Such a shame that these keyboards look so cool and have so many wonderful features but when it comes down to analogue warmth and bass its not there, have they not even incorporated the chorus that the junos had as that would fatten things up?
@maccagrabme I know yours is an old comment, but yes this does have chorus, it's just "hidden" from the control panel, it can be accessed through holding down the delay button.
He's playing Heath of the Moment, awesome tune. I'm planning to buy this little gem, it just sounds so great. So much more possibilities than a keyboard and not a bad price too
Alot of these conflicting opinions on the SH201 and the korg R3 and the other synths are coming from people who are making different types of music. Whats good for hip hop / dub and techno / psytrance and any other genres are totally different things. Go to a music shop and try it. Ask for a demo. Lots of people like the SH201 cos its so easy to use and manipulate the sounds. I can definately get some nice dub bass sounds out of it.
it has great dub bass drops. among other things. i like it because its like a v synth but not 493098098 dollars. obviously not super incredible like a v synth, but normal people won't know the difference. haha/
I really like this keyboard, very good investment. but I must note: I love the transaction from Planet Earth to Yeah! then Only Time Will Tell to Separate Ways.
Ikb94, many people ask the same question and you''ll probably see it here somewhere but the answer is no. There are no programmed piano sounds in this synth. It's not a "sampler". However, you can make a sound that's close to that of a piano but there's no way it's going to sound like a real piano. I made one that's close enough for me.
It's a synthesizer - you just learn physical characteristics of the sound by ear and try to reproduce it via available controls. The sound will be not so close to piano as on cheaper keyboards (like those Casio does), but somewhat reminding of piano. Whole point of synthesizers (not just keyboard/rompler/sampler) is creating unique electronic sounds not like any real instrument.
nope.. as niteowlsam said.. this doesnt have a sampler or sampler abilities. The SH-201 is a Synthesizer.. meaning.. it creates its own sound through the use of Oscillators built in to it. no sampler. no piano. all VA (Virtual Analog) synth and synthetic sounds.
I'd recommend you do some searching online about Subtractive Synthesis. Theres many types of Audio Synthesis but Subtractive is how this one works.
Ikb94, I just saw ur question and I'm assuming u're asking me.I don't exactly understand ur question,but the synth comes with 64 sounds.U can search for one that kinda has the same sound characteristics as a piano then move the knobs and sliders until you get a sound close enough to a piano.Then you can save that sound to the "user" sounds and it'll always be there until u decide to change it again if u want.The only other way to get piano sounds is by using the SH to control a software program
I am so behind in the synth technology. I'm searching online - I have one of these, first synth I've had since a Poly-61 Korg back in the 80's. Trying to figure out how to get piano and organ sounds out of this thing. It's great for sawtooth lead synth sounds and bass sounds. Any pointers? It would be very appreciated.
gotta say I picked up a sh-201 today for crazy cheap ($200) and its practically new but here is the problems I'm hearing in it. 1 it doesn't even come close to the audio quality of my alesis micron or alesis fusion let alone any of my soft synths and here is why. 1) the sound is actually really thin, even the bass sounds they just feel like they are missing something. (even when you program yourself)
2) audible digital stepping! the filters pitches etc. r not smooth at all very audible stepping.
Having both a SH-201 and an Korg EMX-1 (same MMT synth engine as the Korg R3), i'd say that the R3 has more options due to the PCM samples etc. But the things the SH-201 does, it does that better than the R3. To me that's the important bit. I think the SH-201 just sounds warmer and nicer somehow.
IF you dont intend to get any other hardware, nor use VSTis or samples, so all HAS to come from 1 instrument then it's the R3...
ANY sort of backup gear/software it's the SH-201 imho.
Well, i'd say it depends alot on what you got planned overall. What you'll be connecting it to? if you'll be getting any other gear? if you have specific plans for the music and projects? and what kind of room you actually have to set it all up?
It's a lot to consider, but on the bright side there isnt a truly wrong choice.
I'd also suggest you look at the desktop version of the Waldorf Blofeld, paired with a midi keyboard it's about the same price and sounds really good too.
so u say R3 instead of SH??? but is the sound on the R3 really better? cause im really not sure which one to choose, and sound quality is very important for me. on the other hand, the SH has more keys, and u can modify the sounds. maybe u can hlp me and give me some advice!! haha thx greetz e
i had an r3 and returned it, i didn't like how you have to go through menus to edit, i want it all out there in front of me, that's why the SH is intriguing
I'm looking to buy a synth for under $600 for space rock/ambient music, like Pink Floyd, Radiohead, the Verve, etc. Would this be a good choice or are there any better suggestions?
yeah... im much more impressed by the novation k-station and a-station...
i used to own a jp-8000 and this sh-201 doest even come close to it... i dont understand why they say it as the jp-8000 engine in it... i really doest.
@gombie Well, it seems MUCH better from the looks (Lots of pots and buttons.) But, I just HATE the feel of this synth. I have to go with MicroKORG, because it looks like you're not getting a lot, but you can get just about any sound on it.
I went to Guitar Center today to play with one of these and it wasn't plugged in. Damn Guitar Center left most of the synths unplugged. I really want to try one of these in person. I don't think the sound is really as bad as people make it out to be.
