The Official Sequential/Oberheim Forum

SEQUENTIAL/DSI => OB-6 => Topic started by: jeffcoxmusic on January 28, 2016, 11:04:07 PM

Title: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: jeffcoxmusic on January 28, 2016, 11:04:07 PM
Hi,

Love the sound of the OB-6, I was wondering if you will be making a desktop version like you have with the Prophet 6. (I'm running out of space and have nowhere to put another synth).

Also in one of the NAMM videos I watched, it was mentioned that Tom has made a limited number of the SEM osc, does this mean that the OB-6 is a limited edition or will Tom make more if the demand for the OB-6 is high enough?

Thank Jeff
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: danx on January 28, 2016, 11:46:49 PM
Same question..or request maybe.
I'll go for the desktop only precisely for the lack of space.
Will it be available?

Thanks
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Shaw on January 29, 2016, 11:34:56 AM
Some of you waiting for the Desktop might also want to look at this new toy.... http://www.modalelectronics.com/modal-008r/

Cheers!
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: F5D on January 30, 2016, 11:40:05 AM
I would like to see the OB6 rack a real rack-mountable unit with deeper panel than that of Prophet 6 desktop. Something like 66u rack would be nice, but still with option to have the wooden end cheeks or rack rails. IMO the modal stuff is a really expensive, and a little bit weird too. The racks lack all the knobs.
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: abuser on February 11, 2016, 12:52:44 AM
+1 for the desktop, i don't have space for keyboard. please, take my money!
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Fuseball on February 11, 2016, 04:24:56 AM
IMO the modal stuff is a really expensive, and a little bit weird too. The racks lack all the knobs.
I'm yet to be impressed by anything I've heard from the Modal 008 so far.  The hard panned output would drive me nuts as well. The rack doesn't look much fun to program either. A browser-based interface is no substitute for an array of knobs and buttons.

As a P6 keyboard owner I'm definitely going to have to wait out for an OB-6 desktop. No room here for another keyboard and I like all the ones I'm keeping.
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: LeVo on February 11, 2016, 05:49:52 AM
^ exactly the same position about the rack. Got a 6 keys and I only need 1 board.... Prefer the look of 6 too so I'm happy that being the main piece.

Still wondering if it will be possible to poly chain these 2.... I know the voices are different in circuit design but I'd guess they run the same signal path.

Not that I know if that's how it works but that would take me off the fence and I'd sell things To grab one asap.

That's all assuming they will come.... I'd guess they will keep the housing identical to keep costs to a minimum (and so they look nice next to each other) :)

Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Christopher on February 20, 2016, 01:24:00 AM
I do own a P-6 and quite a few other synths with decent keyboards and good MIDI capabilities.
So I would definitely go for a a desktop version of the OB-6.
Should DSI come out with something like that, I'd buy it on day one!
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: manuel on February 21, 2016, 11:33:22 PM
+1 for the rack edition
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Firechild on February 24, 2016, 12:56:37 PM
+1 for RACK , not desktop but rack , like 5 or 6 Units.
Also additional LFO for vibrato would be great as on the OB-Xa and OB-8.
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: blewis on February 24, 2016, 02:01:36 PM
Desktop good. Rack sounds interesting, but I wouldn't count on it - not enough reuse from P6. (And I'd prefer a real rack - even with a dreaded external supply like P12)

No way we're getting an extra LFO.
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Sachrias on March 03, 2016, 09:52:44 PM
+1 To the desktop
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: niagarasynths on March 04, 2016, 10:38:21 AM
I've got the 12 for a controller so an OB 6 rack or desktop would be great.
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: muziksculp on March 13, 2016, 12:40:47 PM
Hi,

Since I already have the Prophet 6, and Prophet 08 Keyboards, I would love it if the OB-6 will be available in desktop version in the near future.  I will buy an OB-6 Desktop as soon as it becomes available. Hopefully this will be announced soon.

Thanks,
Muziksculp
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on March 14, 2016, 02:40:30 PM
I'm all for an OB-6 Desktop Module, the parallel of the Prophet-6 Module, knobs and all.  Folks could then have one "6" keyboard controlling the other "6" module for a superb DSI blend. 
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: boof on March 17, 2016, 02:30:12 AM
Another vote for rack/desktop in case anyone from DSI is watching
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on March 17, 2016, 07:34:00 AM
Yes, they're watching, except for Dave.
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: jmct on March 25, 2016, 02:48:07 PM
+1 more for the rack, need something to keep my Prophet 12 rack warm!!
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: lt773 on March 25, 2016, 07:41:05 PM
+1 yup yup yup
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: blewis on March 25, 2016, 07:59:00 PM
Folks could then have one "6" keyboard controlling the other "6" module for a superb DSI blend.

Ive been thinking of how a P6 key and OB6 desktop might work together.

How are you thinking of those two existing and working together in your head?

