OBERHEIM'S FIRST SYNTH!

[@Lackan110f]

Great video, but according to an interview with Tom he said that the SEM originally was a way to sell the DS2 sequencer: Since most people didn't want to tie up their Minimoog or 2600 to a sequencer, the sequencer had to have some cheap soundsource to control for basslines etc. (sorry for nerding) :)

[@AlexBallMusic]

You're absolutely right and I even knew that, I just neglected to explain that part of it. I shall pin.

[@IanBoccio]

I think Alex’s title is right though. The original SEM is not a complete synth, just an expander module for other synths. The Two-Voice was Oberheim’s first complete, self-contained synthesizer instrument, with a keyboard, performance controllers etc. Mostly a matter of semantics I guess…

[@AlexBallMusic]

@@IanBoccio Thanks. Yes, that's what I was trying to get across. It was originally a product to support other products, but then grew into a bunch of products that were very much their own thing. Lackan is right, originally the idea was to have something basic to play the sequences, so that you could free up your main synth to play over the top (as well as it being a general expander with a contrasting filter etc).

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

Whenever I think of this part of the history, it looks to me like a distant precursor to when DJs and producers would eventually do nothing in realtime and the synthesizer would be triggered exclusively from the sequencer.

[@everpuremusic]

@@Shred_The_Weapon I really dislike this dismissive "do nothing" judgement. It is wrong, has always been wrong and will forever be wrong. Because someone actually has to compose and program those sequences. And guess, who does that? Yup, you guessed right. Those "DJs and producers" do. And then, it is just a matter of what you focus on during your performance: Do you play a lot of melodies and harmonies with your ten fingers on some keys? Or do you play the filters, envelopes, effects and other details of those synthesisers' sounds? So there.

[@Andor.]

god i love oberheims logo, its so fun, just a cool ass musical note beeing chill as hell.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yeah, big cartoon pair of quavers with its thumbs up.

[@DarkSideofSynth]

Forget synths and musicianship, we all know we're here for his flamboyant adjectives, and his brilliant humour 😋

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks sweet cheeks.

[@nerfytheclown]

I could give a damn about the humor, but the flamboyant adjectives do win me over.

[@DarkSideofSynth]

@@nerfytheclown They go hand in hand.

[@nerfytheclown]

@@DarkSideofSynth ... It took him almost fifteen seconds to make me chuckle. Slipping... 😏

[@hankybostik7634]

@@AlexBallMusic simping for you Alex my boy!❤️🙏

[@mistervalentin8396]

Alex, your channel is the ONLY one that I regularly check if there is something new. I frequently re-watch your videos to enjoy your fabulous playing and funky music ideas plus your ability to tell stories with humour and wit ... sorry for barrage of compliments, but it's my roundabout way to tell you how gifted you are and how thankful I am that you make these videos.

[@AlexBallMusic]

We should get a room.

[@johnvcougar]

Completely! Those Roland, Korg and ARP history vids are some of the best on YT.

[@snag41]

@@AlexBallMusic London humour people

[@williamtell1477]

@@johnvcougar if you haven’t watched Alex’s series on “light music” it is super epic as well. And the terminator soundtrack one. And the escape from New York one. ;)

[@johnvcougar]

@@williamtell1477 LOVE the John Carpenter stuff, too!

[@decimal1815]

Nice to see the original engineers getting credit here :)

[@graemedavidson499]

I believe Rod Hull had a hand in Emu too but presumably that part was left out for having too aggressive an attack and delayed release. Joking aside, I thoroughly enjoy your synth history works!

[@AlexBallMusic]

You are quite the pun-dit.

[@soniklink-WKD4496]

Once again, a masterclass of sound, history and captivation.👍Demo 3 blew my mind! Love it ❤

[@AlexBallMusic]

Glad to hear that! Cheers.

[@soepil]

Some absolute banger tunes in this episode. And the Two-Voice sounds absolutely fantastic. Thank you.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers. Yeah, I agree on the Two-Voice sound, it's a tad pleasing.

[@modyssey22]

Easily one of the most beautiful sounding synths I own, as evidenced by your playing at the 3:30 mark.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers. Yeah, all about raw sound. Not a deep or complex instrument by any stretch.

