A synthesizer designed by two legends

What if two legendary synthesizer designers got together and built an analog polysynthesizer using today's cutting-edge technology? If you've just pinched yourself to see if you're dreaming, we can assure you: you're not. The Sequential OB-6 is a 6-voice, all-analog, 49-key synthesizer inspired by Tom Oberheim's classic SEM circuits from the 1970s. Tom and Dave Smith packed the OB-6 with everything on their wish list. With two voltage-controlled oscillators and voice sub oscillators, a variable state filter, 64-step polyphonic step sequencer, dual digital effects engines, and much more, the Sequential OB-6 delivers rich, punchy, and direct sounds that will take your music to new heights.

Synthetic dreams are made of this

Now, finally, the artillery you need. The Sequential OB-6 balances six discrete analog voices with two oscillators and one sub oscillator per voice. Naturally, the OB-6 is equipped with Dave's infamous X-mod (two sources, five destinations). On top of all that, there's a 64-step polyphonic sequencer, two digital effects engines (with reverbs, delays, choruses, flangers and precise recreations of Mr. Oberheim's renowned ring mod and phase shifter) and an advanced arpeggiator. To control all that firepower, you have a top panel with per-function buttons and a silky-smooth, semi-weighted keyboard with velocity and aftertouch enabled. From funk-laden, in-your-face growl basses to gloriously heavenly pads, the OB-6 will make your synth dreams come true.

Heart of the Beast: Oberheim Classic SEM

Oberheim's original SEM (Synthesizer Expansion Module) formed the core of the renowned 4-voice and 8-tone synthesizers of the 1970s. The SEM, in updated form, is also the core of the OB-6 analog sound engine. With two voltage-controlled discrete oscillators and a voice sub oscillator, the OB-6 offers the flexibility of waveforms that continuously vary between sawtooth and variable-width pulses. Oscillator 2 also features a triangle wave. The classic 2-pole Oberheim-style state variable resonant filter features low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and notch functionality. The all-analog signal path is completed by the OB-6's voltage-controlled amplifiers.

X-Mod, Poly Step Sequencer and Arpeggiator

The OB-6 is spec'd with Dave Smith's brilliant X-Mod, which makes it easy to get killer sounds through modulation. Filter Envelope and Oscillator 2 are the sources, and both provide bipolar control. The five targets are Oscillator 1 Frequency, Oscillator 1 Waveform, Oscillator 1 Pulse Width, Filter Mode, and Filter Cutoff. The polyphonic step sequencer lets you program polyphonic sequences (up to 64 steps, up to six notes per step), complete with rests, and sync them to the external MIDI clock. The full-function arpeggiator can also be synchronized with the external MIDI clock. You can set the OB-6's unison voice count to up to six voices; it also has chord memory and key modes.

Characteristics

• 2 oscillators and sub oscillator per voice;
• Continuously variable waveforms;
• State variable filter;
• 64-step polyphonic step sequencer;
• Full function arpeggiator;
• 2 digital effects engines;
• Function button top panel;
• 49-note semi-weighted keyboard with velocity and aftertouch.

Specifications

• Type: keyboard synthesizer with sequencer;
• Digital Analog: Analog;
• Number of keys: 49;
• Wrenches type: semi-heavy;
• Back Touch: Yes;
• Velocity sensitive: yes;
• Other controllers: pitch bend, mod wheel;
• Polyphony: 6 notes;
• Number of presets: 500 user, 500 factory programs;
• Effect types: analog distortion, reverbs, delay, chorus, flanger, phase, ring modulator;
• Sequencer: 64-step polyphonic sequencer;
• Audio Outputs: 2 x 1/4 in. (left right);
• Headphones: 1 x 1/4 in.;
• USB: 1 x USB Type B;
• MIDI I/O: In/Out/Thru/USB;
• Pedal Inputs: 1 x Volume Expression, 1 x Sustain, 1 x Sequencer Start/Stop, 1 x Filter Cut Expression;
• Dimensions: 81.3 x 32.3 x 11.7cm;
• Weight: 9.1kg.