I've got a good 10 months or so to wait for the price to come down a bit. :-)

You can "double them" having each synth play on each note trigger. One might be able to poly chain them - only getting the alternating MIDI notes but having to hand manage patches. That could be interesting.

What else?

I still feel like having two key beds would be the most flexible, but more $ and space.
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Paul Dither on April 02, 2016, 11:13:50 AM
There's going to be one: https://youtu.be/zjy_6lH3IxQ?t=5m11s (https://youtu.be/zjy_6lH3IxQ?t=5m11s)
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on April 02, 2016, 02:33:55 PM
Excellent!
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Paul Dither on April 02, 2016, 02:36:06 PM
Excellent!

Please don't abuse it as a mono synth.  ;)
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on April 02, 2016, 02:53:15 PM
Heh-heh-heh.  You know me too well.  I'll enslave that OB-6 to the mono position, no matter how it cries out for mercy!  :P
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Paul Dither on April 02, 2016, 02:54:34 PM
Heh-heh-heh.  You know me too well.  I'll enslave that OB-6 to the mono position, no matter how it cries out for mercy!  :P

It'll break you, trust me. In the end you will cry out for mercy if you can't use it polyphonically.  ;D
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on April 02, 2016, 02:57:18 PM
Aw shucks.  Enough, already.  If I get an OB-6, I promise to play a chord on it once a day, okay?
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Paul Dither on April 02, 2016, 02:59:24 PM
Aw shucks.  Enough, already.  If I get an OB-6, I promise to play a chord on it once a day, okay?

You'll end up modulating your way through harmonies all day.  ;D
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on April 02, 2016, 03:02:00 PM
By the way, you failed to comment on the OB-6's sawtooth lead patch!  What, did you forget all about me just because I haven't been posting much lately?
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Paul Dither on April 02, 2016, 03:04:28 PM
By the way, you failed to comment on the OB-6's sawtooth lead patch!  What, did you forget all about me just because I haven't been posting much lately?

What patch you do mean? Are you saying I should have dialed up a specific patch or should I have edited one from scratch while testing the OB-6 yesterday?
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on April 02, 2016, 03:19:42 PM
My main test patch for every synthesizer is the sawtooth lead that I so often use: two sawtooths closely tuned, static filter setting, moderately slow VCA attack, and with delayed vibrato.  It has to be pure, simple, and with no other modulation or distortion.  Seriously, it's one of those sounds that bluntly reveals the character of an instrument and doesn't allow it to hide behind any wells or whistles.  Like this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLQIjG03cCE
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Paul Dither on April 02, 2016, 03:23:22 PM
My main test patch for every synthesizer is the sawtooth lead that I so often use: two sawtooths closely tuned, static filter setting, moderately slow VCA attack, and with delayed vibrato.  It has to be pure, simple, and with no other modulation or distortion.  Seriously, it's one of those sounds that bluntly reveals the character of an instrument and doesn't allow it to hide behind any wells or whistles.  Like this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLQIjG03cCE

I know, I know. Well, I could try to record that in store and upload it afterwards. It'll be no surrogate for testing in person though.
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on April 02, 2016, 03:26:38 PM
I'm just razzing ya.  I didn't expect you to.  I actually have no doubt it would be excellent.
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: musicmaker on April 02, 2016, 11:38:42 PM
There's going to be one: https://youtu.be/zjy_6lH3IxQ?t=5m11s (https://youtu.be/zjy_6lH3IxQ?t=5m11s)

As said not 19" rack-able. :-(  @ 5:30,   ~ 800U is bit extreme perhaps.

Did some drawings and calculation that should make a 19" rack workable
The OB6 has one filter section and distortion section (and knobs) less than P6, that should free up some space
if the Clock , App, Seq and Effects on the top row width fits in 19" (~ 432mm) perhaps it could be workable.
Move the switch board switches a little bit close to each other too.
Move the power adapter outside.
If the outer case makes it > 432mm wide, then use the approach like the Moog mother 32 to have a separate desktop case to mount the module in. if electronics  need some more space,  make it a bit deeper, there is sufficient depth space in a 19" rack. (alike Moog RME)
Probably DSI has time constraint with all that is going and reuse the P6 case and board with minor layout changes. but well.. who am I.




Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on April 03, 2016, 09:59:36 AM
To state the obvious, having both 6s in keyboard and module form means you can combine one keyboard with the other module for one dandy little synthesizer with a nice wide palette.
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Jan Schultink on April 04, 2016, 10:50:51 AM
There's going to be one: https://youtu.be/zjy_6lH3IxQ?t=5m11s (https://youtu.be/zjy_6lH3IxQ?t=5m11s)

Dave is almost "cynical" about subtractive synthesis, it sounds like he has other ideas up his sleeve but thinks "hey, this is what people relate to"
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: dslsynth on April 04, 2016, 11:48:30 AM
Dave is almost "cynical" about subtractive synthesis, it sounds like he has other ideas up his sleeve but thinks "hey, this is what people relate to"

I have only heard the interview once but my impression is that if you want advanced filters please look elsewhere.

