A True Synthesis Pioneer
A legendary name in the synthesizer industry, Oberheim has created many instant-classic instruments. Founded by Tom Oberheim in 1969, Oberheim has earned worldwide respect for its innovative designs, from the iconic SEM to the modern OB-X8. Every instrument that bears the Oberheim name delivers unparalleled character and sonic richness.
Foundational Filter Design
The SEM's (Synthesizer Expander Module) groundbreaking, 2-pole State Variable Filter design solidified the unmistakable Oberheim sound. Its warm and organic sound quickly turned the SEM into a must-have tool for musicians. Later, Oberheim built upon the SEM’s success with 2-, 4-, and 8-voice polyphonic versions. The company’s pioneering early work also extended to patch storage, paving the way for modern synthesizers with thousands of preset sounds onboard.
Shaping the Sound of Popular Music
In the ’70s and ’80s, Oberheim released the innovative OB-X, OB-Xa, and OB-8 synthesizers. These synths appeared on numerous chart-topping hits from artists including Prince, Van Halen, Depeche Mode, and Duran Duran. Due to their amazingly versatile and instantly recognizable sound, these three synthesizers solidified Oberheim’s place in the pantheon of music history.
Advanced Sonic Exploration
The forward-thinking Xpander and Matrix-12 brought with them extensive modulation capabilities with virtual matrix-based programming interfaces. Meanwhile, the DMX drum machine’s beefy sound made it a staple in hip-hop genres. Together, these instruments provided users worldwide with a smorgasbord of amazing possibilities.
Forging the Future of Synthesis
Oberheim isn’t a company that rests on its laurels. Rather, it continues to push boundaries and innovate. Recently, Oberheim collaborated with Dave Smith and the rest of the Sequential team to produce the modern OB-6. Meanwhile, Oberheim’s flagship OB-X8 boasts a robust analog sound engine, an intuitive interface, and a striking design. The OB-X8 delivers all the classic, powerful sounds of the original OB series synths in a single instrument.
Unparalleled Craftsmanship
The Oberheim vision is to create inspiring instruments that empower musicians to explore new sonic frontiers. While the company is immensely proud of its history as one of the pioneers in the golden age of synthesis, its design team looks forward to shaping the sound of the next generation of electronic music. So, play an Oberheim synthesizer and discover the legendary Oberheim sound for yourself.
