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.
In popular culture
Notable users of the OB-1 include Vince Clarke and the bands Tangerine Dream, Rush, and The Grid.
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".France Inter (18 February 2014. [http://www.franceinter.fr/evenement-star-wars-identities-visite-virtuelle "Star wars Identities: visite virtuelle"]. Retrieved 25 April 2015 {{in lang|fr}}Russ, Martin (2012) [https://books.google.com/books?id=B6J5AgAAQBAJ&pg=PT333 Sound Synthesis and Sampling], 3rd edition, p. 333. Taylor & Francis 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.Kunkes, Michael (May-June 2009). [https://www.editorsguild.com/Magazine.cfm?ArticleID=721 "Sound Trek: The Audio Explorations of Ben Burtt"]. Editors Guild MagazinePinch, T. J. and Trocco, Frank (2004). [https://books.google.com/books?id=3hjvWzkMK-sC&pg=PA273 Analog Days], p. 273. Harvard University Press
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}}