Oberheim Ob-6 6-Voice Analog Synthesizer

Oberheim Ob-6 6-voice Analog Synthesizer

Product Code: eq179250
Availability: In Stock

$10,499.97 $14,699.96

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Description
Reviews (10)

The OB-6 from Dave Smith Instruments is a modern, all-analog 6-voice polyphonic synthesizer that pays tribute to Tom Oberheim's SEM 4-voice and 8-voice synthesizers, but with several enhancements. The synth features true voltage-controlled oscillators, a classic Oberheim-inspired 2-pole, state-variable resonant filter, amplifiers, envelopes, and an LFO. Additional enhancements include studio-quality effects, a polyphonic step-sequencer, and an arpeggiator; all of which can be synchronized internally or via external MIDI clock.

The four-octave, semi-weighted keyboard offers velocity sensitivity and channel aftertouch, while the control panel offers knob-per-function control with no menu diving. There are 500 permanent factory programs and 500 user programs which are organized into 10 banks of 100 presets. The OB-6 offers an ideal combination of portability and power for the project studio or the gigging musician.

Semi-Weighted Velocity-Sensitive Keys 4-Octave Keyboard w/ Channel Aftertouch 6 Voices w/ 2 Oscillators per Voice 2-Pole State-Variable Resonant Filter Dual 24-Bit/48 kHz FX Engine X-Mod Modulation Matrix Polyphonic Arpeggiator Polyphonic Step Sequencer w/ 64 Steps 1- to 6-Voice Unison Mode 1000-Program Patch Memory

Parameters
Oscillators	2x discrete VCOs per voice Wave Shape per Oscillator (Continuously Variable): Sawtooth and variable-width pulse, plus triangle on oscillator 2 Pulse width per oscillator Hard Sync: Oscillator 1 syncs to oscillator 2 Square Sub-Octave Generator: Oscillator 1 per voice Low-Frequency Mode: Oscillator 2 Keyboard Tracking: On/off (oscillator 2) Oscillator Detune: For increased tuning instability, from subtle to extreme
Mixer	Oscillator 1 amount Oscillator 1 sub-octave amount Oscillator 2 amount White noise amount
State-Variable Filter	Two-pole, resonant, filter per voice with low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and notch functionality inspired by the original Oberheim SEM filter Bi-polar filter envelope amount Velocity modulation of envelope amount Keyboard tracking: off, half, full
Envelope Generators	Filter Envelope: Four-stage (ADSR) envelope generator with velocity modulation of envelope amount Amplifier Envelope: Four-stage (ADSR) envelope generator with velocity modulation of envelope amount
LFO	5x Wave Shapes: Sine, sawtooth, reverse sawtooth, square, and random (sample and hold) Clock sync (internal or external MIDI clock) Initial amount Mod Destinations: Oscillator 1 frequency, oscillator 2 frequency, oscillator 1 and 2 pulse width, filter cutoff, filter mode, amp
X-Mod	Sources: Filter envelope (bi-polar) and oscillator 2 (bi-polar) Destinations: Oscillator 1 frequency, oscillator 1 shape, oscillator 1 pulse width, filter cutoff, filter mode, normal to bandpass filter
Aftertouch	Source: Channel (mono) aftertouch with bi-polar amount Destinations: Oscillator 1 frequency, oscillator 2 frequency, LFO amount, amplifier envelope amount, filter envelope amount, filter mode
Clock	Master clock with tap tempo BPM control and display MIDI clock sync
Arpeggiator	Selectable Note Value: 16th note, 8th note triplet, 8th note, dotted 8th note, quarter note 1, 2, or 3 octave range Up, down, up/down, random, and assign modes
Sequencer	Polyphonic Step Sequencer: 64 steps and rests
Effects	Stereo analog distortion Dual, 24-bit, 48 kHz Digital Effects: Reverb (room, hall, plate, spring), delay (full bandwidth digital delay and emulated bucket brigade and tape delays), chorus, and phase shifter Delay sync True Bypass: Maintains fully analog signal path when digital effects are off
Controls	Keyboard: Full-sized, semi-weighted, 4-octave with velocity and aftertouch Pich Wheel: Backlit, spring-loaded with selectable range per program (1 to 12 semitones up and down) Mod Wheel: Backlit Transpose: 8-octave range Hold Switch: latches held notes on Polyphonic Glide: Portamento Unison (Monophonic) Mode: Configurable voice count, from one to all six voices, chord memory, and key modes Manual switch: when on, the front panel is live; what you see is what you hear
Patch Memory	1000 Programs: 500 user / 500 factory programs in 10 banks of 100 programs each Direct program access, including single-button access to the current set of 10 programs
Input & Output	Left/Mono & Right Audio Outputs: 2 x 1/4" / 6.35 mm phone jack Headphone Output: Stereo, 1/4" / 6.35 mm phone jack MIDI: In, out, and thru ports USB: Bi-directional MIDI communication Filter cutoff expression-pedal input Volume expression-pedal input Sustain footswitch input Sequencer start/stop footswitch input
Power	100/240 volts at 50/60 Hz Power Consumption: 30 W maximum IEC AC power inlet for internal power supply
Dimensions	32.0 x 12.7 x 4.6" / 81.3 x 32.3 x 11.7 cm
Weight	20.0 lb / 9.1 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight	31.5 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)	37.9 x 19 x 9.3"