Im saying dont knock it :-) , the presets arnt the best but once you start to program it a little , you probably could get any sound out of this than you would ,say the 8000 and v-synth , But if you try one , preset A-3 is good pad to start tweaking , and dont forget to set both osc's to supersaw and detune it , gives out a nice sound.
I love the fact that everyone hates these. It makes for a cheap MIDI controller and interface with some throwaway presets that are just begging for annihilation.
If you want an analog synth, get an analog synth; there are plenty of them still being made that are quality (I like the DSI Evolver). I think this one is better suited to beginners who don't mind crap sound and people willing to spend a lot of time tweaking it to see what it can do.
You are the type of person who judge's music on what instruments its made with.But if its got the analog modelling of the v-synth and jp-8000 cant you class it it as a buy one get one free offer , and surely if you know your synthesis you could use it to its full potential?.
Juno G is real synth. SH has got analog interface and it's nice if you like all these buttons etc. Juno-G is hard workstation. imho, SH-201 is good for all pads/leads and electronic music, but if you want to hear real sounds, if you want to got fine pianos, guitars etc i'd buy Juno-G
As optymista is getting into, they really represent 2 different types of instrument technology.
The Juno line of Roland products are all based around sampled sounds. This type of synths are commonly refered to as ROMplers, as they are based on a ROM with prerecorded sounds. These have the most varied sounds, but are limited to the sounds they come with. This 1 is a VA synth, or virtual analog, which is a technology that creates its sounds inside on the fly as you play. And you can freely change
Juno line was DCO based hybrid analogue synths in the 80s (alpha juno-2, mks50)
nowadays Junos are sample base digital workstations.
VA is stands for Virtual Analogue or Analogue Modeling based on high perfomance DSP circuits which is emulating the algorythms and filters of the original equipments.
Which you should prefer comes down to what type of music you wanna play. If variations of techno is your thing, the SH-201 will be very cool (i love mine). But you'll need something in the lines of a beatbox or whatever for percussion sounds... If other types of music with a more "acustic" sound is your thing or you simply dont have ANY other option for a beat, then the Juno line would prolly be the way to go. Keep in mind that a computer can deliver beats fairly easy and cheap.
I run a korg radias, emx and a kaoss pad and I just ordered this. my buddy just bought a microX and I think this keyboard is going to compliment my rig niceley. I like the ease of it, compared to the radias.
The radias is cool, but at some points, its too trance for my taste, not saying its bad, but you really have to dig into it to make it sound dirty as hell.
Im excited for this synth, and the price is outstanding for what it will do.
How can anybody compare this to a virus, it's like putting a ford focus up against a ferrari.
This is a bigginers synth with an sound engine taken from the Vsynth ?
Saying that is better than a novation is pointless , Novation goes for a much more subtle sound and a lot of there cheaper synths are 'jack of all trades' well master of some.
I bet a k series can do do pads that this can only dream of.
I don't know man you see the older SH-32 kicked the K-Stations arse into a new dimention when it came to pads...and I am some one who at the time had a KS-rack, A-Station, Bass Station and a drum station. I have heard some pople say though the SH-201 is crap compared to the 32 though. Virus synths though bore me...who needs 10000 patches, takes the fun out of making original sounds. If you want to sound like every one else and cash in get a virus
korg is good, but it has a different, plastickier character. my only beef is that why can't roland have atleast a 4-8 part multi-timbral va synth...this 1 timbrality doesn't do it anymore in today's day and age
sh201 beats the crap out of the nord lead and access virus in terms of superfat saw sounds.
european toys are overpriced pieces of shit while the japanese (korg/roland/yamaha) price it right! european companies (access,clavia,novation) started by trying to emulate japanese supersynths like tb303, etc. haha
eurosynths arent not over priced. the american dollar just aint worth shit to theirs. i think im starting to like the eurosynths more than most recent japanese ones. they have a unique sound and have some cool features. ill take any of them euros tho. they got way more sound than this motif XS. -shujincell
sh 201 is plastic. and useless absolutely. virus ti and nord lead 2x brings us psy-trance and other godblessed music, sh-201 only for pop or something like it (in this demo guy plays fucking rap-pop). crap. the only good synths by roland are tb303 and jp8000
id compare it more to a nicer version of an alesis micron just because of the easily accessible sequencer & arp. i think with the NM you have to program your pattern phrases by mouse with a computer-i could be wrong. but the nord modular software gives you a practically infinite amount of modulation & effects if that's what you're into.. to me if you're going to go with that you might as well get a midi keyboard and a nice vst though (even though the clavia nord suond engine is the best)
The answer is simple: the JP-8000 does almost the same things, while sounding WAAAAAAAY better than the SH-201. I've owned the SH-201 for a couple of months, now I replaced it with the JP-8000 and believe me, it's another world :-)
And think that even the JP-8000 it's not as warm and powerful like a real analog, but it's nicely close
Sorry but i know what i'm talking. But you: don't. You don't know the clavia and the access synths?. Nord Lead 3 is a great synth. Virus TI is a great synth, but the sh-201 it's only a cheap toy. By the way:
Clavia is a Swedish company, and make great machines and you only speak bullshit.
