Roland Boutique SH-01A Synthesizer

Absolutely phenomenal synth.The update to the LFO allows for some insane modulation.Great for dusty pads.Warbly leads.Massive bass.Fantastic all arounder for someone looking at synths.As always AMS services were fantastic.

Another Boutique Hit!

What a great little synth! I have two other Boutique synths (the JP-08 and the JX-03) as well as the TR-08, and I love them all. Build quality is fantastic and the sounds are excellent. I find the architecture of the SH-01A so simple and fun that I reach for it before the other two synths, despite loving them as well; it could be that the slightly larger/wider faders make it a little easier to control, but I've never found the small controls to be a hinderance to getting creative. The sequencer and arpeggiator are great, and the CV and Gate outs are a huge bonus. The greatest improvement for me, however, is the fact that the sequencer outputs both CV and MIDI - my other Boutiques sequencers are "internal only", meaning they do not send MIDI out of the sequence to ... MoreWhat a great little synth! I have two other Boutique synths (the JP-08 and the JX-03) as well as the TR-08, and I love them all. Build quality is fantastic and the sounds are excellent. I find the architecture of the SH-01A so simple and fun that I reach for it before the other two synths, despite loving them as well; it could be that the slightly larger/wider faders make it a little easier to control, but I've never found the small controls to be a hinderance to getting creative. The sequencer and arpeggiator are great, and the CV and Gate outs are a huge bonus. The greatest improvement for me, however, is the fact that the sequencer outputs both CV and MIDI - my other Boutiques sequencers are "internal only", meaning they do not send MIDI out of the sequence to control other synths. It was such a pleasure to discover the SH-01A does!All in all I'm very pleased with the Boutique modules, and have not regretted purchasing any of them. If this looks like fun to you, then enjoy, and make music!

Disappointed.

The LFO on the original SH101, when set to random, could accept a trigger input via the external clock in.The LFO on the SH01A can only be set to free running ('original') according to the manual or to sync with midi clock ('advanced'). Only the onboard sequencer on the SH01A can be triggered by an external CV. By way of compensation, there is keyboard velocity but this is probably applied to both VCA and VCF.Four note polyphony is a welcome step up from monophone on the original.So it's not entirely, almost but not enirely true to say that the SH01A is a replica of the original SH101 and its quirks.

Great Compact Synth

I'm new to the world of synthesizers. I decided to start my journey with the SH-01A because of its compact form factor and straight forward design. I paired it with the Roland K-25m keyboard, which was really easy to setup.I also love that this synth is usb powered and can run off 4 AA batteries. It offers more than enough features to be enthralled with the vast array of audio possibilities.

If you like the SH-101, you'll LOVE the SH-01A

I own an SH-101 and it has been one of my favorite synths for many years. The SH-01A measures up in spades! It sounds exactly like a 101 and then goes and adds polyphony and memory for sequences to be stored. For me this is almost better than the real thing. If I had to complain about any aspect of this module, it would be the lack of cv/gate inputs (the SH-101 does some astounding things when connected to the boutique TB-03) and that the portamento knob seems to negate the synth being in poly mode - if you turn on the portamento while in poly mode, the notes no longer overlap and chords won't glide either. Aside from those two quibbles (and believe me, they are minor), this is my favorite entry in the boutique line of gear from Roland. I highly recommend the 01A to ... MoreI own an SH-101 and it has been one of my favorite synths for many years. The SH-01A measures up in spades! It sounds exactly like a 101 and then goes and adds polyphony and memory for sequences to be stored. For me this is almost better than the real thing. If I had to complain about any aspect of this module, it would be the lack of cv/gate inputs (the SH-101 does some astounding things when connected to the boutique TB-03) and that the portamento knob seems to negate the synth being in poly mode - if you turn on the portamento while in poly mode, the notes no longer overlap and chords won't glide either. Aside from those two quibbles (and believe me, they are minor), this is my favorite entry in the boutique line of gear from Roland. I highly recommend the 01A to all!