Will see what happens at next NAMM Show! ;)
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: lt773 on April 04, 2016, 04:43:58 PM
Dave is almost "cynical" about subtractive synthesis, it sounds like he has other ideas up his sleeve but thinks "hey, this is what people relate to"

I have only heard the interview once but my impression is that if you want advanced filters please look elsewhere.

Will see what happens at next NAMM Show! ;)

I agree, with the success of the P6 and OB6 Dave & Co. will now have more $$$ and freedom to do some crazy shit
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: decimal on April 18, 2016, 03:39:06 AM
Hi,

Love the sound of the OB-6, I was wondering if you will be making a desktop version like you have with the Prophet 6. (I'm running out of space and have nowhere to put another synth).

Also in one of the NAMM videos I watched, it was mentioned that Tom has made a limited number of the SEM osc, does this mean that the OB-6 is a limited edition or will Tom make more if the demand for the OB-6 is high enough?

Thank Jeff

I don't think there will be a problem with availability of components, as this is a new PCB design based on the original SEM circuits. Would definitely be interested in a desktop Xpander (sorry) version of the OB6 though, particularly if it allows for a 12-voice OB6 controlled from the keyboard version. :)
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: decimal on April 18, 2016, 03:41:51 AM
IMO the modal stuff is a really expensive, and a little bit weird too. The racks lack all the knobs.
I'm yet to be impressed by anything I've heard from the Modal 008 so far.  The hard panned output would drive me nuts as well. The rack doesn't look much fun to program either. A browser-based interface is no substitute for an array of knobs and buttons.

As a P6 keyboard owner I'm definitely going to have to wait out for an OB-6 desktop. No room here for another keyboard and I like all the ones I'm keeping.

Panning issue is sorted now they have a digital IO module on the 008, but the OB6 certainly gives the 008 a run for its money if you are happy with the limited modulation options, and don't need 15 different types of filter :)
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: decimal on April 18, 2016, 08:24:42 AM
PS I'd love to see parameter sequencing on the OB6-R, like Korg have implemented on the Minilogue (or on the Modal 008). :)
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: decimal on April 18, 2016, 08:44:49 AM
There's going to be one: https://youtu.be/zjy_6lH3IxQ?t=5m11s (https://youtu.be/zjy_6lH3IxQ?t=5m11s)

Dave is almost "cynical" about subtractive synthesis, it sounds like he has other ideas up his sleeve but thinks "hey, this is what people relate to"

I didn't get that: he just seems to think that the subtractive synthesis architecture has matured into something that is familiar now and that has stood the test of time, like different classic electric guitar designs. He is saying that musicians needs several different synths for their individual character and interface, assuming we have large enough pockets! :)
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: decimal on May 02, 2016, 11:56:26 AM
Desktop good. Rack sounds interesting, but I wouldn't count on it - not enough reuse from P6. (And I'd prefer a real rack - even with a dreaded external supply like P12)

No way we're getting an extra LFO.

Desktop format is fine for me, and I can't see how they would fit all the controls onto a standard rack space? Maybe DSI could consider 'expander' voice card rack units that would double the polyphony of an OB6 (and provide dual/split capability), or also provide the sound engine of the OB6 without the controls (like the Matrix 1000) if tweaking isn't required for stage use. You could use the OB6 to program it back in the studio... or even use a computer editor (yuk!).
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: blewis on May 03, 2016, 10:09:14 AM
They seem to carry some kind of emotional scar from the PER rack reissue that didn't go well.  8) Doubtful you'll see that.
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Shaw on May 03, 2016, 11:08:45 AM
the Matrix 1000)

My favorite 3 words... I had one years ago.    I'm going to find one on Reverb or eBay and then layer with the OB6.   Will report back... Though we all know the sound will be creamy goodness.

Cheers!

Title: Re: OB
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on May 03, 2016, 11:53:44 AM
They seem to carry some kind of emotional scar from the PER rack reissue that didn't go well.  8) Doubtful you'll see that.

What was the issue with the Poly Evolver Rack?  Was it the difficult interface?  I guess I've seen it exclusively as an easy way to expand a Poly Evolver Keyboard.
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: blewis on May 03, 2016, 12:17:42 PM
Dave once mentioned in one of these online video interviews that he'd only done one re-issue in his career and that he'd never do it again.

I may have mistakenly attributed this, but I thought I recalled on a forum someone saying that he'd re-issued the PER by popular demand and then no one bought them.

Internet hearsay?

I love mine (chained to a MEK) and I love the idea. But it does really require either a dedicated hardware programmer (MED/MEK/PEK) or software (which DSI punts on).
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on May 03, 2016, 12:38:35 PM
I remember when the PEK was first discontinued, and when DSI unexpectedly announced they had produced a new batch, but I wasn't aware that few people bought the new units.  I believe my PEK is from that second batch.  But I agree, the interface is terrible for so complex an instrument.  I never need to touch mine, though, since I do all the programming from the Keyboard panel. 
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Robot Heart on May 03, 2016, 12:47:35 PM
When the PER was announced as discontinued, we had a huge influx of requests to bring it back. So, after about a year, we did. About 30 of them sold right away, which we assume were the number of people that truly wanted to buy one that hadn't yet.

