and versatility, offering a four-voice poly synth option.

    Source

Build quality

  • The original SH-101's plastic construction is described as "cheap" and "brittle," which may affect long-term durability.

    Source
  • The power switch can cause pitch warble issues; cleaning or replacing it is recommended for maintaining performance.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • There's provision for a "VCA Offset" trimpot on the board, suggesting potential for customization, though it's unsoldered in stock models.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Vintage Rewind: Remembering The Classic Roland SH-101

musictech.com

The Roland SH-101 is celebrated as a classic 80s monosynth that remains revered for its crisp Japanese timbre and reliability. Its standout features include a robust oscillator design, aggressive filter reminiscent of the 303, and a unique suboscillator that adds depth to its sound. While limited in modulation options, its ability to serve as a 'keytar' and its enduring presence in modern music highlight its versatility. Despite the rise of digital synths, the SH-101 holds its own, with second-hand prices stabilizing, reflecting its status as a modern-day classic. However, its simplicity might not appeal to those seeking more elaborate features.

positive

Roland SH101 [Retrozone]

soundonsound.com

Roland's SH-101 is a beloved relic from the early '80s, cherished for its simplicity and unique sound palette. While it's not the most feature-packed synth, its easy-to-use controls and distinctive resonant filter make it a staple for rave and dance music. The SH-101 shines with its ability to produce booming bass and ethereal sounds, supported by a stable tuning and compact design. It lacks modern connectivity, but its charm and character are unmatched, making it indispensable for those seeking classic analog vibes. A must-have for enthusiasts of vintage synth sounds.

positive

Thursday Gear Review: Roland SH-101 | Tom Tom Magazine

tomtommag.com

The Roland SH-101 is a tactile dream for synth enthusiasts, offering an escape from digital confines into analog bliss. Its hands-on interface lets users shape sounds with knobs and levers, delivering a vintage sonic experience. While the modulation attachment for guitar-like playability is a tempting addition, the synth itself stands as a solid favorite for those embracing tactile sound creation.

positive
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 19 Reviews and 92 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jerome

Super bass, best arp ever

This is a true classic and for a reason. It has been genre-defining, yet pretty much every style of music can benefit from an SH-101. It's step sequencer is one of the best because of its simplicity.

pureambientdrone

Roland SH-101 Endless Sounds

After watching the videos and comparing the analog sh-101 sound to the VA Roland release via boutique, I had to have the real thing. I am not disappointed. The Roland SH-101 is a very capable synths, it has a sound like no other on the planet. Some may disagree but I find it very unique in sound. Its a keeper for sure. I originally got a Novation BSII because some said it was a poor man's SH 101, I can tell you that even though BSII is a great synth, it is no SH-101.

rettervondunkel

Translated Title: I love its sound Translated Comment Body: I've been a user of it for many years and the truth is that its simplicity is accompanied by great versatility and a grandiose sound. It is a key piece

I love its sound

This review has been translated automatically into English. See original

Preferred Settings + Usage:

https://youtu.be/aP7VAlb70MI

From Gear Setup
moogbadger

Not just a bass machine

Yes, the SH-101 is known for bass primarily. But do some higher stuff, add a bit of the gorgeous PWM, put it through a tape delay and...bang! You've discovered the secret to the Boards of Canada sound, early Squarepusher and so on.

It's a classic for a reason. Nothing else sounds quite like it - not even Arturia's Minibrute, which I think was an attempt to get close.

jimmarchi1

I always think of a Guy Called Gerald when I think of the 101, those non-303 acid lines

james_hancox

Cool synth no Midi

I love the step sequencer and transpose, I used to run a sequence and tape down the transpose button so you could swap chords

ethicals

Nothing to regret, lots to gain.