I do. but still, they're different synths and therefore they have different nature in sounds. I know tha Clavia synths, I've owned a Nord Lead first revision. No need to get aggresive on me.
it might be waaaay better but its much more expensive. I think people who side with the roland just like the simplicity of it. The layout of it reminded me of a moog.
I've got comments on my myspace about this video and they're all asking why alll music played on this video is hip hop 75% of people who buy analog synths want to play tech/trance and electronic music on hip hop and rap. comment from VIRAL PROGRAM
i was thinking, rap/hiphop synths usually don't rely on very complex modulations like electronica generally does, they could just as easily use samples which a lot of the artists in that field do
Yeah, there are two ends to the spectrum. DIY artist that put thought/energy and get a lot out of either dated or cheap equipment. And others that just half ass it because they think they're better than they actually are.
Oh well, it's not like I have to listen to the bad stuff.
Oh and btw mine is practically brand new. I still have the original box for it. the manual and cd that came with it.. i'll also include the USB cable that is sold seperately.. Since i've bought it already. backalleyproductionz DOT com and check what i've made with it.l
b/c I'm really interested in getting me kort triton extreme which is almost 3000 dollars and need the money. the SH 201 is a great synthesiser but I need a full workstation like the korg triton extreme.
I got a Roland JP-8000 for $200 less than the 201 and it was worth it, aside from the USB connectivity has way more to work with. SH-201 sounds flat.
It'd be more worth it spending the money on a JP-8080 (rackmount JP-8000 with 10 note polyphony, 12-band vocoder/input filter, and D-beam). And chances are you already have a midi controller.
have to agree with some of the negative comments here. I'm a roland fan but that thing is just a silly synth. I played one and after 5 minutes got bored. MicroKORG would kick it's ass
i hate the sh-201...i played it plenty of times, but in my opinion, it's a cheap synth for sounds nobody wants to have anymore......but i don't like any roalnd synths...i think the last one was the mighty 909....and the sh-201 is another example for their way.....
Well, learning either program in any depth takes aaaages, so he might just be more comfortable with cubase. Not that it's the superior program, he might have just not had the time to learn logic.
Yes, bla bla bla....Why do they talk so MUCH? He even has to talk about sounds instead of letting us HEAR the sounds and judge if it rocks or sucks. Must be an American. Americans love to talk sooooo much. What a colossal waste of time. Pity!
I'm starting to think that the only good synth roland has at the moment are their V-Synths. Cause most everything else i've seen sucks ass. And i'm excluding arrangers when i say this, cause they do not interest me at all. All their synths sound like porn machines...
you can buy a juno 106 for that, and have enough left over to fix and maintain it throughout its lifetime!and have enough money left over after that to buy a soft synth or two..
Seems pretty cool, really wide range of sounds for a cheap synth, though it doesn't sound better than or as good as the equipment that was used originally for the tracks played (Roland Jupiter 4, Oberheim OBXa, etc) Nice to see something like this out though!
You don't know what your on about, demo might not be the best but the SH201 is a great little analogue synth that is very easy to program and sounds well. I also own an Access Virus TI so i know what great analogue synths sound like and the SH201 holds it's own.
I have been working with Roland Stuff and Staff some years and feel very disappointed about what this guy is doing there... The sounds of this machine might be however they are but why he played those songs?
I cannot belive that this demo with these songs animated more than 3 people to buy this synth...
what the presets sound like doesn't matter. It doesn't matter if you say it sounds like it's from the 80s. You make the synthesizer sound how you want it to sound, make it tend to your wants. The musician makes the instrument, the instrument does not make the musician.
that sound was about in the 80s 90s on other synth new tools but thats it synthesizer companys have come to the end of there peak in synth sound there all just copying each others sounds and have to force on how great it is so they dont go out of business
This one is on my wish-list. Tried it out last week,and I must say that I'm pretty surprised of all the good sounds coming out of it. And how easy it's panel is for editing oscillators and so on.. Here in Norway it costs around 5700 NOK.. So this is a synthesizer everybody can afford to buy!!!
i just bought one last week.. its actualy really cool... you cn do alot more with it that they dont show here.... tons of delays and reverbs that are hidden, also tons of arpegios.... fun to play....
the sound is what sells it, SO STOP TALKING ABOUT IT!!!
modulations1 8 months ago
...the sound is what sells it. I bloody hope so.
invictorium 1 year ago
$699!
AburameFifox 1 year ago 2
sounds like you can play a lot of popular hits on this think.
LittleTokyoOff 1 year ago
nice rendition of anodyne - save a prayer
zin606 1 year ago
Such a shame that these keyboards look so cool and have so many wonderful features but when it comes down to analogue warmth and bass its not there, have they not even incorporated the chorus that the junos had as that would fatten things up?
maccagrabme 1 year ago
@maccagrabme I know yours is an old comment, but yes this does have chorus, it's just "hidden" from the control panel, it can be accessed through holding down the delay button.
V100BB 7 months ago
Sintra child
No it won't you have to have the synth first iv got one it's ace well worth it!!
Ubedarun 1 year ago
why he uses Cubase rather than the original program of Roland CAKEWALK (more professional) ???
caponetobibobi1 2 years ago
He's playing Heath of the Moment, awesome tune. I'm planning to buy this little gem, it just sounds so great. So much more possibilities than a keyboard and not a bad price too
wie1weet 2 years ago
Does the software also work as standalone?
