The Official Sequential/Oberheim Forum
OTHER DISCUSSIONS => General Synthesis => Other Hardware/Software => Topic started by: minuteman on April 05, 2016, 03:03:20 PM
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My OB-6 should arrive soon. However, I remain very interested in the Oberheim TVP. Do you have one? If so, would appreciate you impressions, etc.
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I don't own one, but was blown away by playing one today for the first time. Instant impression: I would pass a Voyager XL for one plus: really, really beafy bass.
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Paul, thank you. Means alot coming from you.
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Oh, you're welcome. I'm sorry, though, that I can't really give you a detailed run-down. Like usual, it'll probably be a matter of taste. If you are in the lucky position to be able to test one in person near you, then I'd definitely do so. After all, it's clearly not what you'd call a bargain. ;)
One thing I recognized is that I'm probably more of an Oberheim guy than I knew before, but this one is currently out of my price range.
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And it has a dedicated vibrato LFO to the left of the keyboard - a very important feature. This is precisely what I wish DSI had included on the Prophet-6 and OB-6. It would have transformed the instruments. I agree, the Two-Voice Pro is a very desirable instrument for those who like immense synthesis.
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Oberheim SEM and Two-Voice demos are few and far between, so that it's hard to get a sense of the Oberheim sound. This demo is the best I've found:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RymEwP6XE-k
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Oh that is one of my favorite demos too, Sacred Synthesis! Another one is this TVP demo that really shows the kind of beast the TVP is! I am not a keyboard player so its not a machine for me. But for wouuuw for a sound:
https://youtu.be/1LnMl-RlFnE
For someone working in a sequenced multi-track studio making two recordings of the bass and pan them in stereo are going to make a difference.
Wonder how the TVP sound compares to the OB-6 sound? Especially regarding the oscillators which seems more and more to me to be the hardest part these days. Especially if one wants computer controlled tuning stability.
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Yes, I've seen that video and the others with it from Perfect Circuit Audio. The main shortcoming is that they are all in the bass range, and the demo-er hovers around very similar sounds. I would have liked to have heard some melodies played on the sawtooth, the square, and other pulse widths. Instead, it's constant PWM and sync sounds in the lower register, together with some filter tweaking. I can't imagine why they would have made three videos that cover the same basic sonic range.
Dslsynth, if you like the Oberheim sound, but you're not a keyboardist, then why not try a single SEM?
If you missed it, this video ostensibly looks as if it would be of interest to you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8K5ahgzF2bU&nohtml5=False
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Dslsynth, if you like the Oberheim sound, but you're not a keyboardist, then why not try a single SEM?
You guessed it! A SEM Pro is indeed on my GAS list. I would love to integrate it with a little eurorack modules too but as I have none of them yet its just future dreams. Plus that I am really waiting for eurorack preset/modulation managers before jumping into that side of the fun (and not a word about the financial side of things). While we are dreaming one interesting option is a OB-6 based smaller voice count desktop module with analog and digital oscillators.
PS: Totally get your reservations on the restricted sound demos of the TVP. The bass just happened to sound impressive to my ears.
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Wonder how the TVP sound compares to the OB-6 sound? Especially regarding the oscillators which seems more and more to me to be the hardest part these days. Especially if one wants computer controlled tuning stability.
Having checked out both recently I'd say that the Two Voice is more in your face. It's not a matter of sounding better or worse, but just weightier in a way that would be almost too weighty for a poly synth if that makes sense. You don't wanna steamroll everything with a poly synth, so in that sense they made the absolutely right decision with the OB-6. The Two Voice, or a single SEM module for that matter, has to have an authority on its own, so that's why it sounds beefier. Two different synths for different purposes I'd say.
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Two different synths for different purposes I'd say.
Thanks for the explanation. Surely an argument to get myself a SEM Pro one day! I love the beefy machines.
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There are more videos by Perfect Circuit Audio though:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArJofvLSztU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArJofvLSztU)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1t4tAbqMjU&nohtml5=False (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1t4tAbqMjU&nohtml5=False)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCEhCUWRAbI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCEhCUWRAbI)
Make sure to use headphones.
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This is a nice one: https://soundcloud.com/m4thlab/oberheim-two-voice-demo (https://soundcloud.com/m4thlab/oberheim-two-voice-demo)
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I recently bought a TVP.
Here's my impression.
What I think misses from most reviews/opinions on synths on the web, is where the reviewer is coming from - sound/music wise. This is important. If someone thinks Herbie Hancock is the *hit and goes on to strongly recommend some synth, I'd probably think twice before rushing out buying it.
Me, I love "cold" classic synth music. Like Kraftwerk, John Carpenter, early Depeche Mode, Yazoo etc. I've been staring a lot at the Jupiter-8's, Prophet-5's etc. on Ebay, but they're really expensive (hey, I know the TVP is also expensive, but not 6-8000 dollars expensive).
So when the Prophet-6 was announced, I got it straight away. And then I came across some TVP videos on Youtube. I couldn't put my finger on it, but the TVP sounded exactly like my dream synth. The sound was just so ballsy and right. I love the fact that it does not have a digital effects section. That's one of my main pet peeves about the Prophet-6. It's just so unnecessary. I have all the external effects I need.
So the sound's covered. What else? The looks are stunning. And the stereo with two SEMS panned hard left and right is amazing as well.
One thing I really needed adjusting to, is that the TVP is not programmable. At first I thought it would take a long time adjusting. But actually, what I found was that I got a much more immediate experience. On the Prophet 6 it can get kinda confusing with all the presets at your disposal, especially without names. With no programmability you're kinda forced into working more immediate, record it straight away if you made a great sound, and then move on.
What's not so amazing is the wood cheeks. Kinda wimpy, if you ask me. Seems like some cheap wood with black paint.
The sequencer is a story all of it's own. As it stands now, I find it hard to use. I might not be right about this, but I really get the impression this sequencer is a one-man invention. It has some quirks that I feel would've been ironed out with some proper QA.
To make a sequence you have to turn each of the 16 cv knobs in succession. And if you've made a synth sound with no sustain, turning one of the 16 sequencer knobs you don't know what note you're landing on, until you step forward and then back (the note get's played when you return to it). I've asked Tom Oberheim about this, asking him if he can please enable note input via the keyboard. He says its in the works.
I'll try making a video at some point.
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Thanks for your review, Telstar!
I've been getting interested in one as well recently, so it's good to get some more input from others, as one can't find much material about it online, especially when it comes to reviews.
I was fortunate to check out a Two Voice Pro in person twice by now and basically agree with everything you said. I found the sequencer to be a bit counter-intuitive as well, at least as far as note input is concerned. I wrote Tom a message yesterday and he told me that he "will soon be announcing some very cool new features that TVS-PRO owners can access." I'm sure note input via the keyboard will be one of these features, which would certainly make the sequencer much more attractive.
I originally wrote him to find out whether he had switched any parts in the recent past, because according to some users at least, there was a notable difference in the filter behaviour between the first batches of the reissues and the current ones. He said, he didn't change anything in the circuitry since 1974, so it might be just related to the parts being newer in general. The resonance on the newer models has some more extra high frequency content, but that can be adjusted by dialing it back a bit.
I'm always eager to listen to new examples. So I'm looking forward to hearing your demos.
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Nothing against the Two-Voice Pro, but those of us who love the Oberheim sound, don't need the sequencer, and would like to save a fair amount of money, should consider using two SEMs MIDI-controlled by a favorite keyboard. I'm considering doing this with one of my PEKs or Prophet '08s.
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Nothing against the Two-Voice Pro, but those of us who love the Oberheim sound, don't need the sequencer, and would like to save a fair amount of money, should consider using two SEMs MIDI-controlled by a favorite keyboard. I'm considering doing this with one of my PEKs or Prophet '08s.
Fair point. I guess the fact that there's a sequencer on board goes back to Tom himself not being a keyboarder. Plus: Once it's up and running - which is going to be a faster process for keyboarders once note input via the keyboard is possible -, it's really fun. It's not necessarily needed for everybody, but it turns the Two Voice Pro into a more complete package when it comes to playing and tweaking. Let's not forget that in split mode you can just play on top of a sequence, which makes it a good option for an only synth that is being used live. And that I think was the goal for this instrument.
Two SEMs Pro will work well too though. It'll basically give you the same options minus the multiple patch points. But panning them to the left and the right will result is some really deep and wide sounds.
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Plus, you loose the Two-Voice Pro's vibrato-dedicated LFO, which is a serious loss.
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Plus, you loose the SEM Pro's vibrato dedicated LFO, which is a serious loss.
You mean the one of the Two Voice Pro? - And yes, it would need an additional module to modulate the frequencies of the VCOs via the CV inputs.
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Yes, I already corrected that. Sorry!
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Again, about the sequencer: You have to think of the Two Voice Pro as one self-contained unit that can either be a mono synth with 4 VCOs, or two separate mono synths under one hood. And especially in the latter context, the sequencer makes it really flexible. Plus: it's truly duotimbral, as the MIDI data for both modules is sent and received via different channels (basic channel no. and basic channel no. +1).
