Contents

Panel descriptions
Contents
Main features
USING THE UNIT SAFELY
IMPORTANT NOTES
Before you begin
- Making the connections
  - Connecting the power adaptor
  - Connecting headphones or speakers
- Turning the power on/off
  - Turning the power off
Basic structure of the SH-201
- How sound is produced
Playing sounds
- Adjusting the volume (MASTER VOL)
- Selecting a sound to play (GROUP/BANK/NUMBER)
  - About Patches
  - Restoring the original settings (Factory Reset)
- Adding expression to your playing (Velocity)
- Varying the pitch of the notes you play/ Adding vibrato (Pitch Bend/Modulation lever)
- Shifting the pitch range of the keyboard (OCT UP/DOWN)
- Smoothly connecting the pitch of two notes (PORTAMENTO)
- Playing monophonically (SOLO/LEGATO)
- Moving your hand to vary the pitch or volume (D BEAM)
  - Changing the pitch (PITCH)
  - Changing the volume to add expression to your performance (EXPRESS)
  - Changing the brightness or other aspects of the sound (FILTER/ASSIGN)
- Sustaining the notes (Hold pedal)
- Adding dynamics to your performance (Expression pedal)
- Automatically playing arpeggios (ARPEGGIO)
  - Playing arpeggios (ON/HOLD)
  - Selecting how the arpeggio is to sound (SELECT)
- Recording your performance (RECORDER)
  - Recording
  - Saving a recorded phrase
  - Playback
Creating sounds
- How sounds are created
- Specifying the waveform and pitch (OSC)
  - OSC 1 (oscillator 1) button/OSC 2 (oscillator 2) button
  - WAVE buttons
  - PITCH knob
  - DETUNE knob
  - PW/FEEDBACK (Pulse Width/Feedback) knob
  - INTERVAL buttons
  - PITCH ENV (pitch envelope) sliders
- Combining waveforms to create rich or metallic sounds (MIX/MOD)
  - TYPE button
  - BALANCE knob
  - LOW FREQ (low frequency) button
- Specifying the brightness and thickness of the sound (FILTER)
  - TYPE button
  - SLOPE button
  - CUTOFF knob
  - RESONANCE knob
  - KEY FOLLOW knob
  - FILTER ENV (filter envelope) sliders
- Specifying how the sound begins and ends (AMP)
  - LEVEL knob
  - AMP ENV (amp envelope) sliders
- Creating a powerful, distorted sound (OVERDRIVE)
  - OVERDRIVE button
- Modulating the sound (LFO)
  - LFO 1 button/LFO 2 button
  - SHAPE buttons
  - RATE knob
  - DESTINATION 1
  - DESTINATION 2
- Adding depth and spaciousness to the sound (EFFECTS)
  - EDIT button
  - FX ON (effect on) button
  - TIME knob
  - DEPTH knob
- Combining two sounds (DUAL/SPLIT)
  - Layering two sounds to play them simultaneously (DUAL)
  - Playing different sounds in the right and left hands (SPLIT)
- Saving a sound you create (WRITE)
Performing with sound from your digital audio player, etc. (EXT IN)
- Connecting your digital audio player, etc.
  - Adjusting the volume from the external source (INPUT VOL knob)
  - Canceling the center sound (CENTER CANCEL ON button)
- Modifying the sound from the external source (AUDIO FILTER)
  - FILTER ON button
  - TYPE button
  - SLOPE button
  - CUTOFF knob
  - RESONANCE knob
- Using the keyboard to play sound from an external source (WAVE - EXT IN)
  - Producing sound from the external device only when you play the keyboard
Using the SH-201 together with your computer or another sound module
- Using your computer to record sound or performance data from the SH-201 (USB)
  - USB audio signal flow
- Creating sounds in greater detail (Editor)/ Using your computer to manage patches (Librarian)
  - Using SH-201 Editor to create sounds and arpeggios
  - Using SH-201 Librarian to manage patches
  - SH-201 Editor System requirements
- Using the SH-201 as a controller or a sound module (MIDI)
  - About MIDI connectors
  - MIDI channels
  - Using an external sequencer to play the SH-201s internal sound generator (MIDI IN)
  - Using the SH-201s keyboard and knobs to play an external sound module (MIDI OUT)
Parameter list
- OSC MIX/MOD parameters
- FILTER & AMP parameters
- LFO parameters
- EFFECTS parameters
- PATCH COMMON parameters
- ARPEGGIO parameters
  - About arpeggio styles
- SYSTEM COMMON parameters
- Other parameters
- Setting the SPLIT POINT
- Setting the PITCH BEND RANGE
Control change message list
MIDI implementation chart
Specifications
Block diagram
Panel index
Index
Patch list