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

The Synapse Audio VST which is emulsion of the OBXA and I think it sounds fantastic so heaven knows what it would be like to hear a real Obrahim in person, that bass they make is so deep.

[@LarsBjerregaard]

Yeah, THAT sound, immediately melted my heart as well at that point.

[@henryhill92]

That DROKK album is so good, definitely recommend it. If nothing else as a monument to the artistic cowardice of studio execs

[@AlexBallMusic]

Hell yeah! There's a clip on KZbin where someone put the Drokk score up against the film and it's raw as rusty nails! Imagine how it could have been. Ah well.

[@TheUnfinishedSynth]

It’s absolutely incredible isn’t it? Much as I love most of their music, I wish they’d done a bit more in that direction.

[@HANGINGOUTWITHAUDIOPHILES]

Ahhh. Love getting a new Alex vid in the feed. This is great as ever ! Nothing beats an oberheim sync.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers Jamie. Yeah, the sync is really alive.

[@ruudruijer]

Thank you for this interesting piece of history, always loved the sound of Oberheim!

[@MelloCello7]

Show casing my favorite synths of all time are already a treat, but I was double surprised to see that your production skills are TOP notch! Seriously musical choices boldly triumphs that this piece of history is in the right hands🎛

[@MelloCello7]

You are seriously... freakishly good at what you do! My goodness did you have to go that hard!?

[@cfibb]

Thanks for uploading. Many synths do many crazy, wonderful things but none quite have the sheer smile factor of Tom Oberheim's creations tonally. That filter..!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Ear to ear, indeed.

[@graxjpg]

As always, the synthesizer in question is only as enamoring and as interesting on its own as you are presenting it to us.

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

The closest thing I have to this sound with very similar sounding presets as what was played here is a VST. I'd love to play a real one.

[@DaveG207]

You had me at “dum dum dum dum, dum dum dum dum, dum dum dum dum….”

[@AlexBallMusic]

My finest lyrics.

[@ivanlozano2019]

Even better when you hit "translate to English"

[@ivanlozano2019]

Awh the button is gone lol

[@Moruial]

Wow, I didn't expted this thing to sound that good, it's brillant! all the tunes you're played are so well done, good job sir!

[@AlexBallMusic]

It's a superb sound, yeah. I'd say it's up there with the best.

[@shkeni]

SEMs have such a unique, gorgeous sound which I've always found very inspiring. The 2 voice is a contender for my favorite synth of all time, I'd kill to have one lol. Loved the demos.

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

Honestly you never disappoint Me with your music in these videos, love every second. Wow thats an incredible bit of hysterical synthesis in good hands with you.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thank you very much!

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

@@AlexBallMusic 🙂👍

[@Waldemar_la_Tendresse]

I don't think I've seen a single video on your channel that wasn't great for its music and all the information content it contains. I think I'm going to have to watch all the videos I haven't seen yet.

[@horizontalblanking]

As a musician and (at least in the early 90s) a video “professional” …I want to hate you… but I can’t. You make me laugh, smile, and your content is top notch. Stellar job sir!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers Christopher. 🙂

[@MichelSchallenberg]

Loving the August Nineteen Seventy-Five demo.

[@OrangeMedal2]

the oberheim stuff is pretty consistently great sounding.

[@williamolsen20]

A friend loaned me an Oberheim 2 voice to record with,it is an awesome synth.

[@marklholloway]

Wonderful historical overview, synth programming, and songwriting, as always! Really shows how beautiful this synth is.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks Mark!

[@CBG]

This was outstanding. As with your other videos on conclusion I'm educated, entertained and impressed by your musical ability and catchy demo's!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Nice of you to say! Cheers.

[@martinlubitz3171]

On point👏👍

[@irife2771]

If Oberheim has a million fans, then I'm one of them. If Oberheim has one fan, That one is me. If Oberheim has no fans, that means I'm dead.

[@snackscoughman]

Last jamn was elite, heavenly, please release it

[@sawsquaresinetube]

Sick! I have the SEM module actually signed by Tom and an early OB-8, I even have the JLCooper midified LinnDrum with the logo. I had no idea the connection, thanks for sharing!

