Roland SH-01A Synthesizer User Review SH-101

[@Janomix]

at 3:28 the most authentic analog sound from 80's. Thank you!

[@Digiphex]

I think of Kaini Industries, Roygbiv and Polynomial C as quite characteristic of its nasal sound. It is a very special sound and my favorite of all time.

[@Thomaslaurenmusic]

Just ordered mine this morning. Think it will function great during a live set-up, and in nu studio. 100 step sequencing and real time changeable.. wow! Great review!

[@zuur303]

I wasn't all that much convinced about the SH-01A based on other videos (and the fact I have an SH-101 myself) but this is a good audio comparison and it's pretty spot on for 350 bucks. My 101 is bit brighter and more rounded to my ears but the 01A a great digital re-issue! Also a lot more compact :D

[@vladimirussachevsky1315]

Aphex Twin, Squarepusher, Luke Vibert, µ-ziq, Autechre, BoC, Ceephax, Juan Atkins, Derrick May, A guy called Herald, Nightmares on wax etc...countless Acid trax and singles.

[@Cepheid-IDM]

Vladimir Ussachevsky Don't forget EOD and MNLTH!

[@DonPritchard1850]

That new EOD album, though...

[@KnjazNazrath]

Aaron Funk?

[@DenBaitos]

The bass in Orbital's "Halcyon+on+on" is clearly the Lately Bass / Solid Bass patch of the Yamaha DX100 / TX81Z.

[@marcusrafferty6035]

the bass sound for halcyon - orbital is the lately bass, found on DX100 / TX81z

[@robertsyrett1992]

Awesome. I'm really happy someone made a video showing how the SH-01A woks with modular.

[@Robotique69]

Wow, thanks for this great demo/review - the SH-01 is put up on the wanted list for my next release with Elegant Machinery! Fantastic!

[@dlvnmedia]

Robert Enforsen new Elegant Machinery? Nice!

[@fleshy1234]

I was just looking at sh-01a, but more importantly learned how to get a killer kick and snare out of my Basimilus by triggering attack. Sounds awesome. Thanks!

[@gstormelectro]

OMG somebody was paying attention to that? LOL

[@fleshy1234]

Yes! I was like "what do you mean kick AND snare?". Lol. I immediately ran over to my modular. Sounds awesome!

[@habeasporpoise8327]

Nice, Under Your Spell at 3:27.

[@AtticusBleep]

Best demo of this synth. Well played.

[@AveMcree]

dope video! I'm torn between a JP-08 and this!

[@deadwhenifoundher]

Boards of Canada, ROYGBIV, the bassline -- there's your example of classic usage of the SH-101.

[@VinceVega303]

Superb user view, I thoroughly enjoyed this!

[@NeoLudditevisons]

Cant wait to get mine! Never used. 101 but i just know this little monster is going to be boss!!

[@dukeofpearl]

NeoLudditevisons you'll love it mate. Gave my 101 away in the mid 90's......will definitely be getting one of these! 🕶✌🏻🎶

[@PureAmbientDrone]

It would seem that Roland repackaged the system -1 plug out/plug sh 101 sound engine into this little box with extra poly.

[@gstormelectro]

Their plug-in sounds really good. They did a great job getting the look just right, the sliders are the longer ones like JU-06 - not the minuscule JP-08. The Chord mode is surprisingly fantastic, like a Juno-1/-2 or Polysix.

[@aliasghar907]

someone found out by accident the sequencer can do 4 note polyphony.. i forgot if you had to hold a button or not for that when inputting your notes tho..!

[@deathaxis5464]

Excellent demo, man. I have an original SH-101 and just clicked on the video by accident but stayed because Gesaffelstein lol.

[@ME-ru4hv]

I feel I can recognize that sound or maybe the way it's seq acts on the sound? but I call it the Aphex Twin sound esp on martian melodies. EDIT 3:50 a perfect example of typical sh101.

[@RemixSample]

Excellent review! Thanks for sharing.

[@mCKENIC]

Thanks for this - Under Your Spell really swung it for me (have an original I paid the same price as this for! But its long in the tooth). Must try one out. Thanks!

[@fantasyproduct1042]

Thank you! I'm getting one after this review

[@Zinfidel1]

Gesaffelstein's "Pursuit" ?! :D

[@individualism20]

lol

[@ahhcrickets]

Would you be willing to do a follow up tutorial video?

[@gstormelectro]

I should do that. Would be especially helpful getting into the menu options and programming the sequencer. I'm already thinking about tips/tricks such as the shuffle thing I did in this video.

