Photo of Roland SH-201 Synthesizer and more gear in a live and synths

Roland SH-201 Synthesizer

$441.47 Price Tier: Budget

4.0 (45)

2 Critic Reviews

11 Reviews

Find out who is using Roland SH-201

8 community setups

8 wishlisted

81 saved

Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (8)

$441.47 2 available Used

View Deal

Average Price: $441

Budget/Beginner

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

In the Synthesizers category, Roland SH-201 Synthesizer is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

Budget

Standard

High-end

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

Unleash your creative prowess with the Roland SH-201 Synthesizer, a modern incarnation of Roland's legendary SH series. This 2000s analog modeling synthesizer boasts a 10-voice polyphony, departing from its monophonic ancestors while preserving the iconic analog-style controls and interface. The SH-201 is equipped with a myriad of modulation controllers, a resonant filter and envelopes, all complemented by a suite of on-board effects such as reverb, delay, and overdrive. To sweeten the deal, the SH-201's USB connectivity enables seamless integration with your computer, granting you the freedom to control and further program the synthesizer using a VSTI software editor.

Key Features:

10-voice polyphonic synthesizer
Analog-style controls and interface
Multiple modulation controllers
Resonant filter and envelopes
On-board effects: reverb, delay, overdrive
USB connectivity for control and programming via VSTI software editor

Product specs

Brand	Roland
Model	SH-201 49-Key Synthesizer
Finish	Black
Year	2006 - 2010
Categories	Digital Synthesizers, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital	Digital
Key Size	Full Size
Keyboard Action	Synth Action
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output, USB MIDI
Number of Keys	49 Keys
Polyphony	10 Voices

FAQs

Is the Roland SH-201 Synthesizer suitable for beginners?: Yes, the Roland SH-201 is designed with an ultra-easy front panel that helps beginners learn the basics of synthesis. Its logical layout and hands-on controls make it accessible for those new to synthesizers.
Does the Roland SH-201 offer polyphony, and if so, how many voices?: The Roland SH-201 provides 10-voice polyphony, allowing you to play up to 10 notes simultaneously, which is suitable for creating complex sounds and chords.
Can the Roland SH-201 Synthesizer be connected to a computer for MIDI and audio?: Yes, the Roland SH-201 features a USB port for easy audio and MIDI connection to a computer, facilitating seamless integration with your digital audio workstation (DAW).
What are the standout effects included in the Roland SH-201?: The Roland SH-201 includes built-in delay, reverb, and saturation effects, which enhance the sound and add depth to your performances.
Does the Roland SH-201 Synthesizer have an arpeggiator?: Yes, the Roland SH-201 comes with an arpeggiator that adds rhythmic motion to your sounds, making it easier to create dynamic and evolving musical patterns.

Videos

Add video

Gear4music Guitars

Roland SH-201 Synthesizer

Gear4music Guitars

Bad Gear - Roland SH-201 - The MP3 Synth??? (feat. Alex Ball)

AudioPilz

Roland SH-201 Synthesizer (2/3)

RolandChannel

Roland SH-201 - Still worth it in 2023 ?

Glenn Main

Roland SH-201 Synthesizer (1/3)

RolandChannel

Synth Stuff Ep. 73 - Roland SH-201

tritonrecordings

Roland SH-201 Synthesizer (3/3)

RolandChannel

Reviews

Add review

PROS

Analog modeling synth with complex features
Easy-to-understand visual layout for immediate music creation
10-note polyphony enhances musical expression
Built-in effects (reverb, echo, chorus) add depth to sound
Versatile use as a MIDI controller
Offers Roland's famous supersaw oscillator
No menu diving, controls easily accessible
Can layer sounds for complex textures
Lightweight and portable for live performance
Good value for the price point

CONS

Distinctly digital sound, not for those seeking analog emulation
Some users find the filters lacking
Sound described by some as mushy compared to other models
Requires EQ tweaking for optimal sound quality
Limited to more basic sounds without extensive modification

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland SH-201 Synthesizer.

Software and compatibility

0 0

The USB MIDI connectivity has issues due to outdated drivers, making it challenging to work with modern PC setups.
Source
0 0

The SH-201 Editor is unavailable via USB on Windows 10, necessitating MIDI usage and causing loss of arpeggiator pattern customization.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

The synthesizer fits comfortably in a cheap hard-shell guitar or bass case, making it easy to transport with added padding for protection.
Source
0 0

Presets fit well in a live band mix, providing a digital sound that can stand out without the thickness of analog synths.
Source
0 0

The SH-201 is effective as a MIDI controller, though other dedicated controllers might offer better value.
Source

User experience

0 0

It's noted that the unfiltered sound can be tinny unless sine waves are used, but this characteristic is sometimes appreciated for its unique "breathy" quality.
Source
0 0

Owners mention that after extensive use, the desire for more modulation options arises due to the limited pitch envelope and dual LFOs.
Source
0 0

Owners find the LFO mapping occasionally frustrating, and the interval buttons not lighting up is considered a design flaw.
Source
0 0

The synth's sound quality is described as digital and akin to early 2000s computer sound cards, fitting specific music styles.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

