The Official Sequential/Oberheim Forum
SEQUENTIAL/DSI => OB-6 => Topic started by: Sacred Synthesis on January 21, 2016, 12:15:40 PM
-
Now that I think about it, that "Portamento" hint that Chris gave us was an excellent choice. It signaled an outside influence on DSI. We actually were getting close to an Oberheim-ish conclusion.
It's early, but I won't hesitate to say I'm onboard for this one. I'm very impressed with the sound. Dave said it himself: "It sounds completely different than a Prophet 6".
-
The sound is indeed very very nice. Just imagine what a four pole state variable multi-mode filter could bring to the table (https://twitter.com/AndroidKolon58/status/690261320302727168) when combined with modern modulation features. There are lots of sonic potential in these classic circuit designs.
I have the feeling that some people reacted with loud wows at the announcement of Prophet-6 whereas OB-6 sounds almost better but is a now well established concept and hence not as new. Wonder if OB-6 will get more or less press attention than Prophet-6 got?
Anyway, I really like the sound of OB-6. Certainly sold but not buying!
-
That's what it comes down to. If some one is wondering what's the big difference between the Prophet-6 and the OB-6, it's primarily the sound. I think there's a more substantial tonal difference between the P-6 and the OB-6 than between the P-6 and the P'08. I mean, I've only heard two videos so far, but already the difference is clear to my ears. Surely, this will effect P6 sales.
-
The sonic impact of state variable filters. Simple as that! We need more advanced filters in modern day synthesizers.
-
Your point is proven. But I've never used an Oberheim filter, so I've got some learning to do.
-
What we all have been waiting for: https://youtu.be/yUb5FO4jO90?t=14s
-
Just heard this little demo: https://soundcloud.com/davesmithinstruments/ob-6-filter-delight
Amazing, it has a completely different sheen and air to it compared to the Prophet-6. Really luxurious sound.
-
Shipping next month.
-
Gotta save up fast! ;-)
-
Great thing is - if you've got a Pro-2, you get both filters (SEM from OB-6 and SSM-style from Prophet-6) - which is itself prescient!
-
Was this posted already? It's magical to me anyway.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bdnh0C3UpRQ
-
The look does remind me of the Access Matrix programmer, in a not-so-subtle way:
(http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6863/1447/1600/3a_1.jpg)
-
Don't need the keyboard at all so I'll wait for the module.
-
Dunno if that is of any help, but since there have been various comments on here and elsewhere about the relationship between the Prophet-6 and the OB-6, I created a table based on the specs.
-
Dunno if that is of any help, but since there have been various comments on here and elsewhere about the relationship between the Prophet-6 and the OB-6, I created a table based on the specs.
This is great work, thank you.
Filter mode as a modulation destination is nifty.
-
Dunno if that is of any help, but since there have been various comments on here and elsewhere about the relationship between the Prophet-6 and the OB-6, I created a table based on the specs.
Great work, Paul. I haven't had a chance to study the specs. Now I can print this out and go through them. Thanks very much.
-
Glad to be of help.
Here's another video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drhV9H47ZJI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drhV9H47ZJI)
-
I think it sounds and looks brilliant. But yet again, I see they scrimped on the keyboard length. Why not 61 keys? I don't buy the 'easily portable' nonsense. :-(
Always a fly in the ointment. Also, they should have done an 8 voice. The first person to recreate an OBX-a or OB-8 will clean up Although, this does sound excellent and I think will sell better than the Pro 6.
If this was 8 voice and 61 key, I would be getting it. No doubt about it.
Hope this 'form factor' does not hinder every synth they put out from now on.
I didn't want to be negative, it just seems such a waste that they worked together on this and limited themselves to the pro 6 form factor and voice count.
-
i'd be more worried about the lack of modulation rather then the lack of keys.
-
Although it does sound rather nice.
-
i'd be more worried about the lack of modulation rather then the lack of keys.
The modulation options pretty much correspond to those of the Prophet-6 (if one ignores the filter specific destinations) with the exception of the fact that you can choose whether you'd like to modulate the pulsewidth of oscillator 1, oscillator 2, or that of both in the LFO section. I really wish that this would have been possible with Prophet-6 already.
-
I'm disappointed by the mere four-octave keyboard length too. Any instrument with less than five octaves would be relegated in my set up to either a left hand or a right hand status; it could not be a main instrument directly in front of me. So, there are real practical consequences for omitting an octave.
I have no idea how much it would cost to add another octave and the necessary panel, but it would obviously push the OB-6 over $3,000. It seems as if this is the cut-off point for DSI. Just a guess.
-
i'd be more worried about the lack of modulation rather then the lack of keys.
The modulation options pretty much correspond to those of the Prophet-6 (if one ignores the filter specific destinations) with the exception of the fact that you can choose whether you'd like to modulate the pulsewidth of oscillator 1, oscillator 2, or that of both in the LFO section. I really wish that this would have been possible with Prophet-6 already.
The reason i didn't get the P6 in the end.
-
I'm really tempted by the OB-6, however I am weighing pro's and con's on getting it as a keyboard or waiting to see if there will be a module version.
I'm really happy with my 5 octave master keyboard, it plays great and it has polyphonic aftertouch/pressure and I'd have to drop it due to lack of space, if I were to get the OB-6 keyboard. Also, from what I understand the Prophet 08 and Prophet-6 responds to polyphonic aftertouch. I guess the same will be true for the OB-6?
Although it's a very classic design I'm also a little disappointed that they didn't take the chance to put in an vibrato LFO in there, it's one of those things that annoys me a little with the Prophet-6 too. I understand that they're based on classic design but since the control signals are generated digitally anyway a simple vibrato LFO function shouldn't have been too hard to implement. But like the saying goes, you can't have everything. :)
However, I'm also considering getting an used P'08 desktop as they offer incredible value for money (they often go for less than $1000 USD here). Decisions, decisions.
-
I created a table based on the specs.
Thanks for the table. Well done!
-
Although it's a very classic design I'm also a little disappointed that they didn't take the chance to put in an vibrato LFO in there, it's one of those things that annoys me a little with the Prophet-6 too. I understand that they're based on classic design but since the control signals are generated digitally anyway a simple vibrato LFO function shouldn't have been too hard to implement. But like the saying goes, you can't have everything. :)
However, I'm also considering getting an used P'08 desktop as they offer incredible value for money (they often go for less than $1000 USD here). Decisions, decisions.
I've been wishing this as well. A vibrato-dedicated LFO would solve a lot of difficult programming decisions and greatly improve the string patch potential, since you could have simultaneous vibrato and PWM at different rates and depths.
At the new and used prices the Prophet '08 can now be had, it's an amazing deal. In spite of the newer DSI designs, the P'08 is still a superb synthesizer.
-
From what I've heard so far in the existing demos, I have to say though, that it almost sounds like the perfect synth for you, Sacred Synthesis. Even if it doesn't get any other price, it'll certainly get the lushness award.