The rest sat, and sat, and sat, for a long time. It showed us that when an item is discontinued it's not worth bringing it back for the small amount of people that would rather purchase a new unit. Even now, it's not too difficult to find one on the used market if you need one for your setup. That experience was enough for Dave to decide to never do it again.
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on May 03, 2016, 01:11:53 PM
That experience was enough for Dave to decide to never do it again.

And I was just about to ask you to do it again....

Yes, you can still find PEKs here and there, although they are one of the rarer items on the used market.  For whatever reason, I find myself regularly watching for Evolvers.   But there's nothing like a brand new, hot-off-the-press, freshly baked synthesizer! 

Now what would it take to bribe you, Robot Heart, to make me one more PEK?   Just one more? ;D
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: dslsynth on May 03, 2016, 01:43:22 PM
Now what would it take to bribe you, Robot Heart, to make me one more PEK?   Just one more? ;D

I wouldn't suggest you go that route, Sacred Synthesis. Technology progresses over time and I am very sure you would much prefer something like a merger of Prophet-12/Pro 2 oscillators and Prophet-6/OB-6 oscillators/filters. In other words: look forward! If you are really into bribing DSI - which I am pretty sure would be completely pointless - I would suggest sending your money in the direction of a new design that you would actually like: sound and modulation.
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on May 03, 2016, 02:44:33 PM
Shucks, I'm just having a little fun.  There's no possibility that DSI would make another PER, anyways.  And with all my searching, do you really think I'm not looking at new instruments?  I'm dizzy from reading spec sheets!  That's all I've been looking at, but with not a lot of satisfaction.  Hence, a little peripheral vision is called for - both ahead and behind, just to be thorough. 

I might add that my quest for the ideal monophonic synthesizer has produced nothing, and it turns out that the PEK and P'08 remain the closest things to the fulfillment of my ideals.  That wasn't my hope or intention, believe me, because I was quite eager to get a new piece of equipment into my music room.  But I won't buy something new, just so that I can say, "I've got something new, fellas!"  It's got to serve my musical needs or it's not needed or welcome.  Unfortunately, "new" is not a synonym for "better."  So, I remain a fan of the first generation of DSI synthesizers, even as I keep my eye out for developments in the DSI line up.
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: muziksculp on May 08, 2016, 09:12:51 AM
Hi,

I'm very happy to hear Dave confirming a desktop version of the OB-6 will be available later this year !

Now.. I wonder what they are planning to release next  ;)

Cheers,
Muziksculp
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on May 08, 2016, 09:44:47 AM
Next will be a big one, but it won't be until 2017.
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: BobTheDog on May 08, 2016, 12:03:11 PM
Shucks, I'm just having a little fun.  There's no possibility that DSI would make another PER, anyways.  And with all my searching, do you really think I'm not looking at new instruments?  I'm dizzy from reading spec sheets!  That's all I've been looking at, but with not a lot of satisfaction.  Hence, a little peripheral vision is called for - both ahead and behind, just to be thorough. 

I might add that my quest for the ideal monophonic synthesizer has produced nothing, and it turns out that the PEK and P'08 remain the closest things to the fulfillment of my ideals.  That wasn't my hope or intention, believe me, because I was quite eager to get a new piece of equipment into my music room.  But I won't buy something new, just so that I can say, "I've got something new, fellas!"  It's got to serve my musical needs or it's not needed or welcome.  Unfortunately, "new" is not a synonym for "better."  So, I remain a fan of the first generation of DSI synthesizers, even as I keep my eye out for developments in the DSI line up.

Really the PEK is a great collection of four mono synths, 4 notes poly was never quite enough but 4 mono synths are very nice to have.
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on May 08, 2016, 05:05:49 PM
Really the PEK is a great collection of four mono synths, 4 notes poly was never quite enough but 4 mono synths are very nice to have.

True - the PEK is basically four MEKs.  But, if you play bass pedals, then four keyboard voices become at least nearly adequate.  Or else, if your feet play the bass, your left hand plays a poly synth, and your right hand plays a PEK, then the PEK becomes more than adequate.  As a lone instrument, the PEK's four voices are too few, but in an ensemble, it's a pretty impressive polyphonic monster.

Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Paul Dither on June 22, 2016, 03:51:56 PM
Voilą:

(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9SibB6E646M/V2r3ubo8sFI/AAAAAAAKbTo/U4hbC0ARAzIyTsePV6cBNZv94bRoVKJwwCLcB/s1600/CllMQm8UgAABnu_.jpg)
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on June 22, 2016, 04:22:44 PM
Beautiful - the module, I mean.
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: wagscpa on June 23, 2016, 07:16:40 AM
I'm holding out for the OB-12 Desktop, that is if they decide to make one, which would hopefully be multi-timbral. Rack mount would be preferred, though.  I need more than 6 voices   :'(
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on June 23, 2016, 07:24:15 AM
Why not get two OB-6 Modules?  You'd have either six-voice bi-timbrality or twelve voice mono-timbrality.
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: wagscpa on June 23, 2016, 07:51:02 AM
Why not get two OB-6 Modules?  You'd have either six-voice bi-timbrality or twelve voice mono-timbrality.

Will take up two more channels (my entire rig is in stereo) on my already almost overwhelmed mixer, will take up more space that I don't have as I already have little space for the desktop (hence my preference for a rack model), more midi channels and wiring on my midi patchbay, more stuff to hookup during setup if it is not pre-wired in my rack.  Also, you would think that the cost of adding the 6 voices to the OB-6 would be a lot cheaper than another full set of knobs (pots), switches and memory plus the 6 voices.  On the flipside I would guess there has to be enough of a market for the OB-12 for it to make sense to produce.
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on June 23, 2016, 08:01:23 AM
The OB-6 Module is now on the DSI web site:

https://www.davesmithinstruments.com/product/ob-6-desktop/
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Jan Schultink on June 23, 2016, 09:51:08 AM
I got my p6 right at the time when the OB-6 got announced and was sure to get the space-saving desktop as soon as it would come out. Now, a few "cooling down months" later I realise how much I have to learn still how to get the most out of my P6 still so I will wait a bit more..
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: tempted11 on June 23, 2016, 10:53:10 AM
great news!  now if there only was also a fully knobbed Prophet 12 desktop too ....
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on June 23, 2016, 10:57:24 AM
It would have to be huge!
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Bryan_D on June 23, 2016, 11:00:16 AM
Lord willing, I hope to trade in/sell my two Tetras and JU-06 (and perhaps some other hardware) to help finance the desktop module and bring my Oberheim quest to an end. I'm pretty sold on the OB-6 sound, but I would love to try one out in person before buying. Might have to travel a few hours (or more) for that.

Hmm . . . to bring my wallet, or not to bring my wallet . . . 
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: wagscpa on June 23, 2016, 11:57:50 AM
Oh well, so much for holding out for the 12 voice.  I pre-ordered the Ob-6 module for now and I guess we will see if an OB-12 ever sees the light of day.
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: marzzz on June 23, 2016, 01:11:28 PM
Looks nice, but oh how I wish DSI would produce a minimalist rack mount module like the old PolyEvolver Rack...
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Bald Eagle on June 24, 2016, 02:10:24 AM
Oh well, so much for holding out for the 12 voice.  I pre-ordered the Ob-6 module for now and I guess we will see if an OB-12 ever sees the light of day.
You can poly chain 2 of them.
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: musicmaker on June 24, 2016, 05:39:20 AM
Any idea where the NORM <> BP knob  in X-MOD section went ?
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Shaw on June 24, 2016, 05:47:14 AM
Any idea where the NORM <> BP knob  in X-MOD section went ?


Excellent question... I just looked to see if the OB-6 module's manual is online -- it is not. 
I'd guess it's accessible with a key combination... But then how would you be able to tell that it is active?
Interesting.
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Syntedon on June 24, 2016, 06:06:50 AM
Would have preferred this layout. More close to the OB6 keys with text located above the knob/switches, the same output section and the cool blue lines.(http://) I think it would have fit in a 19" rack just increasing the height. But well. what do I know :-)

Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: DavidDever on June 24, 2016, 08:28:39 AM
Any idea where the NORM <> BP knob  in X-MOD section went ?

Good question - thing is, does that functionality actually WORK on the kbd version? Bandpass mode would require that one can serialize LPF and HPF (cutoff the highs, then cutoff the lows), whereas notch mode is simply parallel LPF and HPF - not sure how you'd smoothly change between two different topologies unless you continuously rotate phase (which seems like a lot of effort for an under-utilized feature).

Quote from: OB-6 Operation Manual
Norm - BP: Selects the filter mode as a modulation destination, changing smoothly between normal filter behavior (low-pass, notch, and high-pass modes) and bandpass mode.

The impression I get is that the other elements in that row all have the same number of buttons as on the kbd version, but that the X-MOD options were intentionally changed for this panel to eliminate that feature, functional or otherwise.
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: extempo on June 24, 2016, 08:41:04 AM
The unit in the photos is a prototype. The production version of the OB-6 Module will feature the Normal to Bandpass switch in the Xmod section.
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Bryan_D on July 05, 2016, 03:05:01 PM
I'm pretty sold on the OB-6 sound, but I would love to try one out in person before buying. Might have to travel a few hours (or more) for that

So I took that trip across the state line to a GC that had an OB-6 on the floor (next to a Prophet 6). I was quite excited to finally hear my dream synth in person. When I entered the store, hardly anyone was there, and no one was in the keyboard area. I sat down in the cool, dimly lit space, plugged in my ear buds, and spent just over an hour working through the first three or four banks of factory presets, tweaking them to taste. My reaction? Unexpected.

