Home Tech NAMM 2025: Donner announces Roland SH-101 inspired Essential L1 Analog Synthesizer
NAMM 2025: Donner announces Roland SH-101 inspired Essential L1 Analog Synthesizer
Donner L1 essential
Donner

NAMM 2025: Donner announces Roland SH-101 inspired Essential L1 Analog Synthesizer

Home Tech NAMM 2025: Donner announces Roland SH-101 inspired Essential L1 Analog Synthesizer

Donner, a top-selling music instrument brand on Amazon, launches a new budget-friendly monophonic synthesizer, inspired by the legendary Roland SH-101.

NAMM 2025 announcements have been running hot, and the latest news is the Donner Essential L1 monophonic synthesizer. The Essential L1 is a monophonic analog synth that faithfully recreates the sound of the vintage SH-101 with modern features and controls. An interesting feature is the detachable magnetic keyboard (sold separately). The Essential L1 borrows the same chipset as the SH-101, featuring the 3340 VCO, 3109 low-pass filter (a high-performance voltage-controlled four-pole filter and pin-to-pin replacement of IR3109 VCF ICs found on vintage Roland synths), and high-performance 662 VCA from Roland (featured on Roland SH-101, TB-303, Juno-60, JX-3P). Donner has incorporated some of the best chipsets among analog synth machines to produce a warm and rich sound with the Donner L1.

The Donner L1 features a single modulator, a VCO, 6 voice options along with sub-octave outputs (-1/-2 frequencies), a low-pass VCF, 2 envelope generators, and a VCA. An interesting add-on is the step sequencer, a staple in the ESSENTIAL series. The 64-step sequencer with SONG MODE supports 128 patterns and loads up to 4 per song. In addition, there are five arpeggiator modes (down, up, random, and more) with three-octave ranges. The Donner L1 also provides all the required ports and I/O compatibility for integrating into a larger setup or connecting with computers and MIDI devices. There’s also an OLED display for real-time feedback and adjustments.

Regarding the magnetic detachable keyboard, while it may not be the best MIDI controller, it definitely seems to do its job. The 32-key synth-action keyboard features the S2C (Snap2Connect) magnetic keyboard system, which means it can not only connect with the Essential L1 but can also seamlessly work with other Essential Series synthesizers, which in our opinion can be quite useful. The KB-32M features dual touch strips for pitch bend and modulation. Hold and Oct +/- buttons have also been provided along with a responsive LED displaying the current setting.

Overall, it looks like an interesting take on the vintage SH-101 with new functionality keeping in mind the workflow of a modern-day musician.

Key Features:

  • Vintage-Inspired Sound: Built on iconic 3340 VCO and 3109 VCF chips, delivering warm analog tones
  • Compact Design: Lightweight (less than 900g), ultra-thin (30mm), ideal for mobile musicians
  • Versatile Connectivity: Multiple I/O options including MIDI, USB, CV/Gate, and external audio input
  • Advanced Sequencing: 64-step sequencer supporting 128 patterns and 4 songs per session
  • Snap2Connect System: Magnetic docking for compatible keyboards and modular expansion
  • Comprehensive Sound Shaping: Dual envelope generators, 5 arpeggiator modes, multiple waveforms
  • Intuitive Interface: OLED display, direct parameter control, no menu-diving required

Pricing And Availability

The synth is available for pre-order and will be in stock on May 26th.

L1 Essential Analog Synth – $237.99 discounted from $279.99*

KB-32M – $109.99 discounted from $119.99*

L1 + KB-32M – $329.99 discounted from $399.98*

*Note – early bird price only for first 100 customers

More info on

DONNER.COM

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