-
The OB-6? Yes, I'd say so. As you know from our back and forths, I was already envisioning using one or two SEMs in conjunction with either a Pro 2 or a Prophet 6. I've never even touched an Oberheim synthesizer, but I've been admiring them for years through demos. So, this new instrument is a happy surprise, alright. But I still would have to achieve a stereo field with it, so the vision is still in the making.
And what about you, Paul? Have you made the mental switch from Prophet 6 to OB-6?
-
The OB-6? Yes, I'd say so. As you know from our back and forths, I was already envisioning using one or two SEMs in conjunction with either a Pro 2 or a Prophet 6. I've never even touched an Oberheim synthesizer, but I've been admiring them for years through demos. So, this new instrument is a happy surprise, alright. But I still would have to achieve a stereo field with it, so the vision is still in the making.
Are you disappointed with the pan mode?
And what about you, Paul? Have you made the mental switch from Prophet 6 to OB-6?
That's not easy. I mean it sounds super great and everything, but I may be rather a Sequential guy, dunno. Although it's not as simple as that. Honestly, I think that both - the Prophet-6 and the OB-6 - would probably be a really, really strong team, but that's definitely not affordable for me. I'm also thinking, since I have the Pro 2, I already got a bit of that Oberheim taste in the form of its state-variable filter (I'm not 100% sure whether it's exactly the same design). The other thought is that I'm not sure whether the OB-6 would come first for me in terms of style. I definitely like its sound and do agree that it even comes across more immediate compared to what usually comes across in the Prophet-6 demos. If I would be 90% into ambient it wouldn't be a question. But I'm not and in some way the Prophet-6 seems to be more universal in terms of the sonic territory it's able to cover. I have to admit though that this is probably an unfair assumption based on the sounds that are mostly prominent in the demos so far and I'm not implying that the OB-6 might be a sort of one-trick-pony. As with the Prophet-6 it's probably best to try it out in person.
-
I'm not entirely sure what the OB-6 offers in terms of a stereo field. I have no use for stereo distortion, and I generally don't like the sound of chorus or flange on a synthesizer. I only use reverb and delay. Nor is panning of any use to me. I need the whole sound to be stereo and bi-timbral without a loss of voices, and that requires two independent units, no matter what instrument we're talking about.
Regarding the P6 - OB-6 dilemma, I wouldn't abandon the former if that's the instrument that strikes you. I'd say the Oberheim sound is - well, not exactly a one trick pony - but certainly more selective in its uses because it's so distinctive in tonal character. The Prophet 6 impresses me as being more flexible - not as distinctive in its character, and therefore, better able to cover many different applications. So I can certainly see how you could prefer it to the OB-6.
-
I'm not entirely sure what the OB-6 offers in terms of a stereo field. I have no use for stereo distortion, and I generally don't like the sound of chorus or flange on a synthesizer. I only use reverb and delay. Nor is panning of any use to me. I need the whole sound to be stereo and bi-timbral without a loss of voices, and that requires two independent units, no matter what instrument we're talking about.
Okay, if you want the latter, then you really need two devices.
Regarding the P6 - OB-6 dilemma, I wouldn't abandon the former if that's the instrument that strikes you. Judging only from what I've heard in demos over the years, I'd say the Oberheim sound is - well, not exactly a one trick pony - but certainly more selective in its uses because it's so distinctive in tonal character. The Prophet 6 impresses me as being more flexible - not as distinctive in its character, and therefore, better able to cover many different applications. So I can certainly see how you could prefer it to the OB-6.
Yeah, I think this pretty much sums it up. It's the flexibility that you mentioned that I see covered a bit more by the Prophet-6. The sonic identity of the OB-6 is stronger, or let's say more recognizable, which is precisely what makes me question whether it should be the only poly synth in a setup. And I mean the latter in the most non-judgemental way.
-
I think the fabulously flexible Pro 2 would combine nicely with either the P6 or the OB-6. But it seems clear to me you're a Prophet 6 guy. If I've helped you at all, you owe me $200. ;D
-
I think the fabulously flexible Pro 2 would combine nicely with either the very traditional sounding P6 or the OB-6. But it seems clear to me you're a Prophet 6 guy. If I've helped you at all, you owe me $200. ;D
Haha, I tell you later. ;)
-
I'd say the Oberheim sound is - well, not exactly a one trick pony - but certainly more selective in its uses because it's so distinctive in tonal character.
Absolutely... And DSI nailed the Oberheim tonal quality. I have the Prophet 12 and Pro 2. When it was released, the Prophet 6 didn't strike me as a board that would expand upon the sonic capabilities I already had. But the OB6... I can definitely see that as being a great addition to what I have. Already preordered mine from Sweetwater!
Cheers
-
I would be happy to have that very distinctive Oberheim character, with all its limitations, and capitalize on it. I would be happy to produce lots of music using only a small range of high-quality sounds. I actually like the idea and wouldn't feel at all constrained by the fact.
-
My 2 cents:
- The OB-6 sounds great from the first videos, but we need a like-for-like comparison to understand the real differences between the instruments. (Like the videos of the P6 vs P8 that one user made, the result of which was actually that he kept both instruments, having pushed the P8 to new limits
- 4 or 5 octaves: I suspect DSI invested a lot of time to come up with the designs for the 4 octave box for the P6, it is great to see that they can use this platform now to churn out new instruments really quickly.
- Dave "just does what he feels like" w.r.t. product launches, which is great, but it comes at a cost that it might confuse new buyers and cannibalise sales of products he has invested development time in. Great to have these options as a customer though. There is a similarity between boutique synth manufacturers and wineries: the wine maker wants to add more and more interesting blends, while the operations manager needs to keep his SKUs in check.
- The battlefield of the synth market might be evolving: from features and/or modulation options might give way to sound quality comparison. I suspect we are going to get super premium amps soon, and the audiophile type debates that go with it :)
-
I cannot help but smile a bit, when I think of the OB-6 ... How much did Tom Oberheim do on this project anyway? ... If I'm right, this is just one of Dave marketing tricks, because the way the OB-6 looks, and the specs, then the only mark Tom has set on this, is the State Variable Filter, which Dave allready made for the Pro 2 .... so how much did Tom Oberheim participate with on this project, except for smacking his name on the machine, and being the father of the SVF? :)
Clever marketing...
But nonetheless, this machine really do sound rather good... so good that I've decided to save up for one, and are allready halvway there... main reason is that I'm sick and tired of looking for good controller keyboards... almost none has the better Fatar keybeds, but the P6 and OB-6 should have one of the best, and they give me my minimum requirements for a main keyboard; 4 octaves.
Second reason is the sound... just sounds very lush, and I lack some multi mode filters in my rig... So this will cut it. So unless something goes horribly wrong, I'll be getting one in a couple of months.
-
I'm really happy with my 5 octave master keyboard, it plays great and it has polyphonic aftertouch/pressure...
Please tell me what you are using for a master keyboard that includes polyphonic aftertouch/pressure!?
-
Just noticed, on row of switches, switch #9,on the location where on the P6 it says PolyMod, the OB6 has nothing written.
-
Just noticed, on row of switches, switch #9,on the location where on the P6 it says PolyMod, the OB6 has nothing written.
