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 (MPE) 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-OB6SK |
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" |
Dave Smith Instruments Limited Warranty
Dave Smith Instruments 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 Dave Smith Instruments website to establish the date of purchase. This is not a requirement for warranty service, but it will help expedite the warranty service process.
Please contact a Dave Smith Instruments support representative to determine the best course of action for getting your product repaired. For your own protection, please do not return any product to Dave Smith Instruments without a return authorization (RA) number.
If you need to return your instrument for repair, you are responsible for getting it to Dave Smith Instruments. It is highly recommended that you insure your shipment and pack it in the original packaging. Damage resulting from shipping a product with insufficient packaging is not covered by this warranty.
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