The layout was clean and fairly easy to navigate. I liked the simplicity. I wasn't expecting too much from the effects. They were okay, but I would probably only use the delays for the most part. The chord function was new for me. Handy. And potentially interesting. None of my other synths could do that as easily as the OB-6. But I wondered how often I would use that feature.

Then there was the sound. It's true that the filter is perhaps incomparable, with gorgeous, sparkling tone, especially at higher resonance settings (if I could just transplant that filter into my Nord Lead 2X, it would be all over for me).   

However, this is what was unexpected. As I played the patches, I found myself thinking, I've heard many of these sounds before--in the synths I already own. Big pads, yes, but I have those in the Nord Lead 2X (w/ H9) and Radias, and analog pads with the Tetras, and all three with greater polyphony. VCO cross modulation, yes, but I have even warmer versions of that in the Slim Phatty and Nyborg-12. Eighties synth sounds, yes, but again, Tetras, JU-06, Pro 2, etc. I did finally hit a patch (don't ask me which one) where I dialed in that big, loose, arpeggiated bass sound that characterizes so many techno tunes of old, and I thought, There's that sound I like! The resonance was cranked, and the filter was low, and the envelopes were just right. I just listened to that for a while, riding the envelopes, the filter and the BPM. That was a good moment. But I was surprised that there weren't more good moments.

Strangely, when I got up to leave, I knew that I wasn't as excited about this instrument as I thought I'd be, and that I would have to reconsider taking a loss on my current hardware and parting with more cash just for a bass sound and chord memory. We'll see. 
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on July 05, 2016, 04:52:17 PM
Thanks for your observations on the OB-6.  Have you tried the Prophet-6?  I'm just curious if you would find it more flexible and to your liking.  It seems often to be the case with people who don't take to the OB-6.
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: DavidDever on July 05, 2016, 07:55:08 PM
However, this is what was unexpected. As I played the patches, I found myself thinking, I've heard many of these sounds before--in the synths I already own. Big pads, yes, but I have those in the Nord Lead 2X (w/ H9) and Radias, and analog pads with the Tetras, and all three with greater polyphony. VCO cross modulation, yes, but I have even warmer versions of that in the Slim Phatty and Nyborg-12. Eighties synth sounds, yes, but again, Tetras, JU-06, Pro 2, etc. I did finally hit a patch (don't ask me which one) where I dialed in that big, loose, arpeggiated bass sound that characterizes so many techno tunes of old, and I thought, There's that sound I like! The resonance was cranked, and the filter was low, and the envelopes were just right. I just listened to that for a while, riding the envelopes, the filter and the BPM. That was a good moment. But I was surprised that there weren't more good moments.

Strangely, when I got up to leave, I knew that I wasn't as excited about this instrument as I thought I'd be, and that I would have to reconsider taking a loss on my current hardware and parting with more cash just for a bass sound and chord memory. We'll see.

I had a similar experience while trying the OB-6 at a very-large-national-catalog-retailer showroom (as finding a GC location with both units would be quite a surprise, even with my once-upon-a-time experience as a GC manager).

Here's what struck me - although the OB-6 was plugged into a floor-level keyboard combo amp, the Prophet-6 plugged into the same combo amp model all of ten feet away sounded perfectly fine, as did the Pro-2 with the same SEM filter as the OB-6. The OB-6 sounded thin and only mildly interesting, which just did not jive with the online demos I've heard or my own gut instinct / blood lust for a dual-oscillator Oberheim with knobs.

So I am going to try this at a different retailer, just to be absolutely certain that I'm not losing my mind!
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Shaw on July 05, 2016, 09:07:21 PM
However, this is what was unexpected. As I played the patches, I found myself thinking, I've heard many of these sounds before--in the synths I already own. Big pads, yes, but I have those in the Nord Lead 2X (w/ H9) and Radias, and analog pads with the Tetras, and all three with greater polyphony. VCO cross modulation, yes, but I have even warmer versions of that in the Slim Phatty and Nyborg-12. Eighties synth sounds, yes, but again, Tetras, JU-06, Pro 2, etc. I did finally hit a patch (don't ask me which one) where I dialed in that big, loose, arpeggiated bass sound that characterizes so many techno tunes of old, and I thought, There's that sound I like! The resonance was cranked, and the filter was low, and the envelopes were just right. I just listened to that for a while, riding the envelopes, the filter and the BPM. That was a good moment. But I was surprised that there weren't more good moments.

Strangely, when I got up to leave, I knew that I wasn't as excited about this instrument as I thought I'd be, and that I would have to reconsider taking a loss on my current hardware and parting with more cash just for a bass sound and chord memory. We'll see.

I had a similar experience while trying the OB-6 at a very-large-national-catalog-retailer showroom (as finding a GC location with both units would be quite a surprise, even with my once-upon-a-time experience as a GC manager).

