Products

The Tom Oberheim Synthesizer Expander Module product line

The roster of Oberheim keyboards is legendary ... and the groundbreaking Synthesizer Expander Module ... the SEM ... was the sonic engine that started it all. Whether standing alone and singing via CVs and gates, or grouped in a Tolex-covered case with a keyboard to become a Two-Voice with a mini-sequencer, a Four-Voice, or the rare and godlike Eight-Voice, the SEM produces a gutsy, unique palette of sounds that have always been gotta-have-‘em parts of the serious keyboardist’s toolkit.
Now, the SEM is available again, reborn in four great models directly from the hands of its creator. All internal components are exactly the same as they were in the original units, unless unavailable. The sound is the same amazing trademark aural experience that made the SEM a staple in a vast range of musical styles and projects.

The "tom oberheim" Two-Voice Pro Keyboard Synthesizer

In the words of the master:

"People ofter ask me: "Tom, what was your favorite of your synthesizers from before?" And my answer is always, "The Two Voice!"

"So I'm introducing, for scheduled delivery in June 2012, the "tom oberheim" Two Voice Pro Synthesizer. It's similar to the original from 1975, but with some very interesting upgrades.

"Like the original, it has two SEMs, a mini-sequencer, three-octave keyboard, and a sturdy retro Tolex wood case, but ... the Mini-Sequencer is enhanced. You still generate a sequence with the knobs (up to 16 positions) but you can store sequnces from the knobs into flash memory (up to ninety-nine sequences stored).

"Two sequences can be played simultaneously (or play one sequence while also playing on the keyboard, like the old one). After sequences are stored in flash memory, you can edit them to add 2-way, 3-way or 4-way ratcheting, and you can program the gate length from zero (as if you're playing a rest) up to nearly the complete step length.

"Sequences can be chained into songs, and each step in a song can be programmed for sequence number, transpose amount and number of repeats. The mini sequencer syncs to the mini-clock."

• The keyboard outputs velocity and pressure
• Each module (both SEMs, Mini-Sequencer, Keyboard Control) has mini-jack patch points (over 50 patchpoints)
• Pitch and Modulation wheels
• Pan pots
• Headphone output
• Separate Vibrato LFO

Check out the photos below ... click for larger versions. And try not to drool on your computer, pal.

 
 
• The Tom Oberheim Synthesizer Expander Module Pro version, (SEM-PRO), incorporates twenty-one minijacks for signal access to the primary patchpoints in the sonic flow along with the MIDI-to-CV converter.

Click image for larger version. Click HERE and HERE for more pics.

Each of the SEM-PRO instruments will be personally signed by Tom Oberheim.

 
• The Tom Oberheim Synthesizer Expander Module with Patch Panel has the one-of-a-kind majesty of the original Oberheim SEM analog sound, with incredible flexibility and sonic characteristics.

Click image for larger version.

 All internal SEM connections are brought out to 3.5mm minijacks. The basic connections are a one-volt-per-octave VCO control voltage and a standard 0 to +5 gate signal.



• The Tom Oberheim Synthesizer Expander Module with MIDI to CV Converter shares the exact sound-producing components as the SEM above. Rather than using a patch panel approach, this version includes a precision MIDI-to-CV converter that has been specifically designed to allow MIDI to control the SEM, and has additional features that make use of the SEM's external inputs.

Click image for larger version.

 MIDI-to-CV Converter features:
• Select MIDI channel, controller number and bend range
• Select note assignment modes: latest, high note and low note priorities
• Select note re-trigger, filter track, LFO reset
• A second independent control bus allows velocity, controller data or channel pressure to modulate either or both VCOs, the filter and the VCA
• Transpose function allows different keyboard controllers to utilize the complete MIDI note range
• Analog portamento
• Input preamp gain control - allows an external audio input to be processed thru the SEM
• Precision A-440 Hz tuning signal
• Control voltages and gate are bought out to rear panel connectors so MIDI-to-CV function can be used with other CV/Gate gear.

 

SEM-related product questions may be directed to Tom Oberheim: tom (at) tomoberheim (dot) com. Visit www.tomoberheim.com for more.

Contact GSF Agency: 310-995-0100 or via email: geoff (at) gsfagency (dot) com