All user reviews for the Roland SH-32

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USE

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SONORITS

If I decided to keep it, it's because he's her that I can not imitate other synths and as I like to have in my mixes sound then the original synths DIFFERENT from the SH-32 is a color in my palette!

I will not say more because for me it is the most important!
To give you an idea of ​​the sound, I made a little demo to only with the SH32 and when I have time I will put you more!

Here is the link: DemoSH32 (http://www.kamered.com/audio/SH32-demo-1.mp3)

NOTICE GLOBAL

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I picked this synthesizer module up on closeout for $199 after it was discontinued.

This is a maximum "bang for the buck" item. By using samples for the oscillator waveforms, Roland has squeezed 32 oscillators into this unit (32 or 16 synth voices depending on whether your patch uses 1 or 2 oscillators). Most of the synthesis parameters have their own knob or slider, making programming of new sounds very easy. People looking for a cheap virtual analog synthesizer would be hard pressed to find a better value, new or used. In addition to 3 multitimbral synth parts, there is a rhythm part which has samples of Roland's classic drum machines of yesteryear - the TR-808, TR-909, TR-606 and more. They've also added a fully programmable arpeggiator to the mix.

As far as the sound goes, this unit excels at recreating the sound of Roland's synthesizers of the '80s - Jupiters, Junos, JXs, most of the sounds of these classics can be coaxed out of this box. The filter has that "Roland" edge to it that most other virtual analogs have trouble approximating. Add to this a very clean sounding reverb/delay unit and an "insert" effect with 35 possible effects, including many time-based effects that can be synced to MIDI beat clock, and you have a comprehensive virtual analog palette of sounds.

Roland decided to offer oscillator sync mode, but when this is enabled, the synth becomes monophonic and the filter is taken out of the synthesis engine. This greatly limits the usefulness of the sync mode.

The SH-32 also has a 3-character LED display - and these are 8-segment LEDs at that, so complex characters are difficult to present. Roland has invented their own alphabet to compensate for this limitation, and it makes much of the parameter information (for effects settings and such) difficult to read.

The filter knob can occasionally add a zipper-like noise to the filter if swept slowly. This is only from the knob's limited resolution, however - any envelope or external MIDI control of the filter does not produce a zipper sound.

Due to the small size of the front panel (about the size of an A4 sheet of paper) and the multiple labels per button, finding some functions can be difficult. Most of the settings are indicated on the front panel, though, so the hunt for particular parameters is usually short.

As I've already mentioned, the unit is quite small, and weighs very little. The case is made of sturdy metal, though, so it will take a knock or two without falling apart. The power supply is an external line-lump cord, and this is probably the weakest element of the setup.

This is a very capable and clean sounding "virtual analog" synth module with the added bonus of drum samples to allow "all-in-one" dance song creation (there is no sequencer but the arpeggiations can have up to 32 steps). There is quite simply nothing at this price level that can compete - or even at twice as much. Highly recommended!

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

No keyboard, just a mode where you can test the sound (preview).
Two jacks for stereo output, MIDI In and MIDI Out.
Pedal connection (configurable).
Full effect.
32 oscillators but oscillators by two plus two Preset LFO and full of parameters. I refer to the manual it would take too long to describe everything.
Polyphony is limited by the maximum number of oscillators is 32.
The presets are clearly techno style.

UTILIZATION

The configuration is complex and requires a learning process.
But after learning that no problem editing sound is super fast because almost everything is directly accessible.
The manual is clear enough.

SOUNDS

It's a synthesizer is the search for original sounds.
The module is very reactive and the effects are ok.
This is an excellent material to learn about subtractive synthesis.
We can get amazing sounds.
It is capable of producing very powerful bass for example.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for about a year.
The material is quite complex but exciting.
I am delighted to have made this choice I have not finished with him!

I will not remember his CHARACTERISTICS, other opinions better than I do ...

UTILIZATION

Everything is accessible almost IMMEDIATE except a few buttons that allow access multiple modes or combinations of keys to press simultanment. The notice also will be of good help on this.
edit sound is easy and fast enough, damage the position of the cursor does not refltent rglages present a set of LEDs as a R3 for example. In addition, the tiny screen display not only shows minimal values ​​of the button that is being handled.
The manual is average, and poorly organized. This is not serious trs to the extent one is dealing a pretty simple machine overall.
I acquired this "desk synthse" for my set of complter machine.J got a R3 and Micron and I must say that this synth has given me more because it has sound s and diffrent complmentaires of the latter.

