View source for Roland SH-3A

{{primarysources|date=April 2007}}

{{Infobox synthesizer |
synth_manufacturer = Roland |
image = roland_sh3a_main.jpg |
image_caption = SH-3A with case |
synth_name =  SH-3A |
synthesis_type = [[Analog synthesizer|Analog]] [[Subtractive synthesis|Subtractive]]|
polyphony = [[Monophonic (synthesizers)|Monophonic]] |
timbrality = [[Monotimbral]]|
oscillator = 1 VCO, 1 White/Pink Noise Generator |
filter = Resonant self-oscillating low-pass filter w/ frequency and resonance controls|
attenuator = 1 ADSR|
lfo = LFO1 has sawtooth waveform, LFO2 sine or square and delay slider, Sample-and-Hold with level and sample time sliders. LFO's can be assigned to VCF, VCA, VCO. |
memory = None |
dates = 1975–1976 |
price = UK£400 |
fx = None |
keyboard  = 44 keys (F–C) |
velocity = No |
aftertouch = No |
split = No
}}

The '''SH-3A''' is a monophonic [[analog synthesizer]] that was manufactured by [[Roland Corporation|Roland]] from 1975 to 1981.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Forrest |first1=Peter |title=The A-Z of Analogue Synthesizers, Part Two: N-Z |date=1996 |publisher=Short Run Press Limited |location=Exeter, England |isbn=09524377-1-6 |page=85}}</ref> It is unique in that it is capable of both the usual [[subtractive synthesis]] and also the less common [[additive synthesis]], offering mixable waveforms at different footages. Two LFOs and a unique sample-and-hold section provided capabilities not found in competing self-contained synthesizers of the time. The SH-3A was Roland's first non-preset based synth. The predecessor, the [[Roland SH-1000]], could also do this but didn't offer as much control as on the SH-3A. The rhythmic pulsing in the [[Blondie (band)|Blondie]] song "[[Heart of Glass (song)|Heart of Glass]]" is an example of its sound.

Contrary to common belief, the initial version "SH-3" did not infringe on the transistor ladder-filter patent of [[Robert Moog]]. It used a diode filter like the [[EMS VCS 3]]. The SH-3A does use a transistor ladder-filter and as a result can generate [[Moog synthesizer|Moog]]-like sounds.

==Notable SH-3A users==
* [[Blondie (band)|Blondie]]
* [[Chris Carter (British musician)|Chris Carter]]
* [[Covenant (band)|Covenant]]
* [[The Human League]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.vintagesynth.com/roland/sh3.php|title=Roland SH-3a {{!}} Vintage Synth Explorer|website=www.vintagesynth.com|language=en|access-date=2018-07-13}}</ref>
* [[Radio Massacre International]]
* [[Vangelis]]
* [[Yello]]

<gallery>
Image:roland_sh3a_controls.jpg|Close-up of SH-3A controls
</gallery>

==References==
<references />


==External links==
* [http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/roland-sh3a-synthesiser/6720 Roland SH-3A review by Bruce Gibbs] on ''[[International Musician and Recording World]]'' (December 1975)
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNzikNXtQmU Demo of SH-3A on YouTube]

{{Roland}}

[[Category:Roland synthesizers|SH-3A]]
[[Category:Analog synthesizers]]
[[Category:Monophonic synthesizers]]
[[Category:Musical instruments invented in the 1970s]]

{{Electronic-musical-instrument-stub}}