Test: Softube Model 82
Softube has very convincingly transferred the analog classic Roland Juno-106 into the virtual world of the DAW with Model 84, now they dedicate themselves to the no less legendary monophonic model SH-101.
Roland‘s SH-101 is probably one of the most popular mono synthesizers due to its clear and easy-to-learn sound generation, powerful and punchy sound and intuitive sequencer. Accordingly, there are already some replicas of the synthesizer classic from 1982, be it as hardware (for example, Behringer MS-1) or as software (for example TAL BassLine-101 or the SH-101 plug-in from Roland), all three of which were allowed to compete in the test.
The design and sound generation are strictly based on the original, which also includes limitations. So, Model 82 is only monophonically playable and has only one envelope that is shared by its filter and VCA together. On a software basis, these limitations could easily be circumvented without compromising the charm and character of the original. For example, TAL‘s 101 can be played polyphonically if desired, and Roland offers a second envelope on its virtual SH-101. At least Model 82 has a drop-down box to route Velocity and Aftertouch to filter or volume.
A digitally controlled oscillator generates separately mixable sawtooth and square waves, the latter with manually adjustable pulse width or modulatable via LFO or envelope. The Sub Oscillator plays one or two octaves lower and is an important part of the 101 sound with a very distinctive sounding square wave. In addition, there is a noise generator for percussive sounds.
This is followed by Roland‘s legendary 24dB lowpass filter, which still sounds pleasantly harmonic even at high resonance values and whose frequency can be modulated using the envelope, LFO and keyboard tracking. In combination with the fast envelope, crisp basslines are no problem.
Analog sound
The popularity of the SH-101 is mainly explained by the fact that it is a real sweet spot symthesizer. No matter what and where you turn and tweak, it always comes out with something good sounding and musically usable. Warm, round or crisp basses, creamy or dashing leads, pearly arpeggios, analog percussion or twittering acid lines - everything is quickly created and fits perfectly into your arrangement.
Softube has captured this sound almost perfectly. We don‘t know of any other soft synth that sounds so alive and „analog“. The plug-ins from Roland and TAL also offer a convincing basic sound, but when playing leads and sequences, Model 82 simply sounds that decisive bit more alive and organic; and in the blind test, it was indistinguishable from analog hardware in the form of a Behringer MS-1. The sequencer is simple to use: Pressing Record starts the step input via the keyboard, Play plays the entered sequence, which can then be transposed using the keys. The buttons for different dividers are handy for adjusting the tempo when synchronized to the clock. A simple arpeggiator is also on board.
We should mention the very good sounding drive effect used for subtle saturation or strong distortion, as well as the Double function, which detunes the sounds against each other and distributes it in the stereo field.
Verdict
In terms of sound, Model 82 is, to our ears, the best virtual replica of the monophonic classic SH-101 so far. We would have liked to see a few additions such as a second envelope or polyphony, but Model 82 nevertheless became our favorite monosynth for basses and leads during the test due to its very organic sound. For users of Softube Modular, Model 82 is a must-buy anyway! ⸬