Roland Boutique SH-01A Synthesizer

The Roland Boutique SH-01A is a meticulous reproduction of the iconic Roland SH-101, one of the most popular classic synthesizers of all time. Roland's 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 Roland 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.

Beauty Through Simplicity With the Roland Boutique SH-01A

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 Roland Boutique SH-01A.

A is for Authentic

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 Roland Boutique 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 Roland's proprietary Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology. We use ACB to carefully recreate all the details and quirks of the original hardware by modeling 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 behavior—a perfect foundation to build upon for a new generation of “101” fans.

Did You Say Polyphonic?

The SH-101 found its power in a huge monophonic voice for a wide variety of sounds. The Roland Boutique SH-01A now has four huge voices, allowing for more modes to expand upon the original’s sound palette. On top of the classic Mono mode, you can stack the four voices in Unison mode to add some punch to your bass and lead lines. Chord mode layers any four notes, and can be shifted up and down in semi-tone intervals. Poly mode allows for four notes to be played simultaneously, making the famous monosynth now capable of pads and chords.

• Sounds of the classic SH-101 synthesizer via ACB tech, including bass, lead, noise, and sound effects
• New Unison, Chord, and four-voice Polyphonic modes expand on the original’s iconic sound palette
• Built-in sequencer with 64 patterns available to save and recall
• Easy performance arpeggiator with three playback modes, note hold, and three-way transpose switch
• CV/Gate output for controlling modular or vintage gear
• Multiple sync options including internal and external MIDI, MIDI via USB, LFO clock, and trigger input
• 64 writeable preset patches for increased performance capabilities
• Selectable advanced LFO with new waveforms and extended range of clock rate
• Sends and receives MIDI control change messages via traditional MIDI jacks or USB
• High-quality construction with metal front panel
• Highly portable for mobile music making
• Battery-operated (4 x AA) or USB powered
• Compatible with the K-25m Keyboard Unit and other optional Roland Boutique accessories
• Available in limited-edition red and blue colors like the original SH-101

Roland products are covered by a 1 year manufacturer warranty.

Although we are not authorised to determine if any repair is covered under warranty, if the item was purchased through World of Music, then we are often the best people to facilitate the claim for you and will do so as timely as possible. Warranty does not apply to cosmetic damage or faults that are a result of user neglect. Although your mate is really handy with a soldering iron, any product modification or home repair will also result in a void warranty.

Quite often, something perceived as a fault is as simple as a faulty cable or power issue so we always suggest checking over Frequently Asked Questions on the manufacturer website first. It can be a helpful approach to getting to the bottom of a problem and save you a lot of time in getting your gear back up and running!

Roland products ship via courier from either our Melbourne store or Roland’s warehouse in Sydney; fully insured for your peace of mind. Orders require a signature on delivery and we suggest using an address where someone will be present for the speediest delivery time. For delivery attempts with no one present to sign, your order will be taken to the courier depot and a card will be left for you to organise redelivery.