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Seems a bit silly in retrospect, but what actually caught me by surprise was that the TVP does not have an arpeggiator - in the traditional sense of the word. By this I mean where you hold a chord and it arpeggiates the notes in succesion, up/down, assign etc. I think at some point I confused "sequencer" with "arpeggiator". Chalk it up to weak pre-purchase research on my part. :)
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A nice little demo with a very nice ending:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUe6y7ZKsSI
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A nice little demo with a very nice ending:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUe6y7ZKsSI
I would smile too.
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You can possibly afford the Two-Voice Pro, but you'll never be able to afford the nice young lady. :D
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You can afford the Two-Voice Pro, but you'll never be able to afford the nice young lady. :D
As of now I can't afford both, although I never wanna have to afford a lady anyway. I can get a nice wig and some make-up though.
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:o !
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Been there, done that (although with real hair):
(http://05.diskursfestival.de/img/festival_diskursjockeys.jpg)
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Egads! I could have done without that memory.
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Egads! I could have done without that memory.
Hey! The photographs without the guitar were a big hit.
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I take it that was spring break?
Please, Paul, put your guitar back on, right now!
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I take it that was spring break?
Like in Miami? No, we don't have anything like that in Germany. That was a theatre project I was involved in as a director and actor called "Discourse Jockeys."
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Whatever. Please, just keep the guitar on.
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Whatever. Please, just keep the guitar on.
I thought you were Catholic. ;D
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Clever.
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<Googles "how do i unsee something">
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Yeah, I'm looking into that today. I'm thinking of some sort of medication that can wipe out short-term memory. I'll let the forum know if I find anything.
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For all the puritans:
(http://www.gearnuts.com/images/closeup/xl/1600-TwoVoicePro_detail1.jpg)
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Firmware update is almost ready.
It will be possible to drive an external polysynth, and also create sequences using the TVS pro keyboard as input.
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Firmware update is almost ready.
It will be possible to drive an external polysynth, and also create sequences using the TVS pro keyboard as input.
Thanks for the update, Telstar! What does the first point mean exactly?
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Firmware update is almost ready.
It will be possible to drive an external polysynth, and also create sequences using the TVS pro keyboard as input.
Thanks for the update, Telstar! What does the first point mean exactly?
The ability to drive an external poly synth with the TVS-PRO keyboard while at the same time the Minisequencer drives the two TVS-PRO SEMs.
Thats what Tom told me.
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The ability to drive an external poly synth with the TVS-PRO keyboard while at the same time the Minisequencer drives the two TVS-PRO SEMs.
Thats what Tom told me.
Ah, I see. I was wondering whether it would be possible to chain some more SEMs to the TVS Pro in case one likes to expand it to be a 4-voice, but I guess that's not possible in retrospect.
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Here's a few soundbites featuring the TVP.
https://soundcloud.com/telstarsounds/more-tvp (https://soundcloud.com/telstarsounds/more-tvp) (sequences)
https://soundcloud.com/telstarsounds/arp-landing (https://soundcloud.com/telstarsounds/arp-landing) (sequences)
https://soundcloud.com/telstarsounds/may-v7 (https://soundcloud.com/telstarsounds/may-v7) (bass)
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Here's a few soundbites featuring the TVP.
https://soundcloud.com/telstarsounds/more-tvp (https://soundcloud.com/telstarsounds/more-tvp) (sequences)
https://soundcloud.com/telstarsounds/arp-landing (https://soundcloud.com/telstarsounds/arp-landing) (sequences)
https://soundcloud.com/telstarsounds/may-v7 (https://soundcloud.com/telstarsounds/may-v7) (bass)
Those are nice examples! What else did you use for the recordings?
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Posted today via Facebook btw:
(https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13501571_989272417836663_7949333508741763256_n.jpg?oh=900bb9caa23c008446e508821b8c9584&oe=57FF874D)
Source: https://www.facebook.com/TomOberheimdotcom/photos/a.779745565456017.1073741829.461258467304730/989272417836663/?type=3&theater (https://www.facebook.com/TomOberheimdotcom/photos/a.779745565456017.1073741829.461258467304730/989272417836663/?type=3&theater)
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Va-va-voom! I think that looks much better than the white version, especially with the wood end cheeks.
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I prefer the classic look, but it's nice to see that there's obviously enough demand to offer a little variety.
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I hope it goes on his website soon. I'd like to see it from different angles. It really has a classic look.
I wonder if the SEMs will be offered in black as well.
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Here's a new review by Gordon Reid (Sound on Sound): http://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/tom-oberheim-two-voice-pro (http://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/tom-oberheim-two-voice-pro)
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Thanks, Paul. Have you made a decision about the TVP and your other equipment?
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Thanks, Paul. Have you made a decision about the TVP and your other equipment?
I've put that on hold for the time being. But out of sight is not out of mind in this case.
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Here's a few soundbites featuring the TVP.
https://soundcloud.com/telstarsounds/more-tvp (https://soundcloud.com/telstarsounds/more-tvp) (sequences)
https://soundcloud.com/telstarsounds/arp-landing (https://soundcloud.com/telstarsounds/arp-landing) (sequences)
https://soundcloud.com/telstarsounds/may-v7 (https://soundcloud.com/telstarsounds/may-v7) (bass)
Those are nice examples! What else did you use for the recordings?
Thanks. I used a Prophet 6, a Sub 37, and some Eurorack modules for drums namely Grids. A Vermona DSR-3 handled the spring duties.
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Posted today via Facebook btw:
(https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13501571_989272417836663_7949333508741763256_n.jpg?oh=900bb9caa23c008446e508821b8c9584&oe=57FF874D)
Source: https://www.facebook.com/TomOberheimdotcom/photos/a.779745565456017.1073741829.461258467304730/989272417836663/?type=3&theater (https://www.facebook.com/TomOberheimdotcom/photos/a.779745565456017.1073741829.461258467304730/989272417836663/?type=3&theater)
The contrast between the black body and the white print seems very sharp and legible. It looks like an entirely new instrument. Beautiful.
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Love the Space 1999 beige version. Don't like the black at all. The only thing I like about it, is that they've ditched the "tomoberheim.com" graphics, which is the only eyesore on the beige model.
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Here's a few soundbites featuring the TVP.
https://soundcloud.com/telstarsounds/more-tvp (https://soundcloud.com/telstarsounds/more-tvp) (sequences)
https://soundcloud.com/telstarsounds/arp-landing (https://soundcloud.com/telstarsounds/arp-landing) (sequences)
https://soundcloud.com/telstarsounds/may-v7 (https://soundcloud.com/telstarsounds/may-v7) (bass)
Those are nice examples! What else did you use for the recordings?
Thanks. I used a Prophet 6, a Sub 37, and some Eurorack modules for drums namely Grids. A Vermona DSR-3 handled the spring duties.
Thanks for the info, Telstar! They all work really well together.
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Love the Space 1999 beige version. Don't like the black at all. The only thing I like about it, is that they've ditched the "tomoberheim.com" graphics, which is the only eyesore on the beige model.
Yeah, I'm with you on the original version, although I don't mind the "tomoberheim.com" at all.
One more question: Have you experienced any "signal leakage" so far? In some reviews I've read that the VCA doesn't seem to close fully.
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New video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7qCKl79aY0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7qCKl79aY0)
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A decent overview of the instrument:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaLk1ASS_vo
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A decent overview of the instrument:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaLk1ASS_vo
Very nice! Probably the best overview that's out there.
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Yes, I'd agree. The Two-Voice Pro is a very attractive instrument, isn't it Paul? Ahem. ;)
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Yes, I'd agree. The Two-Voice Pro is a very attractive instrument, isn't it Paul? Ahem. ;)
It definitely is. And it hurts to be in a country right now where it costs 3,999€, which is the equivalent to about $4352. It will remain on my list, even though it'll take some discipline to save up for it.
You have to admit that you like it too. And I seriously think this could be your dream mono synth.
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This one is quite impressive too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJJtdVgK-Y4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJJtdVgK-Y4)
A multi-tracked demo from the same user. Only TVS Pro sounds.
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Yes, I'd agree. The Two-Voice Pro is a very attractive instrument, isn't it Paul? Ahem. ;)
It definitely is. And it hurts to be in a country right now where it costs 3,999€, which is the equivalent to about $4352. It will remain on my list, even though it'll take some discipline to save up for it.
You have to admit that you like it too. And I seriously think this could be your dream mono synth.
Oh, absolutely. I'd like to have one right now. It doesn't check all the boxes, but it checks enough. It was so smart of Tom to add that vibrato LFO to the left of the keyboard. That pushes it over the top for me, and it's a prime reason I hesitate to emulate the instrument with two individual SEMs. But even at the US price, the closest I expect to come to a Two-Voice Pro is a good YouTube demo!
When ya coming back?
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This one is quite impressive too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJJtdVgK-Y4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJJtdVgK-Y4)
A multi-tracked demo from the same user. Only TVS Pro sounds.
