Roland SH-01A Boutique Sound Module

The SH-01A is a meticulous reproduction of the iconic Roland SH-101, one of the most popular classic synthesizers of all time. Roland's Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology reproduces the SH-101's legendary sounds by faithfully recreating the actual behavior of the original analog circuits, right down to the fine details and odd quirks that have endeared the synth to musicians and producers for decades. The SH-01A builds on the great sounds and creative immediacy of the original, now in the popular Roland Boutique format - offering exciting new polyphonic capabilities, inspiring new performance features, and a level of authenticity that could only come from Roland.

An Inspired, Iconic Sequencer Revisited

One of the most creative features of the original SH-101 was its 100-note step sequencer. Press Load, add sequential notes with legato and rests, and press Play. Easy. Designed to inspire through simplicity, the SH-101 sequencer has been the source of countless bass lines and lead melodies on legendary dance tracks. But the limitation of playing one sequence back at a time has been resolved with the SH-01A. Now you can save and access 64 sequence patterns, perfect for any performance situation. Recall any pattern at any time, and use the iconic sequencer to control your modular rig, hardware synthesizers, and software plugins via CV/Gate, MIDI, and USB. Let the SH-01A be the heart of your electronic instrument setup, on stage or in the studio.

Portable. Performer.

The SH-01A takes the original SH-101's portability and stage prowess to a whole new level. It's small enough to take just about anywhere, yet ruggedly built with sturdy knobs, metal-shaft sliders, and solid silver buttons like the original. It has several tilt options for easy viewing in various live and studio scenarios, and can serve as a low-latency, portable audio interface. In addition, it has a built-in speaker, and even runs on batteries. And when mounted in the optional K-25m Keyboard Unit, it can be used as a compact, all-in-one synth with 25 velocity-sensitive keys. With all this power and flexibility, you may be most surprised by the SH-01A's affordable price, which puts the iconic SH-101 mojo within reach of just about anyone.

The simple design of the SH-101 made patch creation immediate, with sounds quickly forming under the movement of each key and slider. But that inspiring sound could vanish as quickly as it appeared due to its lack of patch memory. The SH-01A adds 64 writeable patches that can serve as presets for different tracks or quick starting points for experimenting with new sound designs, making inspiration only a button press away.

Did You Say Polyphonic?

The SH-01A now has four huge voices, allowing for more modes to expand upon the original's sound palette. On top of the classic Mono mode, you can stack the four voices in Unison mode to add some punch to your bass and lead lines. Chord mode layers any four notes, and can be shifted up and down in semi-tone intervals. Poly mode allows for four notes to be played simultaneously, making the famous monosynth now capable of pads and chords.

FEATURES

Sounds of the classic SH-101 synthesizer via ACB tech, including bass, lead, noise, and sound effects

New Unison, Chord, and four-voice Polyphonic modes expand on the original's iconic sound palette

Built-in sequencer with 64 patterns available to save and recall

Easy performance arpeggiator with three playback modes, note hold, and three-way transpose switch

CV/Gate output for controlling modular or vintage gear

Multiple sync options including internal and external MIDI, MIDI via USB, LFO clock, and trigger input

64 writeable preset patches for increased performance capabilities

Selectable advanced LFO with new waveforms and extended range of clock rate

Sends and receives MIDI control change messages via traditional MIDI jacks or USB

High-quality construction with metal front panel

Highly portable for mobile music making

Battery-operated (4 x AA) or USB powered

Compatible with the K-25m Keyboard Unit and other optional Roland Boutique accessories

SPECIFICATIONS

Sound Generator Section

Maximum Polyphony: 4 voices

Assign Mode: MONO/UNISON/POLY/CHORD

User Memory

Sound Patch: 64

Sequencer Pattern: 64

Controllers

Other Controllers: 2 x Ribbon controllers

Oscillators: 1 x VCO, 1 x LFO

VCA: 1 x VCA

Filter: 1 x VCF

Step Sequencer: 100 steps; 4 notes (Polyphonic)

Arpeggiator: Yes

Display: 7 segments, 4 characters (LED)

Connectors

* CV OUT jack: mono miniature phone type

* GATE OUT jack: mono miniature phone type

* EXT CLK IN jack: mono miniature phone type

* PHONES jack: stereo miniature phone type

* OUTPUT jack: stereo miniature phone type

* MIX IN jack: stereo miniature phone type

* MIDI (IN, OUT) connectors

* USB port: Micro-B type (Audio, MIDI)

Power Supply:

* Rechargeable Ni-MH battery (AA, HR6) x 4

* Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4

* USB bus power

Current Draw: 500 mA (USB bus power)

Expected battery life under continuous use: Rechargeable Ni-MH battery: Approx. 6 hours

SIZE AND WEIGHT

Width: 300 mm / 11-13/16 inches

Depth: 128 mm / 5-1/16 inches

Height: 46 mm / 1-13/16 inches

Weight (including batteries): 965 g / 2 lbs 3 oz