[@ahhcrickets]

gstormelectro yeah, exactly! I'm new to it but I just got this synth so that would be really helpful. I read the manual thoroughly but a hands on tutorial is way more beneficial for someone new to the synth world. Thank you!

[@jasevaughan7829]

Fantastic, just got mine

[@bd594]

member berries (taken from South Park) --- member you could buy these used in the 80's and 90's for $150. i had 2 grey, 1 blue and 1 red in my life time and now i want this :)

[@Diskoboy1974]

I pre-ordered the red one. It sucks they didn't release all three variations at the same time, so I don't get mine until tomorrow.

[@co.agmusic]

Very nice sounds and good review

[@CommunityGuidelines]

Thanks for the informative review, I've been very curious about this latest Boutique module. I just might have to buy a red one when they become available...

[@gstormelectro]

Cool. I was tempted by the blue and red, but the gray one is my personal favorite probably because it is easier on my cones.

[@paranormind-music]

Awesome video, well done mate!! I barely comment KZbin video, but it was important for me to share my thoughts on this one!

[@ingver13]

What is the theme at 02:20 again? Love this song...

[@gstormelectro]

Royksopp Remind

[@ingver13]

Cheers mate - actually recalled it a little bit later the other day. Such an amazing track, haven't listened to the album in a very long time... it's now on repeat ;-) Wish people would do more stuff like this again!

[@VitaEx]

If you make another vid can you show how transpose would work ?

[@Zeal808]

Nice Juno! I have the same. Thanks for the tips!

[@Artek604]

Jeez, the title couldn't be more confising - it sounds like this would be a review of original SH-101 mad by a user of SH-01A which could indeed be interesting...

[@tazcerogers2947]

Love your content thanks for the vids and sharing your knowledge

[@ohstirfry]

Are those sounds dry or did you compress limit or do any thing to proses the sound

[@gstormelectro]

I added to my description just now - Audio recorded direct to Tascam DR-05, no effects were used. Audio normalization on video processing only.

[@lorenmorgan1931]

That's my biggest issue with all the ACB stuff. They brickwalled the sound. This is something roland should be able to fixwith a simple software update and in my opinion would make these extremely close to their counterparts.

[@davidjames1858]

Cool! Big Sky and Timefactor..that's my rig

[@josephlepkowski2383]

Do the sequencer and arp transmit midi out?

[@gstormelectro]

Confirmed - I just tried both arp and seq and they do transmit over midi.

[@josephlepkowski2383]

gstormelectro Great thank you!

[@valdiskrebs566]

Great overview and demo! Thinking this and a Novation Mono Circuit would be a great little combo... 3 clocked/synced sequencers 🤔

[@tonyplayback]

thanx (y) Desire - Under Your Spell

[@kixxalot]

I own an MC-202, which is practically the same synth as the 101. I don't know if it's the KZbin compression, but so far none of the Sh-01A demos have convinced me.

[@gstormelectro]

Longtime users of the vintage gear may not be fooled, the boutiques seem to lack the subtle imperfections of aged gear.

[@lorenmorgan1931]

I agree. It's all about the dynamics and these acb and their Cloud counterparts are missing them completely. It's a very brickwalled sound. Maybe Roland will get the hint when Behringer drops the real thing, and release an update to correct this, but then again it's Roland.

[@dr.feelicks2051]

Learned to sequence on a 202:) tape sync central 😍

[@saintnicholas5507]

It's a mini beast, just sounds great don't it? It's great

[@woodswalker88]

I have a JX03 & I'm wondering which other boutique would go best with it for rhythm of all types.

[@jaypark3297]

How does this compare to the 101 plug out that came out before? Does the boutique one sound better?

[@sidsuperstar]

Thanks, great vid. By any chance do you think you can share Gesaffelstein's midi?...thanks in advance

[@gstormelectro]

Thanks! Here's 8 steps in the loop: C2-A0-C2-A0-A0-C#2-A0-A0. 3 bars of that, then transpose up 3 half-tones for one bar and back.

[@sidsuperstar]

thank you.... It is indeed highly appreciated...thanks =)

[@yeahrightkid]

Magical Dream by 808 state at the end?

[@gstormelectro]

Why yes it is.

[@radddch3293]

Great review thank you. Just a question regarding polyphony. Is it true polyphony ? Or paraphonic as in all notes are notes sharing the same filter and envelope? I couldn't see anything in the manual about it. Cheers.

[@gstormelectro]

True polyphony, each of the 4 voices has its own filter and envelope.