Yes, that's full of wonderful analog sounds. And I can understand how it could draw one into the modular world. That guy has a fine little set up that I'd be thrilled to have in my music room. Ah well. Here's to dreaming.
I think Katsunori's demo also offered a decent (though limited) sonic glimpse into the superb tone of the TVP, including the panning capability. Such a classic sound - and I don't mean that nostalgically. It just embodies so many of the strengths of analog sound. Plus, where else can you find an analog keyboard mono/duo synth with four VCOs?
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Oh, absolutely. I'd like to have one right now. It doesn't check all the boxes, but it checks enough. It was so smart of Tom to add that vibrato LFO to the left of the keyboard. That pushes it over the top for me, and it's a prime reason I hesitate to emulate the instrument with two individual SEMs. But even at the US price, the closest I expect to come to a Two-Voice Pro is a good YouTube demo!
When ya coming back?
Whether or if I'll be coming back is a bit in the open. But I'd rather send you a PM than pushing this completely OT. ;)
The only advantage I see in 2 individual SEMs for you would be that you could use one for bass and another one for lead duties if you'd like to do so. But then you prefer to play at least the lead sounds in true stereo, so that added flexibility might not really be that persuasive.
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Such a classic sound - and I don't mean that nostalgically. It just embodies so many of the strengths of analog sound. Plus, where else can you find an analog keyboard mono/duo synth with four VCOs?
That's true. In mono mode you really get a thickness that's hard to beat by any other instrument. That's why the TVS Pro used to impress me way more than the Model D, although I could eventually see - by direct comparison with other current Moogs - why the Model D's basic sound is so much richer. But overall, it didn't blew me away as much. I would say, however, that having both the TVS Pro and the Model D probably puts you in an instant classic mono (duo for the TVS) synth heaven, also not necessarily for nostalgic reasons, but in terms of pure sonic richness.
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Marc Doty just kicked off his series today: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ltX7EmO0rE&feature=youtu.be (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ltX7EmO0rE&feature=youtu.be)
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Uh oh. This is going to result in a major time commitment! ;D
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The only advantage I see in 2 individual SEMs for you would be that you could use one for bass and another one for lead duties if you'd like to do so. But then you prefer to play at least the lead sounds in true stereo, so that added flexibility might not really be that persuasive.
What I like about the Two-Voice Pro is that it's already set up for stereo. With every other mono synth, it's a matter of having two or three units, as well as audio chords, MIDI cords, various stands, and so on. With the TVP, it's all right there in the one package. It's a unique and an ideal design in many ways.
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The only advantage I see in 2 individual SEMs for you would be that you could use one for bass and another one for lead duties if you'd like to do so. But then you prefer to play at least the lead sounds in true stereo, so that added flexibility might not really be that persuasive.
What I like about the Two-Voice Pro is that it's already set up for stereo. With every other mono synth, it's a matter of having two or three units, as well as audio chords, MIDI cords, various stands, and so on. With the TVP, it's all right there in the one package. It's a unique and an ideal design in many ways.
The Modal 001 also does this, by default - connect R only, get both voices; connect L & R, get discrete outputs (no mid-panning).
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The only advantage I see in 2 individual SEMs for you would be that you could use one for bass and another one for lead duties if you'd like to do so. But then you prefer to play at least the lead sounds in true stereo, so that added flexibility might not really be that persuasive.
What I like about the Two-Voice Pro is that it's already set up for stereo. With every other mono synth, it's a matter of having two or three units, as well as audio chords, MIDI cords, various stands, and so on. With the TVP, it's all right there in the one package. It's a unique and an ideal design in many ways.
The Modal 001 also does this, by default - connect R only, get both voices; connect L & R, get discrete outputs (no mid-panning).
Thanks for the information. Personally, I much prefer the very simple configuration of the Two-Voice Pro. In addition, although the 001 does sound great, I far prefer the gorgeous analog tone of the TVP.
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Personally, I much prefer the very simple configuration of the Two-Voice Pro. In addition, although the 001 does sound great, I far prefer the gorgeous analog tone of the TVP.
Yeah–regardless of whether my future includes a TVP, there will be a SEM purchase imminently. For all I know, it might come wrapped in a keyboard chassis with a partnering SEM and a sequencer!
For that matter, even if I was strongly considering an OB-6 (and I am), I'd probably still keep the SEM.
And then there is the issue of color (bone white vs. black)....
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If you like the Oberheim sound that much, then having both an OB-6 and a SEM or a Two-Voice Pro makes sense. I know most synthesists prefer sonic variety, but I personally prefer sonic consistency. I like set ups that have several of one instrument, or at least several instruments from the same company. It looks good and it sounds good. So, from that perspective, an OB-6 and a SEM or TVP are only a natural combination.
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So - after a day with the Tom Oberheim SEM (MIDI-to-CV version, `NEWSEM9` PCB), I absolutely love the sound, but am convinced that one must embrace the rather limited modulation routings (even with all of the patch points on the MIDIed unit exposed*) as a necessary creative feature.
For those that are used to the wealth of Prophet '08 / Mopho / Tetra modulation routings, it may be a bit of a shock; in my own setup, I specifically chose a standalone SEM so that I might focus on its constraints. The DSI Pro-2 makes an excellent modulation source / controller for this, with a much wider variety of source / destination / multiplier options than the TVS Pro....
Also - in the case of the MIDI-to-CV variant - as with the TVS Pro, the MIDI controller-instantiated modulation options are sparse, though I have not heard any zipper-noise or stair-stepped artifacts when using the mod wheel, for example, as a pitch adjustment via EXTMOD.
After all of this, I might be inclined to go for the OB-6 desktop before I'd jump into the TVS Pro, though nothing beats stereo SEMs!
* - the `NEWSEM9` PCB is also used in the later SEM Pro and TVS Pro, providing a 30-pin breakout for the patch panel; in addition, there exists a pair of auxiliary VCAs which (I believe) is used for the panning control on the TVS Pro (not used or exposed on the SEM Pro or SEM Patch-Panel variants).
With a suitable breakout (and a clever way to route it), it might definitely be possible to LFO-modulate the output panning....
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Congratulations on the new SEM, David. I'd love to hear some recordings, if and when you're able.
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So - after a day with the Tom Oberheim SEM (MIDI-to-CV version, `NEWSEM9` PCB), I absolutely love the sound, but am convinced that one must embrace the rather limited modulation routings (even with all of the patch points on the MIDIed unit exposed*) as a necessary creative feature.
For those that are used to the wealth of Prophet '08 / Mopho / Tetra modulation routings, it may be a bit of a shock; in my own setup, I specifically chose a standalone SEM so that I might focus on its constraints. The DSI Pro-2 makes an excellent modulation source / controller for this, with a much wider variety of source / destination / multiplier options than the TVS Pro....
Also - in the case of the MIDI-to-CV variant - as with the TVS Pro, the MIDI controller-instantiated modulation options are sparse, though I have not heard any zipper-noise or stair-stepped artifacts when using the mod wheel, for example, as a pitch adjustment via EXTMOD.
After all of this, I might be inclined to go for the OB-6 desktop before I'd jump into the TVS Pro, though nothing beats stereo SEMs!
* - the `NEWSEM9` PCB is also used in the later SEM Pro and TVS Pro, providing a 30-pin breakout for the patch panel; in addition, there exists a pair of auxiliary VCAs which (I believe) is used for the panning control on the TVS Pro (not used or exposed on the SEM Pro or SEM Patch-Panel variants).
With a suitable breakout (and a clever way to route it), it might definitely be possible to LFO-modulate the output panning....
It's funny to see that the components of the two VCOs are arranged symmetrically.
You should definitely check out the TVS Pro and the OB-6 side by side if possible, since I would say that they sound a tad different with the TVS Pro being a bit edgier and having more bottom end for example - at least that was my initial impression. And I don't mean that in the sense of one sounds better and the other one worse, since they both sound nice. But I would make a final decision conditional on how you would like to use the Oberheim sound.
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You should definitely check out the TVS Pro and the OB-6 side by side if possible, since I would say that they sound a tad different with the TVS Pro being a bit edgier and having more bottom end for example - at least that was my initial impression. And I don't mean that in the sense of one sounds better and the other one worse, since they both sound nice. But I would make a final decision conditional on how you would like to use the Oberheim sound.
Interestingly enough, the newer SEM board has more than a couple similarities with the OB-6 voice card, compared to the first iterations of TO SEM (`NEWSEM5D` shown, with discrete envelopes):
(http://www.sequencer.de/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/sem_innen.jpg)
Note that the `NEWSEM5D` variant still has the trigger polarity and strapping options of the original SEM, whereas the `NEWSEM9` board does not (gate only)...that said, it also lacks the newer PCB's aux (panning) VCAs.
I have no idea whether there's a sonic difference, though the sound as is is just gorgeous.
