The Roland SH-201 Synthesizer
13Feb09
The Roland SH-201 synthesizer is a relatively inexpensive keyboard (it sells for $500-600) that still offers some classic Roland synthesizer sounds, including features like Roland’s Supersaw waveform, a resonant filter and saturation control.
If you’ve had a chance to use the Roland SH-201, leave a comment with your thoughts!
Features:
- 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
Resources:
- Roland’s official product page
- A Roland SH-201 review
Related Posts
- Roland Intros SH-201 Synthesizer
- The Roland SH-1000 Analog Synthesizer
- Roland VB-99 V-Bass System
- Korg R3 Synthesizer/Vocoder
- The Roland JX-3P Synthesizer
I had one for a while, but I sold it recently. It was way too expensive for what it sounds like. Very thin and digital. I have an Alesis Micron and it blows the SH-201 away. And it’s $200 less. The SH-201 isn’t great build quality either. It’s made almost entirely out of plastic and feels very toyish. You’re better of getting an R3 or a Novation KS4 in that price range.
I also had one of these for a little while. I wanted it to be my first synth, I wanted to “learn the basics of synthesis” as the product descriptions say… but at the time I just thought all the sounds were cheesy and I was too lazy to really learn it. Sometimes I wish I had kept it, most of the time… not so much.
I agree with Mr. Goya on this. The SH-201 is at a good price point for an entry level synth, And I dig a lot of the features, but the sound engine just doesn’t have enough bite to make me recommend one. I also think that the R3 is a better deal, one of the bands we play shows with has one & I was very impressed with how much potential that little synth has. The R3 has a great vocoder too, BTW. I might even recommend the Xio Synth over the SH-201, it’s a freaky little synth and controller at a great price point.
who makes the R3? and what price range? thanks!
i don’t know why so many people dog the 201…or why they compare it to boards like microns and r3s, i’d take a roland over a korg (and especially over an alesis) any day. and who wants to play on a dinky little keyboard…talk about a toy. with some tweaking and experimentation, you can do anything on a 201 from pads to strings to percussion. run through some good effects (compression, eq, etc.) it can sound just as professional as any other va synth. i think the trouble is that no one wants to take the time to learn how to use a synth, they just want to dial in a preset and record another halcyon rip-off. i have had my 201 for several months now and i can still pick it up and create something new whenever the mood strikes. this is nowhere near my first or my only synth, but it will always have a place in my studio.
Alesis micron and Korg R3 !!! Are you kidding me ? How do you even compare those to the SH-201 ? I don't care what they sound like, junk that looks like kids' toys aren't worth crap and aren't worth buying. How can you even play on those ? Too damn small, especially the Alesis. From what I heard on Youtube I don't think there's anything special about their sounds.
Every synth mentioned on this board is capable of great sound if the operator devotes the proper time to explore it. And please – the act of calling the R3 a toy is far more childish than any aspect of the synth itself.