Donner Essential L1 vs Roland SH101

video upload by Starsky Carr

"Well this was a surprise... and what a pleasant surprise it is!! The DonnerMusic Essential L1 is an analog synth based around the vintage Roland SH101 with a few modern extras and additional functions, like an extra ADSR envelope, triangle wave, syncable LFO and storage for 128 64 step sequences.

Here I demo it paired with the Donner KB 32M magnetic keyboard which simply clips on and works a treat. So you have the option of a desktop unit or a full synth.

I put it up against my vintage Roland SH101"

You can find the Donner L1 on Amazon.

Donner L1 | Three Synth Sketches

video upload by Jay Hosking

"Please support my work on Patreon: / jayhosking
Three song sketches featuring the Donner L1 synthesizer.

00:00 - Ambient
04:38 - IDM-ish
10:48 - Video game music

Fair warning: Donner sent this one along for free. The only stipulation I agreed to was to post this link so you could find out more about the synth, and they would know that you came from my video:
https://datasink.rantion-admin.com/t/zy

It's hard to overstate how much this one appeals to me. A budget analog synth that sounds remarkably like my Roland SH-101, but has a triangle wave, second envelope, velocity options, stored sequences, MIDI, a removable keyboard, and a bunch more. The SH-101 is a simple synth, but it's one of my favourite subtractive sounds, and the L1 is the best modernized version of it that I've played. It's the kind of thing I wish Roland were making in 2025, and I would have bought it even if Donner hadn't sent it to me.

Here, I explore the L1 from a few different perspectives, showing off how I'd use it in making music, how it sounds on its own, with effects, and with other instrumentation.

Everything performed and recorded live to a stereo output, with EQ, compression, and limiting on the master.

Thanks for listening.

https://jayhosking.bandcamp.com"

Donner Essential L1 Synthesizer (multitracked sound examples)

video upload by Floyd Steinberg

"Here's my take on the #donnermusic #donnerl1 L1 Synthesizer. The L1 is Donner's take on the classic SH 101 synth, but it has some modern extras. Here, I'm showing some dry sounds and also some that were somewhat processed in a DAW. Table of contents:

00:00 hi, what is this?
00:12 what's in the parcel? / hardware overview
01:58 example 1: a punchy bass
02:54 a brassy lead
03:30 a sparkly arpeggiator sound / demo
04:00 all those tracks combined (dry)
04:24 all those tracks combined, but full DAW treatment (reverb, compressors...)
05:19 demo track 2: using the sequencer to create a bass line, drum patterns and so on (full DAW treatment)
08:29 conclusion
08:59 frequency sweep (example)
09:09 sound of warm air decompression ;-)
09:17 flute-like arpeggiator demo
11:36 summary, bye"


HÄLP ZIS CHANNEL

https://www.patreon.com/floyd_steinberg
https://floydsteinberg.gumroad.com/
https://floydsteinberg.bandcamp.com/

Donner L1 Essential // A New Take on The SH101

video upload by Starsky Carr

Additional Donner L1 posts.

"Well this was a surprise... and what a pleasant surprise it is!! The DonnerMusic Essential L1 is an analog synth based around the vintage Roland SH101 with a few modern extras and additional functions, like an extra ADSR envelope, triangle wave, syncable LFO and storage for 128 64 step sequences.

Here I demo it paired with the Donner KB 32M magnetic keyboard which simply clips on and works a treat. So you have the option of a desktop unit or a full synth."

0:00 What's the L1 Essential?
1:22 Demo vs SH101
2:08 How to Create Sounds
9:55 Arpeggiator and Sequencer
12:28 MIDI
13:40 Global Menu and extras
14:25 Overall then...

