SH-32

Until now, if you wanted fat synth sounds you could either buy a “virtual analog” synthesizer or a dedicated software plug-in. And while these modeling-based synths sound good, most are still limited in the range of sounds they produce. Enter the SH-32 Synthesizer from Roland. The result of extensive research and development, this tabletop synth uses new Wave Acceleration Synthesis to overcome the limitations of modeling and deliver all the synth waveforms you crave—67 variations in all! And the SH-32’s sounds go far beyond those of traditional synthesizers, thanks to new complex waveforms like Spectrum and variable Noise. There’s even drum maps with samples taken from the TR-808/909 Rhythm Composers.
But how does it sound? With its choice of waveforms and filters, the SH-32 sounds as fat as you want—and you get plenty of polyphony (up to 32 stackable voices) plus 4-part multitimbral operation.

If you prefer creating sounds to using factory presets, you’ll love the SH-32. Taking its cue from Roland’s analog synths of the past, this tabletop synth is covered with all the knobs, sliders and buttons you need for direct parameter access. And because there are no hidden menus, the SH-32’s display consists of nothing more than a simple, 3-digit LED.

But don’t let this deceptively simple design fool you. The SH-32 isn’t your average synth; its sounds are far more diverse than typical “analog” synths, thanks to a variety of waveforms and new features like a sub-oscillator with Subsonic mode for ultra-thick bass sounds. You also get oscillator sync, ring modulation and MIDI syncable LFOs. This is one powerful little beast!

In designing the perfect desktop synth, we couldn’t help but create the perfect arpeggiator—one that can be fully programmed to create incredible user patterns. When used in combination with the Chord Memory function, you can produce complex arpeggios just like the ones heard in modern techno styles including trance. And with so many front-panel controls, programming is still ultra-intuitive.

From studio processors to BOSS pedals, Roland has become synonymous with high-quality effects. With the SH-32, you get not one—but two independent effects processors. The Loop effect processor gives you 10 varieties of reverb/delay effects, while the Insert effect processor offers 35 multi-effects algorithms. These include everything from distortion, compressor and pitch shifter to proprietary Groove effects like Slicer, Lo-Fi and Isolator.

With its affordable price and compact size, the SH-32 is a great way to add fat synth sounds to your music. Use it with your favorite sequencing software or keyboard workstation, giving you bold new synth sounds. And when paired up with a Groovebox or the step sequencer found in Roland’s EF-303 Groove Effects, you’ve got a powerful desktop synth with cool analog-style sequencing. Get it!