Roland SH-201 Manual page 6

The Function of Controls
Chapter OSC
( Oscillator )
4
The OSC determines the waveform and pitch,
which becomes the source of the sound. This is the heart
and soul of a synthesizer. On analog synthesizers,
it is called the VCO (*1) . The VCO is a sound generator
capable of changing frequency through changes in voltage.
Let's examine the standard patch "PRESET D-8".
[ PRESET ]
Press
T
his patch is using the sawtooth wave of the OSC1 (oscillator 1). Play the keyboard,
and hear the sound of this waveform. The sound at this stage is very simple
and expressionless. To hear how the sound changes with each step, play the keyboard
after each process.
F
irst, determine the waveform to use
as the source of the sound. Play the keyboard
with your left hand while switching waveforms
with the [WAVE] button. Listen to the differences
in the sound of each waveform as you play
the keyboard.
Very rich in harmonics. May be used to simulate the basis for many types of musical
Sawtooth Wave instruments. Especially suitable for creating brass and stringed instruments sounds
(violin, piano, etc.)
Includes many odd numbered harmonics. Best suited as the sound basis
Square Wave
for woodwind and percussion instruments (clarinet, xylophone, etc.).
The most basic waveform. It does not possess any harmonics. It sounds
Sine Wave
like a whistle.
Listen to the different sounds from each of the waveforms,
afterward returning the setting to the sawtooth wave.
9
1
[ D ]
Press Press
Use these buttons
to select the waveform
Waveform Examples
N
ext, let's determine the pitch. Playing the keyboard with one hand while
turning [PITCH] and [DETUNE] knobs left and right gradually
with the other hand. Listen to the changes in pitches.
O
[ 8 ] n brass instruments such as a trumpet, the initial part of the blow
(attack) may be a little off pitch. Let's recreate this time-varied change
in pitch. Move the [A], [R], and [DEPTH] sliders up and down gradually
and listen to the effects.
Falling, then return
D
pitch
A
D
Envelope
ADSR affects the pitch, filter, and amp
of the envelope. Here are their names
and definitions.
After listening
to the sounds
each knob
creates, make
a habit of
returning the
knobs to its
These knobs specify the pitch
center position.
Rising, then return
DEPTH
A
(-)
pitch D
A
DEPTH
time
DEPTH
A D
Next, let's go to the"FILTER", where the sound is processed.
Symbol Name Pitch/Brightness/Volume
A Attack Time Time taken from zero to max
D Decay Time Time taken from max to sustain level
Level of Volume/Brightness
S Sustain Level
while key is held
Release Time taken from sustain
R Release Time
to zero after key is released
Chapter
4
DEPTH
(+)
time
(*1) Voltage Controlled Oscillator
10