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Interestingly enough, the newer SEM board has more than a couple similarities with the OB-6 voice card, compared to the first iterations of TO SEM (`NEWSEM5D` shown, with discrete envelopes):
Note that this variant still has the trigger polarity and strapping options of the original SEM, whereas the `NEWSEM9` board does not (gate only)....
Interesting. So when did the change come along? I mean when did Tom switch from NEWSEM5D to NEWSEM9? And why? Was it due to relocated manufacturing?
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Paul, didn't you email Tom Oberheim about this and get a direct answer? I thought we had discussed this.
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Paul, didn't you email Tom Oberheim about this and get a direct answer? I thought we had discussed this.
That was more about how some people perceived the filters to sound different between lower and higher serial numbers, especially with regard to the resonance behaviour.
I didn't ask Tom the questions I posted below, nor did I get any hint for possible answers.
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Yes, I'd agree. The Two-Voice Pro is a very attractive instrument, isn't it Paul? Ahem. ;)
It definitely is. And it hurts to be in a country right now where it costs 3,999€, which is the equivalent to about $4352. It will remain on my list, even though it'll take some discipline to save up for it.
You have to admit that you like it too. And I seriously think this could be your dream mono synth.
It costs me about $5100 right now in Canada. It's still on my to get list next though. I think the sequencer is what sells it for me plus the sound of course lol.
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Having watched some video demos of vintager Oberheim synths https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWQXxke9RW9f95gfrzONKm6H1NA4hZd3R, I wonder whether that "Oberheim sound" actually requires a decent number of polyphonic voices.
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Having watched some video demos of vintager Oberheim synths https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWQXxke9RW9f95gfrzONKm6H1NA4hZd3R, I wonder whether that "Oberheim sound" actually requires a decent number of polyphonic voices.
I wonder if too many voices is detrimental to that "Oberheim sound". I found that having less voices seems to be a more focused sound and too many sounds too massive and noisy. I remember playing the Alesis Andromeda...I have to set it up in a way where it's only Eight voices because 16 is just too much...it just becomes a mess after a while. Especially if they are all detuned.
If you really need more voices you can attach more SEM modules and just tune them accordingly. Won't change the polyphony but it'll add to the sound for sure.
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Having watched some video demos of vintager Oberheim synths https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWQXxke9RW9f95gfrzONKm6H1NA4hZd3R, I wonder whether that "Oberheim sound" actually requires a decent number of polyphonic voices.
The question is what actually defines the Oberheim sound for you. If you go for the classic SEM sound, the YouTube list you've posted doesn't feature any of that with the exception of the OB-6, which is compared to the OB-Xa in one video although it doesn't make any sense other than comparing the number of blue stripes, since the OB-6 has no historical predecessor. It utilizes the resurrected SEM oscillators and filter in conjunction with the basic architecture of the Prophet-6 that in turn received an expanded modulation section due to the filter specific options. But the OB-Xa utilized curtis filters for example, which actually makes the Prophet '08 closer to it in that regard rather than the OB-6.
In general, none of the polyphonic Oberheims featured the classic SEM multimode filter. Neither the OB-X, nor the OB-Xa, OB-8, or the Matrix 12, although the latter's filter comes closest in terms of flexibility.
On the other hand, combining a couple of SEM modules will not resemble the OB-6 either. Like LoboLives mentioned, you'd end up with a huge sound, basically that of the Four and Eight Voice. That's also why a Two Voice Pro still sounds different from an OB-6, whether you play it monophonically, duophonically, or with voices that are hard-panned to the left and the right, because you get twice the amount of articulation, which eventually makes it sound much bigger.
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Interesting. A single SEM module is very similar in concept to a Moog Mother 32.
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Interesting. A single SEM module is very similar in concept to a Moog Mother 32.
The SEM was originally intended to complement a Minimoog or Arp synthesizer voice, and ended up becoming the basic building block for a two-oscillator-per-voice Oberheim polyphonic synthesizer. We may very well see a Eurorack version next year, though the SEM form factor is IMHO iconic in and of itself.
The Mother-32, minus the sequencer, is a Eurorack-form factor distillation of the Moog synthesizer voice into its (nearly) smallest component.
Honestly, I hadn't even considered the idea of pairing up a Mother-32 and a SEM (with patch points), which might very well be interesting and complementary. For what it's worth, initial impressions of the SEM and Pro-2 combination (both as conjoined voices as well as separate parts of the same sequence) are pretty amazing - samples to follow....
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Thx for the background :-) So the SEM was intended to be layered on top of a Moog, or modulate its sound via external input/patch points? In what way was it supposed to "expand"?
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Thx for the background :-) So the SEM was intended to be layered on top of a Moog, or modulate its sound via external input/patch points? In what way was it supposed to "expand"?
Well, the original SEM didn't have the numerous patch points, but you could modify them. SEM just stands for Synthesizer Expander Module. Hence the goal was to use it for pretty much anything in case you'd be running out of synthesizer voices, if - for example - you were using your Minimoog for sequenced patterns already, and needed another voice beyond that. That was basically the original business model: Running out of voices? - Buy an SEM.
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I got mine two weeks ago. Takes me back to 1977 lovely and its in Black
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I got mine two weeks ago. Takes me back to 1977 lovely and its in Black
So, are you able to input sequencer notes via the keyboard? Just trying to find out if the newer TVP's comes with the updated firmware.
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I got mine two weeks ago. Takes me back to 1977 lovely and its in Black
So, are you able to input sequencer notes via the keyboard? Just trying to find out if the newer TVP's comes with the updated firmware.
I'd like to know this as well. Also is there a way to add rests/ties manually (like on the Moog Sub 37) as opposed to having to edit the sequence afterwards.
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I'm also curious to know. Are the OS updates being released and issues addressed/answered? I know Tom was busy with NAMM.
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I have a question in regards to midi. If I wanted to control the TVP from an external synth (mostly to transpose the sequence) and I also wanted for it to have it's clock synced to the Tempest, how can I do that with only one MIDI in?
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Bump! Any word on the new Firmware?
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Did you try to get in touch with Tom in person?
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Did you try to get in touch with Tom in person?
I've e-mailed them a few times but haven't heard anything back. I wanted to know if there is a way to manually rest/tie notes while programming a sequence (much like the Sub 37) as opposed to having to "edit" the sequence afterwards. No response for a while now which is why I bumped this.
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Did you try to get in touch with Tom in person?
I've e-mailed them a few times but haven't heard anything back. I wanted to know if there is a way to manually rest/tie notes while programming a sequence (much like the Sub 37) as opposed to having to "edit" the sequence afterwards. No response for a while now which is why I bumped this.
Hm, I see. Unfortunately, I can't help a lot, as I'm only a TVS Pro admirer, no owner.
There's a thread on GS, which you may know about: https://www.gearslutz.com/board/electronic-music-instruments-electronic-music-production/937012-any-oberheim-two-voice-pros-wild-yet.html
Maybe you can get in touch with some of the users that posted in that thread. There also seems to be a bit of confusion about what is supposed to be the latest firmware.
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Did you try to get in touch with Tom in person?
I've e-mailed them a few times but haven't heard anything back. I wanted to know if there is a way to manually rest/tie notes while programming a sequence (much like the Sub 37) as opposed to having to "edit" the sequence afterwards. No response for a while now which is why I bumped this.
Hm, I see. Unfortunately, I can't help a lot, as I'm only a TVS Pro admirer, no owner.
There's a thread on GS, which you may know about: https://www.gearslutz.com/board/electronic-music-instruments-electronic-music-production/937012-any-oberheim-two-voice-pros-wild-yet.html
Maybe you can get in touch with some of the users that posted in that thread. There also seems to be a bit of confusion about what is supposed to be the latest firmware.
Thanks! I'll give it a look.
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Tom sent me the up-dated files last week so I've just up-dated mine from 1.4 to 2.3 on Midi and 2.8 on Sequencer - and yes you can in-put notes from the keyboard now to the sequencer which makes a big difference.
Just a couple sounds from the TVS I am trying out
https://soundcloud.com/paultp12/take-a-breath-when-looking-back
https://soundcloud.com/paultp12/tvs-pro-test
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Tom sent me the up-dated files last week so I've just up-dated mine from 1.4 to 2.3 on Midi and 2.8 on Sequencer - and yes you can in-put notes from the keyboard now to the sequencer which makes a big difference.
Just a couple sounds from the TVS I am trying out
https://soundcloud.com/paultp12/take-a-breath-when-looking-back
https://soundcloud.com/paultp12/tvs-pro-test
Can you add rests and ties while entering the sequence like on the a Sub 37?
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Man a TVP is my actual dream. I can't afford one at all its like that thing that you know your probably never going to have lmao!
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Man a TVP is my actual dream. I can't afford one at all its like that thing that you know your probably never going to have lmao!
