A very short time after the release of the first plug-out for System 1, dedicated to the emulation of the history Roland SH-101, Roland, punctual as the winter flu, churns out a second one: the ROLAND SH-2.
Let us briefly recall that the System 1 it is the evolution of the Virtual Analog, a synth with qualities that could be defined as chameleonic, as it is able to replicate other synthesis engines; these emulations are originally called Plug-Outs by Roland. So far, 2 Plug-Outs have been released: the Roland SH-101, offered free to all owners of System 1 and the SH-2, which can be purchased separately with discounts for those who already own System 1. The plug outs, and this is perhaps the most interesting thing, they are in VSTi 3.6 (32-bit, 64-bit) ed AU and therefore they can be used within compatible DAWs.
Used in plug-in format for daw the virtual synth can be managed entirely thanks to the physical controls of the System 1, moreover, what should not be overlooked, is the complete homonymy of the parameters, which allows you to enjoy immediate feedback of the commands and of a satisfying usability.
The plug-in can also be used in multiple instances within the same project, obviously within the limit of exhaustion of the computing power of the DAW. The patches, whether made in plug-in (DAW) or plug-out (System 1) format, can always be used live without the need to bring the computer with you.
The SH-2 Plug-out is the faithful replica of the original Roland model of the same name, a monophonic analog synth with classic double oscillator plus sub-oscillator structure. The first oscillator has the classic waveforms sega, court e sinusoidal, the pulse width of the square waveform can be modulated by various sources including the sub oscillator, the envelopes of the amplifier (or filter), thecar bender or the only one LFO that the synth has, this does not however preclude the possibility of manual modifications. The modality that makes the pitch bend independent from oscillator 1 and which acts only on the second oscillator, which remains identical to the first except for the fact that instead of the sine wave it has a noise and the control of the fine tune. The filter (a 24 dB Lowpass) has its own dedicated envelope and all the controls you can expect from a vintage synth. The VCA is quite complex and has various modes of operation (as in the original model), which I will not list all of here. The modalities, in my opinion, worthy of note are the following: the modality LFO which "triggers" the note to the LFO cycle, and the VCF mode where the VCA is disconnected from the volume control of the oscillators (which will precisely follow the envelope of the VCF) and which can be used to modulate the PW of the two oscillators.
La effects section (obviously not present in the original model in which the arpeggiator and its scatter mode were also missing) is very similar to that in System 1 mode, minimal but comfortable; so if in a live you want to reduce the instrumentation to the maximum, the delay time and frequency of the LFO will be synchronized with the master tempo.
But how does this SH-2 sound?
The first impression was that of a very homogeneous sound, tangible and never boring, it is possible to create truly hypnotic and intriguing sequences with the arpeggiator. Thanks to the function scatter, delay and LFO synchronization The synth can cover the sound creation needs of Bass and lead.
To conclude I will be cynical and realistic at the same time, if you are lucky owner of an original SH-2 well, continue to use it, its digital version does not sound better, but if you do not own it or if for live needs you need a machine that plays in a very similar way to the SH-2, then I suggest you at least try the plug-out version on board the System 1. The great advantage in this last case is to enclose in a single device, a light and comfortable machine to transport with 4-note polyphony and capable of emulating a classic monosynth!
Filter sweep: A lead sound on a continuous note of medium-low frequency with progressive increase / decrease of the value of cut off filter. Then you can hear the timbral impact that you have on the sound by bringing the resonance at very high values.
Harp Crusher: Using the arpeggiator with a fairly simple pattern repeated over a small chord sequence. Also on this demo it is possible to appreciate the opening of the filter simultaneously with the activation of the autobend. The effect is then activated crusher to almost completely shell the waveform and in the final the delay, also from System-1, provides that soft chaos very dear to so many noise productions.
Prog Only: Again filter (cutoff and resonance) always dominating with a typical lead timbre but this time on a rapid succession of high notes.
Taurus seeds: And finally, a small bass line performance with a timbre that recalls the legendary pedal synth moog taurus: sharp attack and rapid decay of the filter transients: truly impressive !!
Le demo they were made exclusively with the Roland System2 Plug Out SH1 without adding an external outboard. Audio was recorded from the analog outputs of the Roland System-1 with a sound card TC Konnekt 24D using Nuendo software.
Good music everyone!
Robert Honey
USEFUL INFORMATION
Producer: Roland
Model: SH-2 Plug-Out
Price: Euro 80,00 available for download only
