In the electrifying world of synths, where knobs meet sonic possibilities, some instruments become icons. The Roland SH-5, a monophonic (plays one note at a time) analog synth from the late 70s and early 80s, is one such legend.
The SH-5 earned its cred for being a powerhouse. It sported two oscillators, the sound starters for any synth, that could pump out saw, square, triangle, and pulse waves. These could be twisted and tweaked by two LFOs for those wobbly sounds and other trippy effects. But what truly set the SH-5 apart were its filters. It wasn't just one, but two: a multi-mode filter for shaping sounds from deep and bassy to bright and funky, and a dedicated bandpass filter for those unique, otherworldly textures.
This wasn't all. The SH-5 had an envelope section with punch, a sample-and-hold function for random voltage bursts that added a wild streak to your sound, and ring modulation for those metallic, clanging tones. Plus, it could connect to other synths and modular gear, making it a synth that could really play with others.
The SH-5's sonic muscle wasn't just for show. It became a cornerstone of early electronic music. Vangelis and Jean-Michel Jarre used it to build the evolving soundscapes that became their signature style. New wave bands like Gary Numan and The Human League dug its powerful basslines and sharp leads, giving their music an edgy, electrifying sound.
The SH-5 wasn't limited to electronic music. Hip-hop innovators like J Dilla and Madlib loved its chunky basslines and quirky sounds, sampling them to create their groundbreaking beats. Even guitar hero Adrian Belew (King Crimson, Talking Heads) was a fan, using the SH-5 to add weird and wonderful textures to his sonic palette.
Today, the Roland SH-5 is still on the wishlist of collectors and musicians. It's a vintage gem with a sound that inspires, and its complex design offers a deep well of sonic exploration for those who dare to dive in. The SH-5 is a true legend, a testament to Roland's creativity and a reminder of the timeless power of analog synthesis.