SinatraChild 2 years ago
The juno-G Seems to be a Sh-201 with a large patch bank. ( osccilators, filters etc. )
TheMrbrainwash 2 years ago
SH201 vs Jp8000?
GanEdenAustralia 2 years ago
Hard one. One Sounds better, & the other is does more!
therealKINDLE 2 years ago
Alot of these conflicting opinions on the SH201 and the korg R3 and the other synths are coming from people who are making different types of music. Whats good for hip hop / dub and techno / psytrance and any other genres are totally different things. Go to a music shop and try it. Ask for a demo. Lots of people like the SH201 cos its so easy to use and manipulate the sounds. I can definately get some nice dub bass sounds out of it.
TDO234 2 years ago
it has great dub bass drops. among other things. i like it because its like a v synth but not 493098098 dollars. obviously not super incredible like a v synth, but normal people won't know the difference. haha/
chadinterrupted 2 years ago
I really like this keyboard, very good investment. but I must note: I love the transaction from Planet Earth to Yeah! then Only Time Will Tell to Separate Ways.
LittleTokyoOff 2 years ago
Was that an Afroman jam I heard in there?
MelodicDreamer 2 years ago
Dope Fiend indeed! that's so dope
BigRickBitch 2 years ago
I wish they would make a synth with the balls of a Minimoog at an affordable price. :(
gareebee 2 years ago
can u make the 201 sound like an ordinary piano?
lkb94 2 years ago
Ikb94, many people ask the same question and you''ll probably see it here somewhere but the answer is no. There are no programmed piano sounds in this synth. It's not a "sampler". However, you can make a sound that's close to that of a piano but there's no way it's going to sound like a real piano. I made one that's close enough for me.
niteowlsam 2 years ago
so u can record any of ur sounds you want, put but it on the 201, and play it like a piano in different pitches?
where do u get the sounds from, . and how do u actually put it on the 201?
u seem to know alot bout it..
lkb94 2 years ago
It's a synthesizer - you just learn physical characteristics of the sound by ear and try to reproduce it via available controls. The sound will be not so close to piano as on cheaper keyboards (like those Casio does), but somewhat reminding of piano. Whole point of synthesizers (not just keyboard/rompler/sampler) is creating unique electronic sounds not like any real instrument.
androidvision 2 years ago
nope.. as niteowlsam said.. this doesnt have a sampler or sampler abilities. The SH-201 is a Synthesizer.. meaning.. it creates its own sound through the use of Oscillators built in to it. no sampler. no piano. all VA (Virtual Analog) synth and synthetic sounds.
I'd recommend you do some searching online about Subtractive Synthesis. Theres many types of Audio Synthesis but Subtractive is how this one works.
narfy 2 years ago
Ikb94, I just saw ur question and I'm assuming u're asking me.I don't exactly understand ur question,but the synth comes with 64 sounds.U can search for one that kinda has the same sound characteristics as a piano then move the knobs and sliders until you get a sound close enough to a piano.Then you can save that sound to the "user" sounds and it'll always be there until u decide to change it again if u want.The only other way to get piano sounds is by using the SH to control a software program
niteowlsam 2 years ago
no. its possible to make something sounding piano-like, but it'll still sound like a synth
mastgrr 2 years ago
I am so behind in the synth technology. I'm searching online - I have one of these, first synth I've had since a Poly-61 Korg back in the 80's. Trying to figure out how to get piano and organ sounds out of this thing. It's great for sawtooth lead synth sounds and bass sounds. Any pointers? It would be very appreciated.
fluxblocker 2 years ago
I'LL WAIT! BY VAN HALEN!!
lol
i was so surprised to hear that one
levy3poop 2 years ago
douchey video.
exceptionmusic 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
When they are 200 bucks or so I will buy one for a toy.
vstmonger 2 years ago
I love my SH-201. It's my lead for now.
bma473 2 years ago
gotta say I picked up a sh-201 today for crazy cheap ($200) and its practically new but here is the problems I'm hearing in it. 1 it doesn't even come close to the audio quality of my alesis micron or alesis fusion let alone any of my soft synths and here is why. 1) the sound is actually really thin, even the bass sounds they just feel like they are missing something. (even when you program yourself)
2) audible digital stepping! the filters pitches etc. r not smooth at all very audible stepping.
flux302 2 years ago
Roland SH-201 or Korg R3?
:S
AliothSenator 2 years ago
I've had the R3 for awhile now and love it. I am looking at upgrading to the SH201 though. Still not sure... I LIKE THEM BOTH!
enthusia492 2 years ago
Having both a SH-201 and an Korg EMX-1 (same MMT synth engine as the Korg R3), i'd say that the R3 has more options due to the PCM samples etc. But the things the SH-201 does, it does that better than the R3. To me that's the important bit. I think the SH-201 just sounds warmer and nicer somehow.
IF you dont intend to get any other hardware, nor use VSTis or samples, so all HAS to come from 1 instrument then it's the R3...
ANY sort of backup gear/software it's the SH-201 imho.
