The Official Sequential/Oberheim Forum
SEQUENTIAL/DSI => OB-6 => Topic started by: Soundquest on April 25, 2016, 08:48:20 AM
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Have my OB6 about three weeks now. I've run the calibration as described in manual quite a few times over the last three weeks to give a sampling of room temperatures. My room doesn't vary widely, but after each power up/ warm up, I'm way out of tune. The quick and simple calibration procedure resolves this for me, but seems like I should be past this phase of calibrating every time I switch on.
Anyone else?
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ive had it since launch day and ive been doing the calibration routine each time i have powered it up.
ive not powered it up in about 2 weeks now so i will power it up and see how it fares.
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replying to my reply.
i powered up the ob6 yesterday (as of this post writing) and it was in tune with both my juno 60 and jupiter 80. and it had not been powered up in 2-3 weeks prior to this.
before when i got it, yes it was not in tune until i did the calibration thingy sequence and then it would fall right in tune, so it seems this "learning" calibration procedure will eventually work.
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I think the key here is warm up. I may have done my first few calibrations too soon.
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perhaps, however when i did power it up, and once i turned on the amps/speakers and un-muted the faders, i went to press some keys and the unit had been on perhaps one minute? loaded right into tune.
initially out of the box i would do as the manual states and wait a long while before calibrating, and i did that for about a week straight. after that time, however, there has not been a need to re-calibrate, so it seems that does work to acclimate the unit to its new digs... :)
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Is anyone still experiencing any tuning issues? I've had my OB6 for about 6 months now. Tuning was never an issue. Now after about 30 or so minutes of playing, my patches start detuning a little less than a semitone below the note I am playing. It almost sounds like an LFO or a slight pitch wheel bend (it's not either, I checked). I have calibrated this thing numerous times across many temperatures, which did not fix the problem. So I thought doing a factory reset would be a good indicator as to whether it was user error or something internal. Reset didn't fix the issue. Anyone encountering this still and found a fix? I'm emailing support after posting this. Figured response here may be a bit quicker. Thanks in advance.
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Is anyone still experiencing any tuning issues? I've had my OB6 for about 6 months now. Tuning was never an issue. Now after about 30 or so minutes of playing, my patches start detuning a little less than a semitone below the note I am playing. It almost sounds like an LFO or a slight pitch wheel bend (it's not either, I checked). I have calibrated this thing numerous times across many temperatures, which did not fix the problem. So I thought doing a factory reset would be a good indicator as to whether it was user error or something internal. Reset didn't fix the issue. Anyone encountering this still and found a fix? I'm emailing support after posting this. Figured response here may be a bit quicker. Thanks in advance.
I had this, turns out it was because I had an expression pedal plugged into the filter CV...no idea why it would do it, but stopped after I unplugged it.
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Is anyone still experiencing any tuning issues? I've had my OB6 for about 6 months now. Tuning was never an issue. Now after about 30 or so minutes of playing, my patches start detuning a little less than a semitone below the note I am playing. It almost sounds like an LFO or a slight pitch wheel bend (it's not either, I checked). I have calibrated this thing numerous times across many temperatures, which did not fix the problem. So I thought doing a factory reset would be a good indicator as to whether it was user error or something internal. Reset didn't fix the issue. Anyone encountering this still and found a fix? I'm emailing support after posting this. Figured response here may be a bit quicker. Thanks in advance.
AML, I had a weird experience yesterday while performing a calibration. It locked up with "F-11" showing in the display. After I let it sit for a while then I decided to turn it off (although the manual says not too during the calibration)- I found I had really had no choice. This time I let it warm up like 20 minutes, then re did the cal procedure. It worked no problem.
I've come to the conclusion that I this is a "bug" in my system. My solution is that instrument needs warm up a while before doing anything. And, yes. I need to perform a calibration nearly every time despite my closely controlled ambient temperature. Otherwise, if I do not, it's way out of tune. As long as this does not get worse, I have no issue with it and that's why I haven't contacted DSI directly. Nor am I complaining really. I guess I think of it in a similar vain to the analog vca instruments I have ;) Although, I would hope that when I eventually load a new OS this problem will go away.
