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The Roland SH-2 is a monophonic analog synthesizer released in 1979. Known for its rich and powerful bass and lead sounds, it has become a classic in the world of synthesizers. Here are the key features and details of the Roland SH-2:
Key Features
- Analog Sound Engine:
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- Oscillators: The SH-2 features two main voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) and a sub-oscillator. The VCOs offer saw, square, and pulse waveforms, while the sub-oscillator adds depth with a square wave an octave below.
- Monophonic: As a monophonic synthesizer, the SH-2 is designed to play one note at a time, which is ideal for basslines, leads, and effects.
- Filter Section:
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- VCF: The voltage-controlled filter (VCF) is a resonant low-pass filter with a 24dB/octave slope. It is known for its smooth and musical response, capable of self-oscillation at high resonance settings.
- Filter Modulation: The VCF can be modulated by the envelope generator, the LFO, and keyboard tracking, allowing for dynamic and expressive filter sweeps.
- Envelope Generator:
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- The SH-2 features a single ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release) envelope generator, which can be applied to both the VCA (voltage-controlled amplifier) and VCF.
- LFO (Low-Frequency Oscillator):
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- The LFO offers several waveforms, including sine, square, and random, and can modulate the pitch, filter, and amplitude, providing a range of modulation effects such as vibrato, tremolo, and filter sweeps.
- Performance Controls:
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- Keyboard: The SH-2 has a 32-note keyboard, providing a compact yet functional range for performance.
- Pitch Bend: A pitch bend lever allows for expressive pitch modulation.
- Portamento: The portamento function enables smooth glides between notes, adding to the expressive capabilities.
- Mixing and Tuning:
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- The SH-2 has a mixer section that allows users to blend the levels of the two VCOs and the sub-oscillator.
- Fine-tuning controls for each oscillator ensure precise tuning and harmonization.
- External Inputs and Outputs:
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- The synthesizer includes an external audio input, allowing users to process external sounds through its filter and VCA.
- CV/Gate inputs and outputs enable integration with other analog gear and sequencers.
Design and Build
- User Interface: The front panel is well-organized, with dedicated knobs and sliders for most parameters, making it easy to tweak sounds in real-time.
- Build Quality: The SH-2 is known for its solid construction, built to withstand the demands of both studio and live performance environments.
Popularity and Legacy
- Music Genres: The SH-2 has been widely used in various music genres, including electronic, dance, pop, and rock, particularly for its powerful bass and lead sounds.
- Notable Users: Many famous artists and producers have used the SH-2, cementing its reputation as a classic synthesizer.
Maintenance and Issues
- Vintage Components: As with many vintage synthesizers, components such as capacitors and potentiometers may need replacement or maintenance over time.
- Tuning Stability: While generally stable, the tuning may drift due to age and wear, requiring periodic calibration.
The Roland SH-2 remains a beloved instrument for its rich analog sound, straightforward interface, and solid build quality. It continues to be a valuable tool for both vintage synth enthusiasts and modern music producers.
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