On the P6 module that button says Poly Chain. It's not written on the P6 keyboard either.
-
I cannot help but smile a bit, when I think of the OB-6 ... How much did Tom Oberheim do on this project anyway?
I thought it was just a P6 with an SVF at first but apparently not so.
According to videos by both Dave Smith and Tom Oberheim, it's the control electronics from the P6 with the analogue voices from the SEM.
Second reason is the sound... just sounds very lush, and I lack some multi mode filters in my rig... So this will cut it. So unless something goes horribly wrong, I'll be getting one in a couple of months.
I'm thinking about it as well, though I'm getting a Solaris soon and I want to see how good it is at emulating an Oberheim. That said I may get it anyway, I like the idea of having a relatively simple analogue poly I can just get good sounds and play on.
-
I thought it was just a P6 with an SVF at first but apparently not so.
According to videos by both Dave Smith and Tom Oberheim, it's the control electronics from the P6 with the analogue voices from the SEM.
I think that is exactly right... and that's one of the things that sells me on the OB-6. It can be dead on in tune, or drifting in and out of tune in a controlled manner (controlling how much drift is allowed). That alone is an excellent addition to the old Oberheims.
And I liked Dave's comment that you can enjoy this synth for 30 years. Clearly it doesn't come with a 30 year warranty, but having 2 recent DSIs in my collection, I don't doubt that they are well made enough to last that long. Especially for a guy like me that doesn't take them on the road.
Cheers!
-
You want to hear a comparaison?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_mlwh4OtKU
-
You want to hear a comparaison?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_mlwh4OtKU
I find it a little hard to compare, when the sounds being played are not the same or at least close at being...
-
You want to hear a comparaison?
I find it a little hard to compare, when the sounds being played are not the same or at least close at being...
Yeah, but it's nice to hear them "side by side" so to speak. I think someone took sounds from other online demos and pasted them together. Likely impossible to find demos from each synth trying to emulate the same sound.
-
I was about to pull the trigger on a Modal Electronics 008, but that is going to wait because OMFG the OB-6!
https://soundcloud.com/davesmithinstruments/ob-6-filter-delight (https://soundcloud.com/davesmithinstruments/ob-6-filter-delight)
I thought it was just a P6 with an SVF at first but apparently not so.
According to videos by both Dave Smith and Tom Oberheim, it's the control electronics from the P6 with the analogue voices from the SEM.
I think that is exactly right... and that's one of the things that sells me on the OB-6. It can be dead on in tune, or drifting in and out of tune in a controlled manner (controlling how much drift is allowed). That alone is an excellent addition to the old Oberheims.
Indeed. What an awesome collaboration on the OB-6 with Tom's complete SEM on voice cards, combined with Dave's control electronics architecture from the P6. This synth has an unmistakable OB sound, but is unique in it's own right distinct in character from any other Oberheim. Moreover, distinctly different than our beloved P6.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yb0Pa_imeeo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yb0Pa_imeeo)
Great time to be alive, don't ya just love 1979 :)
-
You want to hear a comparaison?
I find it a little hard to compare, when the sounds being played are not the same or at least close at being...
Yeah, but it's nice to hear them "side by side" so to speak. I think someone took sounds from other online demos and pasted them together. Likely impossible to find demos from each synth trying to emulate the same sound.
Yeah, I know that, but such a demo may actualy not be in favor of the P6, because it actualy sounds dull compared to the OB6, and I seriously cannot believe that it is... The sound designer's skills play a very special role in such a comparison, and it should preferably be the same sound designer doing the comparison... if it's the raw sound possibilities you want to compare... .if it's just the factory presets you want to compare, then the video is of course ok, and the OB-6 a clear winner (in my opinion) :)
One thing that one needs to understand is, that the SEM filter is 12db... I bet that it's mostly the 24db that is used on the P6 sounds in that demo, and pads usualy sound much more lush with a 12db filter in comparison to 24db ones.
In the demo, the P6 sound a bit too "contained", while the OB-6 seems open and very lush... and this "lushness" could very well we because of the 12db filter, as it naturaly lets thru more of the overtones.
Some say that the oscillators are also different (I'd like to see proof of this), and if that is so, then that could of course also participate to the "enhanced" (or should I just say different?) sound of the OB-6.
-
OK... saw the video above where they directly say that it's a full SEM on a voice card, so that certainly should make some differences :) ... I'm still wondering what Dave will do with these voicecards... if he has plans on making other synths using them... if it's a speciel connection technique that is the same for both cards, then I'm beginning to wonder if we will see more "collaborations", and then one day see a synth, made for multitimbrality, where you can simply buy the cards you want, mix them up anyway you want to.... something in me tells me that this is something we'll see in the future, in one configuration or the other.
Just imagine... one rackmount machine, with the same DEEP engine as the P12, but with 4, 8 and 16 slot versions, maybe even a 1 slot version for the budget market? ... If the cards are full voice-cards, this should be more than possible I guess... a bit like the big Studio Electronics synths.... it would be cool... and you could just add cards as you go along, without having to break the bank buying the core (I hope)...
-
A new and more comprehensive demonstration by Cuckoo and Mark Wilcox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3uE-r7sHmY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3uE-r7sHmY)
-
A new and more comprehensive demonstration by Cuckoo and Mark Wilcox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3uE-r7sHmY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3uE-r7sHmY)
Great Video -- thanks for bringing it to everyone's attention.
Cheers!
-
Looks better like that, no ?
-
Wow! The blue is intense and beautiful.
-
Looks better like that, no ?
I wish I could find a hi-res version of that pic. Where did you come across that?
Cheers!
-
Looks better like that, no ?
I wish I could find a hi-res version of that pic. Where did you come across that?
Cheers!
Thanks, I dit it myself. There is no higher version than that one.
I see a lot of people who are not very satisfied by the Red/Blue on this Ob-6. It looks like a strange mix between Prophet-6 and Ob-xa...
-
Looks better like that, no ?
I'm afraid it's too late for that now, but the answer is yes. (It would be perfect if the Write and Rec buttons would be blue as well, or maybe grey.)
-
Looks better like that, no ?
I'm afraid it's too late for that now, but the answer is yes. (It would be perfect if the Write and Rec buttons would be blue as well.)
Yes I'm afraid too... :-\
Maybe a Special Blue LED version few months after.
It's weird but I probably won't buy this one just cause of that...
-
It's a thing I liked about the Voyager and Little Phatty lines: the variety of woods and colors that Moog gradually made available. The 2014 Nobel Prize-winning blue L.E.D. would have been a nice touch.
-
Ah well... red will have to do. :) (I'm joking... I'm quite content with the red -- It will sit nicely next to my other DSI synths)
OB6 wallpaper...
Cheers
-
Just noticed, on row of switches, switch #9,on the location where on the P6 it says PolyChain (edit), the OB6 has nothing written.
On the P6 module that button says Poly Chain. It's not written on the P6 keyboard either.
Thanks for pointing that out, missed that ! :-)
-
did you misse this one?