Roland SH-201 Owner's Manual

Pages 84

Year 2006

Language(s)

of 84

Roland SH-201 Specification

The Roland SH-201 Synthesizer is a versatile and user-friendly instrument designed for musicians seeking rich sound synthesis and intuitive operation. It features a dual DCO (Digitally Controlled Oscillator) structure, providing robust waveform generation with options including saw, square, and pulse width modulation. The onboard filter section offers a resonant multi-mode filter with low-pass, high-pass, and band-pass options, allowing for dynamic sound shaping and tonal variation. The SH-201 includes an LFO (Low-Frequency Oscillator) with multiple waveforms for modulating pitch, filter, and amplitude, enhancing its sound design capabilities.

The synthesizer is equipped with a user-friendly interface, featuring dedicated knobs and sliders that facilitate real-time control over sound parameters, making it ideal for live performance and studio use. It provides a hands-on approach to synthesis with a focus on accessibility, allowing both beginners and experienced users to craft complex sounds without navigating through complex menus. The SH-201 also includes built-in effects such as delay, reverb, and chorus, enabling further sound enhancement and spatial manipulation.

For connectivity, the SH-201 offers USB and MIDI interfaces, allowing seamless integration with computers and other MIDI-compatible devices. It supports USB audio streaming, making it a practical tool for music production and recording. The synthesizer's arpeggiator and phrase recorder expand creative possibilities, enabling users to generate intricate patterns and sequences. Overall, the Roland SH-201 Synthesizer balances powerful sound creation features with an intuitive design, catering to a wide range of musical styles and applications.

Roland SH-201 F.A.Q.

How do I initialize a patch on the Roland SH-201?

To initialize a patch on the SH-201, press and hold the [SHIFT] button, then press [WRITE]. This will reset the current patch to its default settings.

What should I do if the SH-201 is not producing any sound?

First, check that the volume is turned up and the output connections are secure. Ensure that no cables are damaged and that the correct input is selected on your audio interface or amplifier.

How can I connect the SH-201 to a computer for MIDI control?

Connect the SH-201 to your computer using a USB cable. Install the necessary drivers from the Roland website if required, and select the SH-201 as a MIDI device in your DAW.

How do I create a custom arpeggiator pattern on the SH-201?

Use the arpeggiator buttons to select a pattern and adjust the tempo and range settings. You can modify the pattern further by using the control knobs to adjust the gate and accent settings.

What is the process for updating the firmware on the SH-201?

Download the latest firmware from Roland's support page. Follow the instructions provided with the firmware update to transfer it to the SH-201 via USB. Make sure the synthesizer is powered on and follow any on-screen prompts.

Can I use external effects with the SH-201?

Yes, you can connect external effects processors to the SH-201 via the audio output jacks. Use the appropriate cables to route the audio through your effects chain and back into your mixer or audio interface.

How do I save a custom patch on the SH-201?

After creating your patch, press the [WRITE] button. Use the +/- buttons to choose a memory location, then press [WRITE] again to save the patch.

What maintenance is recommended for the Roland SH-201?

Keep the SH-201 clean by wiping it with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using cleaning solutions. Ensure it is stored in a dry environment and cover it when not in use to prevent dust accumulation.

How can I layer sounds on the SH-201?

Use the Dual mode to layer two patches. Press [DUAL] and select the patches you wish to layer. Adjust the volume balance between the layers using the control knobs.

Is it possible to use the SH-201 as an audio interface?

Yes, the SH-201 can be used as an audio interface by connecting it to your computer via USB. Ensure the drivers are installed and configure your DAW to recognize the SH-201 as an audio input/output device.