SOUNDS

The sounds are really good and sound good "Roland" in the whole not unlike The series of Juno, Jupiter, and Sh-101. There are also distorted lead sounds reminiscent of JD-800.Les sounds are hot throughout and sounding quite thick and not too numriques felt and as the filter is not complete open, it is a trs nice surprise! I like tablecloths with patch 21, which is a good analog ground near a clbre piece of Pink Floyd. I think the sheets are one of its strengths because they sound good analog, a little fawn a rpeuses the Eminent.
It is also good in the lower right trs trs Submitted and prcises because, as one does not ask too much of an attack because the envelopes are a little soft. In this regard, I dplore the cot trs abrupt rglage envelopes is not prcis trs.
The downside is the real time. Indeed, custom settings ragissent slowly varying the sound stair, it is not the most beautiful effect! We must move slowly the pitch bend wheel while playing a arpge otherwise blocking notes during the pitch change! No one on this point and it is the very first time I see this kind of default on a machine. I found all of this was even better than MIDI.
But overall, the sound is good and trs trs sounds close to an analog is what is asked. The sound is clear, no breath, no artifact or noise due to the envelopes as can be seen on other machines.
32 voice polyphony is gnreux for that price or a machine usually must settle for four or eight votes.

OVERALL OPINION

I note trs good on the report quality price and quality sound despite its default. It is a small device that will find its place in any set of synth.
A "must have" especially given its price and relative machines Chres more current or more that do not sound as well as this one!

THE +
- Sounds great and nice to see a close analogue - Sounds thick and Submitted, bright and clear. For VA, bravo Roland!
- Good arpeggiator that allows its own expressive phrases and trs
- Editing sounds easy and fast with a little practice with no decision-head
- Good effects and ruffed
- Kits correct rhythm (909,808)
- 32-voice polyphony (if a single oscillator) and 4 parts multitimbral!
- Manual rtable custom settings that the positions of the buttons (thankfully!)
- The price but apparently, its rating has dernirement augment. Machine rare finally
- Look cool and fresh, chssis mtallique machine rather unique

LES -
- Rglages varying the sound stair
- No indication of paramtres tural Patch
- Cracking in the sound when one varies the LFO with the panomarique
- OSC SYNC mode enlve filter and polyphony
- Cot some abrupt rglages
- No modulation matrix
- Display trs minimalist

Well, add nothing compared to the character of news except:
He has not made any 32-voice polyphony, 32 oscillators but if you use 2 oscillators per voice makes you so 16 votes (the sub-oscillators does not count)
When the sync-mode is enabled the sound will be monophonic and disables the filter (!). To filter the sound, we use the insert effect "Filter"

For the price [300], it is standard all he can do what synth

UTILIZATION

Operation is incredibly simple! no menu or combined cache, everything is faade, it has all ACCS directly at hand and it's a real pleasure to program sounds. Only BMOL: when called a sound, it is not clear what he paramtres and ds we touch a knob in the faade, the sound takes this value. If you want to find the original value, so it's ear that he must go, but it's not Gnant. (Well, there's a way pt'etre rgler for a, I have not finished the manual)
So regarding the use, there's nothing more simple, if there's habitus of the virus, he will cry so much a change to have any direct ACCS.

Regarding the manual, it is well done, but a bit clumsy at times, and the layout gives forcment not want to read (big pile of text, not bold seer ...) but when we need an info prcise, it is effective. In any fawn is so simple to use this synth there is almost no need for manual.

SOUNDS

Ah, the big moment: the sound.

Well you got me there! Frankly excellent, sounds are a wealth phnomnale, destructive filters (must take it easy), and incredible opportunities: especially remarkable: the analog ground very deep and Dfine, leads many big fat (who said hardtrance?) that sounds acid dgueulent well. Otherwise, I too have seen yet, I only yesterday. Apparently There's way too good to leave the bass and rhythm kits tonn me with their quality can be much more traffickers.
Then the effects are fabulous super clean, you can sortire sounds really good originals, they increase the potential of this machine Fast Fashion.

