Roland SH-1 vs Promars

[haydenvan]

I have the oppurtunity to get either. The sh-1 is about 200-300 dollars less as well. I mainly will be using one of the synths with my roland csq 600 sequencer. Usually it's either playing bass sequences or higher melodies. My style is like that of early depeche mode, omd, or fad gadget.

I know the promars is a very unique synth and has a different sound than the sh synths, in a good way. It also has a fast lfo so I can do some cool clangy ring mod-esque sounds. Also has memory and two dedicated envelopes. And it has two vcos but you can't change each of them, only detune. It's also pretty large and heavy compared to the sh-1

The SH-1 can have deeper bass because it goes down to 32' and has a 2 oct sub osc. It has two envelopes but one is only AR and you can't use it on the envelope. It also has a trigger in which I may use. Also has a s/h lfo which is a nice addition and an audio mixer, not just on and off.

What does anyone else think?

[Sir Ruff]

Were it me, I would've probably stuck with the MEK

no, either will be cool, but I think you're still going to get more mileage out of the promars... an sh-2 would be a better comparison to the promars... The fact the sub goes down to 32' doesn't really mean anything in terms of bass necessarily (I never found roland sh's with sub-oscs to actually be big on bass maybe it's just me). Don't you get memories on the promars too?

Guess it depends on how much those extra features are worth to you? But I imagine most would agree the promars is the better machine.

[haydenvan]

Unfortunately, I need to stop trying to incorporate new technology with my pre-midi cv/gate set up.
I also perform live with all this stuff, so I was keeping in mind the size of the sh-1 to the promars as well. We can add an sh-2 to the mix as well. There is one available to me for the same price as the promars. That has two independent oscillators, small size, and deep bass.

[OriginalJambo]

I'd take the SH-1 since it's cheaper, smaller and still pretty fully featured, well for a one VCO mono synth. Oh and it's certainly a step up from the SH-09, which seems to be quite popular 'round these parts. Rarely see someone badmouthing either.

[maindeglorie]

The Promars is seriously the s**t. The LFO's go into light speed, the oscillator is completely different than other Roland synths except the JP-4. It sounds amazing. I would grab one immediately if I could. Grab it!!!!!!!!

[30h5]

I'd get the promars. Seems like it would be easier to find a SH down the road if you didn't like the promars, rather than the other way around.

[Joey]

hayden you are a douche for not giving me the mek

and get that black odyssey instead!

[haydenvan]

Black odyssey is gone. Plus I would want to get a 2800 model. I missed out on a 2800 model, black, with cv/gate/trigger and a hard case for $1100! Gah! I hate myself for losing that. Anyways, promars ordering tomorrow...

[Herbert West]

This comment is probably too late, but if you have an SH-2 available I would go for that. I havent heard the SH-1, but I have heard the SH-2 in person and it sounds amazingly warm and fat. I love, love the sub-oscillator. Cool modulation too, sample and hold... Strange, about the comments being that the Promars has a unique sound, Ive always heard that the Promars and JP4 sound more like the early SH series than the subsequent Jupiter models.

Also, if you are planning to use this gear live, Id say the SH-2 is a no brainer. Its much more practical to carry around, and Id assume more reliable... the Promars always gives me the impression it could fall apart at any moment. I like the sleek compact look of the SH-2, I really want to pick one up myself someday. Small size, huge sound.

[haydenvan]

Yes. I've played an sh-2, unbelievable sound. But I cound't pass up the promars, especially for the price and condition. Also came with the original case! I realize it isn't the later jupiter sounds, but its okay. Also, it has memory, even though it's only 8, it's better than nothing. Live when I'm already dealing with 2 other synths, drum machines, sequencers, and triggers, it's nice to have one thing that I can just press one button on. haha.

[maindeglorie]

Truthfully... f**k the later Jupiter sounds. The Promars, Jupiter 4, and a good chunk of the SH's are derived from the Roland modulars component wise, and the Promars is very close to this lineage. It has a sound that is completely raw, organic and definitely powerful.

[matia]

SH 1 to my ears sounds better and fuller than an SH 2. I played both side by side and the SH 1 won hands down. Really great sound. Fuller and cleaner in a 70's way than the 2. The 2 sounded more ... gritty ... low fi ...

-matia

[Computer Controlled]

The SH-1 is essentially part of the System 100 system. It's as close to one of these as you can get w/o spending the 1000s of $ needed. I've had two of them. They sound great!!!