[@radddch3293]

Cheers, makes it more appealing for me I guess. I imagine you can get some junoish type chords if you add chorus. Sold me.

[@SPAZZOID100]

marco satiwan there are no actual filters or envelopes. It's a VA.

[@radddch3293]

Yeah I got that it's a VA. But a digital oscillator or filter is still that.

[@-l5905]

Is it possible to use only the USB cable to send audio to my DAW or is an Audio Interface a must? I want to be able to record with just the SH-01A and a laptop...

[@gstormelectro]

USB transfers Audio, download the driver from Roland and install on your laptop first.

[@cyb3rk3v]

Hell yeah bud. Best vid yet!

[@mikkoinemyr9490]

Hi and great tutorials from you. Just a question. Do you know if you can sync beatsteppro (as master from externalclock out) to ext clock in on the sh01a? And if it does. What cable do I need to use? Bye ☺

[@gstormelectro]

Unfortunately the SH-01A does not have an external trigger input, only midi in. So you can use midi out of BSP to midi in of SH-01A. Make sure the SH-01A in Auto sync mode, meaning it will slave when it sees an external clock coming in.

[@mikkoinemyr9490]

@@gstormelectro hi again. No, its possible to sync the sh01a with bsp thru trumgate to extclock in with a 3.5 monocable (patchcable). Then you can triggersync the sounds from sh01a on the 16steps pattern on bsp. Really fun. Another question. I dont have the k25 keyboard. If you change the midichannel on the sh01a to (2-16). Does the holdfunction work properly then? With the arturia keystep the notes hang up with the holdfunction if you're not on channel one. Thanks again for the answer earlier.

[@dxtrs_mnpltr]

The SH01A has shuffle, no need to apply shuffle from an external sequencer

[@petehurst944]

thanks, will get one immediately!

[@alphanumeric1529]

OKAY big question. This or Behringer's forthcoming MS-101, real analog sh???

[@gstormelectro]

I like the SH-01A. Used to have a real 101 and the 01A is spot on. However I wish the 01A had more cv/gate inputs to control stuff from my eurorack.

[@alphanumeric1529]

Behringer's MS-101 has cv gate in and out, as well as quite a few other features. I have a sh-01a for sale here local, but I think I'll go with Behringer. More reasonable size, actual keys, and a tun of features.

[@lorenmorgan1931]

The real question is when? I hope sooner than later and I totally agree. The MS is like the real deal only improved.

[@alphanumeric1529]

I know they said this year, but we're moving into the final season of the year. Maybe they'll release it right before christmas, and every punter can have mom and dad buy em one. Myself included.

[@lorenmorgan1931]

@@alphanumeric1529 this late in the game I am guessing pre-order at best. It's since April they are still trying to fullfill Neutrons. We shall see when the 808 sales are opened up here in a few days how it goes.

[@ElectronicazMusic]

Good demo. Well done! And thanks.

[@metalboxhead]

Great review. I really think Roland have made something average sound even more average though, and they tend to specialise in that. Shame they haven't done something more with their hybrid engines from the JD-Xa / Xi synths and put a better coloured case around it.

[@jaggass]

These are good but Roland have never fully repoduced them like Korg did.

[@gstormelectro]

True. Guess Roland really did want to push the virtual thing forward. IMO Roland have come closer to an authentic recreation in hardware than anyone. Excepting something like U-He Diva. Still waiting for Korg to do the 2600, not that I really need that LOL!

[@jaggass]

The reissued MS-20 and Odessey are a success.

[@187onasimp]

I'm glad they did the little modules they're affordable and don't take up a lot of studio real estate. They didn't skimp on features they added in a lot of new stuff. They're impressive. To me the downside is the 4 poly limit they should of at least went for 6 if not 8. and the fact that the units except for the drum machines don't include the stand. I also hate the little keyboard that cost like 100 bucks but clearly should only be 50-60 on good day. The tiny keyboard sucks it really feels like a playschool toy. I noticed even Roland's demonstrators ditched it for a full midi keyboard in their demos. Another thing is the mini keyboard sucks because it has no after touch when some of the boutiques support after touch.

[@motoboy6666]

Dare to enter the world of chords ;)

[@slow1motion]

when will tha beast going to released???

[@Heathcliff_hensel]

slow1motion they got them at Sweetwater now.

[@valdiskrebs566]

Gray ones now (Sept 18) with the red and blue ones next week (Sept 25).

[@tylernicolo7654]

In this video at 6 minutes the pattern sounds like the portamento is being automated differently per note kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXTCmJKeeayHma8 This is on an SH-101 but can the SH-01 do this?