OB6 - Patch Demonstration
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aajpQVaKod8
for me it is only a matter of time . he will end up next to my prophet 08. I like the possibilities of colors and timbres that it offers .
-
Wow! The blue is intense and beautiful.
A quite evolved blue, indeed. Gets my vote. No need to see red when enjoying the fruits of two legends creativity.
-
A quite evolved blue, indeed. Gets my vote. No need to see red when enjoying the fruits of two legends creativity.
Maybe DSI will release a conversion kit of blue LEDs....
-
Or special order edition with blue LEDS? Much simpler that way!
-
Interesting to compare the P6 voice card with the new OB-6 SEM voice card. . .
Special thanks to "tonykara" cheers =)
-
Interesting. Thanks for sharing!
-
Huh. It's almost like they were planning the OB-6 at the Prophet-6 at the same time. Both boards use the same pins, and probably use CV in much the same way. I wonder what would happen if you loaded up a P-6 with OB-6 boards. Or vice versa. Or half-and-half. Only cool things could happen.
And what does this have to do with the Synthesizer Expander Module? The SEM voice board is nothing like the same sort of board, as far as I could tell.
-
Huh. It's almost like they were planning the OB-6 at the Prophet-6 at the same time. Both boards use the same pins, and probably use CV in much the same way. I wonder what would happen if you loaded up a P-6 with OB-6 boards. Or vice versa. Or half-and-half. Only cool things could happen.
Nothing would happen. From Tony Karavidas via GS:
While the main board is exactly the same hardware, the panels boards are not. The mapping of controls on the panels are different and the CV mapping to the voices cards is also different. So, you have to load the correct firmware for the specific instrument. If you have a P6, and borrowed your friend's OB6 voice cards, you would not have a functioning front panel. Trust me, you don't have to try it.
[…]
I don't want to get into a long discussion about this because I have work to do, but there is so much speculation on this thread I thought I'd mention a few things.
The core of the Oberheim VCO is not the same as the core of Prophet 6 VCO. While they are both saw integrators, the topology is quite different and the compensation is also quite different. I actually used tighter regulation on the P6 card, and loosened it up a bit on the OB card. You never know exactly what you'll get until you actually build it and hear it, and we liked what we heard.
The OB VCO did come directly from the SEM, but of course in order to make it programmable, we had to add extra stuff. Also, the triangle never existed in the SEM, so that was a lift from the P6.
The filter is a direct lift from the SEM, as was the one in the Pro 2. Again, we added stuff to make it all programmable.
The digital control of this voice does not 'lock down' the frequency of any of the cards. We calibrate them, like any microprocessor-controlled analog voice, and the slop allows us to push the voice into more unstable territory.
We actually never knew another voice or instrument was coming to this platform when we worked on the architecture of the Prophet 6.
Hope that clears up some of the speculation on this thread.
Source: https://www.gearslutz.com/board/electronic-music-instruments-electronic-music-production/1058699-dave-smith-tom-oberheim-ob6.html (https://www.gearslutz.com/board/electronic-music-instruments-electronic-music-production/1058699-dave-smith-tom-oberheim-ob6.html)
-
Aw!
-
Since I had gotten my PO8 years ago I've been trying to find a poly synth that just sounds equal or more spectacular. The A6 and Modulus came to mind. I've even flirted with the crazy idea of spending lots of money for the later during the last year. Then, finally, the architecture of what I was hoping for, and a ridiculously great sounding instrument appeared, from DSI. My pre-order has been placed :D.
Really got to hand it to Dave, Bob and the gang on this one.
If you look at what DSI put out over the last three years: P12, Pro2, OB6 that is an impressive track record. I cannot seem to come up with name of another synth manufacture that is consistently putting out the value and capability for the dollar.
-
Thanks for the voice card p*rn! Its very interesting to see how they look. Oh and looking forward to the OB-12 with full DSI pre-vintage-flashback-style modulation features! ;)
-
Thanks for the voice card p*rn! Its very interesting to see how they look. Oh and looking forward to the OB-12 with full DSI pre-vintage-flashback-style modulation features! ;)
No shit! That would be a world of awesome...
-
Oh, and looking forward to the OB-12 with full DSI pre-vintage-flashback-style modulation features! ;)
So that's what I'm waiting for....
-
Oh, and looking forward to the OB-12 with full DSI pre-vintage-flashback-style modulation features! ;)
So that's what I'm waiting for....
Me too :-)
Every clip I have heard sounds amazing but I just don't want that four octave keyboard or 6 vpoices. Got to be 61 and 8.
Hope this is not the future of all DSI synths. All the people who said this tiny keyboard did not bother them when the pro6 was announced may have sealed the fate of what we are given from now on. As far as being portable is concerned, my pro8 is no problem to transport anywhere.
Also due to using the same form factor, things like the oberheim paddles have been omitted. Does not bother me but if you were coming from on OBX-a or OB8, you would feel much more at home with them. Using this same form factor for any other synth can only ever be a compromise.
I know I keep going on about the keyboard and not having 8 voices but if you stay silent, nothing will ever change. Who would choose this 4 octave form factor with only 6 voices over 61 keys and 8 voices? I am guessing only DJ/Producer types. It's a shame as what would seem to have the lushest pad sounds out there has a keyboard that allows no freedom. Like Fender or Gibson bringing out a Strat or Les Paul with only 4 or 5 strings instead of 6 and telling us they did it for our convenience :-)
Amazing people are more concerned about the colour of the LED's :-)
It does sound so nice though. Absolutely love the sound. I absolutely want one but not in this format.
-
I agree. Four octaves results in a handicap and forces you to search for solutions to the bass problem. DSI hasn't produced a five-octave keyboard since the Prophet 12. But I wouldn't panic. The Prophet 6 and OB-6 were obviously a conceptual pair and somewhat out-of-the-ordinary for the company. I trust we'll see another five-octave synthesizer in the future.
-
With the new OB6, why only a 4 octave keyboard? Don't understand. My OB-8 has 5 octaves, Why the reduction in design?
-
With the new OB6, why only a 4 octave keyboard? Don't understand. My OB-8 has 5 octaves, Why the reduction in design?
61 keys on an 8-voice synth = 7.625 keys per voice; 49 keys on a 6-voice synth = 8.167 keys per voice. So that means you get even more keys with regard to that ratio.
On a serious note, though: I think 4 octaves are actually okay on a 6-voice monotimbral synth. I'm not saying that less voices make you play less of the whole scale, but in most cases a synth like the Prophet-6 or the OB-6 will be used to add one ingredient to a piece: either a polyphonic sound or a monophonic sound for soloing (just to pick two conventional uses). In the first case you'll only reach limits if you're playing really complex chords or if you simultaneously play the fundamendal note in an octave interval with the left hand. In both cases, it's rather unlikely that you'll stretch out beyond 4 octaves, at least not if you don't want to emphasize the very highs and the very lows at the same time. And for soloing 4 octaves should be absolutely fine - even the Minimoog didn't have more than 3.5 octaves. And then there's still the octave change button.
-
With the new OB6, why only a 4 octave keyboard? Don't understand. My OB-8 has 5 octaves, Why the reduction in design?