[@dreedee]

i'm here for those unintended syncs of the old vhs glitch effect with a pulse from the sequence.

[@retro-dademusic6403]

Came for the video. Came back for the outro jam. 😎

[@JMLRecording]

Great vid man thx for posting!! Just got a Matrix-12 this week and have always been an Oberheim fanboy ever since my first matrix 1000

[@justinb9387]

love your vids - still the best

[@carlosserrano3985]

Wow, Oberheim 2 voice, excellent video like always. I see the Roland R-8 in the background!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Actually an R5 that I need to get working. I was given it.

[@outatune1085]

Alex, from what I understand the TVS was the solo synth used on the Netfilx film Annihilation, put through a very large plate reverb for the lighthouse scenes.

[@lesynthlofi]

7/8 on that 3rd jam? Superb! A really lovely sweet synth. Another one for me that got away, 20 years ago. Excellent video, as usual. The 4th and 5th jams were absolutely killer. I’d love to hear a longer version of either!!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers. Roughly 7/8 but with undefinable rhythmic values as they're CV controlled.

[@garaughty]

What a beautiful beast !

[@LFOVCF]

Best SEM patches I've heard on KZbin. Like the feeling of payday, an Alex Ball video is a welcome relief after too long in between. The usual informative and funny mix, with a side salad of natty tunes. I'm just going to sit on the side of my bed, in my underwear, smoking a cigarette and dreaming of a SEM

[@AlexBallMusic]

I feel you. From wanting a Two Voice to finally getting one was about 7 years. That's a lot of cigarettes and I don't even smoke.

[@AndyVonal]

Love ya, Alex! such great informative content! More gear lust! Thank you for your hard work! it is very much appreciated!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers Andy!

[@MrQmason]

OBX, OBXa, Matrix 6, Matrix 12, OB8...... and others......thanks Tom Oberheim and great video Alex

[@iannieman]

Great as always ... I need to use mine more I think :)

[@Windowserrorsong]

I clicked off the video when he said thanks for watching and then though …well he might do one more jam… So I went back and watched the end and I’m SO GLAD I DID OMFG IT SOUNDS SO NICE!!!! ✨😱✨ another GREAT video! 💯

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thank you for returning!

[@stoatystoat174]

It has a slightly unnerving human vocal quality to the sound in the intro (kinda Charlie Brown's parents sing Gary Numan in the next room) love it

[@unclemick-synths]

7:24 Still got my JLCooper PPS-100 sync box. I used it to slave Cubase on my Atari to tape.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Seems like they got around!

[@LarsBjerregaard]

God that thing sounds so good. It's like the best syrup for the ears, that thick, lush sweetness. Another great video Alex, thanks!

[@RayyMusik]

Still can‘t remember the last name of Tom *Oberheim* , founder of *Oberheim* Inc. But I‘m pretty sure he was somehow involved in the development of *Oberheim* synths.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Tip of the tongue.

[@thaJeztah]

Fantastic video, a great history lesson!! Wasn't aware of half of the people that worked on these synths; impressive list of engineers involved!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yeah, I didn't know that either. I'd always just assumed it was all Tom, but of course these stories are always way more complicated. Makes sense as to why it sounds so damn good.

[@thaJeztah]

@@AlexBallMusic I knew he collaborated with other engineers, and he's always been very straight up about that (giving credits due where credits due), but wow, that list was way longer than I knew! Great research (as always!). Perhaps Tom is willing to make a guest appearance on your channel?

[@fanbladeinstruments]

Lovely music Alex, I thought Demo 3 was quite interesting, for some reason it put me in mind of an octopus that has suddenly and unexpectedly grown another tentacle, and the tangle it gets into while trying to figure itself out.

[@AlexBallMusic]

That was inspiration, funnily enough. 😉

[@dalejason]

Brilliant work again Alex 👏👏👏

[@Harrysound]

Definitely the best synth IMO. The Brainworx plugin is glorious too

[@Ei-mx1we]

Wow, some of those bangers have no business being just for another gear video. You're definitely the most worthy gear tuber. Definitely gonna stick to the free Cherry Audio vst emulation of this one tho.