The most straight forward synth with the most rewarding sound. a classic. will not dwell on whom used it but know this, its there in lots records, shining like the sun !!! Also, the sequencer is very mystique :)

skortint

absolutely sexy sound 10/10 didn’t regret buying

absolutely awesome muthafukihg gangsta ass good synth my man, roland pls start rereleasing.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

polynomial c patch :D

yetnikoff

classic

still one of the best bass machines ever built - but also a great synth for noisy stuff and especially warm xylophone-like sounds (like the melody sequence on aphex twin`s "on" which might be done with the 101). the built-in step sequencer is ace.

john_withers

My first ever synth!

I still have this synth my parents bought me when I was in high school in the 80's. Have the handle and strap...the whole deal and it still works beautifully though difficult to work into my workflow it always comforts me just to see it there on the stand waiting to rise up again! hehe

iofflight

So simple yet so equisite

There are other synths that sound fuller and that I use more often, this synth is by and large very simple. But man that filter is just really liquid and wonderful. It sounds good in leads and basses.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Serj Tankian uses Roland SH-101

Serj Tankian

Singer, Guitarist

System of a Down

...
Verified via Siteofadown

This synthesizer is seen in the equipment list

See how Pegboard Nerds uses Roland SH-101

Pegboard Nerds

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

"This is a RED SH101. 98% of you are gonna be like: So what? The rest of you are gonna be like "Holy shit!!""

See how Air uses Roland SH-101

Air

Music Producer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

S.O.S interview of Air members on how they built their own studio. Air give up the names of their synths plus photo of them

See how Liam Howlett uses Roland SH-101

Liam Howlett

Music Producer

The Prodigy

...
Verified via Theprodigy

Roland SH-101 About:

This piece was one of the essential live synths in 90's in Liam's setup. Later Liam replaced this silver baby to red Clavia Nord Lead in his setup. But you can still sometimes see this machine on top of the first synth rack on live setup.

Specifications:

Polyphony : Monophonic Oscillators : 1 VCO (Independent levels for Saw, Square / Pulse / PWM and Sub-Oscillator) LFO : Triangle, Square, Random and Noise Waveforms VCF : Resonant, Self-Oscillating LPF, Mod by EG, LFO anKYBD Tracking VCA : ADSR, Mod by EG or Gate Arpeg/Seq : Digital Sequencer up to 100 steps Record / Playback Arpeggiator Patterns : Up, Down, Up/Down Keyboard : 32 keys Control : CV / Gate

Gear info:

The Roland SH-101 is a monophonic bass synthesizer, featuring a 2 1/2 octave 32-note (F-C) keyboard in a light, plastic case. This synth was released in the era just after analog synths like the Moog, ARP, Sequential Circuits, etc. It's siblings include the SH1, SH2, SH3a, SH5, SH7 and SH09. Probably does not sound as FAT as a Moog or ARP. It was designed as a strap-on synth with an optional modulation attachment that stuck out like a guitar neck. It can run on batteries. The SH-101 was pre-MIDI, but it has CV (1 volt/octave cv) and gate inputs in the back. It's sound lies somewhere between the TB-303 and a Juno bass sound. It has a lot of simple but cool features. You can control the VCF, pitch, LFO or all from the pitch bender. It has a white noise generator, arpeggiator with up, down and up/down patterns and a simple real-time sequencer. The LFO offers random, sine, square or noise waveforms. And normal or auto portamento effects give you that elastic bass sound.

There are external clock inputs for the sequencer and arpeggiator, CV/GATE inputs and outputs and a CV hold pedal. The SH-101 also features a very primitive arpeggiator and sequencer as well as portamento. There are also two exclusive versions available.. one is blue and one is red. Other artists that have been using this: Orbital, Future Sound of London, Überzone, The Prodigy, 808 State, The Grid, Cirrus, Eat Static, Jimmy Edgar, Apollo 440, Devo, Union Jack, Luke Vibert, Dirty Vegas, Josh Wink, the Crystal Method, Aphex Twin, Astral Projection, Les Rythmes Digitales, Sense Datum, Squarepusher, Sascha Konietzko of KMFDM/MDFMK, Freddy Fresh, Lab-4, Nitzer Ebb, the Chemical Brothers and many more.