61 keys on an 8-voice synth = 7.625 keys per voice; 49 keys on a 6-voice synth = 8.167 keys per voice. So that means you get even more keys with regard to that ratio.
On a serious note, though: I think 4 octaves are actually okay on a 6-voice monotimbral synth. I'm not saying that less voices make you play less of the whole scale, but in most cases a synth like the Prophet-6 or the OB-6 will be used to add one ingredient to a piece: either a polyphonic sound or a monophonic sound for soloing (just to pick two conventional uses). In the first case you'll only reach limits if you're playing really complex chords or if you simultaneously play the fundamendal note in an octave interval with the left hand. In both cases, it's rather unlikely that you'll stretch out beyond 4 octaves, at least not if you don't want to emphasize the very highs and the very lows at the same time. And for soloing 4 octaves should be absolutely fine - even the Minimoog didn't have more than 3.5 octaves. And then there's still the octave change button.
You seem to be rationalising this as if it's a great thing. It's not.
There is a reason why all the most popular poly synths had at least 61 keys. The minimoog was a mono synth and has nothing to do with this conversation. My Sub37 has less keys than the mini but that does not bother me. This is about how crippling this is on a poly synth.
-
You seem to be rationalising this as if it's a great thing. It's not.
Well my statement about the voice-key-ratio was supposed to be a joke.
There is a reason why all the most popular poly synths had at least 61 keys. The minimoog was a mono synth and has nothing to do with this conversation. My Sub37 has less keys than the mini but that does not bother me. This is about how crippling this is on a poly synth.
What was the reason that most popular poly synths had 61 keys?
-
What I was trying to say I guess is that of course 61 keys were a sort of standard for many synths and I'm the last person who would say "no" to an additional octave on the OB-6 or the Prophet-6. The point is, the standard might have as well been different all these years, like the 49 keys you'll find on the Oberheim 4 Voice and 8 Voice. For a pianist, both is a compromise anyway. So you might as well ask why not every manufacturer chooses to add a properly weighted 88 keys keyboard - okay, that would seriously affect the production costs.
It has been mentioned in the context of the Prophet-6 release already that they were looking for a compromise between functionality and portability (Roland did the same with the JD-XA). You rarely see the keyboard towers anymore that have been around in the 1970s and 1980s. When people play live (the Prophet-6 and OB-6 are made to be performance synths in the first place), they prefer a compact setup. Compact can be one controller keyboard plus a laptop, or a few smaller, easy to pack devices for which you also don't necessarily need an army of roadies. Either way, I think that DSI/Sequential found a good compromise in the end. And that's precisely why I referred to the number of voices and the fact that the instument in question is monotimbral. If you had more voices and the option to split or stack patches, the actual keyboard size would be considered to be a much greater limitation than it is with this instrument's architecture.
Apart from all that it could also be speculated whether the 61 keys standard was not also a by-product of larger production parts in general. After all, the early electronic parts couldn't be made as small as they are today (not to mention the space that was sometimes needed to prevent synths from overheating), so the chassis would end up being larger anyway, not just for reasons of spacious interactivity.
-
It's unfortunate, but a four-octave keyboard means in most cases that an instrument cannot be the main instrument in a set up, but only an auxiliary one. A Prophet 6 or an OB-6 will add wonderful sonic colors to a rig, but for many of us it can play only such a supportive role. For now, the heart of a set up must be either a Prophet 12 or a Prophet '08. I do hope DSI applies its recent advances in synthesizer design to a full-sized instrument. Both the P6 and the OB-6 have many mouths watering for more, for larger - even if this crosses the $3,000 line.
-
I'm not sure. Certainly, 61 keys are more convenient and the loss of 12 keys would most likely be more obvious if the instrument allowed for more features, just like the Prophet '08 and the Prophet 12. But I don't really think that the 49 keys make the Prophet-6 or the OB-6 unusable for being the center of a rig.
-
I was careful to qualify my statement with, "for many of us". There are quite a few complaints online about the keyboard size, and speaking for myself, using either synthesizer as a main keyboard is out of the question. I might have made that OB-6 a central instrument, if only....
Three-thousand dollars is a hefty price for added color. Another two or three hundred dollars for two more voices, another octave of keys, and bi-timbrality to transform either instrument into a full-sized one would be worth it.
-
I plan to mount it above my PO8 and midi cable them together. Limited keys wont be an issue in a studio setting in such case.
-
Isn't that a huge waste? Why not wait to see if there will be a module?
-
What I meant to say is: it is what it is now. There may be a module in the future, but I honestly can't see DSI releasing an 8-voice version with 61 keys anytime soon.
Also: If they would have made an 8-voice version with 61 keys that would have cost approx. $3,499, people would be more upset about the price now. There's always something.
It's like with music: you can't please everyone. Either the features are so convincing that you can forget about the limitations, or you have to invest in a really expensive workaround (= keyboard version + module for enhanced polyphony + a dedicated controller).
-
A module would solve the keyboard problem, but not the voice problem. Surely DSI has another full-sized instrument up their sleeves. If not these instruments, than another one.
-
Sorry, I edited my post in the meantime.
-
Also: If they would have made an 8-voice version with 61 keys that would have cost approx. $3,499, people would be more upset about the price now. There's always something.
Anyone who'd like a full-sized Oberheim from DSI realizes that the price would be on the extravagant side. Then again, the price you gave above is the same as that of the Two-Voice Pro. So, I think this would be reasonable. Unless the unstated rules are that DSI will never cross $3,000 and the Prophet 12 must remain the flagship.
-
I'm not saying that there's a limit to their pricing, but the decisions have been made. And it's not like you don't read comments like "gosh, where am I getting three grand from right now?" - It's a higher priced instrument either way and depending on the focus of the reviewers, these comments have been made about the Prophet-6 or the Prophet 12 as well. Nevertheless, the philosophy behind the P-6 and - subsequently - the OB-6 was to create a highly portable performance instrument. In a studio that doesn't really matter as Soundquest already indicated. And as far as the live use goes: I've seen quite a few pics of a P-6 on top of either a workstation or a stage piano, which is exactly where the ancestors of these instruments used to sit.
-
And although instruments like the P-6 and the OB-6 are definitely on the expensive side, they are also much more affordable these days. If you want premium polyphony, you can still get a keyboard plus a module for less than what an OB-X or OB-8 used to cost back in the day (inflation rate considered). The good thing is at least that we have a huge palette to choose from these days. Who would have thought in the beginning of the noughties that there would be a homage to the Prophet-5 and a polyphonic Oberheim again? Not to mention what you can choose from when you're looking for analog mono synths.
-
All that you say is true, but there's also sense in finishing the job, in making an instrument that provides what are, for many of us, only standard practical necessities. After all, the OB-6 is not a complex creature. It offers just the basics. So, finish with the basics. Dave did it with the Prophet 12. Why not do it again with an instrument that is so very different in sonic character?
Anyways, I hope DSI produces some full-sized analog instrument in the next year or so. Maybe the replacement for the Prophet '08?
