Dave Smith Instruments OB-6 is a collaboration between synth pioneers Dave Smith and Tom Oberheim. OB-6 is a 6-voice synthesizer with an all-analog signal path and discrete VCOs and filters. The full-size, four-octave, semi-weighted keyboard is velocity- and aftertouch-sensitive and houses a sound engine inspired by Oberheim’s original SEM, which was also the core of his acclaimed 4- and 8-voice synthesizers. This new instrument is designed to provide true, vintage SEM tone with the stability and flexibility of modern technology.
The classic, bold SEM sound is all there
OB-6 features two discrete voltage-controlled oscillators (plus sub-oscillator) per voice with continuously variable waveshapes (sawtooth and variable-width pulse, with triangle on oscillator 2). There is a classic SEM-inspired state-variable filter (low pass, high pass, band pass, and notch) per voice. Voltage-controlled amplifiers complete the all-analog signal path.
Modulation
Present also is X-mod, with the filter envelope and oscillator 2 as modulation sources. Destinations include oscillator 1 frequency, oscillator 1 shape, oscillator 1 pulse width, filter cutoff and filter mode. The knob-per-function front panel puts virtually all parameters at a user’s fingertips without any menu diving. Toggling the Manual switch enables live panel mode, in which OB-6 switches to the current settings of its knobs and switches.
Studio-quality effects
A dual effects section provides studio-quality reverbs, delays, chorus and faithful recreations of Tom Oberheim’s acclaimed phase shifter and ring modulator. The effects are digital with 24-bit 48 kHz resolution, but a true bypass maintains a full analog signal path. Additionally, OB-6 features a multimode arpeggiator and a polyphonic step sequencer with up to 64 steps (and up to 6 notes of polyphony per step) plus rests. It allows polyphonic keyboard input and can sync to external MIDI clock.
MPE support
Support for MIDI Polyphonic Expression enables OB-6 to respond to MPE-driven controllers such as LinnStrument, Expressive E Osmose, Roli Seaboard series and others.
Vintage mode
Vintage mode gives OB-6 a looser, more organic sound that emulates the behavior of vintage synthesizers where the behavior of individual oscillators, filters and envelopes vary from voice to voice.
SKU | DSI-OB6 |
Vendor | Sequential |
Aftertouch | Yes |
Analog Digital | Analog |
Built In Speakers | No |
Included From Manufacturer | Power Cable |
Keys Weighted | Semi-Weighted |
Number of Keys | 49 |
Key Size | Full Size Keys |
Midi | In, Out, and Thru |
Mono Poly | Polyphonic |
MPN | DSI-2700 |
Product Unique Features |
Support for MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) control messages Vintage mode for looser, more organic sound |
Arpeggiator | Yes |
Audio File Playback | No |
Control Connections | Footswitch: sequencer start/stop Footswitch: sustain Expression pedal: volume Expression pedal: filter |
Onboard Controllers | Backlit pitch and mod wheels Arpeggio latch |
Effects | Delay Chorus Reverbs Phase shifter Ring modulator |
Audio Inputs | None |
Audio Outputs | 1/4" stereo L/R 1/4" headphones |
Internal Storage Capacity | n/a |
Key Action | Semi-weighted synth action |
Oscillators per Voice | 2 plus Sub |
Product Weight | 21 lbs. |
Programs/Presets | 500 user programs 500 factory programs |
Sampling | n/a |
Sequencer | 64-step polyphonic |
Speakers | None |
USB Port (to Host) | MIDI;System Updates;Editor/Librarian/Patch Manager |
Voices of Polyphony | 6 |
Width | 32" |
Depth | 12.7" |
Height | 4.6" |
Sequential warrants that its products will be free from defects in materials and/or workmanship for one (1) year from the date of purchase. Please register your product online at at the Sequential website to establish the date of purchase. This is not a requirement for warranty service, but it will help expedite the warranty service process. See Sequential's website for more details.
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