You know originally I was going to get two ARP Odyssey modules and an Engine sequencer to drive them but I decided...you know what, I'm going to save and yeah it'll cost me (About $5000 Canadian for me) but I think Tom is up there in years and once he's gone, his genius will go with him. Years from now almost everyone will have an Korg/ARP Odyssey but very few will have a Two Voice Pro. Hell, few have a Two Voice Pro now. Barely any demos online or in depth reviews of the thing. There's a few annoyances in regards to the sequencer (muting steps on the fly is a bit convoluted) but there's really nothing else like this thing on the market. The sequencer alone blows away any on board sequencer in an analog synth on the market (Including the Matrixbrute!). There's so much capability with the thing, the price is sort of justified.
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Man a TVP is my actual dream. I can't afford one at all its like that thing that you know your probably never going to have lmao!
You know originally I was going to get two ARP Odyssey modules and an Engine sequencer to drive them but I decided...you know what, I'm going to save and yeah it'll cost me (About $5000 Canadian for me) but I think Tom is up there in years and once he's gone, his genius will go with him. Years from now almost everyone will have an Korg/ARP Odyssey but very few will have a Two Voice Pro. Hell, few have a Two Voice Pro now. Barely any demos online or in depth reviews of the thing. There's a few annoyances in regards to the sequencer (muting steps on the fly is a bit convoluted) but there's really nothing else like this thing on the market. The sequencer alone blows away any on board sequencer in an analog synth on the market (Including the Matrixbrute!). There's so much capability with the thing, the price is sort of justified.
Yes I agree they will hold value and status such as the rarity they are and will remain with the cost barrier keeping most away from the instrument. It will remain on my wishlist though, the patchbay writes it into a instrument that will never leave my brain as "MOST WANTED"!!! Maybe one day when I've written that hit i'm always trying to write lmao!!!!
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Years from now almost everyone will have an Korg/ARP Odyssey but very few will have a Two Voice Pro. Hell, few have a Two Voice Pro now. Barely any demos online or in depth reviews of the thing.
I'd say one reason is the price of the Two-Voice Pro, considering the small keyboard it provides. Even another half-of-an-octave would greatly improve it. It's fine if you're primarily going to use the sequencer, as well as make sounds and effects. But purely as a keyboard musical instrument, the three octave length is a significant shortcoming. Otherwise, I'd be saving up for one too!
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Years from now almost everyone will have an Korg/ARP Odyssey but very few will have a Two Voice Pro. Hell, few have a Two Voice Pro now. Barely any demos online or in depth reviews of the thing.
I'd say one reason is the price of the Two-Voice Pro, considering the small keyboard it provides. Even another half-of-an-octave would greatly improve it. It's fine if you're primarily going to use the sequencer, as well as make sounds and effects. But purely as a keyboard musical instrument, the three octave length is a significant shortcoming. Otherwise, I'd be saving up for one too!
Naw if hundreds can make it work on Minimoogs and Sub 37s it's not too big a deal. I think it's just the fact there's no presents and it seems daunting to program at first glance.
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It's a combination of price and keyboard. Yes, there are other factors, but these two count.
The Minimoog has that extra lower half-octave, while the Sub 37 is half the price of the Two-Voice Pro. So, they both have their advantages over the Oberheim. But I would say the Oberheim is superior in many other ways to the Minimoog, except for the keyboard. For this latter reason alone, I would rather spend my $3,000 on the Moog. Even just a few keys makes that much of a difference. I'm sure many other musicians would agree. What good is a superb synthesizer if you keep running out of keys?
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It's a combination of price and keyboard. Yes, there are other factors, but these two count.
The Minimoog has that extra lower half-octave, while the Sub 37 is half the price of the Two-Voice Pro. So, they both have their advantages over the Oberheim. But I would say the Oberheim is superior in many other ways to the Minimoog, except for the keyboard. For this latter reason alone, I would rather spend my $3,000 on the Moog. Even just a few keys makes that much of a difference. I'm sure many other musicians would agree. What good is a superb synthesizer if you keep running out of keys?
That depends on how you are using said synth. If you need more keys, it's MIDI 101.
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All under the hood - remember?
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All under the hood - remember?
I know I know. Still, sometimes I feel limitations force you to become more creative. Just got to work around things.
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Oh, I certainly agree with you on that! But I personally wouldn't want the limitations to be placed - of all places - on the most musical part of an instrument - the keyboard.
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Oh, I certainly agree with you on that! But I personally wouldn't want the limitations to be placed - of all places - on the most musical part of an instrument - the keyboard.
Yeah I can understand that. I mean for me I would have each synth just do it's own thing and do the thing it's best at. Not really going to be using my Moog or Oberheim for pads. Just sequences, drones, stingers and bass notes and maybe a lead once in a while but generally it's just going to be background stuff while the P6 does most of the work but like you said it's just depends on what you want to do and personal preferences. :)
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That makes perfect sense now. I get it.
I realize that Tom wanted to produce a nearly identical re-issue of his old favorite synthesizer, the Two Voice. But since we've been critical of the re-issue trend, I'll say that I wish the instrument were the same as the original, except that it had a four-octave keyboard. Now that would have been a behemoth of a mono synth that I could appreciate. That's why some of us are, over and over again, left wringing our hands with frustration. Synthesizers are so seldom outfitted with the essentials required for making large scale musical pieces. Instead, we have to patch together a bit of this and a bit of that. So, I'm imaging something like a Prophet-6 with two SEM or Odyssey Modules. It's great that such combinations are now possible, but it would be much easier, again, if we could have it all under the hood. In a word, ARP 2600.
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That makes perfect sense now. I get it.
I realize that Tom wanted to produce a nearly identical re-issue of his old favorite synthesizer, the Two Voice. But since we've been critical of the re-issue trend, I'll say that I wish the instrument were the same as the original, except that it had a four-octave keyboard. Now that would have been a behemoth of a mono synth that I could appreciate. That's why some of us are, over and over again, left wringing our hands with frustration. Synthesizers are so seldom outfitted with the essentials required for making large scale musical pieces. Instead, we have to patch together a bit of this and a bit of that. So, I'm imaging something like a Prophet-6 with two SEM or Odyssey Modules. It's great that such combinations are now possible, but it would be much easier, again, if we could have it all under the hood. In a word, ARP 2600.
Yeah, at that point you may as well get a modular and two controllers.
Also the Two Voice Pro is an improvement on the original...I mean the sequencer alone....the only thing I wish is if could add more polyphony but chaining more SEM's to it.
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That makes perfect sense now. I get it.
I realize that Tom wanted to produce a nearly identical re-issue of his old favorite synthesizer, the Two Voice. But since we've been critical of the re-issue trend, I'll say that I wish the instrument were the same as the original, except that it had a four-octave keyboard. Now that would have been a behemoth of a mono synth that I could appreciate. That's why some of us are, over and over again, left wringing our hands with frustration. Synthesizers are so seldom outfitted with the essentials required for making large scale musical pieces. Instead, we have to patch together a bit of this and a bit of that. So, I'm imaging something like a Prophet-6 with two SEM or Odyssey Modules. It's great that such combinations are now possible, but it would be much easier, again, if we could have it all under the hood. In a word, ARP 2600.
Yeah, at that point you may as well get a modular and two controllers.
Also the Two Voice Pro is an improvement on the original...I mean the sequencer alone....the only thing I wish is if could add more polyphony but chaining more SEM's to it.
That is a common request–for now, the OB-6 is about as close as you can get to that (except for the notion of multitimbrality on the same keyboard/MIDI channel, which is the trick that defines the sound of those older Four- and Eight-Voice units).
If it doesn't happen in Tom's lifetime (long may you run!), then it will happen as a third-party software update. If I had the bandwidth at the moment, I'd do it myself....
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That makes perfect sense now. I get it.
I realize that Tom wanted to produce a nearly identical re-issue of his old favorite synthesizer, the Two Voice. But since we've been critical of the re-issue trend, I'll say that I wish the instrument were the same as the original, except that it had a four-octave keyboard. Now that would have been a behemoth of a mono synth that I could appreciate. That's why some of us are, over and over again, left wringing our hands with frustration. Synthesizers are so seldom outfitted with the essentials required for making large scale musical pieces. Instead, we have to patch together a bit of this and a bit of that. So, I'm imaging something like a Prophet-6 with two SEM or Odyssey Modules. It's great that such combinations are now possible, but it would be much easier, again, if we could have it all under the hood. In a word, ARP 2600.
Yeah, at that point you may as well get a modular and two controllers.
Also the Two Voice Pro is an improvement on the original...I mean the sequencer alone....the only thing I wish is if could add more polyphony but chaining more SEM's to it.
That is a common request–for now, the OB-6 is about as close as you can get to that (except for the notion of multitimbrality on the same keyboard/MIDI channel, which is the trick that defines the sound of those older Four- and Eight-Voice units).
If it doesn't happen in Tom's lifetime (long may you run!), then it will happen as a third-party software update. If I had the bandwidth at the moment, I'd do it myself....
Mmmmm Two SEMs being sequenced while the other two being played over top.....mmmmmmmm so good.
I think another thing is I wish the sequencer had ties and rest on it as opposed to adding them afterwards with the gate length.
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Just received my black one and it looks gorgeous... really happy.
I think however that I'm running older firmware for both keyboard and sequencer, is there a way to check?