Here's what struck me - although the OB-6 was plugged into a floor-level keyboard combo amp, the Prophet-6 plugged into the same combo amp model all of ten feet away sounded perfectly fine, as did the Pro-2 with the same SEM filter as the OB-6. The OB-6 sounded thin and only mildly interesting, which just did not jive with the online demos I've heard or my own gut instinct / blood lust for a dual-oscillator Oberheim with knobs.

So I am going to try this at a different retailer, just to be absolutely certain that I'm not losing my mind!


Perhaps taking a good set of headphones might help.  I'm not suggesting that you base your opinion solely on a demo through headphones, but it could give you one more frame of reference while also removing the amp (as an unknown quantity) from your demo --- it might also filter out some of that GC background noise (i.e. some freckled kid with a Les Paul plugged into a Marshall who conveniently knows every R chord in the book)


Good Luck with your hunt.
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Fuseball on July 06, 2016, 02:14:46 AM
Perhaps taking a good set of headphones might help.  I'm not suggesting that you base your opinion solely on a demo through headphones, but it could give you one more frame of reference while also removing the amp (as an unknown quantity) from your demo --- it might also filter out some of that GC background noise (i.e. some freckled kid with a Les Paul plugged into a Marshall who conveniently knows every R chord in the book)

That's exactly how I demoed the OB-6 at a local store, with my own headphones that I'm used to. It didn't help that the cable to a nearby amplifier had been plugged into the headphone socket rather than a line-level output.  ::)

I felt pretty much the same way as Bryan_D after trying out the OB-6. A lot of the sounds seemed quite similar to each other. A few great ones in there but largely because they reminded me of mid-'80s Depeche Mode!  I thought it had a much more distinctive character than the Prophet-6. It was unmistakably an Oberheim. However, from my perspective, that limits how useful I would find one. £2.2k+ (and rising) is more than I can afford for a synth that would likely only ever be a specific accent colour for me.
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: DavidDever on July 06, 2016, 03:16:48 AM
I had a similar experience while trying the OB-6 at a very-large-national-catalog-retailer showroom (as finding a GC location with both units would be quite a surprise, even with my once-upon-a-time experience as a GC manager).

Here's what struck me - although the OB-6 was plugged into a floor-level keyboard combo amp, the Prophet-6 plugged into the same combo amp model all of ten feet away sounded perfectly fine, as did the Pro-2 with the same SEM filter as the OB-6. The OB-6 sounded thin and only mildly interesting, which just did not jive with the online demos I've heard or my own gut instinct / blood lust for a dual-oscillator Oberheim with knobs.

So I am going to try this at a different retailer, just to be absolutely certain that I'm not losing my mind!


Perhaps taking a good set of headphones might help.  I'm not suggesting that you base your opinion solely on a demo through headphones, but it could give you one more frame of reference while also removing the amp (as an unknown quantity) from your demo --- it might also filter out some of that GC background noise (i.e. some freckled kid with a Les Paul plugged into a Marshall who conveniently knows every R chord in the book)


Good Luck with your hunt.

This demo was not at a Guitar Center location - most of which generally have stereo monitors at the keyboard stations - it was at Sweetwater.  ::)

I've done the headphones thing too, but it's not typical of the manner by which the unit would ultimately be used.

In general, one would think that a $3K instrument would get a reasonable spot on the wall, in preference to a bevy of sub-$500 faux-analogue units, but hey - it's their store / business model etc. Broken keys / missing knobs on the floor units do not install any degree of confidence, and I would hope that they'd eventually figure it out sooner than later....

One of the best demo setups I've heard, by the way, was at Corner Music in Nashville - it's really not that difficult to get right.

Anyway - on point to the prior remark regarding OB-6 factory patches - I do agree that these are a bit weak on the polysynth side of things, given the quality of the Prophet-6 factory patches in conveying the sound of the unit. I'd like to hear the intermediate filter positions / settings / anomalies that make the unit unique, but hey - why not throw in the original OB-X factory patches just for comparison's sake? I could do without the banks and banks of arpeggiated / sequenced patches; I can play fast enough on my own to get the idea.
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Shaw on July 06, 2016, 05:26:55 AM
One of the best demo setups I've heard, by the way, was at Corner Music in Nashville - it's really not that difficult to get right.


I live in Nashville; Corner Music has been doing it right for over 20 years.
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Paul Dither on July 06, 2016, 08:28:29 AM
@DavidDever and Shaw: You're both located in Nashville? - I live about 10 minutes away from Corner Music.
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on July 06, 2016, 08:47:31 AM
You guys might want a referee.  :P
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Bryan_D on July 06, 2016, 10:55:26 AM
Have you tried the Prophet-6?  I'm just curious if you would find it more flexible and to your liking.

