OB-6

Oberheim OB-6 is a six-voice polyphonic analogue synthesizer developed by Tom Oberheim and Dave Smith. Its discrete voltage-controlled oscillators and SEM-inspired multimode filters give it the distinctive Oberheim sound, from wide brass chords and slowly evolving pads to bright leads and punchy basses. The 49-note semi-weighted keyboard features velocity sensitivity and channel aftertouch, while dedicated front-panel controls make it easy to shape sounds as you play. An onboard polyphonic step sequencer, arpeggiator and dual effects section make the OB-6 equally suited to studio production and live performance.

Key features

• Six-voice polyphonic analogue synthesizer with two discrete VCOs per voice
• 49 full-size semi-weighted keys with velocity sensitivity and channel aftertouch
• Oscillator hard sync, variable waveshapes and a sub-octave oscillator
• SEM-inspired two-pole resonant filter per voice with low-pass, notch, high-pass and band-pass responses
• X-Mod for 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
• Dedicated inputs for sustain, sequencer start/stop, filter cutoff and volume pedals

Overview

Included Content

• Oberheim OB-6 Keyboard

Creative Tools

• Blend two variable-waveshape oscillators per voice to create rich brass, detuned pads and bright sync leads. Add the sub-octave oscillator when a bass line needs more weight.
• Sweep the SEM-inspired filter from low-pass through notch to high-pass to reshape a sound in real time. Select band-pass to narrow the sound around a specific frequency range.
• Use X-Mod to route Oscillator 2 or the filter envelope to oscillator and filter parameters. Apply subtle modulation for movement in sustained patches or increase the amount for metallic textures and sharp attacks.
• Build chord progressions and repeating motifs with the polyphonic step sequencer. Enter up to six notes per step and use rests and ties to vary the rhythm and phrasing.
• Turn held chords into repeating patterns with the arpeggiator. Choose from up, down, up/down, random and played-order patterns, with a range of up to three octaves.
• Use channel aftertouch and the modulation wheel to bring expression into a performance. Switch to Manual mode to hear the sound defined by the current front-panel settings.
• Combine effects such as chorus, delay and reverb for depth and movement, or add analogue distortion for a more aggressive sound. Engage true bypass to keep the signal path fully analogue when the digital effects are off.

Ideal For

• Keyboardists and live performers
• Music producers and sound designers
• Film, television and game composers
• Studio musicians looking for classic Oberheim pads, brass and leads
• Electronic musicians building hardware-based sequencing and performance setups