Users highlight the SH-201's ability to create expansive sounds with its supersaw and four oscillators, ideal for classic Roland filtered pad sounds.
Source
0 0

The SH-201 lacks menu diving, making it user-friendly for beginners learning synthesis without complex interfaces.
Source
0 0

The D-Beam offers a theremin-like effect, modulating volume, cutoff, and pitch, but some users wish it could modulate waveforms or other parameters.
Source
0 0

The synth includes hidden functions accessible via "cancel" button combos, allowing changes to filter and amplitude velocity.
Source
0 0

The arpeggiator can sync to MIDI, contrary to some user assumptions about its capabilities.
Source

Mods and upgrades

0 0

Users have hacked drivers to attempt USB MIDI functionality on Windows 10, though this is not officially supported.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

The SH-201 is noted for its supersaw, which some owners prefer over the JP8000, Virus TI, Supernova, and Radias for this sound.
Source
0 0

The SH-201 is seen as a more affordable, simplified version of the JP8000, with the supersaw being a notable sound feature.
Source

Build quality

0 0

The knobs resemble bare knob stems, giving a RadioShack DIY vibe, and the enclosure feels like it has too much empty space, impacting portability.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

Prices can vary widely from $150 to $900, with some users suggesting paying no more than $150 due to its perceived sound quality.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

Issues with patch pushers are repairable via soldering, with parts available on AliExpress, as described in a detailed video tutorial.
Source

Critic Reviews

Roland SH201

soundonsound.com

Despite its toy-like appearance, the Roland SH-201 Synthesizer shines as a versatile tool, offering retro charm coupled with modern VSTi integration. Its intuitive layout and dedicated controls make it an excellent educational tool for novices while delivering detailed parameter control for seasoned users through its editor software. The synth's 10-voice polyphonic engine, inspired by the V-Synth, provides a wide range of sounds from lush strings to gritty bass. However, its limited polyphony and some issues with USB audio handling in certain DAWs might be a drawback. Overall, the SH-201's blend of accessibility and depth makes it a standout choice for both live and studio settings.

positive

Full Review

Roland SH-201 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Roland SH-201 Synthesizer successfully revives the joy of synthesis, offering a wide range of sounds and an intuitive interface, perfect for beginners. While it doesn't quite match the iconic SH-101, the SH-201 is fun, feature-rich, and versatile, making it a valuable addition to many studios.

positive

Full Review

Add review

4.0 out of 5

Based on 11 Reviews and 45 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

chris_marx

201

5 months ago

Very capable

Easy access to all parameters of sound. Lightweight for stage use. One of my favorites.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Composer

Genres:

Rock Garage rock Metal

monoriderz

156

almost 2 years ago

Stále čeká na projevení svého potenciálu

Mám pocit, že jsem tento nástroj snad nikdy nepoužil v nahrávce :) A teď se prosím neptejte, proč jsem Roland SH-201 kupoval. Ta odpověď by byla asi dost podobná u všech, kteří si tento synth koupili v čase uvedení na trh. Marketing, pár líbivých ukázek, celebrity, které se s ním vyfotili. Bum. Ale jo, pokud na to nasadíte kompresor, equalizér atd. tak zvuk prostě "nakouříte". Protože ono VA tedy virtual analog, je velmi pravdivé. Není to špatný nástroj, ale není to prostě analog - a že jich tady ve studiu mám :) Tento nástroj mám v mém nahrávacím studiu Sunteem records.

Roles:

Composer Music Producer Audio Engineer

Genres:

Electronic Pop Electronica

mookid_

128

about 6 years ago

decent cheap VA synth

pretty standard roland virtual analogue synth. relatively flexible but i would call it mostly a pad machine, though you can get some pretty interesting leads/bass tones out of it sometimes. sounds similar to its big brother than jp-8000, but is a little less harsh, and a little more mushy. you can layer 2 sounds together for some really cool affects, though this thing sounds distinctly digital. dont get this thinking youre going to get analogue type sounds out of it, this is a very 2000s sounding synth.

sonnivate

280

over 6 years ago

Neigh

I was curious about this synth because a big brony mentioned it. Years later a coworker was selling his. Nice oscillators, crummy filters, but it works really well as a carrier or for strings.

ethicals

over 6 years ago

Underrated Supersaw Monster !!

Legend has it that this has the same circuitry as the JP-8000 with twists (or at least some, we actually dont remember where we stump upon this info). the cool thing is that the sound can be layered in a bi-timbral way which can make it really trancy. :)

Roles:

Composer Music Producer

Genres:

Electronic Electronica Dance music

doktorplekter

133

over 7 years ago

Incredibly fun synthesizer

Bought this late 2017 and have had tonnes of fun with it since. This is a synth I would be comfortable with in live-situations as it features fast & easy patch-handeling + the best mod/pitch-wheel I have personally used on a synth

spacejourney

about 10 years ago

This old thing is so fun.

I bought this last year for dirt cheap and I must say I'm so happy to own it. Its been a fun to play around with. The quality doesn't compare to my soft synths but its fun to get ideas out. Lots of eq-ing required after the fact though.