Roland has announced the SH-2 PLUG-OUT Software Synthesizer, the first complete reproduction of Roland’s classic SH-2 synthesizer from 1979.
Renowned for its raw vintage tone, the SH-2’s dual VCO plus sub oscillator configuration delivers fat bass, edgy leads, and wild effects via software specifically designed for the SYSTEM-1 and Mac or PC hosts. The new SH-2 uses Analog Circuit Behavior technology like other products in the AIRA series to faithfully recreate the warm, rich sound of the original with a level of authenticity that can only come from Roland.
From the self-oscillation capable VCF to the attack and long decay characteristics of the steep envelope, the SH-2 has been reproduced exactly. The unique harmonic makeup and pitch wavering characteristics of the original SH-2 as well as the anomalies produced by the complex interactions of the original analog circuit design are all accounted for, down to analog circuitry behaviors like the subtle effect on tonality when parameters unrelated to the actual tone in use are tweaked. Building on the legacy, the new SH-2 now offers a VCO range that is expandable to 64′, two envelopes, reverb, delay and crusher effects, Autobend with support for reverse actions, and a tempo-syncable arpeggiator.
While multiple instances of the SH-2 plug-in can be used in any compatible DAW, the SH-2 PLUG-OUT Software Synthesizer offers seamless integration and unique capabilities for SYSTEM-1 owners. Connect a SYSTEM-1 and it becomes a dedicated controller, only lighting the appropriate knobs and sliders pertinent to the SH-2. Transfer sounds back and forth between the DAW and SYSTEM-1 and even use the SYSTEM-1 as a high-quality audio and MIDI interface. Or break free entirely and plug out directly to the SYSTEM-1, creating a stand-alone, hardware SH-2, with real physical controls that can go anywhere and doesn’t require a computer.
The SH-2 Plug-Out will be available September 25th, 2014. Price TBA.
More information: Roland / SH-2 PLUG-OUT