Review of Roland Boutique SH-01A in Standard Grey Finish

A really nice piece of kit, I watched loads of Youtube videos about it before purchasing it from Andertons.It makes some really nice synth sounds (OBVIOUSLY)Nice and smallI'm happy with it.Value for money - it would have been better f it was cheaper :-)Durability - Feels like metal fascia? Feels like quality to me.

SH-01A

Was not sure how this was going to work out but money well spent, for the fun factor alone. Found the manual to be a little bit lacking but if you know anything about Synths then you be up and running within minutes. Imagine having your favorite VST synth in a box with hands on control at your fingertips, that's the best way l can describe this package of Roland products. Compact, one cable to connect, great sound, what else do you want. Note: does not come with the Boutique Dock so l had to buy separate at later date as l couldn't stand having a half finished synth sitting on my desk. The Driver comes unsigned so if using Win7 you will need to suppress driver enforcement. If you know how to use Synths then you should know how to use computers. This product ... MoreWas not sure how this was going to work out but money well spent, for the fun factor alone. Found the manual to be a little bit lacking but if you know anything about Synths then you be up and running within minutes. Imagine having your favorite VST synth in a box with hands on control at your fingertips, that's the best way l can describe this package of Roland products. Compact, one cable to connect, great sound, what else do you want. Note: does not come with the Boutique Dock so l had to buy separate at later date as l couldn't stand having a half finished synth sitting on my desk. The Driver comes unsigned so if using Win7 you will need to suppress driver enforcement. If you know how to use Synths then you should know how to use computers. This product recreates the original SH-101 so be aware of that so that's where it starts and ends. If l could get some of the others like the Juno or Jupiter it would be hard for me to resist.

The Roland SH-01

I bought this recently as I have pleasant memories of owning an SH 101 in the the 1980s and it was wonderful. I would have liked to have bought an original SH101 to replace it, but they are rather expensive now.This SH-01 works even better than the original SH101 in terms of sound and connectivity etc.I did find that it didn’t have the sheer magic of the old SH101 to play ( and I am getting used to amazing sounds now), but this synth works well.I particularly like the sequencer which will drive anything, I have been using it for quick tryouts on the Korg Wavestate; really good.

Very good synthetizer

now we can really play with a Roland SH101!!!! with midi.. affordable, sound and features close to the Vintage SH101. but the analog warm sound, and the authentic feeling are not really here. in the past i had a few vintage synths, needed to be repaired/restored after years, high cost. the Roland Boutique synths and TR are really nice Affordable, easy to use, reproducing the sound and functions of their ancestors. So try the JU06, JP08, JX03, SH01a, TR09, TR08, you will be amazed, guys !

not sonically identical, but best boutique yet

Worth every penny. After a subsequent purchase of a Tr-08, I can say that the layout/design of the sh-01a is much more spacious and easy to perform with . Like all the boutiques, you have a subtle but inescapable digital "smooth" sound compared to the more lively analog equivalent, however this boutique is incredibly expressive and most importantly responsive. It's envelopes and attack are faster than my brother's Juno-106. The filter is hella resonant and sounds really, really, REALLY good for a digital filter. You can make sweeping pads, traditional basslines, get 85% of the way to a squelchy acid bassslube a la Luke vibert, or get some really lush traditional analog synth sounds. Overall it sounds 8.5 of 10 compared to the original, but it's overal sound quality ... MoreWorth every penny. After a subsequent purchase of a Tr-08, I can say that the layout/design of the sh-01a is much more spacious and easy to perform with . Like all the boutiques, you have a subtle but inescapable digital "smooth" sound compared to the more lively analog equivalent, however this boutique is incredibly expressive and most importantly responsive. It's envelopes and attack are faster than my brother's Juno-106. The filter is hella resonant and sounds really, really, REALLY good for a digital filter. You can make sweeping pads, traditional basslines, get 85% of the way to a squelchy acid bassslube a la Luke vibert, or get some really lush traditional analog synth sounds. Overall it sounds 8.5 of 10 compared to the original, but it's overal sound quality is excellent regardless of its digital nature. +1 for being able to sync the LFO to clock (even if only possible when using internal clock).