The SH-32 is a 4-part multitimbral desktop synth module using new Wave Acceleration Synthesis to deliver up to 32 voices of fat synth waves and entirely new waveforms. The raw waveforms are sampled rather than mathematically generated and are actually multi-sampled across the octave ranges. There's also a full complement of knobs and sliders, analog-style 808 and 909 drums, DSP effects and a killer programmable arpeggiator - all at a reasonably cheap price.

The SH-32 is more like an affordable follow up to Roland's JP-8000 and JP-8080 analog modeling synthesizers than the real SH-series synths of the seventies/eighties. But that doesn't mean it can't sound like an SH-101, for example. The SH-32 has awesome, aggressive filters, however audible stepping can be heard when slowly twisting the cutoff knob, but not so when modulated with the envelope or LFO. It has many more variations of each classic wave than older SH synths, offering 67 types of waveforms. Everything from thick bass sounds to entirely new sounds not possible on traditional synthesizers can be coaxed out of the SH-32.

Every parameter is available on the front panel via knobs and sliders. There are no hidden menus, although the mass clutter of controls and information printed on the face of the SH-32 is a bit overwhelming, but look closer and it does seem as logically laid out and organized as possible.

Whilst you can certainly hook this baby up to your MIDI keyboard or sequencer and go to town with its great sounds, the SH-32 is perfectly happy running stand-alone making it perfect for DJs, live musicians, and just plain having fun. It has no sequencer but does have an amazing Arpeggiator with programmable or tap tempo settings. There are 64 arpeggiations and 64 drum rhythm patterns and they can be fully programmed by the user. It even has a chord memory feature making it great for techno and trance style arpeggiations. Superb built in effects will sweeten up the sounds immensely as well, with 35 insert fx and 10 types of reverb and delay. The SH32 is a unique combination of virtual analogue synthesis, excellent rhythm sounds, rhythm styles, an arpeggiator, and other 'groove' facilities - with an affordable price and compact size.

eraser

May 12, 2011 @ 3:37 am

Yes - the zipper noise is definitely there. The description has got it wrong - it's less noticable with slow twists. High resonance setting definitely makes it more audiable. Again, it's not an issue unless you are into realtime tweaking as the LFO and ENV modulations of the filter are smooth as silk.

I just can't recommend this thing enough. It sounds fuller, wider and fatter than most VA's including JP8000, MS2000, Ion and AN1x. I've got mine sat next to my Blofeld and I hardly use anything else ATM...

The FX are great and programing is simples. Will be a classic someday.

stimresp

May 5, 2011 @ 6:18 am

Following-up on the widely reported filter 'zipper' noise, and in the interests of curiosity, I blind-posted sample filter sweeps at KVR and asked for opinions.
http://www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=317744

Upshot - more experienced ears can distinguish steppiness, but it is more noticeable at higher resonance and with fast knob movements. So, potentially an issue for you if you want lots of smooth manual filter sweeps. Get a decent analogue filter for that. For my (more prosaic) applications, it makes no difference at all. It's still a great filter IMO. YMMV.

stimresp

May 4, 2011 @ 5:15 am

I have OS1.06 and I have no filter 'steppiness'. You need to read the manual to get results from of this synth.

Overall I think it sounds terrific. Nice buttery filter. Plenty of waveforms available. Patches react beautifully to the envelopes, velocity and aftertouch making it a joy to just sit there and play.
The arpeggiator is easy to use, pretty flexible and fast. The FX, IMO, are outstanding for such a machine. The drums are a nice bonus.

A perfect 'go-to' synthesizer. I sold my other VA's (Novation, Yamaha) because subjectively, the SH-32 sounds better

eraser

April 19, 2011 @ 3:41 am

Umm - wow! A rompler which regularly outshines the top VA's. Thick sounding bases, THE best pads I've heard on ANY synth. I have a feeling that Roland may have pillaged the JV-80-04 Vintage Synth card for the sampled waveforms on this? Whatever they did, they did it right. The drums aren't only a bonus, they are a useful creative tool with cutoff, res, pan, amp etc all available for each drum sound.

Filter zipper noise was never fixed, BUT not an issue if you use LFO, env etc to modulate the filter.

Some presets star on Goldfrapp's 'Tiptoe'!

Dgregs

April 16, 2011 @ 5:04 am

Does anyone know where/how to get one of these serviced? I purchased one last year and unfortunately the line outputs only come out of one side. Also, half of the LEDS buttons don't light up but are fully operational.

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