Donner L1 Synthesizer
The Donner Essential L1 is a compact monophonic analog synthesizer inspired by the SH-101 lineage. It uses the classic analogue chipset (3340 VCO, 3109 low-pass filter, 662 VCA) and builds in modern features such as CV/Gate, USB-C/MIDI I/O, a 64-step (or 64-step × 128-pattern) sequencer, 5-mode arpeggiator, drone mode, dual envelopes + LFO, and a detachable “Snap-2-Connect” (S2C) keyboard option (KB-32M).
It is positioned as a budget-friendly but feature-rich mono analog synth that nods to vintage machines while adding modern performance and connectivity tools.
Key Features
- Classic analog signal path: 3340 VCO chip, 3109 low-pass filter, and 662 VCA.
- Two velocity-sensitive, four-phase envelope generators + merge option.
- Syncable LFO, “Drone” mode (for ambient textures or processing external audio) and external audio input.
- 64-step sequencer, song mode (128 patterns × 4 patterns per song), five-mode arpeggiator with three octave ranges, trigger-edit function.
- Full connectivity: EXT. IN, MAIN OUT, HOLD pedal, MIDI I/O (mini TRS, Type-A), USB Type-C, SYNC I/O, CV OUT, GATE OUT, PHONES.
- Portable size: Less than 900 g, ~30 mm high excluding knobs/caps (according to Donner).
- Modular “Snap2Connect” keyboard dock option (KB-32M) though that keyboard is sold separately.
S2C – Snap2Connect Keyboard setup
The L1 Synthesizer is the first synth to feature the new Snap2Connect (S2C) system. It allows two supported devices to communicate without a single cable. The devices connect via two strong magnets.
A great system to enable you to use the product as a module. Donner offer the option to buy the keyboard KB-32M separately to keep upfront costs down.
Considerations
- While careful to replicate the SH-101 vibe, it is not a 1:1 clone: reviews note it “evolves the SH-101 template while still capturing the sound”.
- Some users mention minor signal-noise issues at high gain or the docking keyboard connection feels a bit loose.
- As with many budget analogs: patch memory may be limited (i.e., you’ll need to manually document settings if you want to recall them later).
Summary Table for Donner L1
| Spec / Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Signal path | 3340 VCO, 3109 VCF, 662 VCA |
| Envelopes & LFO | Dual velocity-sensitive 4-phase envelopes + sync-able LFO + drone mode |
| Sequencer & Arpeggiator | 64-step sequencer, song mode (128 patterns), 5-mode arpeggiator |
| Connectivity | CV/Gate Out, Sync I/O, EXT IN, MIDI I/O, USB Type-C, Main Out, Phones |
| Size / weight | < 900 g, ~30 mm high (excl. caps) |
| Optional Keyboard Dock | KB-32M via S2C magnetic system (sold separately) |
| Price (AU site) | A$ 389.99 (sale price listed) |
Synth Comparison Table
| Specification | Roland SH-101 | Behringer MS-1 | Donner Essential L1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyphony | Monophonic (1 voice) | Monophonic (1 voice) | Monophonic (1 voice) |
| Oscillator / Waveforms | Single VCO (CEM3340) with saw, pulse (with PWM), sub-oscillator, and noise | 3340-based VCO; four mixable waveforms (saw, triangle, square/pulse, sub-osc) | 3340 VCO with multiple waveforms (saw, pulse, triangle, sub-osc) |
| Filter / VCF | 24 dB/oct resonant low-pass filter with envelope modulation and key follow | Analog low-pass filter inspired by SH-101, modern refinements | 3109 low-pass analog filter, modeled on vintage SH-series design |
| Envelopes / LFO | 1 ADSR envelope, 1 LFO (triangle, square, random) | 1 ADSR envelope, 1 LFO with expanded modulation range | 2 velocity-sensitive 4-stage envelopes, sync-able LFO, and drone mode |
| Sequencer / Arpeggiator | 100-step sequencer, simple up/down arpeggiator | 32-step sequencer and arpeggiator | 64-step sequencer with 128-pattern song mode, 5-mode arpeggiator |
| Connectivity | CV/Gate I/O, clock input, audio output, phones | USB, MIDI, CV/Gate, audio output, external clock | USB-C, MIDI I/O, CV/Gate Out, Sync In/Out, External Audio In, Phones |
| Build / Design | Compact plastic body, optional modulation grip handle | Similar layout to SH-101, detachable mod grip, available in multiple colors | Compact desktop module, < 900 g, optional magnetic Snap-2-Connect keyboard (KB-32M) |
| Modern Enhancements | None — classic 1980s analog design | Adds MIDI/USB, better tuning stability, modern build | Adds external audio processing, drone mode, advanced sequencer, detachable keyboard option |
| Release / Era | 1982–1986 | 2019 (MS-1), later MS-1 MK II | 2025 |
| Typical / Launch Price | About US$495 (original retail, 1980s) | Around US$199 – US$249 (current street price) | Around A$389.99 (≈ US$250 / €235 / £205) |
Summary
- Roland SH-101 – The vintage original: simple, warm, and iconic for early techno, acid, and electro. No modern features but legendary tone.
- Behringer MS-1 – A faithful modern recreation with added MIDI/USB and modern reliability, at a very affordable price.
- Donner Essential L1 – A modern evolution of the SH-101 idea: uses the same core analog chips (3340 VCO, 3109 VCF, 662 VCA) but adds dual envelopes, more modulation, sequencer memory, USB-C, and modular keyboard connectivity.
Approximate Global Prices
| Currency | Roland SH-101 (used) | Behringer MS-1 | Donner Essential L1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| USD | US$ 1,200 – 1,800 (used market) | US$ 199 – 249 | US$ 250 |
| EUR | € 1,100 – 1,600 | € 189 – 229 | € 235 |
| GBP | £ 950 – 1,400 | £ 159 – 189 | £ 205 |
| AUD | A$ 1,900 – 2,500 | A$ 319 – 379 | A$ 389.99 |
(Prices are approximate retail or used-market averages as of late 2025.)
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