Well, the sound will never replace that of a true analog, but as it is duly virtual, and hot! For comparison, I have the Nova, the sound is cleaner but less sharp and less expressive than the filters on the HS-32. I had the opportunity to test a lot so the virus from my friend, and SH-32 has nothing to envy sound quality issue. It will be less versatile sr I think, but in sound, I would have a same preferences for the SH-32. And compared the Electribe A, if the fawn with which one plays with the sound is comparable, the same sound it has nothing to do: the SH-32 has one of his best over, less dirty (the electribe is made of any fawn sounds very fat and DARC), and many more possibilities, but in the spirit, I think it's the synth which is close the most noise.
The fact is that the HS-32 can "mulate" a lot of synth thanks its 72 variations of waveforms (saw 12, 10 square, pulse 9, 10 noise, 10 triangle and the rest spectrum in [formants etc.]), so he really stamps varis trs.

OVERALL OPINION

Well I have since yesterday, but I enjoy a little crazy with this synth is duly!

Most of the synth sound the depth, filters, effects, the choice of waveforms.

The report qualitprix, it is crying: € 300 for a wonder like this is not the hsiter I do it again if we had that choice! J'hsite even buy me a deuxime ...

Analog Modeling Synth called "Desktop", a little bigger than an A4 sheet!
128 sounds and 128 preset sounds users, 2 preset kits and kits 2 users
No publisher supplied PC.
Archtecture with one voice:
- 2 oscillators with one sub oscillator per
- 67 waveforms (saw, square, PWM, noise, spectrum, triangle with variations)
- Ring mod, oscillator sync (disables the filter and makes the patch monophonic)
- 1 multimode filter (lowpass, highpass, bandpass, peak) in 12 or 24 dB
- An envelope filter 4 segments, a pitch envelope segment 2, a 4-segment amplitude envelope
- 2 LFOs with 7 waveforms
- Rverb / time limit of 35 + multi effects effects

UTILIZATION

The edition of sounds and effects is very simple.
This type of synth is perfect for novice who wants to make the best use
this type of device.
The manual is not too bad, but it is not empty quickly find what you seek.

SOUNDS

The sounds coming out of the expander ring "modlisation numrique". We can get closer
Juno sounds of the 80 or make sounds innovative and powerful trs in styles
Trance and Techno, House and even the memory thanks to agreements and arpggiateur.
This synth has a good dynamic trs. The ct "Step" of the filter is a shame, but
rsonance the mule is very well and it helps to have good trs sound like TB-303.
The samples of Roland TR808/909 are the same as those found on sries
JV / XV, so they are of good quality. It's a cheap module, allowing for a range
analog-like sound wide enough (bass, leads and pads by stacking plusieus parts!)

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for a week and one day, I dj cre 8 new sounds. What I like is its touch-ct. I possde a Virus Rack and a Micro-Q and I find it very complte the sonic palette of these two devices. The report is excellent quality price (299 euros nine super promo).
I Rasht no problem.

It is clear, the trs are CHARACTERISTICS allchantes for the price ...

And I had a few surprises ...

No PC editor now, it's a pity, you will see why APRS.

Bugs and ugly performance mode (I have the latest version of the software). So, I can use my HS-32 in patch mode, is to say in single shares. Moreover, the effects (hallucinations) are only usable in this mode ... ca consoles me a little.

UTILIZATION

I was looking for a sound module with every knob modification faade sound, no menu in all directions. And I found this synth from this point of view, it's really happy.
We can all change thanks to DIFFERENT buttons, slider, and knob. It's like an old analog.
It's great practice.
on the other hand, and that's trsgnant but was suspect, the knobs and buttons do not return value when changing patch. Therefore impossible to know the value of a parameter of a patch prcdemment cr (o NCESS to have a PC editor)

SOUNDS

The standards are sound, there really screw up through their speakers (or ears) with the filters. I scared a few times.
Can not dcrire the sounds, it really trs large, or the soft fat, the soft rev dirty, the smooth saturated etc ... Add this, DIFFERENT effects that really an astonishing dimension to sounds, arpgiateur is superb, and you have a sound module current trs.
My "inspiration sound" t really dcupl with this synth.