Liam: "We do a totally live bit on stage where we hook up the SH-101 to the 909 using the trigger input and have a little jamming session on stage. That's quite interesting!"

Release date: 1983 Type: Analogue synthesizer

Used:

Used live in Funky Shit and Poison. (With this machine Liam usually played the Relase Yo' Delf - riff between Poison part1 and part2 in live gigs).

See how The Crystal Method uses Roland SH-101

The Crystal Method

Music Producer

The Crystal Method & Bubba Sparxxx

...
Verified via YouTube

At Some Point In This Interview, Scott Kirkland Mentions that this Synthesizer was used for their Song Comin' Back

See how James Murphy uses Roland SH-101

James Murphy

Singer, DJ

LCD Soundsystem

...
Verified via Emusician

This Electronic Musician article states that Murphy owns a Roland SH-101.

See how Dave Gahan uses Roland SH-101

Dave Gahan

Singer, Composer

Depeche Mode

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, you can see a Roland SH-101 (1st synth in the photo) in Dave Gahan's New York City studio where he works with Kurt Uenala. Original article here.

See how Mike Oldfield uses Roland SH-101

Mike Oldfield

Guitarist, Bassist

The Sallyangie

...
Verified via Tubular

He uses Roland SH-101 according to the site.

See how Röyksopp uses Roland SH-101

Röyksopp

Music Producer

Röyksopp

...
Verified via YouTube

at 1:54 you have a brief moment that light shines on the synth on the dashboard revealing it's design which turns out to be exactly like a Roland SH-101.

See how cEvin Key uses Roland SH-101

cEvin Key

Drummer, Keyboardist

Skinny Puppy

...
Verified via Google

This is a Reddit post with a picture originally taken from cEvin's Facebook page. The picture includes two photos of Subconscious Studios, spliced together to look like a panorama photo. Featured in the photos is a Roland SH-101 synthesizer.

See how Legowelt uses Roland SH-101

Legowelt

Music Producer

...
Verified via Legowelt

"Its got a great fuzzy bleepy acidy sound with a lot of character. Sadly the sequencer and arpeggiator don't work anymore in mine so I got to get it repaired or get a new one or something."

See how Vitalic uses Roland SH-101

Vitalic

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

"The SH-101 is basically a bass synthesizer, but I use it a lot for effects."

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Roland SH-101, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
ln_stw

ln_stw

Gear IQ 102

mokkamonkey

mokkamonkey

Gear IQ 270

resonancestudios

resonancestudios

Gear IQ 214

mirko_bostic

mirko_bostic

Gear IQ 94

mirko_bostic

mirko_bostic

Gear IQ 94

mrtwenty

mrtwenty

Gear IQ 859

robert_pierson

robert_pierson

Gear IQ 435

bubbajones

bubbajones

Gear IQ 1312

lucas_w

lucas_w

Gear IQ 200

ln_stw

ln_stw

Gear IQ 102

rettervondunkel

rettervondunkel

Gear IQ 770

Y

yeager101

Gear IQ 248

6 alternative and related items for Roland SH-101, curated by the Equipboard community.

Roland Boutique SH-01A

$350.50 - $494.99

similar sound cheaper alternative

The SH-01A is a DSP-based emulation of the SH-101 in a desktop module format. While it's not a true analog synth like the original, it IS (unlike the original) 4-voice polyphonic and capable of storing patches.

Roland Cloud SH-101

$99.00

similar sound cheaper alternative

This is Roland's official software emulation of their classic SH-101.

Togu Audio Line TAL-BassLine-101

$69.00 - $100.00

similar sound cheaper alternative

TAL's software emulation of the SH-101 utilizes a zero feedback delay filter design for a very responsive, musical, and accurate 101 recreation.

Behringer ms1 mk2

$211.00 - $329.00

cheaper alternative

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