MarctheDarc 2 years ago
Yeah
The SH sounds pretty cool
But the R3 has got more options( i saw it in a bunch of webs)and the prizes are the same...What a fucking difficult decision LoL
AliothSenator 2 years ago
Well, i'd say it depends alot on what you got planned overall. What you'll be connecting it to? if you'll be getting any other gear? if you have specific plans for the music and projects? and what kind of room you actually have to set it all up?
It's a lot to consider, but on the bright side there isnt a truly wrong choice.
I'd also suggest you look at the desktop version of the Waldorf Blofeld, paired with a midi keyboard it's about the same price and sounds really good too.
MarctheDarc 2 years ago
I had an Sh201 for a while, and while it was a good synth for the price, it always felt extremely digital...but I still loved it lol
I now have a Korg R3 in its place, and considering I only paid £30 more for the R3, the R3 blows it away
I did prefer the keys on the 201 and it was built quite well, but the sounds of the R3 just do more for me (just my opinion)
jamesallan87 3 years ago 2
so u say R3 instead of SH??? but is the sound on the R3 really better? cause im really not sure which one to choose, and sound quality is very important for me. on the other hand, the SH has more keys, and u can modify the sounds. maybe u can hlp me and give me some advice!! haha thx greetz e
djknq 2 years ago
i had an r3 and returned it, i didn't like how you have to go through menus to edit, i want it all out there in front of me, that's why the SH is intriguing
trevorc4113 2 years ago
I'm looking to buy a synth for under $600 for space rock/ambient music, like Pink Floyd, Radiohead, the Verve, etc. Would this be a good choice or are there any better suggestions?
kurtcrowbain 3 years ago
This will be an excellent Synth for your needs. Your sounds are unlimited!
boydsharp 3 years ago
omg that is awefull
iodyn 3 years ago
The presets blow, IMO... but check out my demo vid on the sh201...
You have to tweak the 201 to get a good sound
PingPong85 3 years ago
yeah... im much more impressed by the novation k-station and a-station...
i used to own a jp-8000 and this sh-201 doest even come close to it... i dont understand why they say it as the jp-8000 engine in it... i really doest.
iodyn 3 years ago
Cheesey beyond belief. Get a micro korg instead. Sounds nowt like a JP000.
hafstrat 3 years ago
Hahaha, No way. Sh-201 > Micro Korg.
gombie 3 years ago 2
@gombie Well, it seems MUCH better from the looks (Lots of pots and buttons.) But, I just HATE the feel of this synth. I have to go with MicroKORG, because it looks like you're not getting a lot, but you can get just about any sound on it.
ChickenVendetta 1 year ago
@ChickenVendetta
Neither do i like ''the feel'' of this synth, but it's still ok.
gombie 1 year ago
OMFG THE MEDLY LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL
effutoob 3 years ago
I have no idea what you're talking about.
I went to Guitar Center today to play with one of these and it wasn't plugged in. Damn Guitar Center left most of the synths unplugged. I really want to try one of these in person. I don't think the sound is really as bad as people make it out to be.
787Bisurdaddy 3 years ago
Im saying dont knock it :-) , the presets arnt the best but once you start to program it a little , you probably could get any sound out of this than you would ,say the 8000 and v-synth , But if you try one , preset A-3 is good pad to start tweaking , and dont forget to set both osc's to supersaw and detune it , gives out a nice sound.
ULTRAST3LLAR 3 years ago
I love the fact that everyone hates these. It makes for a cheap MIDI controller and interface with some throwaway presets that are just begging for annihilation.
If you want an analog synth, get an analog synth; there are plenty of them still being made that are quality (I like the DSI Evolver). I think this one is better suited to beginners who don't mind crap sound and people willing to spend a lot of time tweaking it to see what it can do.
787Bisurdaddy 3 years ago
You are the type of person who judge's music on what instruments its made with.But if its got the analog modelling of the v-synth and jp-8000 cant you class it it as a buy one get one free offer , and surely if you know your synthesis you could use it to its full potential?.
ULTRAST3LLAR 3 years ago
how do you know what type of person they are?
you dont know shit
elliott3663 3 years ago
Hi guys
How does this keyboard compare to the Roland Juno G? Which is better in terms of value/sound/analog sound etc..
Thanks very much
miniroll32 3 years ago
Juno G is real synth. SH has got analog interface and it's nice if you like all these buttons etc. Juno-G is hard workstation. imho, SH-201 is good for all pads/leads and electronic music, but if you want to hear real sounds, if you want to got fine pianos, guitars etc i'd buy Juno-G
optymista92 3 years ago
As optymista is getting into, they really represent 2 different types of instrument technology.
The Juno line of Roland products are all based around sampled sounds. This type of synths are commonly refered to as ROMplers, as they are based on a ROM with prerecorded sounds. These have the most varied sounds, but are limited to the sounds they come with. This 1 is a VA synth, or virtual analog, which is a technology that creates its sounds inside on the fly as you play. And you can freely change
MarctheDarc 3 years ago
Juno line was DCO based hybrid analogue synths in the 80s (alpha juno-2, mks50)
nowadays Junos are sample base digital workstations.
VA is stands for Virtual Analogue or Analogue Modeling based on high perfomance DSP circuits which is emulating the algorythms and filters of the original equipments.
