SH-101 is a software synthesizer plugin from Roland that recreates the classic SH-101 monophonic analog synth using circuit-level modeling. It runs as a VST2, AU or AAX plugin on Windows and macOS.
Roland's SH-101 plugin is a software recreation of the monophonic synth introduced in 1982. The developer says the plugin was built with direct involvement from the original SH-101 engineers and models the hardware's circuit behavior. It adds extended features such as a dedicated filter envelope, two extra LFO shapes, an expanded VCO octave range, a VCA tone control, and onboard reverb, bit-crusher and tempo-synced delay effects.
The original SH-101 is known for punchy bass and sharp lead tones, along with quirky effects. Roland says the plugin uses advanced circuit-level modeling to reproduce these analog sounds.
The plugin keeps the original voice structure, which is monophonic, so it suits basslines, single-note leads and sound effects rather than chords. Its three original color skins are also included as interface options.
The plugin includes an arpeggiator with tempo sync, which keeps patterns locked to your project tempo. Onboard effects and the extra LFO shapes give more options for shaping patches inside the DAW.
The SH-101 also supports Roland's PLUG-OUT format. This lets it run alongside compatible Roland hardware such as the SH-01A, SYSTEM-8, SYSTEM-1 and SYSTEM-1m, so you can control the sound from hardware controls or use it on stage without a computer.
Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.
| Developer | Roland |
|---|---|
| Type | Plugin |
| Category | Synth |
| Formats | VST2, AU, AAX |
| Operating systems | Windows, macOS |
| Architecture | 64-bit |
The SH-101 is available as a VST2, AU or AAX plugin for use in your DAW. It runs on Windows and macOS.
Roland's system requirements list Windows 10 (64-bit) or Windows 11, and macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later. An internet connection is required to install and activate Roland Cloud software.
You need a compatible DAW or plugin host that supports VST, AU or AAX formats. For PLUG-OUT use with Roland hardware, compatible hardware such as the SH-01A or SYSTEM-8 is needed.
Yes. It supports Roland's PLUG-OUT format, which allows integration with hardware synths including the SH-01A, SYSTEM-8, SYSTEM-1 and SYSTEM-1m.