[@turquoisecapricorn]

A wonderful synthesizer that 2Voice! Really nice that mini-sequencer and the sync possibilities. Absolutely on my wishlist!

[@jonothanthrace1530]

Oh hey, I recognize the sound from that second demo from the Tubes' "Mondo Bondage"!

[@ProckGnosis]

I kick myself for not picking one of these up a few years ago when they did the re-release. Have been a long time fan of the SEM filter and Oberheim sound. Also thanks for a deeper dive on this topic than I expected...there was a lot more to the story than I knew. Danke!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yeah, basically all SEMs are hard to find!

[@PlugInGuruVideo]

Lovely video dude - the care you put into these always shines thru.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers John!

[@GilgaFrank]

JL Cooper ... that name takes me back to striping analogue tape with SMPTE to sync up an Atari 1040

[@johnk6312]

Such a fantastic sound, a bit of caberet voltaire influence around the 10 minute mark, lovely

[@mattjohnsonsinnerspace]

Brilliant video and you made it sound fab! I've used the 4 voice but never this one

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers Matt. You'll have to play mine at some point.

[@MirlitronOne]

Excellent video. Entertaining and informative, and the opposite of those "synth" videos where the speaker spouts interminably for 20 minutes in front of a totally mute control panel. Nice musical examples / interludes, Mr..............................Ball!

[@sudbenzer6603]

i see it as my mission now to give you a thumbs up everytime you're using the multivox. great synth-demo!

[@lefunghi6151]

Thank god GeForce have made an incredible software version of the 8 voice (with Tom Oberheim support even!). It just sounds so good and has a lovely character. Also, as usual, great jams, great presentation, great video! Cheers Little edit: The fact that they used it for DREDD but it was scrapped is criminal to me as I absolutely love that movie.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yeah, I was trying out the GForce Oberheim SEM against my Two Voice and it's impressively modelled.

[@VEsound]

You rock as always Alex. :)

[@XavierRadix]

Yep, best demonstration of the SEM I've seen. Ever. You done did it again, Mr. Ball. THE. MR. BALL.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thank you sir. Not many videos about it on KZbin. Hard to find I guess!

[@jeffjfindley4802]

This history lesson blew my doors off. Amazing. Subscribed.

[@davidleary5639]

Great video again.The opening of demo two with the minimal percussion was superb .I could have listened to that on its own.

[@AlexBallMusic]

The timeless sound of 70s gear.

[@davidleary5639]

@@AlexBallMusic And a well written catchy and atmospheric keyboard part.

[@SRDhain]

I'd forgotten how good these can sound. The built in 8 step sequencer gives it that extra desirability/ usability sheen. Again, i missed out on buying one of these beauties as pragmatism meant that i needed a multi timbral synth to fill the gap in my studio, and this happened to be about 100 pounds over my total shopping budget at the time. No regrets, as my choice at the time helped me get work AND forced me to learn how to program it until i could afford more gear & expansion cards for it. The JV1080 wasn't & isn't an Oberheim Two voice, but then again, what is. Thank you, Alex, for bringing some welcome aural sizzle to a sodden sunday afternoon.

[@gilberth_]

Thanks once more for the stories and the music

[@rtermini]

Love it... I still have mine... all these years and it plays great.

[@iamkeiju6756]

These demos were fire again

[@JoshSemans]

I need to binge the heck out of the TV show that the opening jam is the theme tune for. Blimey 🥲 August Nineteen Seventy Five is also incredible. Wowee.

[@AlexBallMusic]

It's called Delta 930: The Space Race. It aired on BBC9 between 1976 and 1977. Has a cult following.

[@kikkirow]

Really amazing. Really loved demo 4. It’s really cool to see how powerful this instrument is and is still used today.

[@AlexBallMusic]

So much punch.

[@marsmediapro]

I have only become interested in Oberheim watching this video; thanks, Alex! Now I want one of these- ha, ha...

[@AlexBallMusic]

Apologies for inducing the old GAS.

[@Death_By_Media]

The very Best sounding Analog synthesizer ever made in my book . Banger demos as always ! Cheers to our fave synth Oi Bruv .

