MATRIXSYNTH: Roland SH-3A


Monday, September 10, 2007

Roland SH-3A

It looks like the Roland SH-3A in this video by AtomaticGainsay is up for auction. Title link takes you to the shots.

"Functions:

One oscillator with five level-adjustable sections offering 3 waveforms to choose from for "additive" type sounds, adjustable pulse-width modulation on the 8' setting, and adjustable frequency modulation.

One 24 dB/oct voltage controlled filter with resonance that can self-oscillate, adjustable envelope sensitivity, independent pre-set envelopes as well as ADSR control, and adjustable filter modulation.

Level-adjustable noise generator with pink and white noise that can be directed through the VCF or directly to the VCA.

Two Low Frequency Oscillators. One is an adjustable saw wave. The other is an adjustable square or sine wave with adjustable delay. The LFOs are connected to a matrix-style routing system, allowing you to direct different waveforms to different sections.

The VCA has a level control, an adjustable hold control, ADSR or independent envelope controls, and adjustable amplitude modulation.

ADSR envelope which can be directed to VCF, VCA, or both.

Pitch control knob, octave selector switch, and "glide" button, which pulls the pitch of any note played down a half step, returning it to its proper frequency upon release.

Adjustable portamento, with defeat button for non-portamento use in the midst of portamento use.

Extensive and unique sample and hold section with triangle, ascending and descending ramps, and random waveforms, with adjustable level and adjustable sample time.

Adjustable headphone volume and jack.

The back port features another tuning control, CV control of oscillator, CV control of filter, phones jack, and three-level adjustable output jack.

It should be immediately apparent that this synthesizer demonstrates a level of versatility uncommon to a single-osc. monophonic. Because of its unique architecture, it is capable of generating unique sounds of a desireable sound quality consistent with it being fully analog. The waveform matrix, the dual LFO matrix, the preset envelope waveforms (essentially giving you two envelope generators!), the VCA modulation, the degree of control over the Noise Generator, and the amazing "Sampler" section all combine to give you a surprisingly powerful monosynth.

For a demonstration of this synthesizer (this exact synthesizer), please watch the videos below!

I have owned this synthesizer since about 2003 or so. It has been lightly used, and kept in a smoke-free studio.

The synthesizer comes with its cover and the original manual. The power cable is built-in, and can be found in a compartment on the underside of the synth.

The synthesizer face is in very good condition. There is a mark on the metal above the keyboard from what looks like excessive cleaning. The paint of the Roland insignia on the back has been scratched. The outer case demonstrates some wear in places as shown in the pictures. The tolex is slightly loose in a place on the lid, but is not a threat and could be glued down.

Functionally, the synthesizer is in great condition. All knobs and sliders work, and do what they are intended to do. The "chorus (which is actually PWM)" function sounds like it may need calibration to me, but is still functional. There is some oscillator-divider crosstalk when you listen to the synthesizer in the headphones, but this is not apparent in the general output (as demonstrated in the video).

The sounds you hear coming from the synthesizer in the video are recorded direct without effect, EQing, or room ambience.

If you're looking to create a signature sound, if you're looking to have an analog sound, if you're looking for a vintage piece with a great aesthetic, this is the monosynth for you!"

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