Except the name, SH-201 has nothing to do with the series of SH analog synthesizers made by Roland. This is quite simple and yet easy-to-use budget synthesizer with all the main functions of a virtual analog instrument - 10-voice polyphony, a wide choice of waveforms of digital oscillators, LFO, 12 and 24 dB filters, envelope generators for filter and amplifier, effects processor offering reverberation and modulatable delay, as well as overdrive (in the amp section). SH-201 has a good pattern-arpeggiator with 32 possible rhythm patterns.

Unfortunately, the memory of the presets leaves much to be desired - only 32 + 32 (factory and user presets). But there is a USB port for the computer and the ability to control the synthesizer via the application, as well as an integrated recorder for recording tracks.

The synthesizer also has a standard MIDI IN/OUT connectivity, one pedal for assignable functions, and an input for the audio source.

There is a Roland patented controller - D-Beam. Since this is a classic version of the instrument with the "one button per function" approach, the manufacturer decided to economize and offered no screen at all.

Nevertheless, SH-201 is a good portable synthesizer for a wide target audience, capable of giving an interesting result, which can be defined as "typical Roland sound with hints at JP-8000". If it is of great importance for you that the instrument possesses a wider range of possibilities and a better sound path, choose Roland V-Synth. As time goes by, the prices of second hand instruments differ not as drastically as they do when the units are just released.