Softube has released Model 82, an authentic software recreation of the iconic Roland SH-101 Synthesizer as a plugin and modular form.
When it comes to synthesizers, many developers love to emulate vintage synthesizers. One of the most popular is the Moog Minimoog or the Roland Juno 106. With such developments, authenticity is in the foreground and less the innovative factor. Companies like U-he, TAL-Software, or Softube show that this can be done at a very high level.
For some time now, Softube has been making emulation of vintage synths to go by the name Model. After Minimoog (72) and Juno-106 (84), Softube has captured the sound and features of the next Roland synth.
Softube Model 82
Model 82 is an authentic emulation of the iconic Roland SH-101 analog Synthesizer from 1982 which became long after its initial release a staple of electronic music. The Softube developers recreated every aspect of the original circuitry, interactions, and straightforward workflow to give the plugin the same spirit but in software. Of course, Softube also added new modern features to it.
The plugin version features the same single VCO with three simultaneously mixable waveforms (pulse with PWM, saw, and sub-wave), and noise generator available via the source mixer like in the original. It also has a resonant lowpass filter that can be modulated with an ADSR envelope, LFO, keyboard tracking, and/or bender controller.
Modulation side, the Model 82 has a single LFO with triangle, square, random, and noise waveforms as well as an ADSR envelope with gate or LFO triggering options. Softube has also accurately modeled the hands-on sequencer of the SH-101 with either free-running via the internal clock/LFO or synced to the DAW with 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, or 1/3.
Softube also added new features to its SH-101 emulation. It includes a new doubling knob enabling Model 82 to hold its own in modern stereo productions while retaining its sonic essence. There is also a drive knob to simulate an additional overdrive pedal to the original hardware. This allows you to add additional grids and character to your sound.
Via a new side panel, you can also control the velocity and aftertouch of the VCF and VCA.
Model 82 Modules
In addition to the classic keyboard plugin version, Softube also delivers the plugin in module form. That is for the in-house Softube Modular with five individual modules: VCO, LFO, VCF-VCA, FX, and ENV.
This allows you to combine the individual elements of the SH-101 with other sound modules and thus build a new Synthesizer out of it. Perfect for a monster synth path that extends the capabilities of a single Model 82 instance.
First Impression
Well, another emulation of the Roland SH-101 Synthesizer is nothing super exciting. It’s not a groundbreaking product. However, Softube is known for excellent Synthesizer emulations and I’m pretty sure they created a virtual version here that is very close to the original.
It’s great to see that Softube always provides module versions for its Model plugins. With these, you can introduce the sound of the SH-101 into the wild patchable world.
Softube Model 82 is available now for an introductory price of 79€ instead of 99€. It runs as a 64-bit only VST, VST3, AU, and AAX plugins on macOS (Intel + M1) and Windows. For the authorization, it requires an iLok software (free) or Dongle.
More information here: Softube
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