Two LFOs and a unique sample-and-hold section provided capabilities not found in competing self-contained synthesizers of the time.

The rhythmic pulsing in the Blondie song "Heart of Glass" is an example of its sound.

Contrary to common belief, the initial version "SH-3" did not infringe on the transistor ladder-filter patent of Robert Moog.

The SH-3A does use a transistor ladder-filter and as a result can generate Moog-like sounds.

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