Transposing the keyboard is fine when on midi channel 1. However, moving to midi channel 2 only SEM A will transpose... This cant be normal? Also how does one set the midi base channel pls?
Thanks guys
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Plus that I am really waiting for eurorack preset/modulation managers before jumping into that side of the fun (and not a word about the financial side of things).
The preset manager that you've long been awaiting has arrived! The Intellijel Tetrapad has a "voltage mode" that allows storage and recall of eight sets of eight voltages. You can even slew between these presets for morphing effects. It's not like Buchla's preset system, but is about as close as eurorack is likely to get.
https://intellijel.com/downloads/manuals/Tetrapad%20Manual%202017.11.14.pdf
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Looks like the Two Voice Pro will return later this year as a Special Edition:
(https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/5f21eb1063ca0962da1000f4/60280a0b37c95fda4f8d6578_tvs-pro-p-800.jpeg)
More infos on Tom Oberheim's overhauled site: https://www.tomoberheim.com/products
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Second time the charm?
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"Pre orders open now"
"More information on pricing and delivery schedule to be announced later this year."
and a few hours later they removed the "pre orders open now"
I've sent Tom a message inquiring about a pre order but maybe the cart was put before the horse....again.
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It appears to be true.
https://www.synthanatomy.com/2021/03/tom-oberheim-announces-tvs-pro-two-voice-special-edition.html
https://www.synthtopia.com/content/2021/03/05/behringer-oberheim-trademark-registration-refused-because-it-falsely-suggests-a-connection-with-tom-oberheim/
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Here we go again...
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This instrument is destined to belong only to the privileged few. If it means that much to you, I'd still give it a try and sign up, regardless of the uncertainty.
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This instrument is destined to belong only to the privileged few. If it means that much to you, I'd still give it a try and sign up, regardless of the uncertainty.
There are apparently a lot of part sourcing issues these days, across a wide variety of industries. Five grand for a TVS Pro is a bit out there though... could get a P10 + a Strymon pedal for that.
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This instrument is destined to belong only to the privileged few. If it means that much to you, I'd still give it a try and sign up, regardless of the uncertainty.
There are apparently a lot of part sourcing issues these days, across a wide variety of industries. Five grand for a TVS Pro is a bit out there though... could get a P10 + a Strymon pedal for that.
I agree. $5,000 for a duophonic synthesizer with a three-octave keyboard? As exceptional as the instrument is, still. Wasn't it $3,000 last time around?
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It's not so much the price. It's again a case of putting the cart before the horse and prematurely announcing things when there's nothing concrete. There's no definitive price or concrete time frame and now they are advising that they might not be able to make enough because they didn't expect this many people to submit requests to them.
Sorry but I've been down this road before with Tom. I will give them credit though, at least they are warning people it's going to be a headache ahead of time as opposed to after people have given them money and placed orders.
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This instrument is destined to belong only to the privileged few. If it means that much to you, I'd still give it a try and sign up, regardless of the uncertainty.
There are apparently a lot of part sourcing issues these days, across a wide variety of industries. Five grand for a TVS Pro is a bit out there though... could get a P10 + a Strymon pedal for that.
I agree. $5,000 for a duophonic synthesizer with a three-octave keyboard? As exceptional as the instrument is, still. Wasn't it $3,000 last time around?
$3500 roughly.
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This instrument is destined to belong only to the privileged few. If it means that much to you, I'd still give it a try and sign up, regardless of the uncertainty.
At least this time Tom is letting people know they are going to be experiencing a very expensive headache ahead of time and not after they placed the order.
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It's not so much the price. It's again a case of putting the cart before the horse and prematurely announcing things when there's nothing concrete. There's no definitive price or concrete time frame and now they are advising that they might not be able to make enough because they didn't expect this many people to submit requests to them.
Sorry but I've been down this road before with Tom. I will give them credit though, at least they are warning people it's going to be a headache ahead of time as opposed to after people have given them money and placed orders.
You were once crazy for this synthesizer. If you still are, why not give Oberheim your name and then forget about it. Maybe you'll hear from them again, or maybe you won't.
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It's not so much the price. It's again a case of putting the cart before the horse and prematurely announcing things when there's nothing concrete. There's no definitive price or concrete time frame and now they are advising that they might not be able to make enough because they didn't expect this many people to submit requests to them.
Sorry but I've been down this road before with Tom. I will give them credit though, at least they are warning people it's going to be a headache ahead of time as opposed to after people have given them money and placed orders.
You were once crazy for this synthesizer. If you still are, why not give Oberheim your name and then forget about it. Maybe you'll hear from them again, or maybe you won't.
I already contacted him. Doubt I'll get anything out of it. lol Honestly with this amount of money involved (about $7K Canadian), I'm not really impressed with "could be" "Maybe" "Possibly" "not sure" coming from a registered business when it comes to pre ordering a product. When I ordered my S2400 from ISLA on a pre order there wasn't any uncertainty.
Look I get it, Tom is over 80 but seriously either shit or get off the pot. It just seems to be a constant reoccurring theme of announcing stuff and then turning around and going "I dunno" "maybe" "Possibly" "Could be" or sometimes nothing at all. SonOf4Voice, Eurorack stuff. All just words and prototypes. Like there is a reason that distributors here dropped him and refused to deal with him because of countless orders that were unfulfilled. I had hopes that he would have surrounded himself with people that would have helped improve his business but it's not looking that way.
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I would never pay out for something that still hasn’t been made without knowing the exact promised specifications and what it would sound like. Even then, I wouldn’t pledge that amount of money for what is now still on the drawing board.
As has been pointed out above, there’s lots of great sounding synths that already exist that you can spend your money on.
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I agree. Don't put a dime down on a possibility. I'm only suggesting being on the waiting list, if that is possible without a large down payment.
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I agree. Don't put a dime down on a possibility. I'm only suggesting being on the waiting list, if that is possible without a large down payment.
I messaged him multiple times thus far and their facebook page keeps telling me to email Tom. No response yet
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I agree. Don't put a dime down on a possibility. I'm only suggesting being on the waiting list, if that is possible without a large down payment.
Yes, that’s the only way I’d consider something like this :)
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It's not so much the price. It's again a case of putting the cart before the horse and prematurely announcing things when there's nothing concrete. There's no definitive price or concrete time frame and now they are advising that they might not be able to make enough because they didn't expect this many people to submit requests to them.
Sorry but I've been down this road before with Tom. I will give them credit though, at least they are warning people it's going to be a headache ahead of time as opposed to after people have given them money and placed orders.
You were once crazy for this synthesizer. If you still are, why not give Oberheim your name and then forget about it. Maybe you'll hear from them again, or maybe you won't.
I already contacted him. Doubt I'll get anything out of it. lol Honestly with this amount of money involved (about $7K Canadian), I'm not really impressed with "could be" "Maybe" "Possibly" "not sure" coming from a registered business when it comes to pre ordering a product. When I ordered my S2400 from ISLA on a pre order there wasn't any uncertainty.
Look I get it, Tom is over 80 but seriously either shit or get off the pot. It just seems to be a constant reoccurring theme of announcing stuff and then turning around and going "I dunno" "maybe" "Possibly" "Could be" or sometimes nothing at all. SonOf4Voice, Eurorack stuff. All just words and prototypes. Like there is a reason that distributors here dropped him and refused to deal with him because of countless orders that were unfulfilled. I had hopes that he would have surrounded himself with people that would have helped improve his business but it's not looking that way.
There could actually be a very good reason for this. From what I have been told, trademarks are a use it or lose it affair... meaning that if you own a trademark, and you want to maintain exclusive rights to it, you need to demonstrate a reasonable effort to use and defend it. Disclaimer: I am not an attorney and I'm literally parroting back something that I heard an attorney say in a casual meeting, so my interpretation of what he meant may not be 100%. But according to him you cannot just trademark a name and sit on it.... it's use it or lose it.
So it may not be a coincidence that this announcement, along with a tangible intention to produce and sell the instrument, came along around the same time Uli is groping for the name. It could also help explain why the production plan involves a limited number and isn't exactly priced to fly off the shelves.
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It's not so much the price. It's again a case of putting the cart before the horse and prematurely announcing things when there's nothing concrete. There's no definitive price or concrete time frame and now they are advising that they might not be able to make enough because they didn't expect this many people to submit requests to them.
Sorry but I've been down this road before with Tom. I will give them credit though, at least they are warning people it's going to be a headache ahead of time as opposed to after people have given them money and placed orders.
You were once crazy for this synthesizer. If you still are, why not give Oberheim your name and then forget about it. Maybe you'll hear from them again, or maybe you won't.
I already contacted him. Doubt I'll get anything out of it. lol Honestly with this amount of money involved (about $7K Canadian), I'm not really impressed with "could be" "Maybe" "Possibly" "not sure" coming from a registered business when it comes to pre ordering a product. When I ordered my S2400 from ISLA on a pre order there wasn't any uncertainty.