-
If you want VCOs and more complexity, then Modal Electronics may give us a hint of the costs. Their 008 is currently $4,995 - and only because the Dollar is strong. They seem to be doing well though. But I would also assume that most of their customers earn more than what you make with a regular dayjob.
-
I considered Modal long and hard, but such prices are not an option for me. I think DSI is my limit. But if an instrument covered the basics, I could sell things and replace them with it. But I'm not willing to replace a Prophet '08 with an OB-6. I guess the Prophet '08 is still the best synthesizer for me.
-
I considered Modal long and hard, but such prices are not an option for me. I think DSI is my limit. But if an instrument covered the basics, I could sell things and replace them with it. But I'm not willing to replace a Prophet '08 with an OB-6. I guess the Prophet '08 is still the best synthesizer for me.
You could still sacrifice one of your PEKs and would still be left with plenty of voices.
-
Yes, it's a PEK that's on the chopping block - whatever I decide to get. I may still go for an OB-6. It's just a lot to spend on an instrument that will be a one-hander in the set up and will be used quite a bit as a monophonic instrument. It's still tempting to go with a Pro 2 supplemented with a SEM.
-
Yes, it's a PEK that's on the chopping block - whatever I decide to get. I may still go for an OB-6. It's just a lot to spend on an instrument that will be a one-hander in the set up.
Connect it to a PEK then and you'll have true Evolver meets Oberheim glory!
-
Oh, the odd combinations of voices. Such problems.... ::)
-
So much for the anticipation…
-
Believe me, my enthusiasm for the OB-6 hasn't faded. I continue to be so impressed with its sound, in spite of the very limited assortment of videos. I don't think I've been this impressed with a synthesizer in years, probably since I first realized the power of the Poly Evolver Keyboard.
-
I must say that I'm also loving what I'm hearing in the sound of the OB-6. Personally, I'm more wary of the 6 voice limitation than the keyboard length. I like sounds with long release times and I hit audible note stealing all the time with the P6. I've no doubt I would have the same issue with the OB-6. The P6 is nowhere near as useful as the P08 played with both hands. Those 2 extra voices make all the difference.
What I wish DSI would do is implement smart voice allocation on their 6 voice synths. My Jupiter 6 with Europa mod has this feature. Rather than round-robin voice allocation, it remembers the order in which voices were released. The next triggered voice is the one that was released first.
-
Anyone who'd like a full-sized Oberheim from DSI realizes that the price would be on the extravagant side. Then again, the price you gave above is the same as that of the Two-Voice Pro. So, I think this would be reasonable. Unless the unstated rules are that DSI will never cross $3,000 and the Prophet 12 must remain the flagship.
Exactly. I would gladly pay the extra for one octave and 2 more voices.
-
Nevertheless, the philosophy behind the P-6 and - subsequently - the OB-6 was to create a highly portable performance instrument. In a studio that doesn't really matter as Soundquest already indicated. And as far as the live use goes: I've seen quite a few pics of a P-6 on top of either a workstation or a stage piano, which is exactly where the ancestors of these instruments used to sit.
How does portability even come into it if you need a workstation or a stage piano too? That is not a portable setup.
The portability angle is just marketing to side step the issue of the missing octave. My P08 is perfectly portable.
I have never bought a piece of equipment just because it was portable, especially not at this price :-)
-
Believe me, my enthusiasm for the OB-6 hasn't faded. I continue to be so impressed with its sound, in spite of the very limited assortment of videos. I don't think I've been this impressed with a synthesizer in years, probably since I first realized the power of the Poly Evolver Keyboard.
Yes, it sounds amazing. I really love the sound. Sonically, It was everything you would expect from this collboration.
-
A six-voice limitation means that basically you're left with playing triads with single or double basses, and with patches that have short release times. That's still allows for a lot of music to be made. But, for example, if you tend to play your arpeggios with your left hand using a patch with a long sustained piano-type release time (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6vGjl3Y18A), then you find yourself running out of the six voices very quickly, especially if you want the notes of one chord running into the notes of the next chord. Then the manner in which you play the arpeggios suffers, in that you keep the choice of notes to a minimum - say, eliminating seconds, sixths, and sevenths. It makes for a strong practical argument in favor of eight voices or more. For such playing, the Prophet 12 looks very attractive. Except for the price, I could see using the P12 just as a left-hand instrument.
I realize my preferences in these matters are generally not shared by others, but they are the reasons I'm always looking for the keyboard player's synthesizer. For me, the most important part of a synthesizer is the keyboard; if that's not right - including the number of notes that can be simultaneously triggered - then all the rest is irrelevant. This is why I'd be happy with a synthesizer that had no arpeggiator, no sequencer, no effects, nor a host of other features that I'd be willing to sacrifice, if only to maintain the fundamentals of synthesis together with high keyboard and voice count standards. Again, I realize these are unpopular views among synthesists, but such happen to be my very real needs, so I put in a word for them.
-
But, for example, if you tend to play your arpeggios with your left hand using a patch with a long sustained piano-type release time, then you find yourself running out of the six voices very quickly. Then the manner in which you play the arpeggios suffers, in that you keep the choice of notes to a minimum. It makes for a strong practical argument in favor of eight voices or more. For such playing, the Prophet 12 looks very attractive.
That's exactly right.... And mostly why I got a P12.
But you could probably have a little bit of a workaround using the onboard delay and reverb.
Not exactly the same, but it gets you closer.
Cheers
-
I know what you mean. Reverb can make it seem as if a note's release is still ringing. But what if you don't what much reverb on the sound? There's just no compromising with some things.
-
Fantastic sounding synth, might get one, but the best part is that Dave has now the technology to build a huge flagship synth, a P12 killer with the analog voices of OB6 / Prophet 6. I would not mind if it was 8-voice "only". DSI is really going to right direction at the moment.
-
Fantastic sounding synth, might get one, but the best part is that Dave has now the technology to build a huge flagship synth, a P12 killer with the analog voices of OB6 / Prophet 6. I would not mind if it was 8-voice "only". DSI is really going to right direction at the moment.
+100
Dave and the Team at DSI need to pull a bigger one out of the hat. I know they are tracking fantastically well with their recent releases, and this new OB-6 is a stellar synth with an 'Oberheim sound' to die for [ or lose testicular bodily parts for ] no doubt! I'm sure anyone who decides to buy the OB-6 will be even more impressed when they are hands-on with it in the flesh connected in their own studios etc. Roll on March =)....
But Dave it's time to put the icing on the cake - I believe DSI can turn it up, reach another level in the flagship department if they really want to. A 61 Key 8-voice treasure chest of polyphonic analog heaven - with more modulation options+flexibility [freedom] in the sound-sculpting arena. A Jupiter-8 nemesis / reincarnation that will bring musicians around the world an analog tool for the ages! 8)
Somewhere in the $4k USD pricing bracket, say in another 12 months give or take ;)
-
Yes, this is just what I'd like to see as well. The Prophet-6/OB-6 sized instruments are great for certain uses, but their compromised size keeps many of us from buying them. A Module version is a partial solution, but the voice count is still limited.