[@Michael_Smith-Red_No.5]

Why do I want to buy insurance through Geico now? Odd.

[@gstormelectro]

LOL I want to learn to play piano and score like Deadmou5

[@mbrombert]

This is what I have been waiting for. Thanks! Got a cat too?

[@gstormelectro]

You're welcome. And do you mean a kitteh or an Octave Cat Synth?

[@muitosabao]

gstormelectro I think he means a real cat. That scratch on your hand :)

[@gstormelectro]

Oh snap. No kitteh, bad doggie.

[@mbrombert]

haha yeah the scratch :D

[@andrewramirez2202]

Let Beauty Loose! You're Speaking My Language... Orbital Is The Shit! I Love This Guy...

[@jumpingman8160]

0:40 It's a REPLICANT! KILL IT before Ridley Scott makes another sequel!!!!!

[@gstormelectro]

LOL, I actually enjoyed the new Blade Runner, and I really enjoy this synth as well.

[@valley_robot]

That film bored the shit out o me, looked cool though, love the original

[@synthrequests5880]

I always thought he JP-08 kidn of sounded like shit but this one actually sounds good

[@dr3tri]

For me SH101 *IS* "Ecstasy Club - Jesus Loves the Acid" - synth. Though I'm not 100% sure. Just always thought so.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpm2c5JserZjeq8

[@slavak592]

Man, you can play!

[@sprungingforvoltage]

Great!

[@machiwoomiapoo]

Sounds great! :)

[@janiebarker2687]

GREAT !

[@solaryzer]

Great review :-)

[@SPAZZOID100]

These cannot be polychained. I just bought 2.

[@gstormelectro]

Roland needs to get on that with an update.

[@LarcTald]

Intellijel Atlantis

[@gstormelectro]

I considered this before getting the SH-01A. Costing twice as much, it really does pack that much more features of the original 101. Taking it above and beyond into the 21st century. Alas, I've expanded my case another 104 HP and still don't have the space for it.

[@LarcTald]

I know it that it take space AND money. but It worth it ten times more than this SHit101 -)

[@benedictjohnson2176]

so many ads

[@gstormelectro]

I feel your pain but it really helps keep the channel barely going. I've noticed ads sometimes double up during peak hours. Hopefully the content plus free synth patches/plugins make it all worthwhile.

[@BrandonRyan]

KZbin RED if ads bother you.

[@slakk5093]

I got three 30 sec ads in the first 3min :o Great review though.

[@travellingshoes5241]

Ad blocker.

[@lorenmorgan1931]

Yeah on this one it's a little insane. I don't mind helping a channel, but I think I got 8 ads. Either way keep up the good content.

[@TeeBee303]

Looks like a 202

[@donallfinn]

I bet you anything it's pretty good till you try to fit it in a mix, then all of a sudden, it's either vanishing or dominating......weird side effect of "ACB" does not play well with others.

[@mertongoldfein6445]

I also wanna know how it sounds when you multi-track and mix

[@bv9434]

Merton Kaplan there's a guy here on KZbin that's remade multi-tracked covers of the entire speak & spell album from Depeche, as well as some Human league and Yazoo. He used the ACB JP-08 and it sounded INSANELY accurate. Check it out if you'd like. In my opinion they stack fine

[@SPAZZOID100]

Terrible.dee completely untrue. I own the system-8 and it fits great in ANY MIX.

[@lorenmorgan1931]

Using the Roland Cloud stuff I have had eq them and use compression plugs to get them to fit in tracks better. And what you said is 100% it either sticks out like a sore thumb or just gets burried. The real issue i think is that these lack any dynamics. It's like someone slammed them through a brickwall mastering compressor. So I try to use comps expand it a little and it helps. Personally I like TAL Bassline 101 better. More dynamics and TALs plug-ins are of UHE "this really sounds analogue" quality.

[@lorenmorgan1931]

@@bv9434 I just checked that guy out. Wow, he did a killer job tone matching the Jupiter 4 on the human League stuff. I still feel like even in the mix these ACB and their Cloud counterparts are extremely brickwalled sounding. If Roland would patch them to have the dynamics of then original (which shouldn't be difficult) I'd grab them all.

[@gernot-reininger]

Do you have a cat? :)

[@gstormelectro]

ornery doggy

[@gernot-reininger]

gstormelectro 😂

[@sanguerillia]

the hacker

[@djmarco589]

I like it!!

[@tonydonnelly2395]

👍🏻