The OB-6 is a collaboration between Dave Smith and Tom Oberheim, two of the most influential designers in poly synth history. The OB-6 takes the classic bold Tom Oberheim sound, with its true voltage-controlled oscillators, 2-pole filter, and amplifiers, and adds modern enhancements such as studio-quality effects, a polyphonic step sequencer, an arpeggiator, and more

Sound engine inspired by Tom Oberheim's original SEM synthesizers
Two discrete voltage-controlled oscillators (plus sub-oscillator) per voice
Continuously Variable Waveshapes: Sawtooth and variable-width pulse, plus a triangle wave on oscillator 2
Classic Oberheim-inspired 2-pole, state-variable, resonant filter with low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and notch functionality
VCA: Voltage-controlled amplifiers

Dual Effect Engine: 24-bit/48 kHz resolution
Studio-quality reverbs, delays (standard and BBD), chorus, and phase shifter
True bypass maintains a full analog signal path
Independent stereo 100% analog distortion effect

Modulation Sources: Filter envelope and oscillator 2 (both with bi-polar control)
Destinations: Oscillator 1 frequency, oscillator 1 shape, oscillator 1 pulse width, filter cutoff, and filter mode
Unison Mode: Configurable voice count (1-6 voices) and key modes
Polyphonic Step Sequencer: 64 steps with up to 6 notes per step with rests. Syncs to an external MIDI clock
Arpeggiator: Syncs to external MIDI clock

Knob-per-function front panel offers instant access to virtually all OB-6 functions
1000 Presets: 500 permanent factory programs and 500 user programs organized into 10 banks of 100 programs
Live Panel Mode: Switches from a preset to current knob and switch settings

Four-octave, semi-weighted keyboard with velocity and channel aftertouch
Programmable Backlit Pitch Wheel: 1 to 12 semitones
Backlit modulation wheel

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Is the Godox LMS-12A AXL Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone compatible with the Sony PX370 recorder?

A: The Sony ICD-PX370 Digital Voice Recorder with USB BH #SOICDPX370 is not compatible with the Godox LMS-12A AXL Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone with Locking 3.5mm TRS Connector B&H # GOLMS12AAXL.

Q: 2. Is it possible to insert an output cable from a headphone output radio into the microphone input ... to record !?

A: Yes. use this cable: Sescom LN2MIC-ZOOMH4N - Line to Microphone Attenuation Cable for HDSLR Cameras B&H # SEL2MZH4N https://bhpho.to/2XTV6ct DSLR Cable for Zoom H4N and Zoom H1 3.5mm Connectors 25dB L Pad Attenuator 9 Inches

Q: 3. Will this fit on an Oben AT-3565 tripod?

A: No

Q: 4. Can I record from a device with a Line Out, or will that signal be too strong for the microphone input?

A: The 3.5mm input on this recorder would be expecting a mic level signal, so you could us an attenuator cable, such as the Sescom SES-43DB-MZ2P 43 dB Pad DSLR Attenuating Line to Mic Level Cable (18"), BH #SES43DBMZ2P. This cable would bring a line level signal down to mic level.

Q: 5. can I record my song whether with live band or doing self karaoke. will the sound quality be good?

A: It would work, but unit is designed for conversation, not music. Frequency range isn't wide enough for quality music recording. Also, dynamic range is limited.

Q: 6. Will It Record From 3.5mm Input Jack?

A: If you use a microphone designed for a recorder, yes. A microphone for a smartphone won't work.

Q: 7. Is this Mac compatible?

A: Hi Debra, Yes, it's compatible with Mac. -Jen

Q: 8. Is the thread size on the Oben OB-1012 3/8 x 16? I need one for a Gitzo tripod.

A: I don't know. However you can buy one. You can give them a call if it does not fit yours and they will send you the correct one without additional charge.

Q: 9. I'm looking for a digital recorder, preferably Sony or Olympus, that can add/overwrite on a file? Which Sony's have that capability. (Looking to then transcribe audio file onto computer, maybe using Dragon. For Mac. Thank you.

