OBERHEIM'S FIRST SYNTH!

A look at the Oberheim Synthesizer Expander Module (1974) and Two Voice (1975), which were Oberheim's first two synthesizer products respectively.

0:00 Intro Jam
1:00 The Synthesizer Expander Module
2:04 Demo 1: State Sync
2:49 E-mu Systems
3:32 Demo 2: Two Voice
4:38 Dennis P Colin
5:49 Demo 3: Pull Seq Wonk
6:56 Jim Cooper
7:46 Demo 4: Transistor Bass Workout
9:04 Tom Oberheim
10:09 Demo 5: August Nineteen Seventy-Five
11:16 The Life Aquatic, Stranger Things and Drokk
13:50 Outro Jam

Two Voice Listening:

Life Aquatic - Mark Mothersbaugh:

Stranger Things Theme:

Drokk - Music Inspired by Mega City One:

Nerdy Details:

Mini-Sequencer
x2 two parallel sequences of 1-8 steps with CV set via the dual-concentric knobs.
Independent assignment of sequence 1 to SEM 1 and sequence 2 to SEM 2 as well as sample and hold or keyboard control for either.
Optional sequence transposition via keyboard.
Sample and hold range and lag.
Internal clock frequency, run and step control, plus clock frequency modulation from sequence 2 CV.

Each SEM:
VCOs: x2
Waves: Sawtooth or Pulse
Tuning: Fine/Course
Other: Phase sync
Modulation: Frequency, Pulse Width, PWM
Modulation Sources: Envelopes, LFO, Sample & Hold (EXT)
Mixer:
VCO waves
EXT #1 Rear connection, although SEM 2 is normalled to SEM if nothing is connected, allowing for use of the SEMs in series
EXT #2 White Noise from S&H circuit
Filter: 2-pole multimode. Continuously variable low pass, notch, high pass, plus switched band pass.
Control: Cutoff, Resonance, Mode
Modulation: Bipolar cutoff modulation from envelope 2, S&H (EXT), LFO
VCA: Controlled from Envelope 1 or drone (ON/EXT)
Envelopes: x2 ADSD
LFO: Triangle with frequency control

Performance:
Voice assignment - duophonic with left/right voice priority as well as unison.
Per-voice portamento
Master tuning and octave select.

Output mixer: SEM 1 and 2 and master level. Signal overdrives beyond about 60%.

Rear connections: These seem to vary from unit to unit and are usually modded. Furthermore, the original manual doesn't describe them, so I'm not actually sure what the "stock" rear connections are.

On my unit I have CV/gate for each SEM, external signal in, external sequencer clock in and line out (mono).

[Lackanf]

Great video, but according to an interview with Tom he said that the SEM originally was a way to sell the DS2 sequencer: Since most people didn't want to tie up their Minimoog or 2600 to a sequencer, the sequencer had to have some cheap soundsource to control for basslines etc. (sorry for nerding) :)

[DarkSideofSynth]

Forget synths and musicianship, we all know we're here for his flamboyant adjectives, and his brilliant humour 😋

[decimal]

Nice to see the original engineers getting credit here :)

[Andor.]

god i love oberheims logo, its so fun, just a cool ass musical note beeing chill as hell.

[mistervalentin]

Alex, your channel is the ONLY one that I regularly check if there is something new. I frequently re-watch your videos to enjoy your fabulous playing and funky music ideas plus your ability to tell stories with humour and wit ... sorry for barrage of compliments, but it's my roundabout way to tell you how gifted you are and how thankful I am that you make these videos.

[soepil]

Some absolute banger tunes in this episode. And the Two-Voice sounds absolutely fantastic. Thank you.

[modyssey]

Easily one of the most beautiful sounding synths I own, as evidenced by your playing at the 3:30 mark.

[soniklink-WKD]

Once again, a masterclass of sound, history and captivation.👍Demo 3 blew my mind! Love it ❤

[Medniex]

that successful arpeggio expression is gold 😁

[graemedavidson]

I believe Rod Hull had a hand in Emu too but presumably that part was left out for having too aggressive an attack and delayed release. Joking aside, I thoroughly enjoy your synth history works!

[shkeni]

SEMs have such a unique, gorgeous sound which I've always found very inspiring. The 2 voice is a contender for my favorite synth of all time, I'd kill to have one lol. Loved the demos.

[cfibb]

Thanks for uploading. Many synths do many crazy, wonderful things but none quite have the sheer smile factor of Tom Oberheim's creations tonally. That filter..!

[HANGINGOUTWITHAUDIOPHILES]

Ahhh. Love getting a new Alex vid in the feed. This is great as ever ! Nothing beats an oberheim sync.

[henryhill]

That DROKK album is so good, definitely recommend it. If nothing else as a monument to the artistic cowardice of studio execs

[ruudruijer]

Thank you for this interesting piece of history, always loved the sound of Oberheim!

[horizontalblanking]

As a musician and (at least in the early 90s) a video “professional” …I want to hate you… but I can’t. You make me laugh, smile, and your content is top notch. Stellar job sir!

[HOLLASOUNDS]

Honestly you never disappoint Me with your music in these videos, love every second. Wow thats an incredible bit of hysterical synthesis in good hands with you.

[Moruial]

Wow, I didn't expted this thing to sound that good, it's brillant! all the tunes you're played are so well done, good job sir!

[graxjpg]

As always, the synthesizer in question is only as enamoring and as interesting on its own as you are presenting it to us.

[CBG]

This was outstanding. As with your other videos on conclusion I'm educated, entertained and impressed by your musical ability and catchy demo's!