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Roland has released numerous legendary synthesizers
in the past. The newest member of the line,
the SH-201, combines Roland’s state-of-the-art technology
with an incredibly easy user-interface.
This guidebook will give you many tips for creating classic synthesizer sounds on the SH-201.
If you’re new to synthesis, fear not. We will guide you every step of the way, so no worries!
SH-1000
Roland Synthesizer History
1973
The first of its kind to be
produced in Japan, the SH-1000
was an instant hit with its
compact size, easy operation,
and affordable price.
SYSTEM-700
1976
Bringing together all
the soundmaking technology
of its day, this complete electronic
studio system was used
by leading broadcasting stations
and groundbreaking electronic
music artists.
JUPITER-8
1981
An 8-voice analog synthesizer
with 64 sound-memory locations.
One of Roland’s earliest
polyphonic synthesizers,
this significant instrument paved
the way to today’s synthesizer
development.
The Fantom-X Series is the flagship of the Roland workstation family, offering
musicians nearly 1GB of wave memory when fully expanded, and 128-voice
performance.
JUNO-60
1982
61 key, 6-voice fully programmable
polyphonic synthesizer
with 56 sound-memory locations.
Roland’s proprietary DCB interface
standard was used for exchanging
control information with external
device.
D-50
1987
2006
JD-800
1991
JP-8000
1996
V-Synth
2003
Fantom-X
2004
V-Synth XT
2005
Equipped with the Linear
Arithmetic (a.k.a. LA) synthesis,
this was Roland’s first full-digital
synthesizer, and one of the best-
selling models. The D-50 was
a worldwide sensation due to its
operating ease and stunning
sound.
Even though this is synthesis at its friendliest,
the SH-201 is no toy. With two beefy
analog-modeling oscillators, complete with Roland’s
famous Supersaw waveform and resonant filter,
this little synth can blow down doors.
Combining stunning digital sound
with a natural feel and operability
reminiscent of analog
instruments, the JD-800 was
the pinnacle of synthesizer
development of its era.
This 8-voice synthesizer has
an inviting array of knobs
and sliders to manipulate
an analog modeling synthesis
engine. It has a built-in Motion
Control function that allows
operations on a panel to be
recorded and played back.
Independently manipulate the pitch,
time, and formant of sampled
waveforms using VariPhrase
®
technology — a world’s first
in a synthesizer!
The V-Synth XT is fully stocked
with a potent array of synthesis
types, including the V-Synth’s
famous Elastic Audio Synthesis
engine, plus analog-synth
modeling, vocal modeling,
and classic D-50 emulation.
Experience the magic
of creating your own sounds.
For more than a quarter century, Roland has defined
and redefined the state of the art in synthesizers.
Today, the fundamentals for sound creation remain
the same for most synthesizers.
By understanding the fundamentals, anyone can enjoy
creating sound for virtually any type of synthesizer.
Synthesizer Evolution — the Workstation
As you master the fundamentals of creating sound, an unexplored world
of creativity awaits you. Let’s begin our journey together!
1
Chapter
Introduction
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1
Chapter
Introduction