As for dbat of grain, its pourrave or something or other ... Honntement, sound like and do not like. Point. We must not forget that a component is not made a single sound, but there is a mix, and then this mix will also compress, process, ...

OVERALL OPINION

It's been a year and a half that I have. I really feel for its sound quality and standards possible. From this point, aucnue dception.
As against the machine bug, and it's really blocking. She backup patches in the wrong place so I lose some, it changes numro patch on parts, etc ... So I do not use it in patch mode. So I am a MS2000 ca 300euros, but vocoder.
But the SH-32 and when the same well suprieur MS2000 in terms of possibilities.

Look at the Roland site or other notices personally handling is superb! It has all the action! pity that the two oscilloscope and FLO are 2 on 2 different tabs. LOT OF FEATURES!

UTILIZATION

synthesis in both expander that it is very good.
the manual is clear (and teacher too! what is a ring modulator, what kind of sound wave to ...)

SOUNDS

The sounds generated are good and interesting. good ground. a medium not as aggressive on analos (has its advantages and shortcomings) but for the price!! this synth is a gem.

edit23/02/10:
I rediscovered again and again, this time for FX, and well it stands up very well! including the effect LOFI and ring modulation are obtained sounds very dirty, very noise!
the SAW are very sharp (normal for a saw ...) and stacked one can get a very distinctive sound, ideal for low reece DnB, or leads for the smoky dub electro ... or pure noise!

OVERALL OPINION

good synth comprehensive. notice to complete. EDIT 26/10 although having an analog Yamaha CS15 (big sound), I want to say that this synth I always helpful. Why? because it is polyphonic, so for the ground is particularly hard. Because the effects section is good (especially the distal ring modulator, the LO-FI), and then becaufe Roland digital sound is relatively large, with a wide spectrum. In short, do not judge a synth in its price, it's a good synth! (Even using expander, ahhh backups! You do not realize how lucky we have as we did not touch synth without memory) the argus took € 100 in 1 year.

edit of 23/02/10:
decidedly it always amazes me! for what I mentioned above, but having four games with a true polyphonic large enough (= almost no limit!). This means that with a good sequencer was 4 SH32! (Well not always ...) the 3 parts are fully programmable synth: no compromise.
It is true that the filter is not tip-top but as long as no one pushes the resonance into a corner, you can sweep it sounds!
The oscilloscope with many waveforms and I do not know how many variants it is also very very good! the square are very game-boy (kiff!) Spectrums allow the original sounds: it sounds to say there's no ...
It sounds heavy, there's no organic side of analog, but it sounds thick!

I will take almost all the terms of the notice prcdant my account.
CHARACTERISTICS see below.

UTILIZATION

I like the particulirement arpgiateur. With 32 steps and the possibility to play more notes in the agreement read that record. I do not know if trs clear, but it is possible to create the squence that contain multiple tonal variations of the 32 steps rhythmic loop. This is not complete control, but can make beautiful squence in the absence of a true squenceur.

SOUNDS

If the sounds and droulent dveloppent Manir the analog stamps are Different.
Therefore not analogous to the analog, but full of sounds INTERESTED trs. Some effects are good and the trs ring modulator, I got much better than the oscillator part, the kind of slicer trmolo patern hlas not registrable, or the gate reverb that colors really the sound of the fawn still INTERESTED.
Overall I find the filter better than the oscillator section.

OVERALL OPINION

I have over 2 years, pay 200 euros on AudioFanzine used.

For the price it gnial.
We have:
-Polyphony, the multitimbralitbr />-l 'arpgiateur
The rhythmic-kit, and the patern ryhtmique
-Suboscillateurs of a pitch shift in the effects
One-pole filter envelope.
The delays-sync

In absolute terms it is only right.
It is regrettable that, for example:
-Sync unplug all other functions, polyphony and filter included!
-The lack of fm
-Ring modulation, pwm and not expressive trs.
-The impossibility to adjust the speed of the LFOs ...

It's really a machine adviser who wants to start and learn to use the synthse.
For now I keep it.

For aractristiques
All told adj t

UTILIZATION

edition sounds really simple Submitted all functions are on the facade.
manual a bit complex to use the arpeggiator in multi part.

I do not use it in multi-timbral synth monotimbral but rather, for some small fx, pads and queqlues good for both monophonic leads.
the sound is rather a place in mdiums.