Look I get it, Tom is over 80 but seriously either shit or get off the pot. It just seems to be a constant reoccurring theme of announcing stuff and then turning around and going "I dunno" "maybe" "Possibly" "Could be" or sometimes nothing at all. SonOf4Voice, Eurorack stuff. All just words and prototypes. Like there is a reason that distributors here dropped him and refused to deal with him because of countless orders that were unfulfilled. I had hopes that he would have surrounded himself with people that would have helped improve his business but it's not looking that way.
There could actually be a very good reason for this. From what I have been told, trademarks are a use it or lose it affair... meaning that if you own a trademark, and you want to maintain exclusive rights to it, you need to demonstrate a reasonable effort to use and defend it. Disclaimer: I am not an attorney and I'm literally parroting back something that I heard an attorney say in a casual meeting, so my interpretation of what he meant may not be 100%. But according to him you cannot just trademark a name and sit on it.... it's use it or lose it.
So it may not be a coincidence that this announcement, along with a tangible intention to produce and sell the instrument, came along around the same time Uli is groping for the name. It could also help explain why the production plan involves a limited number and isn't exactly priced to fly off the shelves.
Remember when this whole Uli vs Tom fiasco was happening, I even said "What is the point of Tom having the trademark if nothing comes of it?" Well I guess if he sells one unit then he proves me wrong but from the correspondence people are getting (or lack thereof in some cases) it sounds like even that is a stretch. "Maybe" "Possibly" "Could be"....hell, Tom sounds like Behringer at that point. Just ask Dave for help or ask for a limited partnership with Moog to make these units for you and be done with it. A $5000 pre order for a "maybe" "Could be" "Possibly" "I don't know" product with no evidence or timeline of it's completion is pathetic.
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That's what I've been thinking. This would be a good occasion for producing a Dave Smith/Tom Oberheim collaborative synthesizer #2. Perhaps that would help in dropping the price a bit. But Tom is seemingly trying to reclaim the Oberheim brand. I could easily imagine the two of them having a back room meeting about B and concluding that they had both better bring out their iconic instruments before someone else does.
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If Tom was in a rush to get a product out with his brand on it this would have been a better move....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_O7TTQmCRs
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What an absolute joke.
"Dear Everett,
Thank you again for your interest in the Oberheim TVS-Pro Special Edition. We are nearing completion of the first select run of units, and the number of people interested in purchasing far exceeds our supply. We think that the fairest approach will be to randomly select from those that are still interested. For our customers living outside of the U.S., we regret to inform you that we will not be able to ship any of this first run of units internationally."
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We'll set up a US post office box for you.
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We'll set up a US post office box for you.
LOL IF they get made
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We'll set up a US post office box for you.
LOL IF they get made
There are a lot of supply chain problems right now, not just in music hardware. Under normal circumstances I would say having way more demand than you can possibly fill orders is a good problem to have, but in this case it's really not. Hopefully things start balancing out over the next few months.
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We'll set up a US post office box for you.
LOL IF they get made
There are a lot of supply chain problems right now, not just in music hardware. Under normal circumstances I would say having way more demand than you can possibly fill orders is a good problem to have, but in this case it's really not. Hopefully things start balancing out over the next few months.
I do hope Tom gets his shit together but at this point I don't even see this going past run and a raffle. I have zero faith in his current operation. As it stands now you have to submit your name to a raffle and if you are selected you have to pay $5000 for a product sight unseen. That sounds incredibly scummy to me.
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We'll set up a US post office box for you.
LOL IF they get made
There are a lot of supply chain problems right now, not just in music hardware. Under normal circumstances I would say having way more demand than you can possibly fill orders is a good problem to have, but in this case it's really not. Hopefully things start balancing out over the next few months.
I do hope Tom gets his shit together but at this point I don't even see this going past run and a raffle. I have zero faith in his current operation. As it stands now you have to submit your name to a raffle and if you are selected you have to pay $5000 for a product sight unseen. That sounds incredibly scummy to me.
It wouldn't be a bad thing if he sold all his designs to Focusrite and let them produce. I suspect Tom, like Dave is an engineer at heart and doesn't enjoy all of the other aspects of business ownership.
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We'll set up a US post office box for you.
LOL IF they get made
There are a lot of supply chain problems right now, not just in music hardware. Under normal circumstances I would say having way more demand than you can possibly fill orders is a good problem to have, but in this case it's really not. Hopefully things start balancing out over the next few months.
I do hope Tom gets his shit together but at this point I don't even see this going past run and a raffle. I have zero faith in his current operation. As it stands now you have to submit your name to a raffle and if you are selected you have to pay $5000 for a product sight unseen. That sounds incredibly scummy to me.
It wouldn't be a bad thing if he sold all his designs to Focusrite and let them produce. I suspect Tom, like Dave is an engineer at heart and doesn't enjoy all of the other aspects of business ownership.
I'd be 100% behind that because at this rate, Tom is producing vaporware.
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I thought you might be interested in this video !!!
https://youtu.be/iKeA8aBELk0
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Slightly painful to watch because they're sold out already. Otherwise a great presentation by Julian.
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Slightly painful to watch because they're sold out already. Otherwise a great presentation by Julian.
Indeed, great to watch but sad that the majority of us won’t be able to buy one.
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Mmmm. Love that PWM, as well as the wooden end cheeks.
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Mmmm. Love that PWM, as well as the wooden end cheeks.
I actually prefer the classic black end cheeks to be honest. The light wood ones kind of put me off.
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My whole sound design philosophy is reflected in this instrument: two parallel modules that are panned by a parameter and controlled by one keyboard. It could have seamlessly slipped right into my set up. Ah well, for YouTube superstars only. It's a shame we plebeians couldn't obtain even a module or two. I do wish Sequential could take over Oberheim production.
I know it's not the same, but if you really like that Oberheim sound, doesn't it make sense to go for an OB-6?
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My whole sound design philosophy is reflected in this instrument: two parallel modules that are panned by a parameter and controlled by one keyboard. It could have seamlessly slipped right into my set up. Ah well, for YouTube superstars only. It's a shame we plebeians couldn't obtain even a module or two. I do wish Sequential could take over Oberheim production.
I know it's not the same, but if you really like that Oberheim sound, doesn't it make sense to go for an OB-6?
Per Tom's site
"Despite there being no formal announcement, hundreds of musicians inquired on this website as to how they could purchase one. The demand was much higher than the small number of units that Tom was able to build, so people were selected at random from the inquiries in order to buy one. In just one day all the built units were spoken for, which unfortunately left many people disappointed. Tom is exploring if more parts can be secured and production started again, but it is not yet known if that will be possible."
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My whole sound design philosophy is reflected in this instrument: two parallel modules that are panned by a parameter and controlled by one keyboard. It could have seamlessly slipped right into my set up. Ah well, for YouTube superstars only. It's a shame we plebeians couldn't obtain even a module or two. I do wish Sequential could take over Oberheim production.
I know it's not the same, but if you really like that Oberheim sound, doesn't it make sense to go for an OB-6?
I actually entered the contest too. I got a U.S. Postal box and everything in order for them to ship it.
As far as the OB6 goes it really depends on what you define as the "Oberheim Sound". For me, I'm a soundtrack guy and there really wasn't a lot of Oberheim poly synths used on soundtracks believe it or not. If there was, it was usually always accompanied by a Prophet or something else. In general the Oberheim Four Voice was almost always used. 4 distinctive SEMs each with their own patch. I doubt Tom will ever get his Son Of Four Voice module off of the ground, the Two Voice Pro is about as close as it'll get for me for that "Oberheim Sound" but then even the Two Voice Pro is apparently out of reach.
SEM Pro modules are now selling for $3K on Reverb.
I sold mine for $1400...darn.
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My whole sound design philosophy is reflected in this instrument: two parallel modules that are panned by a parameter and controlled by one keyboard. It could have seamlessly slipped right into my set up. Ah well, for YouTube superstars only. It's a shame we plebeians couldn't obtain even a module or two. I do wish Sequential could take over Oberheim production.
I know it's not the same, but if you really like that Oberheim sound, doesn't it make sense to go for an OB-6?
I actually entered the contest too. I got a U.S. Postal box and everything in order for them to ship it.
As far as the OB6 goes it really depends on what you define as the "Oberheim Sound". For me, I'm a soundtrack guy and there really wasn't a lot of Oberheim poly synths used on soundtracks believe it or not. If there was, it was usually always accompanied by a Prophet or something else. In general the Oberheim Four Voice was almost always used. 4 distinctive SEMs each with their own patch. I doubt Tom will ever get his Son Of Four Voice module off of the ground, the Two Voice Pro is about as close as it'll get for me for that "Oberheim Sound" but then even the Two Voice Pro is apparently out of reach.
SEM Pro modules are now selling for $3K on Reverb.
I sold mine for $1400...darn.
A somewhat cost effective solution might be two OB-6 desktop units. You can find used ones at reasonable prices... the sued supply will probably go up if Dave announces an OBX like many are hoping. They can be polychained as well.