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The OB-6 does not need to warm up before performing a calibration.
The OB-6 has an internal temperature sensor which is used to write calibration table data for the oscillators and filters across a range of the instrument's operating temperature.
When the calibration is run, the temperature at the sensor is checked, and the resultant calibration data is stored in a table. Whenever the instrument returns to or is at this temperature, the specific calibration table which was written is referenced for tuning purposes.
As such, it is advised that you tune the synth when you notice that it is out of tune. As a wide range of temperature calibrations are made, you should not need to continue to calibrate the synth.
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I would like to ask a question about how critical it is if a power outage had occurred during the calibration process.
My DSI OB-6 has been purchased in the beginning of September 2016.
During the 3+ weeks that I've been using it went through the calibration procedure every time the instrument was powered on.
Recently there may have been an incident when the power went off during the calibration process (can't tell you exactly, because the calibration procedure could have already been completed by the time the power outage happened).
I would like to receive a comprehensive reply from people that work at DSI as to how problematic this issue is.
The instrument seems to be in full working order and sounding as it was prior to the issue.
Of course there is the warning in the manual about not turning off the power during the calibration process, but the possible complications of this error are not explained and/or accentuated.
Please elaborate further as to:
1. How to determine whether a problem has occurred as a result of the power outage?
2. How problematic could it be for the instrument? Could it cause irreparable damage on the hardware level?
3. What can be done by the user to try to fix an error that could have happened due to the power outage?
These questions are rather important, because we do have occasional electricity blackouts in the area and I need to understand if it might be necessary to purchase a reserve power supply to prevent the OB-6 from malfunctioning.
On a side note, it would be much more convenient if you made a one login account across the board on the DSI website.
At the moment the user has to register separately on the main website, in the support section and on the forum.
Also there's an issue with registering in the support section: even after confirming login details via e-mail it doesn't recognize the registered username and password. Please fix this
Regards,
Dennis
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Is anyone still experiencing any tuning issues? I've had my OB6 for about 6 months now. Tuning was never an issue. Now after about 30 or so minutes of playing, my patches start detuning a little less than a semitone below the note I am playing. It almost sounds like an LFO or a slight pitch wheel bend (it's not either, I checked). I have calibrated this thing numerous times across many temperatures, which did not fix the problem. So I thought doing a factory reset would be a good indicator as to whether it was user error or something internal. Reset didn't fix the issue. Anyone encountering this still and found a fix? I'm emailing support after posting this. Figured response here may be a bit quicker. Thanks in advance.
I have had exact the same problem. Bought in May, after 2 month the detuning begins, then from week to week it get more and more worse, in August not more playable. Although I calibrated referred to the manual. Maybe that is the problem, with every calibration it get more worse.
I returned the OB-6 to my dealer including mp3 demo-soundfiles to show the problem, but they have no idea whats wrong. Now I have my money back, but no OB-6 :'( New strategy: I wait about 2 or 3 month and then buy an new one with higher SN, hoping they will fix the problem. Sorry for my bad english...
Regards
profimat
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I have serial number 100 and dont have any issues with tuning. A higher number may not make a difference. You could have just had a faulty unit period. It happens.
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Is anyone still experiencing any tuning issues? I've had my OB6 for about 6 months now. Tuning was never an issue. Now after about 30 or so minutes of playing, my patches start detuning a little less than a semitone below the note I am playing. It almost sounds like an LFO or a slight pitch wheel bend (it's not either, I checked). I have calibrated this thing numerous times across many temperatures, which did not fix the problem. So I thought doing a factory reset would be a good indicator as to whether it was user error or something internal. Reset didn't fix the issue. Anyone encountering this still and found a fix? I'm emailing support after posting this. Figured response here may be a bit quicker. Thanks in advance.
I have this issue with mine as well. It is now unusable as it is a quarter / half note permanently off. I've had it for about 3 months. There has been more than just this tuning issue as well. I've had it completely go off a many notes at once. But the LFO sounding pitch change is there as well... I did reach out this week to DSI support and waiting for help on this. If anyone else has had issues here please post or if anyone has a solution.
