SH-201 History — Roland

SH-201

TheRoland SH-201is a discontinued 49 key,10-voicepolyphonicvirtual analogue synthesizerintroduced in 2006 by theRoland Corporation. The SH-201 was discontinued in 2010. Roland introduced its successor, theRoland SH-01 Gaia, at the 2010NAMM Show. The SH-201 is equipped with two analogue modelingoscillators(four when in Dual or Split mode), a multi-mode filter, ring modulator, and it allows routing an external audio signal into its own dedicated filter. Real-time controls feature 29 front panel knobs and sliders, assignable pitch/mod stick and Roland'sinfraredD-Beamcontroller. The synthesizer also acts as a USB audio interface fordigital audio workstationrecording.

OverviewThe Roland SH-201, released in 2006, was an entry-level analog modeling synthesizer designed for beginners. This two-oscillator virtual analog instrument offered a simplified interface with direct access to all synthesis parameters, making it ideal for learning subtractive synthesis.
The SH-201 featured USB audio/MIDI connectivity, allowing integration with computer-based production. The built-in arpeggiator and simple sequencer provided immediate creative possibilities. The instrument's sounds covered basses, leads, and effects suitable for dance music.
Roland designed the SH-201 as an accessible entry point into synthesizer programming. While discontinued, it remains a capable beginner's instrument with genuine Roland sound.