A Polyphonic Update of a Monophonic Classic

The SH-01A reimagines Roland’s venerable SH-101 synthesizer as a Boutique Series module. Just like the original, the SH-01A generates distinctive bass sounds and bubbly analog effects using a simple 1-VCO, 1-VCF, 1-VCA, 1-LFO design. But thanks to modern innovations, you can now perform full chords with 4-voice polyphony, greatly expanding your sound palette. And whether you craft a throbbing bass line, buzzing lead, or otherworldly sound effect, you can store up to 64 preset patches for instant recall. Complete with 100-note step sequencer, arpeggiator, and selectable advanced LFO, the SH-01A is a must-have for any synth enthusiast.

The SH-101 — a simple synth with monster sound

For the SH-01A, Roland modeled their iconic SH-101 synthesizer right down to the component level using their proprietary Analog Circuit Behavior technology. The SH-101 was originally produced in 1983 and is now legendary for its alluring bass sounds and edgy analog tones. This popular monophonic synth was pretty simple, employing a 1-VCO, 1-VCF, 1-VCA, 1-LFO structure, and was used extensively in industrial and dance music throughout the late ’80s and ’90s. The SH-101’s distinctive sounds are coveted by electronic artists worldwide, and now thanks to the SH-01A, those elusive sounds can be yours.

Expand your sound palette with 4-note polyphony

The original SH-101 was great for bass lines and leads, but its monophonic design restricted its usefulness. The Roland SH-01A removes this limitation, providing you with full 4-note polyphony. Build massive sounds with all four voices in Unison mode, or use Chord mode to layer any four notes, each of which can be shifted up and down in semitone intervals. Poly mode allows you to play four notes simultaneously for pads and chords. It’s funny — despite all these cool options, many still get a kick out of using Mono mode to deliver a classic monophonic SH-101 performance.

Create inspired compositions with the built-in sequencer

Countless bass lines and lead melodies owe a debt to the original SH-101’s built-in 100-step sequencer. Unfortunately, it only allowed you to store one sequence at a time. This isn’t the case with the SH-01A, however. Now you can save and access 64 sequence patterns, making the SH-01A perfectly suited to the stage. On top of that, CV/Gate, MIDI, and USB capabilities allow you to control your modular rig, hardware synths, and software plug-ins directly from the SH-01A.