SOUNDS

The sound is where opinions differ, some think it's good and some not at all, any question of taste APRS
and although I say it's a good little expander with sounds not bad at all, it needs work but it certainly has a ventail broad, well-typed 80, but there it is on a Contents do.

OVERALL OPINION

I possde lot of hardware and despite what some may say, he dbrouillent pretty good, although this is not a juno 101 SH monopoly or to name the most small but he knows to do good and it's a CHSE complment Economic and practice my set, I've since its release and I do not believe me Spar soon.

Well, c'tune funny machine, both in concept and in implementation.

Basically it's a desktop synth like a virus, with a format not rack that looks like a groovebox without really being one.

Subtractive synthesis, two each Osc with a sub, function ringmod and sync, two LFOs, a conventional filter, an envelope for her and one for the filter. I think it's something to remind owners Nordlead. There is no modulation wheel or pitch but an effects section and a section reverb / delay. And lots of adjustments are done with sliders and rotary knobs rather, it is PRA's class: moderately convenient to use but it does save space in front ... And it is class, really.

It is controlled via MIDI to the old but it has amazing functions not only to him:
- A function of virtual keyboard on the bike (preview) as a MS2000R, that's not common but it's classic
- An arpeggiator that allows plenty of combinations of patterns and height and can even customize to make it play range you want, and save. Less conventional.
- A function of indefinite continuation of the note that comes to play (hold). Not conventional.
- A function that allows you to play consistent with a single keystroke (chord) on the full chord is stored on those stores that yourself and you can store a different agreement for each party. Really not trivial.

For me, it solved the problem of improvising live my pads: I activate the virtual keyboard, function and hold function chord, I press a button and have a pad according to 4 grades coming out No need to sequencer, no need to leave my finger, and I can concentrate on the rest.

Otherwise it is not quite but a multitimbral Performance mode lets you use the 4 parts together (3 synths, a rhythm part) or multitimbral mode with a polyphony of 32 notes more than sufficient, what can also make basic pieces with a single performance in theory: with the arpeggiator and chord + hold function can be rotated a rhythm, a bassline, a lead and a pad, just by pressing a button.

Regarding multitimbral, as I found the thing complicated to implement, I posted a tip on: https://fr.audiofanzine.com/rack-modelisation/roland/SH-32/astuces/

For a synth at this price point, such a polyphony with 4-way multitimbral, it is well worth 10!

UTILIZATION

The config is very simple if you're used to the subtractive synthesis: Nordlead owners or virus, you put fifteen minutes to understand the workings of the machine. The interface is weird but it makes sense and is easy to use. The manual is long and bushy is useful to decrypt messages from the small screen and learn to adjust the effects section other than the ear or haphazard.

SOUNDS

The effects section is obviously not "realistic" but the very nature of digital (or very medium) of certain effects including distortions is more an advantage than a disadvantage in addition to gear warmer or more aggressive, and able use reverb very useful complement of gear drier.

I was quite surprised by the quality of sounds you can get out: of course the factory presets are all too many, too many have heard, too many effects, too large, etc.. But working the beast, it really roars (the seller in cash converters where I bought it watched me a funny look when I tested it out since I made noises of farts how Martians MS 20) and talking sweetly she knows how to be civilized, ambient, etc.. I am less convinced by the basslines that I'm out for now but I do not care, I have other synths for that.

OVERALL OPINION

I have it and use it extensively for 3 months and I will change my mind in some time.

The synth should come MS2000R is the comparison, yet it sounds very different, more like a Nord. The HS-32 is very versatile, comprehensive and small, will complement very well with a set of instruments most pros.

The report's money is pretty amazing since I paid mine cheaper than the coast. Cons by more than 300 euros, I'm not sure it's worth what is being done in the same price range. But on the other hand, I do not know of any desktop synth that is really equivalent, then ... The manufacturing quality is the same as on a TM 505: the knobs branlouillent after a little use, the sliders are small and not very precise and keys that light will live ... some time.

Basically, the HS, it looks like the child of a and a MC505 NordRack2 with features that are unique to himself and useful.

What I do not like? Actually nothing yet, except that it's tempting to "overplay" patches in the stuffing of effects and a bunch of stuff that's better without.