It has a single oscillator (the Curtis CEM3340)[1] and a sub-oscillator, a low-pass filter, a mixer allowing users to blend different waveforms plus a noise generator, and an arpeggiator and sequencer.

Users can attach an optional handgrip with modulation controls and shoulder strap to play the SH-101 as a keytar, and it could also be powered via battery.

[2] Two limited edition versions were also released in both red and blue colours, in contrast to the original grey.

[4] Famous musicians that have used the SH-101 include: Nitzer Ebb,[5] Aphex Twin[6][7] Vince Clarke of Erasure,[8] Paul Frick from Tangerine Dream, Future Sound of London, Orbital, Überzone, The Prodigy,[9] 808 State,[10] The Grid, Eat Static, Jimmy Edgar, Apollo 440, Devo, Union Jack, Luke Vibert, Dirty Vegas, Skinny Puppy, Pig, MSTRKRFT, Josh Wink, Depeche Mode, The Crystal Method, Astral Projection,[11] Les Rythmes Digitales, Squarepusher, KMFDM, Freddy Fresh, Lab-4, Jimmy Dickinson of Little Angels, Code 64, The Chemical Brothers, Boards of Canada, The Knife and many others.

[17][22][23] In 2023, Roland introduced the S-1 Aira Compact, based on its Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology.