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.

NB

July 27, 2012 @ 5:53 pm

This is my first time ever considering a Roland as lean toward Waldorf/Access/SCI/DSI; but SH32 filled a specific need and aside from it's rather cluttered surface, one quickly realizes it's a very deep machine. Considering you get TR808 drum-sets, the fact that it can sound VERY lush, wildly experimentally crazy (what I was looking for), and to last poster, yes, leads can be programmed that I was able to DUPLICATE "Blade Runner" analog juiciness BEFORE realizing I could stack/unison! Even the $300. spent was better choice for me than say an electribe. Effects are great & will never sell!

G-Love

July 26, 2012 @ 7:11 pm

I'm really interested to know how the LEADS are on this thing compared to the Nord.

M Synth

June 24, 2012 @ 9:36 am

The only things that ever bothered me about the 32 were its ICU colour sceme & those horrible little grey nipples that need to be ´pinched`...so I finally decided to do a complete workover... http://www.flickr.com/photos/m_synth_concepts/7431788904/in/photostream/

Now it looks like a Roland box should...

Neutron wAve

May 17, 2012 @ 4:36 pm

Just SOLD, thanxs Jim* :)

relic

April 29, 2012 @ 9:38 am

these sold for $150 last year. now $350.. [beep] ?

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