DSI has developed and polished a new technology as of late, but it's been confined to instruments lacking full length keyboards and split and stack capabilities. Now that folks have a few smaller instruments to choose from, let's get back to the larger Poly Evolver Keyboard/Prophet '08/Prophet 12 standard.
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fs9vCLTMgKE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fs9vCLTMgKE)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsgeCajeb_Q (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsgeCajeb_Q)
-
Let me state the obvious and say I'm anticipating an OB-6 Module. It's reasonable to expect DSI will offer this, and I hope it's out soon this year.
-
Let me state the obvious and say I'm anticipating an OB-6 Module. It's reasonable to expect DSI will offer this, and I hope it's out soon this year.
I'd say it's very probable that we will see a OB6 module. Of the last 4 DSI releases, only the Pro2 was released as a module. And I think many would make the point that the Pro2 platform is least amenable to a module.
Cheers!
-
Let me state the obvious and say I'm anticipating an OB-6 Module. It's reasonable to expect DSI will offer this, and I hope it's out soon this year.
I'd say it's very probable that we will see a OB6 module. Of the last 4 DSI releases, only the Pro2 was released as a module. And I think many would make the point that the Pro2 platform is least amenable to a module.
Cheers!
The Prophet 6 was also released as a module.
-
For everyone who prefers visuals, here's an alternative comparison of the Prophet-6 and the OB-6.
-
Hmmm, the OB-6 is a Prophet 6 in a pin-striped suit. I wonder if those lines can get irritating after an hour or so. Thanks for another comparison, Paul.
-
(https://49.media.tumblr.com/f4fdd4e697db35fa3237f17650f266f0/tumblr_n14kzw42MD1sihznvo1_500.gif)
-
Okay, thanks for that. I just vomited my dinner, and now I can have extra dessert.
-
Hello, all. First post here. Seriously drooling over the OB6. Question...does anyone know if poly chaining will be available on this unit? I can't seem to find an answer anywhere, but I assume since the P6 is capable - and since the OB6 is based in the P6's architecture - that the OB6 will offer this. And if that's the case, would it not solve some of the voice concerns that many (including me) have? I would definitely buy a module and hook that puppy up to the keyboard version. Obviously that would not settle any 4-octave keyboard issues.
Cheers, all!
P.S. Of course this assumes both that a module will be made and one has endless money to spend.
-
That's a tough question to answer because the Operation Manual is not yet available. Plus, we don't know if DSI will create a module version. I'd suggest asking DSI Support directly, or else, contacting those few synthesists who have demonstrated the instrument on Youtube, such as Daniel Davis. It would only be a matter of scrolling through the Global parameter to see if Polychain is in there.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bdnh0C3UpRQ
-
Indeed I will contact them. I figured I'd tap all of your brains first because you guys are infinitely quicker to respond.
-
DSI Support is excellent and usually responds within a day, some times much sooner.
I, too, would like to see an OB-6 Module.
-
Fantastic sounding synth, might get one, but the best part is that Dave has now the technology to build a huge flagship synth, a P12 killer with the analog voices of OB6 / Prophet 6. I would not mind if it was 8-voice "only". DSI is really going to right direction at the moment.
Yep! A bi-timbral OB-8 or multi-timbral OB-12 analog would be great. Could also go the hybrid direction with Pro2 or Prophet12 and OB6 features in one synth... Of course this would increase the price quite drastically. Not sure if it would be commercially interesting for DSI.
-
Speaking of anticipation. When are they shipping?
-
It's the quiet before the storm, that much is obvious.
-
Speaking of anticipation. When are they shipping?
Now.
http://www.davesmithinstruments.com/2016/03/ob-6-now-shipping/ (http://www.davesmithinstruments.com/2016/03/ob-6-now-shipping/)
-
Look, it's your order, Sacred Synthesis (I knew you wouldn't go for less than 30 voices):
(http://www.davesmithinstruments.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/OB61-1.jpg)
-
I' usually patient enough to wait a few months on anything new for the creases to iron themselves out. But I just couldn't this time around. Very excited about this and hopefully mine is on this pallet :D
When I started getting serious about synths I decided to get my first "real synth" (a PO8). It had been in production for years already at that point, but it t took a month and a half for it to reach me! My first shipment never made it to my house, instead apparently stolen in transit (in shipper jurisdiction) from what was later determined! The second instrument to be sent out was botched by the store I ordered thru, which delayed it once again. I'll keep my fingers crossed that next time this week I can be playing one.
-
Look, it's your order, Sacred Synthesis (I knew you wouldn't go for less than 30 voices):
(http://www.davesmithinstruments.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/OB61-1.jpg)
Oh yes, there's my order, all ready for shipping to my front door! Now I hope they include half-a-dozen MIDI cables, so I can link them all together and make yet another monster brass patch video. ::)
-
I' usually patient enough to wait a few months on anything new for the creases to iron themselves out. But I just couldn't this time around. Very excited about this and hopefully mine is on this pallet :D
When I started getting serious about synths I decided to get my first "real synth" (a PO8). It had been in production for years already at that point, but it t took a month and a half for it to reach me! My first shipment never made it to my house, instead apparently stolen in transit (in shipper jurisdiction) from what was later determined! The second instrument to be sent out was botched by the store I ordered thru, which delayed it once again. I'll keep my fingers crossed that next time this week I can be playing one.
But it was worth all the trouble and fuss, right?
-
I' usually patient enough to wait a few months on anything new for the creases to iron themselves out. But I just couldn't this time around. Very excited about this and hopefully mine is on this pallet :D
When I started getting serious about synths I decided to get my first "real synth" (a PO8). It had been in production for years already at that point, but it t took a month and a half for it to reach me! My first shipment never made it to my house, instead apparently stolen in transit (in shipper jurisdiction) from what was later determined! The second instrument to be sent out was botched by the store I ordered thru, which delayed it once again. I'll keep my fingers crossed that next time this week I can be playing one.
But it was worth all the trouble and fuss, right?
Oh yes :)
-
My first proper synth was a Wavestation SR. So I seem to have been a Dave Smith fan from the start. Although I have been adding other brands (Modal) to my set up as DSI was dominating it.
The big issue with the arrival of the OB6 will be where to put it and should I keep the Prophet 6?
-
just picked up the ob6 today at a GC in LA. compliments my juno 60 and Jupiter 80 nicely. i have wanted a oberheim synth since i could play a keyboard by myself, and i can finally die a happy soul...
-
just picked up the ob6 today at a GC in LA. compliments my juno 60 and Jupiter 80 nicely. i have wanted a oberheim synth since i could play a keyboard by myself, and i can finally die a happy soul...
Great. I hope they are working their way east soon!
-
just picked up the ob6 today at a GC in LA. compliments my juno 60 and Jupiter 80 nicely. i have wanted a oberheim synth since i could play a keyboard by myself, and i can finally die a happy soul...
Great. I hope they are working their way east soon!
Well, not so fast...... I inquired with GC yesterday, I'm told now the date is April 6, and that's for a January pre-order :(
-
yeah i was hoping that LA GC's would get these cats in stores quick so i opted to get notified by email from GC when they were in stock. i walked in to an LA GC the next morning after they got them im stock the night before.