Nord72 2 years ago 2
Which you should prefer comes down to what type of music you wanna play. If variations of techno is your thing, the SH-201 will be very cool (i love mine). But you'll need something in the lines of a beatbox or whatever for percussion sounds... If other types of music with a more "acustic" sound is your thing or you simply dont have ANY other option for a beat, then the Juno line would prolly be the way to go. Keep in mind that a computer can deliver beats fairly easy and cheap.
MarctheDarc 3 years ago
Thanks Marc! I think I might go for the Juno G afterall
miniroll32 3 years ago
Tobey Macguire lol
chuckthemagicnorris 3 years ago
since when is usher, gangsta rap?
meak911 3 years ago
yeah, and why is gangsta rap bad?
rsadlier 3 years ago
I run a korg radias, emx and a kaoss pad and I just ordered this. my buddy just bought a microX and I think this keyboard is going to compliment my rig niceley. I like the ease of it, compared to the radias.
The radias is cool, but at some points, its too trance for my taste, not saying its bad, but you really have to dig into it to make it sound dirty as hell.
Im excited for this synth, and the price is outstanding for what it will do.
youknowwhoyouare8 3 years ago
How can anybody compare this to a virus, it's like putting a ford focus up against a ferrari.
This is a bigginers synth with an sound engine taken from the Vsynth ?
Saying that is better than a novation is pointless , Novation goes for a much more subtle sound and a lot of there cheaper synths are 'jack of all trades' well master of some.
I bet a k series can do do pads that this can only dream of.
H4NDCRAFTED 3 years ago
I don't know man you see the older SH-32 kicked the K-Stations arse into a new dimention when it came to pads...and I am some one who at the time had a KS-rack, A-Station, Bass Station and a drum station. I have heard some pople say though the SH-201 is crap compared to the 32 though. Virus synths though bore me...who needs 10000 patches, takes the fun out of making original sounds. If you want to sound like every one else and cash in get a virus
vinyljunkie07 3 years ago
I would like to find an sh32 on ebay but never can.
I guess it depends on how originally you decide to use the virus whether you sound like everyone else.
H4NDCRAFTED 3 years ago
There's 2 on eBay now...check out SHsynths com & click on Roland SH32
888music 3 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
what site did u get this from
loopyguard 3 years ago
korg is good, but it has a different, plastickier character. my only beef is that why can't roland have atleast a 4-8 part multi-timbral va synth...this 1 timbrality doesn't do it anymore in today's day and age
lavakava 3 years ago
sh201 beats the crap out of the nord lead and access virus in terms of superfat saw sounds.
european toys are overpriced pieces of shit while the japanese (korg/roland/yamaha) price it right! european companies (access,clavia,novation) started by trying to emulate japanese supersynths like tb303, etc. haha
lavakava 3 years ago
eurosynths arent not over priced. the american dollar just aint worth shit to theirs. i think im starting to like the eurosynths more than most recent japanese ones. they have a unique sound and have some cool features. ill take any of them euros tho. they got way more sound than this motif XS. -shujincell
SHUJINCELL 3 years ago
sh 201 is plastic. and useless absolutely. virus ti and nord lead 2x brings us psy-trance and other godblessed music, sh-201 only for pop or something like it (in this demo guy plays fucking rap-pop). crap. the only good synths by roland are tb303 and jp8000
amirshik 3 years ago
you are obviously stupid.
ewanbasswah 3 years ago 5
Much spoke, has a little shown. And the machine good!
Utrifs 3 years ago
I may be wrong, but is this kind of like a cheaper version of the Nord Modular?
chocojoelikesrush 3 years ago
id compare it more to a nicer version of an alesis micron just because of the easily accessible sequencer & arp. i think with the NM you have to program your pattern phrases by mouse with a computer-i could be wrong. but the nord modular software gives you a practically infinite amount of modulation & effects if that's what you're into.. to me if you're going to go with that you might as well get a midi keyboard and a nice vst though (even though the clavia nord suond engine is the best)
d3p3ch3mod3 3 years ago
Hey, for those of you that hate it, why do you hate it? I'm considering one of these or a Jp 8000. What can the JP do that the SH 201 can't do?
PompousFlea 3 years ago
The answer is simple: the JP-8000 does almost the same things, while sounding WAAAAAAAY better than the SH-201. I've owned the SH-201 for a couple of months, now I replaced it with the JP-8000 and believe me, it's another world :-)
And think that even the JP-8000 it's not as warm and powerful like a real analog, but it's nicely close
mima14031985 3 years ago
This synth is a piece of shit...
canovakey 3 years ago
you obviously don't know what you're talking about.
Synthoffer101 3 years ago
Sorry but i know what i'm talking. But you: don't. You don't know the clavia and the access synths?. Nord Lead 3 is a great synth. Virus TI is a great synth, but the sh-201 it's only a cheap toy. By the way:
Clavia is a Swedish company, and make great machines and you only speak bullshit.
canovakey 3 years ago
I do. but still, they're different synths and therefore they have different nature in sounds. I know tha Clavia synths, I've owned a Nord Lead first revision. No need to get aggresive on me.
Synthoffer101 3 years ago
You can't compare the Nord Lead to the SH-201. Pricewise it just isn't fair.