[@AlexBallMusic]

It's up there for sure.

[@dnashofficial]

you create the most amazing music.

[@VintageSynthesizerSolutions]

Best Mono Synth EVER Made!!!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yeah! Especially because it's two monosynths and they both sound incredible. What a thing.

[@williamtell1477]

Id love to see an OB-X8 vs Two-voice and see if its possible to get anywhere close to these tones for a quarter of the price (but still serious money). Great one as always alex!

[@phillymopwater]

if you’re patient you can find a two voice for around the same price as an obx8. Personally i would MUCH rather have the former!

[@AlexBallMusic]

I'd be really interested to compare. I nearly had both in the studio at the same time, but it didn't quite work out.

[@Nenko_Music]

your musical abilities blow my mind - alwya these interesting keys. i dunno man, are you creating new genre by yourself everyday like this?

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks very much!

[@fatkev1983]

Life Aquatic is one of my favourite movies and while I know it was THE Mark Mothersbaugh that did some of the sound track, I never really thought to look into what gear was used... no idea why. This was a great video - I do love how you present these older synths, namely the history behind its conception\design, its place in the evolution of synths, nice to the point tech specs, and who has used it over the years.

[@dolvaran]

Some day, all documentaries will be made this way...

[@KAGerby]

I think you deserve at least 500k discribers mate ♥️

[@mikegeary8056]

Love that sound. Pure Electro.

[@BrunoWiebelt]

THE ALEX BALL ... nice to learn about vintage synts Oberheim still rocks

[@DEADLINETV]

Always a sheer delight to watch and listen to your videos! Thanks Alex!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks for the ongoing support.

[@Gmartin4049]

great stuff. loads of love

[@tomahzo]

Great video! Very interesting history lesson! I had no idea about the connection between E-Mu, ARP and Oberheim. I think I've underestimated the importance of E-Mu and I've mostly considered them to be an interesting second generation sampler company but this video showed otherwise. Given all the interesting interconnections between important historical figures in the synth industry maybe Oberheim needs the Alex Ball documentary treatment? :D

[@AlexBallMusic]

Oh goodness, yeah. E-mu is like Star Wars, it's just story after story and galaxy after galaxy. That one needs to be told at some point. Oberheim - maybe. Let's see.

[@arikivimaki]

This week I have mainly been watching this video. Cheesy Beans!

[@l00kns33]

Clearly The Two Voice should have no trouble making Tom drum sounds and I reckon you could easily slap together some awsome Cowbells too!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yeah, did a drum part on SEM 2 in demo 3 from 5:51. I'll have to try a cowbell, which should be doable because you can run SEM 1 and 2 in series, which is potent given the state variable filters.

[@24framemedia]

I always love your videos but this might be my favorite!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers. Could listen to that Oberheim all day long, makes for an easy video.

[@24framemedia]

@@AlexBallMusic me too, I have the reissue and it is probably my all-time favorite synth, certainly in the top 5 for sure!

[@routinehead2481]

The music that you made in this video is every bit of amazing! Greetings from Florida US

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thank you!

[@LondraCalibro9]

These history videos are great, so well executed and inspirational. The SEM based synths are some of my favourites - Tom Oberheim had such a beautiful approach to design.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Absolutely.

[@peterkadarmusic9728]

Another excellent history lesson and musical journey. Thank you, sir.

[@varial303]

that transistor bass workout jam 😃

[@Noise-Conductor]

Love the historic details you put into these videos plus the great jams!

[@moritz_schoenermann]

Beautiful Doc!

[@_OopsieDaisies]

incredible video on a beautiful and important machine! your jams are top notch and i look forward to all of your videos :)

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks very much!

[@i_never_asked_for_an_alias]

I was born 1975. I feel strangly related to this thing. Also thanks for the continuing of great videos and music, sir.

[@nim10107]

Great Video love the Sasha and Digweed Vibe at 3 30

[@MarquisDeSang]

That is some serious sick beat.

[@matthewharty6531]

sounds lush, wow I am literally looking at the album as you said it Drokk. Still remember the first issue of 2oooAD Spludig var thrigg earthlets(sic)

[@lab-by-the-sea]

Again, great work!