TL;DR: DinSync has announced the R-101, a rackmount clone of the Roland SH-101 that promises “the most authentic 101 in existence, no compromises.” It uses a genuine Curtis CEM3340 VCO, a 3109 VCF, and a new BA662 replica VCA, all crammed into a 150mm-deep 19-inch rack. Expect to see it in blue and red at Superbooth 2026.
- Rackmount SH-101 clone from DinSync, built with Krumptronics — no mini keyboard, all the guts.
- Powered by a Trevor Page Goblin CPU with added MIDI I/O and Eurorack-compatible aux jacks.
- Genuine Curtis CEM3340 VCO, Analogue Renaissance 3109 VCF, and a new BA662 replica VCA.
- 150mm deep rack chassis — designed to not eat your entire studio depth.
- Pricing and availability TBA at Superbooth 2026, but expect premium for “no compromises.”
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The rack is back
Who had rackmount synths coming back on their 2026 bingo card? If you did, you can thank DinSync and its new R-101, a Roland SH-101 replica in a rack. Racks are back, baby! Some of you may not remember, but in the ‘80s and ‘90s racks were an affordable way to get a lot of synth (and effects!) into not a lot of space. Funny though that since not as many rackmount units were made compared to the full keyboard version, they’re often more expensive now on the vintage market. But that’s not what we’re here to talk about today.
We’re talking about the R-101, a new Roland SH-101 clone from DinSync – and it’s in a rack! If you don’t know DinSync, you’re probably not an x0x fiend. The company makes Roland replicas like the RE-909 and RE-606. No points for guessing what machines those are clones of. Now we’ve got news of a new 101 remake, this time uniquely in a rack. Called R-101, it’s a fresh new version of the company’s own RE-101 and made in collaboration with Krumptronics. Housed in a 150mm deep 19-inch rack, it does away with the mini keyboard of the RE-101 but keeps all of the other functionality that you know and expect.
What makes it authentic
DinSync is all about authenticity in its remakes, and R-101 promises to be no exception. Bossman Paul Barker told us that the R-101 is powered by a Trevor Page Goblin CPU, a modern take on the original 101 CPU with added MIDI I/O. The new 101 features all of the original connectivity, too, with the added bonus of Eurorack-compatible aux jacks. At the heart of the R-101 is a genuine Curtis CEM3340 VCO, the Analogue Renaissance 3109 VCF, as well as their brand new BA662 replica VCA chip.
“This is the most authentic 101 in existence, no compromises,” says Paul. And you know what? We believe him. The combination of a genuine CEM3340 (the same chip that powered the original SH-101, among others) and a faithful 3109 VCF replica gives this a fighting chance at nailing that sound. The BA662 replica is the cherry on top — that chip was used in the original 101’s VCA and is notoriously hard to find now. DinSync making their own means they control the supply chain, which is good news for anyone who wants a consistent, repeatable product.
Specs and connectivity
You can hear the new R-101 in action on the DinSync Instagram. DinSync will be showing its R-101 in fetching blue and red at Superbooth 2026 next month. It looks like a ton of fun, and I have to say I’m pleased that racks are coming back. Tabletop units are fine and all, but I don’t have room for a kitchen table in my studio.
The 150mm depth is a thoughtful touch — many modern rack cases are shallow, and standard Eurorack cases can be tight. This should fit nicely in most studio racks without hanging out the back like a drunk uncle at a wedding. You get all the original connectivity: CV/Gate in and out, external audio input, and now Eurorack-compatible aux jacks. The Goblin CPU handles MIDI I/O with grace, meaning you can control it from your DAW or sequencer without a fuss. No mini keyboard means more panel space for knobs and jacks — a win for the tactile crowd.
Why this matters now
As for price, Paul said this in an Instagram comment: “We can’t say for sure until we have the metalwork done.” Hopefully, we’ll hear about that plus availability at Superbooth. The R-101 enters a market already crowded with SH-101 clones — the Behringer MS-1, the original RE-101, and various boutique builds. But DinSync’s claim of “no compromises” is a bold one. If they deliver, this could be the definitive modern 101 for studio use.
Who is this for? Studio rats who love the SH-101 sound but don’t need another keyboard taking up floor space. Eurorack users who want a standalone voice with authentic architecture. Collectors who want the closest thing to a mint-condition SH-101 without paying collector prices. And anyone who secretly enjoys the satisfying thunk of sliding a module into a rack rail. We’re watching this one closely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DinSync R-101?
The R-101 is a rackmount clone of the Roland SH-101 synthesizer, made by DinSync in collaboration with Krumptronics. It uses a genuine Curtis CEM3340 VCO, an Analogue Renaissance 3109 VCF, and a DinSync-made BA662 replica VCA, all housed in a 150mm deep 19-inch rack unit.
How does the R-101 differ from the RE-101?
The R-101 is a rackmount version of DinSync’s existing RE-101. The main difference is the removal of the mini keyboard, allowing for a more compact, rack-friendly form factor. It also adds Eurorack-compatible aux jacks and uses a Trevor Page Goblin CPU with expanded MIDI I/O.
When will the R-101 be available and how much will it cost?
Pricing and availability have not been announced yet. DinSync plans to show the R-101 at Superbooth 2026 in May. According to Paul Barker, pricing depends on final metalwork costs, so we should know more after the show.
We’ll be at Superbooth with a fresh pour-over and a notepad. If you see a blue R-101, don’t touch — let me get my coffee down first.