Maker
Oberheim
American synthesizer maker
Oberheim is an American synthesizer maker founded by Tom Oberheim in 1969, known for the SEM, the OB-X family of polyphonic synthesizers, and the DMX drum machine.
Models
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Oberheim DSX
Synthesizer · United States
The Oberheim DSX is a digital sequencer released in 1981 as part of Oberheim's integrated 'System' alongside the OB-Xa synthesizer and DMX drum machine. It recorded and played back note data to automate performances in the early days of integrated electronic setups.
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Oberheim SEM
Synthesizer · United States
The Oberheim SEM (Synthesizer Expander Module), introduced in 1974, was Oberheim's first product: a compact semi-modular single-voice analog synthesizer module with two VCOs and a distinctive two-pole multimode voltage-controlled filter offering low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and notch responses. Stacked SEMs formed the basis of the Two Voice, Four Voice, and Eight Voice instruments, and its filter character was later revived in the OB-X8.
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Oberheim Matrix Series
Synthesizer · United States
The Oberheim Matrix family comprises the analog synthesizers built around extensive matrix modulation and Curtis-based voice cards introduced in the mid-1980s, including the rack-format Xpander and the flagship 12-voice Matrix-12, along with the later Matrix-6 and Matrix-1000. These instruments paired analog signal paths with deep digital modulation routing.
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Oberheim OB-X
Synthesizer · United States
The Oberheim OB-X, released in 1979, was Oberheim's first fully integrated programmable polyphonic synthesizer, available in four-, six-, or eight-voice configurations. It replaced the earlier stacked-SEM approach with internal discrete voice boards and patch memory, with two VCOs per voice and a discrete low-pass filter, and a 61-note keyboard.
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Oberheim OB-8
Synthesizer · United States
The Oberheim OB-8, launched in early 1983, is an eight-voice two-part multitimbral analog synthesizer and the last of the original OB-series polysynths. Each voice has two VCOs and switchable two- and four-pole filters, with a 61-note keyboard, arpeggiator, programmable LFO and envelope modulation, expanded 'Page 2' functions, and MIDI on later units.
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Oberheim OB-X Series
Synthesizer · United States
The Oberheim OB-X series is the line of integrated, programmable analog polyphonic synthesizers that defined the Oberheim sound from 1979 onward. Beginning with the OB-X and continuing through the OB-Xa and OB-8, the series replaced the earlier stacked-SEM voice cards with internal voice boards and patch memory. The modern OB-X8 revives the line, combining the OB-X, OB-Xa, and OB-8 voice architectures in one instrument.
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Oberheim OB-X8
Synthesizer · United States
The Oberheim OB-X8, introduced in 2022, is an eight-voice pure-analog polyphonic synthesizer that recreates and combines the three classic Oberheim voice architectures of the OB-X, OB-Xa, and OB-8 in a single instrument. Each voice has two discrete SEM-lineage VCOs, with both the original SEM discrete filter and Curtis CEM3320 two- and four-pole filters. It ships as a 61-key Fatar keyboard and as a desktop module.
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Oberheim Xpander
Synthesizer · United States
The Oberheim Xpander, introduced in 1984, is a six-voice rack-format analog synthesizer module and the architectural sibling of the Matrix-12. Each voice offers two oscillators, fifteen filter modes, five LFOs, five DADSR envelopes, ramp and tracking generators, and a flexible modulation matrix, making it a benchmark of analog synthesis flexibility in a keyboardless module.
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Oberheim OB-Xa
Synthesizer · United States
The Oberheim OB-Xa, released in 1980, is a polyphonic analog synthesizer with two oscillators per voice and the ability to split and layer sounds. Powerful and aggressive, its sound is famous from records such as Van Halen's 'Jump' and many other 1980s productions.
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Oberheim TEO-5 Synthesizer
Synthesizer · United States
The Oberheim TEO-5 is a five-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer released in 2024, developed under Tom Oberheim with Sequential. It delivers a modern, compact Oberheim voice with two oscillators per voice, a flexible filter, and a built-in sequencer.
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Oberheim Two Voice
Synthesizer · United States
The Oberheim Two Voice (TVS-1), produced from 1975 to 1979, was Oberheim's first keyboard synthesizer: two SEM voice modules coupled to a 37-note keyboard and a simple two-channel analog sequencer. It offered two independently programmable voices, each with the SEM's twin VCOs and multimode filter, and is regarded as one of the first compact polyphonic performance synthesizers.
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Oberheim Matrix-12
Synthesizer · United States
The Oberheim Matrix-12, introduced in 1985, is a twelve-voice analog synthesizer with extensive digital modulation routing. Each voice provides two oscillators, a noise source, a fifteen-mode multimode filter, five envelopes, five LFOs, ramp and tracking generators, and a deep modulation matrix, on a 61-note keyboard. It is widely regarded as one of the most powerful analog polysynths ever built.
Sources
Categories
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Synthesizers
Hardware synthesizers, synth model families, and related electronic instruments.
Representative model
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Oberheim OB-Xa
Synthesizer · United States
The Oberheim OB-Xa, released in 1980, is a polyphonic analog synthesizer with two oscillators per voice and the ability to split and layer sounds. Powerful and aggressive, its sound is famous from records such as Van Halen's 'Jump' and many other 1980s productions.