The Roland SH-101 is a small analog mono synth that has been extensively used for pounding acid-style bass sounds and electronic noises. The SH-101 is similar in its internal architecture to the popular TB-303, which was also from Roland, although the SH-101 has a built-in 32-key, two and a half octave keyboard and features a more limited internal sequencer.
Synth programmers familiar with navigating through endless sub-menus as required on many more modern pieces of music gear will find the SH-101 a breeze to edit: every sound parameter can be controlled in real-time by the use of dedicated sliders and knobs on the front panel. Unfortunately, the SH-101 has only one oscillator, which means it may not be used to create detuned bass and lead sounds.
Although it has no patch memory or official MIDI support and may seem outdated by modern standards, the quality of the SH-101's sounds more than outweighs its limitations. Thanks to this, nearly three decades after it was originally released, the SH-101 is still one of the most widely-used hardware synthesizers in all genres of electronic music.
Though the standard SH-101 was grey, it came in a few color variations: blue, red and an extremely rare white version are also available. The keyboard can also be fitted with an optional hand grip so users to play it as a strap-on "keytar," similar to a guitar.
Hobby musicians and electronics engineers have attempted to overcome some of the SH-101's shortcomings by developing various modifications to it. Guides exist explaining how to perform such adjustments yourself, though in some cases extensive knowledge of electrical circuits is required. Alternatively, already modified units are sold regularly on online auction sites as well. The most common upgrades add MIDI-functionality to the SH-101, though others can be found which modify the sound parameters and waveforms too.
Among the many musicians and bands that have used the Roland SH-101 are Depeche Mode, Aphex Twin, The Human League, Squarepusher, Orbital, Prodigy, Crystal Method, Astral Projection, KMFDM/ MDFMK, Skinny Puppy, Apoptygma Berzerk, Covenant,:wumpscut:, Mesh, Atari Teenage Riot, Assemblage 23, Nitzer Ebb, Suicide Commando, Velvet Acid Christ, Alec Empire, Angelspit and countless more.
