WE DESIGN THE FUTURE Creating Sounds with Fun and Ease Synthesizer 101: Learning the SH-201 Creating Sounds with Fun and Ease Synthesizer 101: Learning the SH-201 Visit us online at www.Roland.com All specifications and appearances are subject to change without notice. All trademarks are the property of their respective companies. Printed in Japan.
Top Panel Chapter 1 Introduction Ultra-EZ front panel is logically designed to teach the basics of synthesis. A rpeggiator adds instant rhythmic motion to sounds. S hort recorder onboard to capture I nvisible infrared D Beam controller. P5 OSC P9 FILTER P11 AMP P13 LFO P15 Chapter 2 The Basic Structure of a Synthesizer and loop your performance and knob movements. Chapter 3 Let’s Play Chapter 4 The Function of Controls Chapter 5 from CD/MP3 players, etc.
Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 1 For more than a quarter century, Roland has defined and redefined the state of the art in synthesizers. JP-8000 Today, the fundamentals for sound creation remain the same for most synthesizers. JD-800 H r e iz s e h t n y S d an l o R y r o t is JUPITER-8 1973 The first of its kind to be produced in Japan, the SH-1000 was an instant hit with its compact size, easy operation, and affordable price.
The Basic Structure of a Synthesizer Chapter 2 A typical synthesizer will have a signal flow-chart similar to the one pictured below. To start, let’s understand the fundamentals. AMP (➝ P. 13) Sound generated in OSC and processed through the FILTER is amplified here. On analog synthesizers, it is called the VCA(*3). The VCA is used to change the volume (level) of sound signal through changes in voltage. Chapter 2 OSC 1 LFO 1 Control signals LFO Low Frequency Oscillator (➝ P.
Chapter 3 Let’s Play You can start playing the SH-201 as soon as you turn on the power. Go ahead and play the keyboard while adjusting the volume with the [MASTER VOL] knob. SH-201 allows you to store the timbres (sounds) you have created. These stored timbres are called patches. A total of 64 patches can be stored. The patch-storing location works like a file cabinet. A patch can be selected through the GROUP, BANK, and NUMBER buttons.
The Function of Controls 1 Chapter 4 OSC (Oscillator) The OSC determines the waveform and pitch, which becomes the source of the sound. This is the heart and soul of a synthesizer. On analog synthesizers, it is called the VCO (*1). The VCO is a sound generator capable of changing frequency through changes in voltage. N ext, let’s determine the pitch. Playing the keyboard with one hand while turning [PITCH] and [DETUNE] knobs left and right gradually with the other hand. Listen to the changes in pitches.
The Function of Controls 2 Chapter 4 FILTER The sound signal generated from the OSC is processed through the filter, which can emphasize and reject a selected frequency range. The filter can affect and change the sound’s brightness, boldness, and more. P ress the [TYPE] button and select LPF N ext, turn the [RESONANCE] knob. Turn it all the way left (MIN), then gradually rightward to (MAX). It will start to resonate, yielding a colorful, howling sound.
The Function of Controls 3 Chapter 4 AMP The sound signal generated in OSC and processed through the FILTER is amplified here. The AMP also controls the attack and decay of sounds. A dditionally, to create a classic synth sound (analog I n this set up, when you play a key T urn the [LEVEL] knob left and right. Listen to the change in the sound levels (volume). Turn this knob to change the volume T he Attack and decay of sounds are controlled by the ENV (Envelope Generator).
The Function of Controls 4 Chapter 4 LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) This is a sound generator capable of producing low frequencies. On analog synthesizers, it is also called LFO (*1). T o achieve expressive, animated sounds, many musical instruments are played with cyclic vibration of sound frequency, volume, and/or timbre. LFO creates these effects for a synthesizer. Vibration of Frequency (OSC) Vibrato (voice, violin, etc.) Vibration of Timbre/Sound Wah Wah (woodwinds, etc.
The Function of Controls 5 Chapter 4 EXT IN (External In) The newest feature of the SH-201 is the EXT IN(*1), which is a major evolution from prior analog synthesizers. When devices such as portable digital music players are connected to the SH-201, various effects can be added to the music being played.
Chapter 5 Synth-Programming Examples 1 Synth Bass 2 Synth Lead Synth-Programming Examples Synth-Programming Examples 2 6 8 1 3 9 5 4 10 7 12 6 11 11 7 8 2 3 1 9 4 5 1 Choose “PRESET D-8”. The sawtooth wave is selected. 1 Choose “PRESET D-8”. The sawtooth wave is selected. 2 Since bass involves low frequencies, turn the [PITCH] knob on the OSC section all the way to left, and set to (-12). Now the sound is lowered by 1 octave.
Synth-Programming Examples Chapter 5 3 Synth Pad 4 Sound Effects Synth-Programming Examples 2 Synth-Programming Examples 3 5 4 6 1 8 7 9 11 10 2 12 12 3 4 6 1 1 Choose “PRESET D-8”. The sawtooth wave is selected. Let’s create a sound effect like a synth drum. 2 Press the [WAVE] button of the OSC1 section and select the SUPER SAW. This sound is created from deliberately 3 Turn the [PW/FEEDBACK] knob of the OSC1 section to the “one o’clock” position.
Appendix Chapter 6 The Three Elements of Sound Sounds are waves that vibrate through the air. These waves eventually reach our ears, and we would recognize them as sounds. The shape of the wave determines its sound. Harmonics We’ve just talked about the brightness In concept, sounds are composed of three elements: pitch, volume, and brightness. Square Wave Sawtooth Wave of sounds, and how they are determined by the shape of their waveforms.
Voice from the Artist One look at the panel is all it takes to inspire your creativity. That’s the SH-201. M ost of the PCM synthesizers have set their goal on the pursuit of reality or replication. I am glad to see that this particular synthesizer, the SH-201, is built upon the ultimate pursuit of the “synthesized sound” itself. One look at the panel is all it takes to inspire your creativity. That’s SH-201.
WE DESIGN THE FUTURE Creating Sounds with Fun and Ease Synthesizer 101: Learning the SH-201 Creating Sounds with Fun and Ease Synthesizer 101: Learning the SH-201 Visit us online at www.Roland.com All specifications and appearances are subject to change without notice. All trademarks are the property of their respective companies. Printed in Japan.
