Oberheim OB-1
| OB-1 | |
|---|---|
 Oberheim OB-1 | |
| Manufacturer | Oberheim |
| Dates | 1977 - 1979 |
| Price | US$1,895 |
| Technical specifications | |
| Polyphony | Monophonic |
| Timbrality | Monotimbral |
| Oscillator | 2 VCOs |
| LFO | 1 |
| Synthesis type | Analog Subtractive |
| Filter | 1 VCF (2 or 4 pole switchable) |
| Attenuator | 2 ADSR envelope generators (one for VCF, one for VCA) |
| Aftertouch expression | No |
| Velocity expression | No |
| Storage memory | 8 patches |
| Effects | No |
| Input/output | |
| Keyboard | 37 keys |
| Left-hand control | Pitch bend/modulation lever |
| External control | CV/gate |
The Oberheim OB-1 was a monophonic analog synthesizer introduced by Oberheim Electronics in late 1977. With the ability to store and recall up to 8 instances of its sound settings, it was the first completely programmable synthesizer,[1][2] and the first of Oberheim's OB-series of synthesizers.
Development
[edit]Oberheim's OB-series was developed as a replacement for the previous generation of Oberheim SEM-based instruments and intended to be used for live performance.[3][4] Building on the technology developed for their Polyphonic Synthesizer Programmer, Oberheim designed the OB-1 with the ability to store and recall up to 8 instances of its sound settings, making it the world's first completely programmable synthesizer.[2][1] It originally sold for $1,895.
A slightly updated version, the Oberheim OB-1a, was introduced in 1979 that features the grey color scheme of its polyphonic sibling, the OB-X.[5]
Specification
[edit]The OB-1 features two voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs), each selectable between either "Pulse Type" or "Saw Type" waveform, with continuously-variable control ranging from a square wave to a narrow pulse wave for the "Pulse Type" setting, or from a triangle wave to a sawtooth wave for the "Saw Type". The oscillators can be synced, and there is an available square wave sub-oscillator. The voltage-controlled filter is switchable between either 2- or 4-pole, with frequency cutoff and resonance controls. There are two ADSR envelopes: one for the filter, the other for the voltage-controlled amplifier.[3] There are eight program memory buttons for storing and recalling the OB-1's settings.[1][2]
There is a portamento knob allowing for adjustment of portamento amount, as well as a pitch bend/modulation lever.[1][2]
In popular culture
[edit]Notable users of the OB-1 include Vince Clarke and the bands Tangerine Dream, Rush, and The Grid.[3]
A 2014 feature on the French radio station France Inter claimed that the OB-1 had been used by Star Wars sound engineer Ben Burtt to create the voice of R2-D2, and that the name of another Star Wars character, Obi-Wan Kenobi, derives from a transliteration of "OB-1".[6][7] However, Star Wars was first released in May 1977, prior to the OB-1's release, and most sources credit the ARP 2600 synthesizer as being used to create R2-D2's voice.[8][9]
Software emulations
[edit]In 2024, GForce Software released the Oberheim OB-1 software synthesizer, an emulation of the OB-1.[10]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Colbeck, Julian (1996). Keyfax Omnibus Edition. MixBooks. pp. 84–90. ISBN 0-918371-08-2.
- ^ a b c d Forrest, Peter (1996). The A-Z of Analogue Synthesizers Part Two: N-Z. Devon, England: Susurreal. pp. 7–15. ISBN 0952437716.
- ^ a b c "Oberheim OB-1". Vintage Synth Explorer. Retrieved 14 March 2015.
- ^ Moog, Bob (1993). Vail, Mark (ed.). Vintage Synthesizers: Oberheim SEM Module. San Francisco, California, USA: Miller Freeman Books. pp. 151–156. ISBN 0-87930-275-5.
- ^ "Retro Synth Ads: Oberheim OB-1A and OB-X "A family that plays together..." ad, Contemporary Keyboard, 1979". Retro Synth Ads. 26 March 2012. Retrieved 29 March 2023.
- ^ France Inter (18 February 2014. "Star wars Identities: visite virtuelle". Retrieved 25 April 2015 (in French)
- ^ Russ, Martin (2012) Sound Synthesis and Sampling, 3rd edition, p. 333. Taylor & Francis
- ^ Kunkes, Michael (May-June 2009). "Sound Trek: The Audio Explorations of Ben Burtt". Editors Guild Magazine
- ^ Pinch, T. J. and Trocco, Frank (2004). Analog Days, p. 273. Harvard University Press
- ^ "GForce launch Oberheim OB-1 soft synth". Sound On Sound. 9 July 2024. Retrieved 16 January 2025.
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