A: Some recorders (such as the Sony ICD-PX470 ) is Windows compatible: Installing Sound Organizer 2 Install Sound Organizer on your computer. Sound Organizer allows you to exchange files between your IC recorder and your computer. Songs imported from music CDs and other media, MP3 and other audio files imported to a computer can also be played and transferred to the IC recorder.  Notes • Sound Organizer is compatible with Windows computers only. It is not compatible with Mac. • This IC recorder is compatible with Sound Organizer 2 only. • If you format the built-in memory, all data stored there will be deleted. (The Sound Organizer software will also be deleted.) ¼ When installing Sound Organizer, log in to an account with administrator This is an appropriate choice: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1594208-REG/olympus_v414141sg000_ls_p1_linear_pcm_recorder.html/specs

Q: 10. Will this work with Gitzo 1545T?

A: Not that we are aware of, this is a replacement part for Oben Tripods. You may need to reach out to Gitzo directly for assistance with service parts for their tripods.

Pat S.	14/08/2024
[31.5 lb] Just what we needed for shooting indoors and jelling windows. 5

Randall	29/06/2024
[31.5 lb] This is the second one of these I've purchased, to get even more voices. Out of all the prophet follow-on synths that Dave Smith and Sequential have produced over the years, this one finally captures the sound of the famous Prophet-5. Some people complain that they followed the scheme of the original Prophet-5 a little too closely and left out some functions (like onboard effects) that recent synths seem to have, but I think Sequential arrived at the right balance on this unit. 5

Rick	21/06/2024
[31.5 lb] After a very long time away from analog synths, this was a great step back that brought many flashbacks. Includes easy to follow documentation to assemble, set up and start playing in no time. 5

Jason	05/06/2024
[31.5 lb] It's the best you can get. Nothing more to say. 5

Michael	01/06/2024
[31.5 lb] This is a board I've been waiting a long time for. It's amazing to have the real sound of the Oberheim legacy at your fingertips. Sending it through a great effects chain, and I'm in synth heaven. The board is physically built like a tank, with a flawless synth action. It has a luxury price, for sure, but it's a beautiful instrument to own. 5

Ray	13/05/2024
[31.5 lb] I previously reviewed the Moog Mavis negatively due to the lack of VCF out but I feel that this is an unfair reflection of the product (every synth is not the same and this is not the Werkstatt). The Moog sound of this synth is very satisfying and fulfilling to experiment with (though I would like to figure out how to drive the added wave folding more aggressively), whether you're looking for a musical or more experimental sound. It's interesting that Moog decided to add some west coast sound with the wave folding (perhaps they may play with more in the future). The utility features of this synth make it pretty useful for playing with other synths (like the Werkstatt). For more inspiration check out the Patching with Intention patch book for the Mavis, and the Mavis Exploration Patch Book by Lisa Bella Donna. 5

Shih	18/04/2024
[31.5 lb] I have to say there are 2 incredible things related to this synth: 1. $1,000 off, and 2. Massive Sound !! I have had many poly synths like P6,PX,Polybrute,Deep Mind 12,Nina,Juno X. The OB X8 gives me the most surrounding sound feel among all my poly synths. Plugged with BigSky and this is an instant ambient machine. This setup is just like having a hi end HIFI stereo amp + speaker in front of you. You can't really have a bad sound with this synth. I am serious. It's built like tank, all metal enclosure and pretty wooden side panel. Take this $1,000 off change if you hesitate between OB6 or Teo 5. This is a synth that will last forever. 5

Fernando	16/04/2024
[31.5 lb] First of all, it's a prophet 5 that you can take everywhere reliably! Immediate sounds, intuitive and simple interface and build quality is the best. Sounds huge and beautiful without much effort, super fun to play with. 5

mark	12/04/2024
[31.5 lb] Dr. Bob Moog once said When a pianist sits down and does a virtuoso performance, he is, in a technical sense, transmitting more information to a machine than any other human activity involving machinery allows. He later refined this to Musical instruments provide the most efficient and refined interface between human and machine of anything we know. Given the nearly infinitely nature of the evolving relationship between artist and instrument, the achievement of Moog Music evident in the Moog One, in terms of interface design, is nothing short of remarkable. Not only have the minds at Moog succeeded in realizing Dr. Moog's dream of a fully analog poly-synth, they have done so in a way that makes the myriad of possibilities intuitive to the point of being nearly second-nature. If you're looking for the inimitable Moog sound, in a package you may never outgrow, this is the One. I've been enamored with and exploring music for more than half a century. I now have in my grasp sounds I previously only dreamed of... Thank you Moog Music. 5

Vincent	02/04/2024
[31.5 lb] By now you've likely watched all the video demos and read all the articles so I am not going to write about the technical side of this synth. I will simply say it's well built (in China) and it's super well laid out and sounds like the Oberheim that it is. My only negative is that it is 5 voices instead of 6. Once you adapt your technique it's not such a big deal..the sound quality makes it worth it. You might ask why I didn't pursue the Berhinger.. I want to support Tom Oberheim 5