The SH-201 has a fully programable arpegiator, sound is great. For that price, you can't beat that.
karimnn 3 years ago
OK, it's a cheap synth. But isn't great sytnh. I prefer the microkorg.
canovakey 3 years ago
I prefer the Korg R3
karimnn 3 years ago
what!? it isn't a cheap toy it costs arround 500 damn euro :D and it is a really fat saw synth.
the4444guy 3 years ago
wow whats the 4th song? a g-funk beat
xxTheSametxx 3 years ago
"Burn Rubber (On me)" - The G.A.P. Band!!
shiggadee 3 years ago
What´s the name of the Duran duran song??? Thanks
nonino80 3 years ago
ACCESS VIRUS TI is moreeeeeeee better :D,is the best!!!!!
maciekz6 3 years ago
its also waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more expensive, oh and nice english, fucking tool
branbilling 3 years ago 3
Gearwire always do the worst reviews toward synth.....
KuresunaZero 3 years ago
well, my opinion is, that the nordlead is waaaay better...:D:D:D
simonbjr18 3 years ago 3
it might be waaaay better but its much more expensive. I think people who side with the roland just like the simplicity of it. The layout of it reminded me of a moog.
davethoven 3 years ago 3
this demo was a joke... every song on here could've been done on my $400 micron, and it doesn't even have dedicated knobs, just 3 assignable ones..
d3p3ch3mod3 4 years ago
I've got comments on my myspace about this video and they're all asking why alll music played on this video is hip hop 75% of people who buy analog synths want to play tech/trance and electronic music on hip hop and rap. comment from VIRAL PROGRAM
doom705 4 years ago 3
I tottaly agree!
codybird34 4 years ago
Frm a Hip Producer Stand Point....
Their are No Synths For Us And Name A Hip Hop Beat That Doesn't Have Synths...
YaB0yPT 4 years ago
I'm just saying when reviewing a synthesizer yes some people play hiphop but you need to show the major synth genre techo aswell
doom705 4 years ago 2
i was thinking, rap/hiphop synths usually don't rely on very complex modulations like electronica generally does, they could just as easily use samples which a lot of the artists in that field do
d3p3ch3mod3 4 years ago 2
hhhhmmmmm
maybe Roland realized this and is why they did mostly hip hop if your sayin the micro krog just as good
YaB0yPT 4 years ago
Current radio hip hop has some of the poorest and most tacky synth programming of any modern music.
As the cost of entry to create hiphop continues to go down, less effort is being put into creating compelling sounds.
It's sad in one sense but it's also great because more artists are being able to create and say what they want.
ohotis 3 years ago
Yeah, there are two ends to the spectrum. DIY artist that put thought/energy and get a lot out of either dated or cheap equipment. And others that just half ass it because they think they're better than they actually are.
Oh well, it's not like I have to listen to the bad stuff.
xnerdxbomberx 3 years ago
Oh and btw mine is practically brand new. I still have the original box for it. the manual and cd that came with it.. i'll also include the USB cable that is sold seperately.. Since i've bought it already. backalleyproductionz DOT com and check what i've made with it.l
DirtyMoney23 4 years ago
this is some heavy rig dude
AWESOME
locobeis 4 years ago
how much?
MPOURNOUZIS 4 years ago
i'll see you mine brand new in the box only used once for 500 dollars
DirtyMoney23 4 years ago
why are you sellin' it?
im interested.
locobeis 4 years ago
b/c I'm really interested in getting me kort triton extreme which is almost 3000 dollars and need the money. the SH 201 is a great synthesiser but I need a full workstation like the korg triton extreme.
DirtyMoney23 4 years ago
I got a Roland JP-8000 for $200 less than the 201 and it was worth it, aside from the USB connectivity has way more to work with. SH-201 sounds flat.
It'd be more worth it spending the money on a JP-8080 (rackmount JP-8000 with 10 note polyphony, 12-band vocoder/input filter, and D-beam). And chances are you already have a midi controller.
atranimecs 4 years ago
typo: JP-8080 has smartcard not D-beam
atranimecs 4 years ago
lovely, but I'd love to see more of what this thing can do.
exkeyboardplaya504 4 years ago
have to agree with some of the negative comments here. I'm a roland fan but that thing is just a silly synth. I played one and after 5 minutes got bored. MicroKORG would kick it's ass
mik300z 4 years ago
lol 3:17
Sibemaster12 4 years ago 3
i hate the sh-201...i played it plenty of times, but in my opinion, it's a cheap synth for sounds nobody wants to have anymore......but i don't like any roalnd synths...i think the last one was the mighty 909....and the sh-201 is another example for their way.....
tobotron 4 years ago
3:50- ouch!
"No Stairway!"
raid0422 4 years ago
why on earth is he running Cubase on a Mac when he could be using Logic?!
conz0rbsc 4 years ago
Well, learning either program in any depth takes aaaages, so he might just be more comfortable with cubase. Not that it's the superior program, he might have just not had the time to learn logic.
onutaka 4 years ago
I agree its not very LOGICal
mpgarate 4 years ago
Just because you prefer it doesnt make it better - Ive tried both and prefer Cubase.
dazbo10
Dazbo10 4 years ago
Its about what comes out of the speakers guys, ,not how you got there.
nickboyroy 4 years ago
Yes, bla bla bla....Why do they talk so MUCH? He even has to talk about sounds instead of letting us HEAR the sounds and judge if it rocks or sucks. Must be an American. Americans love to talk sooooo much. What a colossal waste of time. Pity!
