Roland SH201

[elektro80]

For musicians new to synthesizers, Roland announces the most friendly and fun analog-modeling instrument on the market: the SH-201. For synth pros, the SH-201 will remind them of why they fell in love with synthesizers in the first place. Simply, the SH-201 is a blast to play! It sounds great too, thanks to such features as Roland’s famous Supersaw waveform, resonant filter, saturation control, and more.

Great-sounding analog-modeling synth
Ultra-EZ front panel is logically designed to teach the basics of synthesis
External input for manipulating external audio from CD/MP3 players, etc.
Built-in delay, reverb, and saturation effects
Arpeggiator adds instant rhythmic motion to sounds
USB port for audio/MIDI connection to computer
VSTi Editor software included for computer integration
Invisible infrared D Beam controller

Great Analog-Style Sound
Even though it’s super fun and easy to use, the SH-201 is no toy when it comes to sound. With two beefy analog-modeling oscillators onboard, complete with Roland’s famous Supersaw waveform and resonant filter, this little synth can blow down doors. It also comes with high-quality delay and reverb effects for adding depth and dimension to the sound, an overdrive control for adding a ripsaw edge, and an arpeggiator for instant rhythmic motion.

Ultra-Easy Operation
This is synthesis at its friendliest. The SH-201’s front panel puts every control directly under the player’s fingertips in a logically positioned signal path from left to right. No hidden menus, no nonsense. Just play and move the knobs and sliders. It’s as simple as that. Students of synthesis will love the ease and immediate gratification of the SH-201. No other modern synth on the market is as fun, friendly, and inviting.

External Audio Input
Playing the SH-201 from its keyboard is only half the fun. External audio sources can be plugged into the SH-201’s external input (CD/MP3-player, sampler,, etc.) and the sound can be twisted with the front-panel knobs and sliders. Wave your hands over the SH-201’s invisible D Beam for dramatic modulation.

USB Connectivity
The SH-201 can be connected to a computer (Mac or PC) with one simple USB cable. Both MIDI and audio can be routed through the USB port. A VSTi software editor is included, which allows SH-201 sounds to be manipulated from within a VSTi-compatible host software sequencer.

Product page

[elektro80]

[Mohoyoho]

This synth looks pretty cool, and from what I have read it is affordable. Unlike that wild looking Roland Radias.

[opg]

I'm thinking about getting this, and I was wondering if anyone has had enough experience with it to give a list of pros and cons about the sound and reliability.

I finally got to try one and and really liked it, because it was set up exactly the way I want in a synth. I also got to try the Prophet 08, and although it includes the awesome knobbiness that I'd like, it is way much more than I need. Plus, an easily-accessible arpeggiator and familiar layout are my main interests. Most of my gear includes analog drum machines, toy keyboards, and effects pedals, so I guess you could say the SH-201 would not be the "primary instrument."