Oberheim OB-E

The Oberheim OB-E is our take on the legendary Oberheim® 8-Voice and the first software instrument ever to receive Tom Oberheim’s personal endorsement. More than just an emulation, the OB-E offers a unique musical experience. Sounding HUGE, it takes the iconic Synthesizer Expander Module (SEM®) based 8-Voice (a.k.a the EVS) into new sonic territory via a raft of enhancements and additions.

The concept of the 8-Voice is actually very simple; based around a single SEM containing two VCOs with Pulse and Sawtooth waveforms, two ADS Envelope Generators, one LFO, and a magical Multi-Mode Filter. In isolation, each SEM is monophonic, but in the 8-Voice, because there are eight SEMs triggered by a polyphonic keyboard, you have a superb eight note polyphonic synthesizer.

This unique Octaphonic architecture offers fresh and exciting creative possibilities to music producers, composers, and sound designers for the first time in the digital realm.

AN AUGMENTED YET AUTHENTIC INSTRUMENT
We’ve painstakingly emulated every section of the synth to ensure sonic authenticity while adding the convenience of software control over those eight SEMs. Mono, Mono Legato, Poly, Unison and Split keyboard modes are all available. Add to this the new VCO3, doubling as an audio rate LFO for each SEM, and a stack of additional performance controls via velocity, polyphonic after-touch and MPE control then you’ll begin to understand the depth of musical possibilities OB-E provides.

A COLLABORATION WITH OBERHEIM AND NEW ‘VINTAGE’ CONTROL
As we neared the release of OB-E®, we were contacted by Tom Oberheim and Marcus Ryle (an Oberheim engineer in the 1980s) who were impressed enough to suggest a collaboration offering support to refine OB-E and to release the v2 update carrying their full endorsement. Despite receiving several Best Soft Synth 2021 awards, working under the guidance of Tom and Marcus, we further enhanced the already incredible sounding OB-E. Refining the Detune feature and adding a new Vintage control, dials in more realistic musical inaccuracies in line with the original instrument for a truly authentic 8-Voice experience.

CREATIVE SEQUENCER, STEREO DELAY & REVERB
And that’s not all! With the original MS-1 sequencer as a starting reference point, we’ve integrated an extremely comprehensive and creative 8-step Sequencer providing a flexibility and fun-factor unavailable via the original hardware. In keyboard Split mode with the Sequencer routed to SEM 8, the OB-E provides the ability to create a complete three part soundscape within a single Patch. An all-new routable Stereo Delay and lush Reverb provides sonically complimentary effects.

MORE THAN EIGHT VOICES PUT TOGETHER
The 8-Voice is not simply eight identical SEMs put together. The interaction of those 8 independent, and slightly different Synthesizer Expander Modules, plays a major role in making the 8-Voice’s sound so incredibly beautiful. The injection of these authentic inaccuracies into each of the eight SEMs in OB-E takes it to another level, one that blurs the lines between the hardware, and makes OB-E the most authentic emulation of the Oberheim SEM sound and 8-Voice instrument.

Finally, we’ve complemented our instrument with 700+ factory Patches designed by Dave Spiers and a roster of brilliant sound designers. Even better, each Patch has been tagged, categorised and is quickly accessible from the OB-E’s librarian (arrow navigation friendly).

Key Features:

• [New] 100+ New presets & new Matrix Reverb: Expands the sonic palette with fresh sounds and effects.
• [New] Vintage knob & Refined Detune parameter: Adds authentic vintage inaccuracies for a more realistic sound.
• [New] Drum Mode and 10 drum kits presets: Introduces drum sounds and patterns for more versatility.
• [New] PC support, VST3 and Apple Silicon Native: Ensures compatibility with modern systems and platforms.
• [New] Flexible scaling UI & Sequencer Zoom: Offers an adjustable interface for better usability.
• Unique 8-Voice Octaphonic architecture with zero delay feedback filters: Delivers unparalleled sound quality and flexibility.
• An authentic sounding emulation of the Oberheim 8-Voice: Recreates the classic sound faithfully.
• 700 factory Patches designed to fit in a mix, all tagged and categorised: Provides a vast array of ready-to-use sounds.
• Librarian for easy access to the presets (Arrow Keys Navigation): Makes it simple to find and select patches.
• Continuous, round-robin mode where each note use a new voice: Ensures varied and dynamic sound.
• ZOOM enlarges an individual Module filling the UI with front and rear panels side by side: Facilitates detailed editing.
• Group mode to edit all Modules at once: Simplifies adjustments across all modules.
• Individual Synthesiser Expander Module Copy, Paste and Save: Allows for easy duplication and storage of settings.
• 150+ Individual Synthesiser Expander Module Presets: Offers a variety of module-specific sounds.
• 50+ Individual Sequencer Presets: Includes numerous sequencer patterns.
• 2 x VCOs, 2 x ADS, Multimode-filter, Polyphonic Aftertouch enabled: Core components for powerful sound design.
• LFO, 3rd VCO doubling as a second LFO: Enhances modulation possibilities.
• Multiple triggering modes; Polyphonic, Monophonic, Mono Legato, & Unison: Supports diverse playing styles.
• Stereo Delay & MIDI Sequencer with Sequencer Lock when changing a Patch: Provides advanced sequencing and delay effects.
• 48 Sequence key scaling options: Enables detailed sequence customization.
• Volume & Pan per Module. HRTF for Pan: Controls sound placement and movement.
• Global Tuning, Vibrato and Portamento. MIDI CC Control: Global parameters for overall sound shaping.
• Upper/Low modules can be Split across the keyboard: Allows for versatile performance setups.
• Extensive Velocity & Aftertouch modulation: Enables expressive playing.
• Polyphonic aftertouch and MPE ready: Prepares for modern expressive controllers.