Roland SH-01A Boutique Synthesizer Module

Roland SH-01A Boutique Synthesizer Module Overview

A faithful reproduction of Roland's classic SH-101 synthesizer of the late 80s, the SH-01A utilises Roland's Analog Circuit Behaviour technology to recreate the vintage tone, sounds and behaviours.

Originally a monophonic synthesizer, Roland have now included a truly impressive polyphonic mode, alongside the more familiar chords and unison mode.

Also onboard you will find a 100-step sequencer with up to 64 sequence patterns, giving you the ability to create original and innovative rhythms.

The synth features rugged Roland design with a built-in speaker and if you're constantly on the move, the SH-01A can be powered by batteries.

Roland Product Overview

The SH-01A is a meticulous reproduction of the iconic Roland SH-101, one of the most popular classic synthesizers of all time. Our Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology reproduces the SH-101’s legendary sounds by faithfully recreating the actual behavior of the original analog circuits, right down to the fine details and odd quirks that have endeared the synth to musicians and producers for decades. The SH-01A builds on the great sounds and creative immediacy of the original, now in the popular Roland Boutique format—offering exciting new polyphonic capabilities, inspiring new performance features, and a level of authenticity that could only come from Roland.

The now-legendary SH-101 was a seemingly simple monophonic synthesizer launched in 1982. Unlike more complex synthesizers available at the time, the SH-101 quickly became popular for its characteristic tone and simple one-VCO › one-VCF › one-VCA › one-LFO structure. A legion of artists found it quick to program and adept at bright edgy tones and exciting sound effects. Its bass sounds are universally revered, and somehow any sound it produces always just fits perfectly in a mix.

More than thirty years later, the SH-101’s hallmark sounds continue to be sought after by electronic artists the world over. It’s a staple of vintage synth collectors and well-equipped, world-class studios, and now returns as the inspiration for the SH-01A.

Original SH-101s are becoming increasingly rare, making them ever more expensive on the used market. Because of this, many have resorted to sample packs, hardware knockoffs, or software plug-ins loosely inspired by the SH-101. The SH-01A accurately recreates what makes the original so special, and the interface, while more compact, is 100% authentic. 

The sound is vibrant and alive thanks to our proprietary Analog Circuit Behaviour (ACB) technology. We use ACB to carefully recreate all the details and quirks of the original hardware by modelling each analog circuit, right down to the component level. Face-to-face consultation with the original designers and relentless research beyond the original schematics provides meticulously recreated oscillator, filter, and envelope behaviour—a perfect foundation to build upon for a new generation of “101” fans.

One of the most creative features of the original SH-101 was its 100-note step sequencer. Press Load, add sequential notes with legato and rests, and press Play. Easy. Designed to inspire through simplicity, the SH-101 sequencer has been the source of countless bass lines and lead melodies on legendary dance tracks. But the limitation of playing one sequence back at a time has been resolved with the SH-01A. Now you can save and access 64 sequence patterns, perfect for any performance situation. Recall any pattern at any time, and use the iconic sequencer to control your modular rig, hardware synthesizers, and software plugins via CV/Gate, MIDI, and USB. Let the SH-01A be the heart of your electronic instrument setup, on stage or in the studio.