New Roland SH-2 SYSTEM-1 PLUG-OUT Synthesizer

Roland SH-2 PLUG-OUT Software Synthesizer RolandChannel Published on Sep 17, 2014

Aira's on eBay

"The SH-2 PLUG-OUT Software Synthesizer is a total reproduction of the classic SH-2 synthesizer from 1979. Renowned for its raw vintage tone, the SH-2’s dual VCO plus sub oscillator configuration dishes out devastatingly fat basses, edgy leads and wild effects. With or without a SYSTEM-1, this VST3 and AU plug-in support multiple instances and can be used in any compatible DAW. SYSTEM-1 owners get a dedicated controller and can take advantage of the SH-2's PLUG-OUT capability and turn their SYSTEM-1 into a stand-alone, hardware SH-2 that can go anywhere and doesn't require a computer. And this is just the beginning. More synthesizers based on Roland's acclaimed Analog Circuit Behavior are on the way."

And the official press release:

"ROLAND UNVEILS SH-2 PLUG-OUT SOFTWARE SYNTHESIZER

First Complete Replica of the Classic SH-2 Synthesizer

Los Angeles, CA, September 18, 2014 — Roland is pleased to announce the SH-2 PLUG-OUT Software Synthesizer, the first complete reproduction of Roland’s classic SH-2 synthesizer from 1979. Renowned for its raw vintage tone, the SH-2’s dual VCO plus sub oscillator configuration delivers fat bass, edgy leads, and wild effects via software specifically designed for the SYSTEM-1 and Mac or PC hosts. The new SH-2 uses Analog Circuit Behavior technology like other products in the AIRA series to faithfully recreate the warm, rich sound of the original with a level of authenticity that can only come from Roland.

From the self-oscillation capable VCF to the attack and long decay characteristics of the steep envelope, the SH-2 has been reproduced exactly. The unique harmonic makeup and pitch wavering characteristics of the original SH-2 as well as the anomalies produced by the complex interactions of the original analog circuit design are all accounted for, down to analog circuitry behaviors like the subtle effect on tonality when parameters unrelated to the actual tone in use are tweaked. Building on the legacy, the new SH-2 now offers a VCO range that is expandable to 64', two envelopes, reverb, delay and crusher effects, Autobend with support for reverse actions, and a tempo-syncable arpeggiator.

While multiple instances of the SH-2 plug-in can be used in any compatible DAW, the SH-2 PLUG-OUT Software Synthesizer offers seamless integration and unique capabilities for SYSTEM-1 owners. Connect a SYSTEM-1 and it becomes a dedicated controller, only lighting the appropriate knobs and sliders pertinent to the SH-2. Transfer sounds back and forth between the DAW and SYSTEM-1 and even use the SYSTEM-1 as a high-quality audio and MIDI interface. Or break free entirely and plug out directly to the SYSTEM-1, creating a stand-alone, hardware SH-2, with real physical controls that can go anywhere and doesn’t require a computer."

And via http://www.rolandus.com/products/details/1340/448:

"PARTY LIKE ITS 1979

In the late 1970s, synthesizers were undergoing a significant transition with the development of polyphony and tone memory. As the world’s synthesizer manufacturers raced to develop these new technologies, Roland launched a seemingly basic monophonic synthesizer – the now classic SH-2.

Although it was released around the same time as Roland’s JUPITER-4, a pioneer of polyphonic synthesizers, the SH-2’s functionality was rather conservative compared to that of the JUPITER-4. But its uniquely designed configuration—which consisted of two VCOs and a sub-oscillator that essentially gave it three VCOs—was capable of extremely fat and warm analog synth tones. To this day, many synth aficionados feel it produces the most earth-shaking, bone-rattling synth bass sounds of all time.

BACK TO THE FUTURE

The SH-2 PLUG-OUT Software Synthesizer is an incredibly precise recreation that leverages Roland’s decades-old expertise and deep knowledge of the original analog units. Like other products in the AIRA series, this new SH-2 uses Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology to faithfully capture the fine details of the SH-2’s sound, right down to the behavior and interaction of the individual analog circuits.

Everything has been reproduced exactly, from the VCF which is capable of self-oscillation to the attack and long decay characteristics of the steep envelope. The unique harmonic makeup and pitch wavering are present as are the complex interactions between parameters that result from the original analog circuit design. Even behaviors that occur only in analog circuitry are accurately reproduced, like the subtle effect on tonality when the user tweaks parameters unrelated to the actual tone being produced.

There are even some new features that were not available on the original. This new SH-2 has a VCO range that is expandable to 64', two envelopes, reverb, delay and crusher effects, Autobend with support for reverse actions, and a tempo-syncable arpeggiator.

PLUG-IN AND PLUG-OUT

While multiple instances of the SH-2 plug-in can be used in any compatible DAW, the SH-2 PLUG-OUT Software Synthesizer offers seamless integration and unique capabilities for SYSTEM-1 owners. Connect a SYSTEM-1 and it becomes a dedicated controller, only lighting the appropriate knobs and sliders pertinent to the SH-2. Transfer sounds back and forth between the DAW and SYSTEM-1 and even use the SYSTEM-1 as a high-quality audio and MIDI interface. Or break free entirely and PLUG-OUT directly to the SYSTEM-1, creating a stand-alone, hardware SH-2 with real physical controls that can go anywhere and doesn’t require a computer."

According to the specs: Maximum Polyphony
1 voice