NAMM 2006 Winter Show: Roland introduced the SH-201, a synth that they call “the most friendly and fun analog-modeling instrument on the market.”

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

External audio sources can be plugged into the SH-201’s external input and the sound can be twisted with the front-panel knobs and sliders. Players can wave their hands over the SH-201’s invisible D Beam for dramatic modulation.

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 free VSTi software editor is included, which allows SH-201 sounds to be manipulated from within a VST-compatible host software sequencer.

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. Educators can use it as a great educational tool to teach basics of synthesis. No other modern synth on the market is as fun, friendly, and inviting.

More information is available at the Roland site.