OB-6 Desktop

Sequential OB-6 Desktop is a six-voice polyphonic analogue synthesizer module developed by Dave Smith and Tom Oberheim. It pairs two discrete voltage-controlled oscillators per voice with a resonant multimode filter inspired by Oberheim’s original SEM. The compact desktop format brings the OB-6 sound engine and dedicated front-panel controls to an existing MIDI keyboard, hardware sequencer or DAW setup. Its onboard polyphonic step sequencer, arpeggiator and dual effects section make it equally suited to studio production and live performance.

Key features

• Six-voice polyphonic analogue synthesizer in a compact desktop format
• Two discrete voltage-controlled oscillators per voice with continuously variable waveshapes
• Sub-octave oscillator, oscillator hard sync and polyphonic portamento
• SEM-inspired two-pole resonant filter with low-pass, notch, high-pass and band-pass responses
• X-Mod cross-modulation using Oscillator 2 and the filter envelope
• Dual digital effects with true bypass and a dedicated analogue distortion circuit
• 64-step polyphonic sequencer and multi-mode arpeggiator
• Unison mode with a selectable voice count and chord memory
• 500 factory programmes and 500 user programme locations
• Five-pin DIN MIDI In, Out and Thru, plus bidirectional USB MIDI
• Poly Chain support for 12-voice polyphony with a second OB-6 keyboard or desktop module

Overview

Included Content

• Sequential OB-6 Desktop synthesizer module
• IEC mains cable

Creative Tools

• Blend the two discrete oscillators to build wide brass chords and detuned pads. Use oscillator hard sync for cutting leads or add the sub-octave oscillator to give bass patches more weight.
• Sweep the SEM-inspired filter from low-pass through notch to high-pass as you play. Select band-pass to focus a patch around a narrower frequency range.
• Use X-Mod to send Oscillator 2 and the filter envelope to oscillator and filter parameters. Apply subtle modulation to animate sustained notes or increase the amount for metallic textures and sharp attacks.
• Record chord progressions and melodic motifs in the polyphonic step sequencer. Enter up to six notes per step and use rests and ties to vary the rhythm and phrasing.
• Turn held notes into repeating figures with the arpeggiator. Choose from up, down, up/down, random and played-order patterns across a range of up to three octaves.
• Combine effects such as chorus, delay and reverb to add movement and depth. Bring in analogue distortion for extra edge or use true bypass to retain a fully analogue signal path when the digital effects are off.
• Play the module from a MIDI keyboard or sequence it from a DAW or hardware controller. Link it to a second OB-6 via Poly Chain to play up to 12 notes at once, with more room for overlapping release tails.

Ideal For

• Music producers and sound designers
• Keyboardists adding an analogue polysynth to an existing MIDI rig
• Electronic musicians working with hardware sequencers
• Film, television and game composers
• Live performers building compact synthesizer setups
• OB-6 owners expanding their setup to 12 voices