Donner Essential L1 vs Roland SH-101, S-1 // Can you hear the difference? // Review & Tutorial

video upload by loopop

TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:20 Overview
2:40 Build
3:40 I/O
4:30 Velocity
4:45 vs SH-101
5:10 Oscillator
6:50 PWM
8:15 Noise
9:00 Triangle
9:20 Ext audio
10:35 Filter
11:55 Laser beams
13:10 Key track
14:50 Envelopes
14:45 Legato
15:25 Modulator
17:40 Gilde
18:10 Bender?
18:50 Arp
20:00 Songs
21:30 Sequencing
23:20 Settings
23:40 KB32M
25:10 Odd hack
25:35 Pros & cons
28:55 Outro sounds

Additional Donner Essential L1 posts here

NAMM 2025: Donner L1 Synthesizer w/ Removable Keyboard Controller

video upload by sonicstate

You might remember the Donner L1 from this post. New NAMM video above followed by pics and additional details below. Note the keyboard is actually separate from the control section; you can have either the full keyboard or desktop.

"At the latest NAMM show, we caught up with Gabriel from *Donner*, who introduced us to the *L1 Synthesizer*, a new unit that merges homage to classic designs with modern flair. While it shares a visual nod to the legendary SH-101, Donner was keen on establishing its unique identity. The L1 includes additional sound sources, most notably a warm triangle wave. The sub-oscillator offers three variations: a pulse wave an octave down, one two octaves down, and a variable pulse wave.

A standout feature was the external input capability, allowing you to process a guitar, other synths, or even vocals through the synth's filters and envelopes. An intriguing LFO design pushes into the audio rate, enabling FM modulation. The L1's onboard sequencer supports 64 steps per slot and allows you to store sequence presets--a handy addition for live settings. The L1 should be available Autumn 2025."

via Donner

Inspired by the legendary mono analog synth from the golden era. Faithful recreation in sound wise and packed with modern features to make it fit in nowadays music production and performance scenes.

Donner Unveils ESSENTIAL L1 Monophonic Analog Synthesizer, Perfectly Blending Classic and Modern

The L1 and KB-32M seamlessly connect through the innovative Snap2Connect magnetic system, streamlining the creative process, enhancing workflow efficiency, and unlocking greater versatility for music production and performance.

1. Classic Heritage, Legendary Sound Quality

Built on the iconic 3340 VCO and 3109 VCF chips, faithfully recreating the warm tonal richness of vintage analog synthesizers.
Produces deep, resonant bass and bright, expressive leads, catering to genres from pop to experimental music.

Features a self-oscillating filter, allowing seamless transitions between soft, subtle tones and sharp, aggressive sounds for expanded creative possibilities.

2. Modular Design for Infinite Creativity
Modular components can operate independently or integrate seamlessly for limitless sound exploration.
Supports multiple waveforms (sawtooth, pulse, triangle, noise) and sub-octave outputs (-1/-2 frequencies) for dynamic tonal variations.
Includes dual envelope generators (ENV1/ENV2), a 64-step sequencer, and five-mode arpeggiator, enabling intricate sequences, real-time improvisation, and complex arrangements with up to 128 patterns and 32 full songs.

3. Comprehensive Connectivity for Modern Production
Features CV/GATE outputs, USB MIDI, and traditional MIDI IN/OUT ports for seamless integration with modular synthesizers, computers, and MIDI devices.
Equipped with an S2C (Snap2Connect) magnetic keyboard system for quick assembly and compatibility with other Donner ESSENTIAL series synthesizers.
External audio input allows unique sound processing through the filter module, while Donner Control software enables in-depth parameter editing for studio and live use.

4. Minimalist Design, Portable and Intuitive
Compact design (450mm width, under 1kg), perfect for home studios, live performances, or travel.
Intuitive control panel with organized knobs, sliders, and buttons ensures seamless and efficient creative workflows.

DONNER KB-32M

Features:
Synth-Action Keyboard – 32-key spring-loaded keyboard provides a better tactile feel and faster rebound speed. Four Velocity Curves with Adjustable Sensitivity – Three levels of sensitivity customization to match your playing style.

Intuitive One-Touch Settings (OLED Display) – (Almost) all settings can be easily adjusted via the SHIFT key combination and OLED graphical display. Simple, quick, and user-friendly.

Exclusive Magnetic Connector for ESSENTIAL Synth Series – Snap2Connect (S2C) interface for seamless integration.

MIDI Keyboard Functionality – Connect to your computer or smartphone to use as a MIDI controller.

Software Bundle – Includes Cubase and Melodics to support your creative journey.

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Upcoming Donner L1 Inspired by the Roland SH-101

video upload by DECIMA1

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