Yes, although not side by side. It was a couple of months ago at another GC in the same city, but the environment was less than ideal, to say the least. And I had a similar experience. I felt like there was a lot of tonal ground shared by the P6 and my Pro 2 and Tetras. They have their nuanced differences, of course (the bass response in the Prophet was a little more warm and chewy, for example). But again it was difficult for me to justify the expense for what seemed to be very little sonic gain. I haven't written off either of these instruments, but these experiences have taken the edge off somewhat.
 
The OB-6 sounded thin and only mildly interesting, which just did not jive with the online demos I've heard

I thought the same thing. The demos I heard online sounded beefier than what I was hearing in person. As Shaw pointed out, the headphones may have been part of the problem. I was kicking myself for forgetting my studio phones, but I figured that my ear buds would suffice since I do listen to music on them. Perhaps the sound would have gotten hold of me more with better phones. But there's still the problem of value--what will the OB-6/P6 add to my current palette of sounds, and is it worth it?
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Shaw on July 06, 2016, 11:03:20 AM
@DavidDever and Shaw: You're both located in Nashville? - I live about 10 minutes away from Corner Music.


I see the First Annual Beer Meeting of the Nashville Chapter of the DSI Forum in our future....
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: DavidDever on July 06, 2016, 12:37:05 PM
I live in Indianapolis, but drive through Nashville on an almost monthly basis - and I very much believe in supporting those retailers who put products on demonstration (and do it right).
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Kim Sand on July 10, 2016, 09:58:14 PM
On DSI synths I have found the headphone output to be lacking. The sound is somewhat thin and bright compared to using the same headphones through an external amplifier connected to the main outs. Switching outputs will probably not affect the decision of whether to purchase one of these units, but it certainly makes the sound more pleasing.

Also, these synths really come alive when tweaking the parameters. They respond in a smooth, dynamic way that I have yet to hear from any digital synth, which is more of a "sweet spot" hunt and preset machine. Coming from digital I was surprised how "alive" the basic sound could be, and how inspiring that was to sculpt and play. That is what convinced me.

If these units had sounded too similar to gear I already owned it would not have justified the expense. Then again, I could live happily on just the P6 and OB-6 (or either if need be) and use soft synths for everything else. I can't say the same for my other synths.
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: mmpro1 on August 19, 2016, 04:09:13 PM
So, are we still on track for early fall release on these puppies?
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Robot Heart on August 19, 2016, 05:14:55 PM
Yes  :)
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: mmpro1 on August 19, 2016, 05:18:35 PM
Excellent!!
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on November 18, 2016, 08:12:46 PM
Finally, a Sonic State demo:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPVhtVuYk8w
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: DavidDever on November 19, 2016, 08:16:51 AM
Yeah, I have to admit that I'm really inclined to buy the OB-6 Desktop after watching that; I was already lusting after a duo-/poly-phonic SEM-style unit after a few weeks with the MIDI-to-CV SEM. I've learned to work around the SEM's hard-wired limitations as it stands; the DSI implementation opens those possibilities a bit wider.

IMHO the desktop version looks better (similar to Matrix period, with minimal stripes) than the keyboard version. (With all due respect to the person who laid out the blue panel stripes, they just don't look proportionally correct when compared to the OB-Xa / OB-8, sorry.)

And I'm inclined to seek out a five-octave Xk (or an inexpensive Matrix-6 keyboard) for use of the Oberheim-style pitch / mod levers, which are a personal preference. But who knows - maybe I'll find myself a few hundred dollars poorer and an octave short.
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Sacred Synthesis on November 19, 2016, 08:32:24 PM
It is a tantalizing review, with many sounds that sound wonderful. 
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: science on November 23, 2016, 11:37:50 AM
I was going to buy a SEM or 2 until the OB6 came out now i have 6 of them with effects and a sequencer and much more for way less cost. VERY happy with my choice!
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: Uncle Carl on November 30, 2016, 08:14:49 AM
Hi,

I am new to synths. I bought a OB-6 Desktop. Is there a way, I can use my USB keyboard that I use in logic to trigger the sounds in the OB-6? Ideally, I would like to connect my AKAI MPK25 midi controller, to logic, then My OB6 Desktop to logic VIA USB as well, and usb my MIDI out from the OB-6 to connect to all my external gear. Any thoughts? and is there a specific midi keyboard i should use with the OB-6?
Title: Re: OB-6 Desktop
Post by: DavidDever on November 30, 2016, 08:59:57 AM
Hi,

I am new to synths. I bought a OB-6 Desktop. Is there a way, I can use my USB keyboard that I use in logic to trigger the sounds in the OB-6? Ideally, I would like to connect my AKAI MPK25 midi controller, to logic, then My OB6 Desktop to logic VIA USB as well, and usb my MIDI out from the OB-6 to connect to all my external gear. Any thoughts? and is there a specific midi keyboard i should use with the OB-6?

You might consider an external USB MIDI interface for your external gear - I really like the iConnectivity products (I use an iConnectMIDI4+ which provides multi-device USB connectivity), but your mileage may vary depending on your requirements.