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Does updating the OS reset the tuning tables? I have found tuning whenever its a bit flat has improved mine.
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Updating the OS does not reset the tuning tables.
Tuning whenever the unit is out of tune is the correct approach. Nothing is wrong with an OB-6 that needs frequent tuning. The tuning tables save a value for every 1 degree C, therefore there are a lot of tables to be filled to fully compensate for a wide range of temperatures.
Mr. Beetr00t: A power outage alone is not going to damage your synth. Losing power in the middle of calibration will not cause an issue, the tuning routine will have only reached the oscillators and filters up to the power outage, but you can start the calibration process again when power returns. A power surge on the other hand can cause damage to any piece of electronics if it isn't properly protected. A surge protector/power conditioner will help for this.
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Thanks for the reply Robot Heart
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Mr. Heart thank you for your response.
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Hi everyone
Close stacked polyphony, my favourite, needs really perfect tuning.
So I timed my OB-6 calibration and it comes in at 45 seconds... bear in mind the Moog Slim Phatty takes around 150 minutes :0
45 seconds is no problem, at a pinch you could even re-calibrate mid-set, although i've settled for having OB calibration as part of my boot-up S.O.P.
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Just wanted to say that my room temperature fluctuates pretty wildly in the winter and I haven't had any problems yet. I ran the cal routine when I got the desktop, about a month ago, and last night was the first time I needed to run it again. Makes sense, it was colder in the room. Anyway, it worked perfectly and stayed in tune for the rest of the night and morning. I also have a Minimoog (original) and the Sub37. The Minimoog takes about an hour+ to become stable-ish. Even then you have to stay on top of it. The Sub37 seems to be doing fine.
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Is anyone still experiencing any tuning issues? I've had my OB6 for about 6 months now. Tuning was never an issue. Now after about 30 or so minutes of playing, my patches start detuning a little less than a semitone below the note I am playing. It almost sounds like an LFO or a slight pitch wheel bend (it's not either, I checked). I have calibrated this thing numerous times across many temperatures, which did not fix the problem. So I thought doing a factory reset would be a good indicator as to whether it was user error or something internal. Reset didn't fix the issue. Anyone encountering this still and found a fix? I'm emailing support after posting this. Figured response here may be a bit quicker. Thanks in advance.
Yes, exact same thing. It seemed to calm down after a month or two, but I didn't use it just now for a month or so and when I turned it back on, the issue is back. Serial #210.
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Hi guys,
I've got exactly the same problem. I've calibrated my synth many times but after a while I start getting this tune drift which makes the synth useless ... I recalibrate, it works for a while 5-10 minutes... then it starts again. Here's an example:
https://soundcloud.com/mjukost-1/weird
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Hi guys,
I've got exactly the same problem. I've calibrated my synth many times but after a while I start getting this tune drift which makes the synth useless ... I recalibrate, it works for a while 5-10 minutes... then it starts again. Here's an example:
https://soundcloud.com/mjukost-1/weird
Hi Valsolo. Please see the previous posts in this thread from other DSI staff regarding calibration.
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Hi guys,
I've got exactly the same problem. I've calibrated my synth many times but after a while I start getting this tune drift which makes the synth useless ... I recalibrate, it works for a while 5-10 minutes... then it starts again. Here's an example:
https://soundcloud.com/mjukost-1/weird
Something you can do, is check, and write down the internal temperature of your OB when it's drifted out of tune. It would give you a data point, if you think it's not holding tune at the same temps...
What’s the OB’s current internal temperature?
Hold the "transpose" buttons and press the "3" button.
If you have the desktop module, to display the internal temperature, press the "hold" and "portamento" buttons and press number 3.
Clear Internal Temperature Tables? (careful!)
[MANUAL] + 3
Again- be careful doing this, as it will (may?) reset the internal calibration tables, and your OB will need to relearn temperature variations. This last tip... I haven't done... for fear of whacking something out of kilter on my OB desktop. Proceed at your own risk...
