Roland SH-101
The Roland SH-101 is an analog synthesizer manufactured by the Roland Corporation between 1982 and 1986. Though it was something of a commercial failure during the time of its manufacture, it later became a staple of electronic music in the 1990s, particularly house music.
"SH-101" redirects here. For state highways numbered 101, see List of highways numbered 101.SH-101
Roland
November 1982-1986
- US$495
- GB£249
- JP¥59,800 (1980s)
1 LFO: triangle, square, random
and noise waveforms
1 resonant VCF, modulated with
ADSR, LFO, keyboard tracking
and/or bender controller
ADSR envelope, triggered by
gate or LFO
No
No
100 step sequencer
Arpeggiator (up, down, up/down)
32-note
Bender assignable to VCF frequency
and/or pitch as well as pitch bend and
mod wheels on attachable handle
CV/Gate, Clock in
Sound and features[edit]
The SH-101 is monophonic, meaning it can only play one note at a time. It has a single oscillator (the Curtis CEM3340)[1] and a sub-oscillator, a low-pass filter, a mixer allowing users to blend different waveforms plus a noise generator, and an arpeggiator and sequencer.[2] An ADSR envelope generator controls the filter and VCA, and the filter, VCA, pitch and pulse width can be controlled with an LFO. Users can attach an optional handgrip with modulation controls and shoulder strap to play the SH-101 as a keytar, and it could also be powered via battery.[2] According to MusicRadar, the SH-101 has "snappy and razor-sharp" bass, "squelchy and expressive" leads, and a "piercing yet smooth" filter.[2]
Release[edit]
The SH-101 launched in the US at $495 and in UK at £249,[3] making it much more affordable than the popular digital synthesisers of the time.[2] Two limited edition versions were also released in both red and blue colours, in contrast to the original grey. Roland marketed the SH-101 to the emerging keytar market, with magazine slogans such as "freedom for expression" and “[the 101] takes you where you want to go".[3] However, it was outsold by the digital Yamaha DX7 and was discontinued in 1986.[3]
Hardware re-issues and recreations[edit]
In 2018, Roland introduced the Boutique SH-01A, a virtual analog synth, based on its Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology. It is available with or without a keyboard.[14][15][16]
In 2019, Behringer started producing a clone of SH-101 called MS-101, since the Roland patent had expired.[17][18] The layout and sound is very close to the original, with the addition of enhancements such as MIDI and USB.[19][20]
In 2019, Superlative Instruments launched a Kickstarter campaign to produce the SB-1 Space Bee,[21] very similar in layout to the SH-101 with a unique keyboard design and all keys and keyboard in dark gray.[17][22][23]
In 2023, Roland introduced the S-1 Aira Compact, based on its Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology. It is a small form factor with built in keyboard.
Software emulations[edit]
In June 2020, Roland released Zenology plugins for Roland synths, which includes an SH-101 emulator.[24][25] Roland claims it is an ultra-detailed replica.[26]
Other software emulators include Togu Audio Line TAL-Bassline-101, D16 Group LuSH-101, Togu Audio Line TAL-Bassline (a free limited version of the other Togu app).[27], and Softube Model 82.[28]