At Music China 2024: Donner unveiled the L1 (Essential), a new Roland SH-101 analog Synthesizer clone with a detachable keyboard.
Last weekend, the Machina Bristonica event took place in Bristol, one of the largest Synthesizer events in Europe. We saw some new synths like the Future Sound Systems Cric or Dreadbox NYX reissue. At the same time, Music China, the largest music tech trade show in Asia, took place in Shanghai (China).
Donner had a booth where they showed their B1 bassline synth and their new D1 drum machine/sampler. The Donner L1, another analog Synthesizer that is a Roland SH-101 clone/replica was also seen as a premiere.
The Chinese music blog Midifan kindly sent me pictures and first information about the new L1 Synthesizer. Thanks for this news collaboration.
Donner L1
The L1 is not yet officially released on the website, but was already shown to visitors at Music China 2024. I assume it is a prototype.
Donner L1 is an analog clone/replica of the Roland SH-101 analog Synthesizer from 1982. In terms of features, however, it is not a 1-to-1 clone but has slight differences. There is also a modern extra.
Like the vintage SH-101, the L1 features a single oscillator but with four simultaneously mixable waveforms (saw, triangle, pulse width PWM, and sub with selectable -1 oct square, -2 oc square or -2 oct pulse). You can also mix in a noise generator and an external input.
The oscillator has a range of four octaves (2, 4, 8, 16), with dual pitch mod and selectable pulse-width modulation (LFO, envelope, or manually).
Then, you have a analog filter with cutoff frequency and resonance controls. Like on the original, you can modulate the filter with the envelope, LFO or keyboard. It’s a pity that the L1 does not have the advanced FM options for the filter that the Behringer MS-1 has.
More Modulation
Next to this is the modulation and here there is a difference. Unlike the Roland SH-101 or Behringer MS-1, the upcoming Donner L1 will host two full ADSR envelopes. This gives you a full independent envelope for the filter and for the VCA.
Talking about VCA, you can control it with the envelope 2, gate mode, cycle mode (LFO-like), or with a drone mode. The latter is also a functionality that does not exist in the original.
On the left side, next to the VCO, there is also an audio-rate syceable LFO with triangle and square waveforms, random and noise generator options, and LFO rate control.
Also onboard is the glide function with a three-mode slider switch (OFF, ON, AUTO) and speed control. It’s a real shame that the patches you can create on the L1 analog engine cannot be saved. For example, that would be a big plus compared to the Behringer MS-1.
Part of the Donner L1 is an arpeggiator with various playing directions (down, down & up, up & down, up, random) and a step sequencer with pattern-saving options like on the B1.
Connectivity
On the backside, the L1 offers an ON/OFF switch, a DC input, a USB-C port, MIDI in/out on 3.5mm mini jacks, audio input, main output, and a hold pedal socket.
On the top panel, you can also find various other connections, including sync in/out, CV/gate out, external input, and headphone socket.
Desktop Or Keyboard, You Can Have Both
A special feature of the Donner L1 is its keyboard called KB-32M. Thanks to the magnet system, you can easily remove and reattach it. The system transmit the MIDI data to the L1 desktop module.
The KB-32M offers touch-sensitive pitch- and mod wheels, a build-in mono-chrome OLED display, shift button, octave control, and a hold function. On the back, you can find dedicated MIDI output, USB-C connector and a hold pedal socket.
According to MIDIfan, it will be possible to buy the L1 as a desktop or in a bundle with the keyboard.
The system is very reminiscent of the Roland Boutique synths, only bigger. Oh btw, the guy on the picture is the developer of the L1. And according to information, there will be more synthesizers like this in the future that use this keyboard system.
There are currently no sound demos for the new Donner L1. Thanks again to Midifan for the photos and information from the Music China trade show.
Donner L1 First Impression
At the moment it’s difficult to say much about the L1 because there are no sound demos. From the pictures, I like the modern look better than that of the Behringer MS-1. The option of undocking the keyboard and that they are developing an ecosystem of synths from it also exciting.
The extra envelope is also a neat add-on. The lack of the FM filter and the ability to save patches is a shame. If the sound and price are right, this could be a good alternative to the MS-1 but let see. Here the news in video form.
Donner L1 release date and price is TBA. My source is that an official release could be planed for NAMM 2025.
More information will be available here: Donner
It’s neat to have a detachable keyboard this will (presumably) have newer desktop synths that attach to it. Kinda like the Roland Boutique series.
However, Behringer has filled in the vacuum of affordable vintage analog so what’s next? Model D? Pro One? hmm. Donner might be a few years too late with this endeavor but who knows? People bought their 303 clone despite its flaws. I’m sure people will buy their sampler thingy.
People will keep buying new stuff even if it’s a knockoff from something previous.
While I think there something shady going on with Donner I also think most people don’t care and buy it anyway.
Their products still look terrible imo but they do add more features than Behringer is willing to. (on their first run)
Wow this looks great. They are onto a winner here if they can keep that price low. Their 303 was very good.
I enjoy this competition and so should you. It means more products at affordable prices.
just heard the synth at modular commune beijing. it has a good sound and myself dont care about storing patches. its display helps with the mod matrix. all in all a good synth from a symphatic developer team.