AIR’s new plugin faithfully emulates the legendary monophonic synthesiser while offering enhancements for today’s digital production workflow.
AIR Music Tech has introduced IONA, a new virtual instrument that emulates the sonic characteristics of the classic SH-101 synthesiser while adding modern workflow features. The plugin offers detailed modelling of the original analogue circuitry, along with an expanded 128-step sequencer, integrated effects, and cross-platform compatibility with MPC hardware, MPC Desktop, and DAWs.
IONA is designed for electronic musicians and producers who want the distinctive bass and lead tones of Roland’s iconic SH-101, a monophonic synth released in 1982. While the hardware version became known for its simplicity and signature sound, AIR’s IONA aims to offer that same character in a more flexible digital format.
Key Features
Sound Engine
IONA recreates the SH-101’s much-loved sound with modelled oscillator sections offering pulse, sawtooth, sub, and noise sources. The VCO pitch range and modulation controls match the original, and pulse-width modulation is available via LFO, envelope, or manual control. The LFO is BPM-syncable and offers nine waveform shapes.
Filter and Modulation
The instrument includes a resonant low-pass filter with cutoff and resonance controls. Filter modulation is available via envelope, keyboard tracking, and LFO. An ADSR envelope is assignable to the amplifier, with portamento and a customisable pitch bender also included.
Sequencing and Performance
A 128-step pattern sequencer replicates the original SH-101 workflow, enhanced with transpose and shift functions and a graphical editor. An integrated arpeggiator adds creative performance options. IONA works seamlessly across standalone MPC units, MPC Desktop software, and DAWs.
Effects and Presets
An onboard effects section includes Lo-Fi, Delay, Reverb, and a 3-band EQ. Over 100 factory presets are provided, and users can customise the plugin’s look with five skin options—grey, red, blue, white, and yellow—each saved per preset.
Cross-Platform Support
IONA’s compatibility with both hardware and software platforms is a key design feature. It allows producers to move between portable beat-making on an MPC and studio production in a DAW without changing instruments or settings.
IONA is now available at an introductory price of $59 until November 22.
Find out more on Air’s website.
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