Just run them in unison mode set to one voice each... you definitely get the SEM sound, and the recent vintage knob functionality makes it even better.
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My whole sound design philosophy is reflected in this instrument: two parallel modules that are panned by a parameter and controlled by one keyboard. It could have seamlessly slipped right into my set up. Ah well, for YouTube superstars only. It's a shame we plebeians couldn't obtain even a module or two. I do wish Sequential could take over Oberheim production.
I know it's not the same, but if you really like that Oberheim sound, doesn't it make sense to go for an OB-6?
I actually entered the contest too. I got a U.S. Postal box and everything in order for them to ship it.
As far as the OB6 goes it really depends on what you define as the "Oberheim Sound". For me, I'm a soundtrack guy and there really wasn't a lot of Oberheim poly synths used on soundtracks believe it or not. If there was, it was usually always accompanied by a Prophet or something else. In general the Oberheim Four Voice was almost always used. 4 distinctive SEMs each with their own patch. I doubt Tom will ever get his Son Of Four Voice module off of the ground, the Two Voice Pro is about as close as it'll get for me for that "Oberheim Sound" but then even the Two Voice Pro is apparently out of reach.
SEM Pro modules are now selling for $3K on Reverb.
I sold mine for $1400...darn.
A somewhat cost effective solution might be two OB-6 desktop units. You can find used ones at reasonable prices... the sued supply will probably go up if Dave announces an OBX like many are hoping. They can be polychained as well.
Just run them in unison mode set to one voice each... you definitely get the SEM sound, and the recent vintage knob functionality makes it even better.
To be honest I'm not a huge fan of the OB6 because there's too much crossover with the P6.
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To be honest I'm not a huge fan of the OB6 because there's too much crossover with the P6.
Functionally they are very similar, tonally there is probably more overlap with other Oberheim synths than their is the P6 due to the filter. For me, having multiple synths that work similarly is a plus, as it speeds my workflow. But I realize fast workflow isn't necessarily everyone's goal.
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To be honest I'm not a huge fan of the OB6 because there's too much crossover with the P6.
Functionally they are very similar, tonally there is probably more overlap with other Oberheim synths than their is the P6 due to the filter. For me, having multiple synths that work similarly is a plus, as it speeds my workflow. But I realize fast workflow isn't necessarily everyone's goal.
The whims of preference being what they are, I've never been so drawn to Oberheim synths. I do love the sound, but who knows why I've never needed to own one. The OB6, though, is the one most tempting. It does have that recognizable Oberheim sound/vibe - certainly enough of it to please my heathen ears and it looks good. Best of two worlds.
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To be honest I'm not a huge fan of the OB6 because there's too much crossover with the P6.
Functionally they are very similar, tonally there is probably more overlap with other Oberheim synths than their is the P6 due to the filter. For me, having multiple synths that work similarly is a plus, as it speeds my workflow. But I realize fast workflow isn't necessarily everyone's goal.
The whims of preference being what they are, I've never been so drawn to Oberheim synths. I do love the sound, but who knows why I've never needed to own one. The OB6, though, is the one most tempting. It does have that recognizable Oberheim sound/vibe - certainly enough of it to please my heathen ears and it looks good. Best of two worlds.
Its been said that back in the 70s/80s there was polarization in the Prophet vs Oberheim camps. The cost of entry back then was so high that most people could afford one or the other and not both, so they made a choice based on cursory preference and then leaned that way. These days I like that I can get the SEM sound in an affordable (relative to the old days) synth with a nice keybed and relatively compact form factor, and its a bonus to me that functionally it works like a Prophet6 and has all the same features (even simple things like how sequencer notes are rested/tied, or the interface for FX... its nice to have consistency between the two). That said, if Dave comes out with an OBX reissue, and if it is to the OB-6 what the P5/10 rev4 is to the P6, then I would be interested in a desktop module version of it (which I assume would be imminent).
The reason I think Lobo would enjoy an OB-6 is because of his interest in retro horror soundtracks. The OB-6 has this "demon in a box" quality that is very distinct from the smooth musicality of the prophets, and if I were going to sit down to do an original horror film track right now, I would probably reach for my OB-6 and Hydrasynth first, just for their ability to quickly take you to the dark side (albeit each of them in very different ways). My Prophet 10 could also take the lead on that project with the rev 1/2 filter enabled and some vintage knobbery, but in a very different way than the OB-6.
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To be honest I'm not a huge fan of the OB6 because there's too much crossover with the P6.
Functionally they are very similar, tonally there is probably more overlap with other Oberheim synths than their is the P6 due to the filter. For me, having multiple synths that work similarly is a plus, as it speeds my workflow. But I realize fast workflow isn't necessarily everyone's goal.
The whims of preference being what they are, I've never been so drawn to Oberheim synths. I do love the sound, but who knows why I've never needed to own one. The OB6, though, is the one most tempting. It does have that recognizable Oberheim sound/vibe - certainly enough of it to please my heathen ears and it looks good. Best of two worlds.
Its been said that back in the 70s/80s there was polarization in the Prophet vs Oberheim camps. The cost of entry back then was so high that most people could afford one or the other and not both, so they made a choice based on cursory preference and then leaned that way. These days I like that I can get the SEM sound in an affordable (relative to the old days) synth with a nice keybed and relatively compact form factor, and its a bonus to me that functionally it works like a Prophet6 and has all the same features (even simple things like how sequencer notes are rested/tied, or the interface for FX... its nice to have consistency between the two). That said, if Dave comes out with an OBX reissue, and if it is to the OB-6 what the P5/10 rev4 is to the P6, then I would be interested in a desktop module version of it (which I assume would be imminent).
The reason I think Lobo would enjoy an OB-6 is because of his interest in retro horror soundtracks. The OB-6 has this "demon in a box" quality that is very distinct from the smooth musicality of the prophets, and if I were going to sit down to do an original horror film track right now, I would probably reach for my OB-6 and Hydrasynth first, just for their ability to quickly take you to the dark side (albeit each of them in very different ways). My Prophet 10 could also take the lead on that project with the rev 1/2 filter enabled and some vintage knobbery, but in a very different way than the OB-6.
Except, as I've stated, most soundtracks didn't use a polyphonic Oberheim like an OBX or OBXa. It was almost always a SEM Four Voice. Any soundtracks that used an OBXa almost always had a Prophet next to them or were part of a larger synth ensemble.
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Except, as I've stated, most soundtracks didn't use a polyphonic Oberheim like an OBX or OBXa. It was almost always a SEM Four Voice. Any soundtracks that used an OBXa almost always had a Prophet next to them or were part of a larger synth ensemble.
And that's why I said "if I were going to sit down to do an original horror film track" (as opposed to strictly authentic covers of existing tracks). It's a statement about the OB-6's ability to sound dark and grisly. Even still, of the synths readily available on the market, in unison mode it is probably one of the better options available for emulating other Oberheim monosynths.
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Except, as I've stated, most soundtracks didn't use a polyphonic Oberheim like an OBX or OBXa. It was almost always a SEM Four Voice. Any soundtracks that used an OBXa almost always had a Prophet next to them or were part of a larger synth ensemble.
And that's why I said "if I were going to sit down to do an original horror film track" (as opposed to strictly authentic covers of existing tracks). It's a statement about the OB-6's ability to sound dark and grisly. Even still, of the synths readily available on the market, in unison mode it is probably one of the better options available for emulating other Oberheim monosynths.
It would be a waste of a poly synth to use it for Unison sounds only. Pointless.
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Except, as I've stated, most soundtracks didn't use a polyphonic Oberheim like an OBX or OBXa. It was almost always a SEM Four Voice. Any soundtracks that used an OBXa almost always had a Prophet next to them or were part of a larger synth ensemble.
And that's why I said "if I were going to sit down to do an original horror film track" (as opposed to strictly authentic covers of existing tracks). It's a statement about the OB-6's ability to sound dark and grisly. Even still, of the synths readily available on the market, in unison mode it is probably one of the better options available for emulating other Oberheim monosynths.
It would be a waste of a poly synth to use it for Unison sounds only. Pointless.
A waste of what? A six voice $1900 used OB6 desktop costs a lot less than an Oberheim two voice, not to mention the flexibility of being used for poly duty when the TVS cannot.
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Except, as I've stated, most soundtracks didn't use a polyphonic Oberheim like an OBX or OBXa. It was almost always a SEM Four Voice. Any soundtracks that used an OBXa almost always had a Prophet next to them or were part of a larger synth ensemble.
And that's why I said "if I were going to sit down to do an original horror film track" (as opposed to strictly authentic covers of existing tracks). It's a statement about the OB-6's ability to sound dark and grisly. Even still, of the synths readily available on the market, in unison mode it is probably one of the better options available for emulating other Oberheim monosynths.
It would be a waste of a poly synth to use it for Unison sounds only. Pointless.
A waste of what? A six voice $1900 used OB6 desktop costs a lot less than an Oberheim two voice, not to mention the flexibility of being used for poly duty when the TVS cannot.
Not my thing. Pass.