Oberheim OB-1

{{Infobox synthesizer

| synth_name = OB-1

| synth_manufacturer = Oberheim

| image = Oberheim OB-1.jpg

| image_caption = Oberheim OB-1

| dates = 1977 - 1979

| price = US$1,895

| 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 = No

| velocity = No

| memory = 8 patches

| fx = No

| keyboard = 37 keys

| left_control = Pitch bend/modulation lever

| ext_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,{{Cite book|title=Keyfax Omnibus Edition|last=Colbeck|first=Julian|publisher=MixBooks|year=1996|isbn=0-918371-08-2|pages=84–90}}{{cite book|last=Forrest|first=Peter|title=The A-Z of Analogue Synthesizers Part Two: N-Z|publisher=Susurreal|location=Devon, England|date=1996|isbn=0952437716|pages=7–15}} and the first of Oberheim's OB-series of synthesizers.

Development

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.{{cite web|title=Oberheim OB-1|url=http://www.vintagesynth.com/oberheim/ob1.php|website=Vintage Synth Explorer|access-date=14 March 2015}}{{cite book |last=Moog |first=Bob |editor-last1=Vail |editor-first1=Mark |title=Vintage Synthesizers: Oberheim SEM Module |date=1993 |publisher=Miller Freeman Books |location=San Francisco, California, USA |isbn=0-87930-275-5|pages=151–156}} 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. 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.{{Cite web |title=Retro Synth Ads: Oberheim OB-1A and OB-X "A family that plays together..." ad, Contemporary Keyboard, 1979 |url=http://retrosynthads.blogspot.com/2012/03/oberheim-ob-1a-and-ob-x-family-that.html |website=Retro Synth Ads |date=26 March 2012 |access-date=29 March 2023 }}

Specification

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. There are eight program memory buttons for storing and recalling the OB-1's settings.

There is a portamento knob allowing for adjustment of portamento amount, as well as a pitch bend/modulation lever.

Software emulations

In 2024, GForce Software released the Oberheim OB-1 software synthesizer, an emulation of the OB-1.{{cite web|title=GForce launch Oberheim OB-1 soft synth|url=https://www.soundonsound.com/news/gforce-launch-oberheim-ob-1-soft-synth|website=Sound On Sound|date=9 July 2024|access-date=16 January 2025}}

References