UpcomingJedi 4 years ago
You're making fun of your own people?
ccricers 4 years ago
Americans DO love to talk and talk and talk and talk and talk.......
UpcomingJedi 4 years ago
Yeh, they're always like "let me tell you something!" and "i want to tell you this!"
ijustsigneduptobagu 4 years ago
No....I think its more like "hello?" :)
UpcomingJedi 4 years ago
"...well you're dead now, so SHUT UP!" fantastic scene!
ahosek 4 years ago
I'm starting to think that the only good synth roland has at the moment are their V-Synths. Cause most everything else i've seen sucks ass. And i'm excluding arrangers when i say this, cause they do not interest me at all. All their synths sound like porn machines...
ronnysoeberg 4 years ago
you can buy a juno 106 for that, and have enough left over to fix and maintain it throughout its lifetime!and have enough money left over after that to buy a soft synth or two..
PHAEDRIDER 4 years ago
A nice Beginner Synth but for this way too expensive. The Sound is OK but has nothing in common with the older SH synths. ;)
lordoid 4 years ago
to the guy in the clip..sonar and cakewalk is the same...
BigPeteTV 4 years ago
Seems pretty cool, really wide range of sounds for a cheap synth, though it doesn't sound better than or as good as the equipment that was used originally for the tracks played (Roland Jupiter 4, Oberheim OBXa, etc) Nice to see something like this out though!
RockNRoLL198705 4 years ago
bringing back that 80's retro sound
hahah fuck yeah
dusteroo 4 years ago
You don't know what your on about, demo might not be the best but the SH201 is a great little analogue synth that is very easy to program and sounds well. I also own an Access Virus TI so i know what great analogue synths sound like and the SH201 holds it's own.
WRKRigon 4 years ago
I also have to say that THIS demo is real crap.
I have been working with Roland Stuff and Staff some years and feel very disappointed about what this guy is doing there... The sounds of this machine might be however they are but why he played those songs?
I cannot belive that this demo with these songs animated more than 3 people to buy this synth...
humanalive 4 years ago
gotrottin you are right 50cent is really 80s music
MIlesSystem 4 years ago
Thanks ACKAMORACCA :-)
piaengra 4 years ago
what the presets sound like doesn't matter. It doesn't matter if you say it sounds like it's from the 80s. You make the synthesizer sound how you want it to sound, make it tend to your wants. The musician makes the instrument, the instrument does not make the musician.
Ackamoracca 4 years ago
fuck all new there too offer in terms of sound
that sound was about in the 80s 90s on other synth new tools but thats it synthesizer companys have come to the end of there peak in synth sound there all just copying each others sounds and have to force on how great it is so they dont go out of business
headcut2007 4 years ago
I get love this (cheap little Box) malaka.
Is the best for me. :-)
piaengra 4 years ago
SH 201 is a cheap little Box, Virtual-Analog-Crap.
10hz 4 years ago
In the SH-201 you can created any sound desirable.
:-)
piaengra 4 years ago
Also possible with a Technics WSA-1. Too bad they went under. Although I love my WSA-1.
beatusmongous 4 years ago
WOW! I MEAN WOWWEE!! THOSE SOUNDS ARE COOL
if your living in the 80's
gotrottin 4 years ago
yesssssssssss i obdainment my new SH-201 :)
amazing synth.
piaengra 4 years ago
i shall have this (bad boy)in next days. :)
piaengra 4 years ago
What is the name and artist of that lost song he played....I can't remember....its driving me crazy...
explodyhead 4 years ago
seperate ways(worlds apart) by journey
thommc 4 years ago
yeah, just figured it out yesterday. Thanks!
explodyhead 4 years ago
This one is on my wish-list. Tried it out last week,and I must say that I'm pretty surprised of all the good sounds coming out of it. And how easy it's panel is for editing oscillators and so on.. Here in Norway it costs around 5700 NOK.. So this is a synthesizer everybody can afford to buy!!!
ilovekorg 4 years ago
(note 5700 NOK= approx. $960 USD
explodyhead 4 years ago
that much? =S
in the states you can grab it for $500
Zenboy23 4 years ago
I just bought one for $325 (US dollars) brand new, still in box. Amazing Deal.
explodyhead 4 years ago
>>>>>>that was actually Abacab by Genesis
No, it wasn't. It's Van Halen as was mentioned before. I have the CD here with me.
electrokinesis 4 years ago
i just bought one last week.. its actualy really cool... you cn do alot more with it that they dont show here.... tons of delays and reverbs that are hidden, also tons of arpegios.... fun to play....
Wyrehedd242 5 years ago
I had a go on one of these yesterday. Its not one of the best looking synths on the market, but damn its a wicked piece of kit.
Jonno71 5 years ago
the last song he played was "separate ways (worlds apart)" by journey.
Wyrehedd242 5 years ago
Usher - Yeah
worec 5 years ago
anyone know whats the last song called
trancella 5 years ago
anyone know whats that last song called?
trancella 5 years ago