-
Well, I solved the problem of not liking the length of the keyboard and only 6 voices :-)
New addition to my studio :-)
-
Magnificent! You really have solved a few problems with that one. Enjoy.
-
Magnificent! You really have solved a few problems with that one. Enjoy.
Thank you very much. It sounds lovely :-)
-
If I could change the synthesizer world, that's the sort of instrument that would be common: large, powerful, rich in tone. I won't say I'm jealous, Vinny, but.... :-[
-
If I could change the synthesizer world, that's the sort of instrument that would be common: large, powerful, rich in tone. I won't say I'm jealous, Vinny, but.... :-[
I know it won't be as reliable as a new synth but at the moment, it ticks the boxes.
Wish all the old names would get back in the game and re-release the flagship models :-)
-
Hopefully, it will be fine as a studio instrument, as long as you water and feed it properly, and maybe take it for a walk here and there.
My only solution to the issue has been to take instruments like the Prophet '08 and build them up with two or three modules. I've avoided the vintage plunge myself, and tried to create something at least as good with new instruments. So, Vinny, why wouldn't you have considered, say, a Prophet '08 Keyboard/Module pair? That OB-8 must have cost you a pretty penny, probably close to the cost of the two P'08s.
-
Hopefully, it will be fine as a studio instrument, as long as you water and feed it properly, and maybe take it for a walk here and there.
My only solution to the issue has been to take instruments like the Prophet '08 and build them up with two or three modules. I've avoided the vintage plunge myself, and tried to create something at least as good with new instruments. So, Vinny, why wouldn't you have considered, say, a Prophet '08 Keyboard/Module pair? That OB-8 must have cost you a pretty penny, probably close to the cost of the two P'08s.
I always loved the sound. Darren from our band had one in 1985 when we first started working together and I always loved it.
I already have the Prophet 08 and thought they would still compliment each other.
-
Oh.... and I paid exactly the same for the OB8 in the UK as I would have for the OB6. :-)
-
If everything goes well, I'll be able to check out an OB-6 tomorrow. Exciting…
-
And what will you do if you really, really, REALLY like it?
-
And what will you do if you really, really, REALLY like it?
Then I'll cry or prostitute myself to get enough cash quickly.
-
I would suggest the crying. :-[
-
I would suggest the crying. :-[
Ha! Either way I'll let you know about my impressions. Thankfully, that store also has a Prophet-6, so I'll be able to make direct comparisons immediately and in person, which might be interesting with regard to the oscillators. And since I'm friends with the sales manager who's running the keyboard section, I can at least take my sweet time.
-
So I checked out the OB-6 today for about one and a half hours. And my conclusion is that this is a great partner - not surrogate - for the Prophet-6. Those two together will cover all of your analog polysynth needs for ages.
Luckily, there was a Prophet-6 sitting above it, so I could easily compare the different oscillators/voice cards. At the first listen, it was actually not easy to discover the differences, but once I dialed in the triangle waves it became more obvious. In general, I'd say that the timbre of the OB-6's waveforms are somewhat buzzier. It's a bit less pronounced when you dial in a waveform that contains many harmonics already like a square wave, hence I only fully recognized it when I chose the triangle waveform. So basically the oscillators produce more harmonics than those of the Prophet-6, which gives them a slightly fuller timbre. It's not that they sound completely different at the first listen, which is why comparing them from memory would have made it harder. But there is definitely a difference. One could also say the ones of the OB-6 sound a tad more open.
And then there's of course the - this time totally - different sub oscillator, and this square wave is a truly nice addition that'll help you create massive bass sounds that need more than just an added bass timbre, which is what a triangle wave mostly does. Also, the detune parameter does indeed differ from the slop parameter if unison is activated (no news I know, but it was interesting to actually hear the difference).
What definitely sets the OB-6 apart, though, is of course its filter, and that is a true joy. There's something really cool about a 2-pole filter that doesn't self-resonate because even at the most extreme settings you don't lose any clear articulation if that makes sense. While at some point a 4-pole filter can do nothing but to sound aggressive due to its self-oscillation, the 2-pole leaves everything more pronounced. Things just get less overcolored. That doesn't mean that the OB-6 can't sound aggressive, but it does so in a different way - maybe in a still more beautiful way. So if one likes 2-pole filters, this is definitely one to consider. What makes it even better is of course the fact that it's state variable and that many in-between positions can be chosen and the filter modes is/are a modulation destination. This gives you plenty of choices for shaping your sound. So much complex stuff can be done with this filter in conjunction with the mod sources that it's impossible to get that covered in the first test drive. One thing is for sure: you'll get everything from nice nasal sounds, timbres that are reminiscent of formant filters, and punchy as well as tight basses out of this filter. If you have the 2nd oscillator modulate the filter frequency, you really get significantly different outcomes compared to the Prophet-6. At times I was reminded of a couple of DX7 sounds that can sound somewhat harsh, but not noisy. So with regard to filter FM one might say that the OB-6 stays a bit more musical than its colleague.
The bottom line is that in my opinion it doesn't sound more analog, more vintage, or bigger than the Prophet-6, it just covers different sonic ground - sonic ground the Prophet-6 can't cover just as much as there is sonic ground the OB-6 can't cover. So in that regard I see no rivalry, but rather two synths that are at eye level with each other.
-
There's something really cool about a 2-pole filter that doesn't self-resonate because even at the most extreme settings you don't lose any clear articulation if that makes sense. While at some point a 4-pole filter can do nothing but to sound aggressive due to its self-oscillation, the 2-pole leaves everything more pronounced. Things just get less overcolored. That doesn't mean that the OB-6 can't sound aggressive, but it does so in a different way - maybe in a still more beautiful way.
Precisely. A non-self-resonating 2-pole filter with the resonance set at 100% produces a range of timbres that is quite uniquely beautiful. Filter sweeps sound sweeter and gentler, more musical. Along the whole filter range, you can find points that sound wonderfully ethereal, and it's within that range that the superb choir patch lurks.
Thanks for this review, Paul. Your impressions are always helpful.
-
There's something really cool about a 2-pole filter that doesn't self-resonate because even at the most extreme settings you don't lose any clear articulation if that makes sense. While at some point a 4-pole filter can do nothing but to sound aggressive due to its self-oscillation, the 2-pole leaves everything more pronounced. Things just get less overcolored. That doesn't mean that the OB-6 can't sound aggressive, but it does so in a different way - maybe in a still more beautiful way.
Precisely. A non-self-resonating 2-pole filter with the resonance set at 100% produces a range of timbres that is quite uniquely beautiful. Filter sweeps sound sweeter and gentler, more musical. Along the whole filter range, you can find points that sound wonderfully ethereal, and it's within that range that the superb choir patch lurks.
And that's why you might have to check out the OB-6. If you already like the 2-pole mode on the Prophet '08, this will be heaven for you.
-
Marc Doty's having a go at it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBGKY_hxu58 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBGKY_hxu58)