I'm a horder.. when it comes to tips/BKMs...
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I have run the calibration several times - my room temp stays very consistent. No problems - all works well.
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Valsolo: I have exactly the same issue with mine. I had it for two month's and I cant get it to stay in tune for more than a few minutes until I have to recalibrate. Done at least 200+ calibrations at different temperatures.
Been in contact with DSI support that kindly ask me to do further calibrations to solve the problem, meaning the instrument is somewhere in between two temperature tables and therefore "jumps" up and down in tuning.
I'm thinking of returning the instrument cause it is useless, cant even record a 5 min track without out of tune, and for live use.... forget it!
Have a few other VCO instruments in the same room without auto tuning, and temperature calibrations and such bells and whistles, and they stay perfectly in tune.
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Yes you should absolutely return it if you keep having such issues and its useless to you.
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Have my OB6 about three weeks now. I've run the calibration as described in manual quite a few times over the last three weeks to give a sampling of room temperatures. My room doesn't vary widely, but after each power up/ warm up, I'm way out of tune. The quick and simple calibration procedure resolves this for me, but seems like I should be past this phase of calibrating every time I switch on.
Anyone else?
Wow. Some of the problems on this thread sound a little scary! I have a Prophet-6 and have not had this extent of problems. I've never actually played it with another synth so I should perhaps check that it's in tune with them!
I do however seem to have one voice that gets a little off compared to the others. I think it is one voice. However sometimes, it could be that this voice may be responsible for the real "sweetness" of the sound and some other wonderful quirks that I hear now and then that make me glad that I have a real analogue synthesizer.
I'm going to check my P6 against another synth. A digital one. They're useful for something! ;)
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Just a heads up/follow up about tuning and temperatures. For months I had to wait for my OB6 to be warm-up to be stable, and even then after a while it would go out of tune. Not anymore. Because after clearing the temperatures reference table, and doing about a dozen calibrations as soon as it was out-of-tune, my OB6 is now flawless without the need for any further calibrations. It's in tune instantly, from cold to warm to hot transparently.
So if you have an OB6 that gets out-of-tune after a while, or is not in tune when powering it up, and you've already done many calibration calls to no avail, maybe clearing the temp table might be a solution. It was for me.
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I got mine at the beginning of 2018. It took a while but settled down. I still occasionally notice a slow beat frequency when I first set up a new voice...very noticeable with two sawtooth waves in OSC1 and OSC2. A recal fixes it immediately.
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I had to erase the calibration table on mine when I first got it, even after a couple weeks of frequent recals it was still off more than I wanted each time I powered it on. After clearing the tables and doing a few more recals, it's been fine ever since.
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Is [Module+3] the same Key Combi on the Desktop Module as well to clear the calibration table? I pressed it and already calibrated during the past couple of days at least two or three dozen times but i keep having Tuning issues.
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Is [Module+3] the same Key Combi on the Desktop Module as well to clear the calibration table? I pressed it and already calibrated during the past couple of days at least two or three dozen times but i keep having Tuning issues.
Yes, Manual+3. You will get no feedback.
Before recalibrate, you can check the actual temperature by pressing Hold+Portamento+3. You will need to do recalibration on different temperatures. For example doing several recalibrations at one particular temperature will make no sense.
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Just a heads up/follow up about tuning and temperatures. For months I had to wait for my OB6 to be warm-up to be stable, and even then after a while it would go out of tune. Not anymore. Because after clearing the temperatures reference table, and doing about a dozen calibrations as soon as it was out-of-tune, my OB6 is now flawless without the need for any further calibrations. It's in tune instantly, from cold to warm to hot transparently.
So if you have an OB6 that gets out-of-tune after a while, or is not in tune when powering it up, and you've already done many calibration calls to no avail, maybe clearing the temp table might be a solution. It was for me.
I went for years like this. It wasn't a big problem, but a problem that was noticeable as I always needed it to warm up. But when I updated OS last month I decided to give this "clearing the table" a try. I entered like 12 new calibrations at 12 different temps and the instrument is spot on ever since. I would recommend this for any new owner.