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.

[@decimal1815]

Nice to see the original engineers getting credit here :)

[@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!❤️🙏

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@MichelSchallenberg]

Loving the August Nineteen Seventy-Five demo.

[@infn8loopmusic]

Excellent jams, and the history here was very interesting to hear. I really enjoyed the format and the content. I am very glad that I clicked this video! 😁

[@ruudruijer]

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

[@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. 🙂

[@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!

[@justinb9387]

love your vids - still the best

[@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👏👍

[@snackscoughman]

Last jamn was elite, heavenly, please release it

[@sudbenzer6603]

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

[@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!?

[@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!

[@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

[@williamolsen20]

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

[@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!

[@jeffjfindley4802]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@rtermini]

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

[@marklholloway]

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

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks Mark!

[@dreedee]

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

[@johnk6312]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@retro-dademusic6403]

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

[@iannieman]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@gilberth_]

Thanks once more for the stories and the music

[@Medniex]

that successful arpeggio expression is gold 😁

[@AlexBallMusic]

Mission accomplished.

[@Noise-Conductor]

@@AlexBallMusic Yeah but how many takes did you do to get it right? LOL

[@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.

[@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.

[@turquoisecapricorn]

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

[@timkoelln3826]

First of all, awesome video as always. The two voice is one of my bucket list synths for sure! I wanted to add Joe Zawinul (Weather Report) as an important Oberheim SEM based instrument user (four voice) The Heavy Weather album is chock full of awesome synth parts and solos from the literal first notes of the album through to the end! I always loved the solo at the end of A Remark You Made. Not a super impressive patch, but proof that, just like with Alex, the real power of any synth is in the player. Keep up the good work sir!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers, glad you enjoyed it. Weather Report - I know it well, have that album on vinyl. I didn't go into Four Voice and Eight Voice users as they're a different story really. Herbie Hancock was rocking an Eight Voice, as was Chick Corea, Lyle Mayes, Geddy Lee, Patrick Moraz. Jazz and prog largely.

[@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.

[@MrQmason]

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

[@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?

[@PlugInGuruVideo]

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

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers John!

[@peterkadarmusic9728]

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

[@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.

[@VEsound]

You rock as always Alex. :)

[@dalejason]

Brilliant work again Alex 👏👏👏

[@DEADLINETV]

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

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thanks for the ongoing support.

[@routinehead2481]

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

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thank you!

[@dnashofficial]

you create the most amazing music.

[@Gmartin4049]

great stuff. loads of love

[@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.

[@iamkeiju6756]

These demos were fire again

[@thebreathalyzer]

Wonderful video!!! Many thanks for all your efforts!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers Shawn!

[@_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!

[@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.

[@moritz_schoenermann]

Beautiful Doc!

[@nim10107]

Great Video love the Sasha and Digweed Vibe at 3 30

[@JgHobley]

Great video. Sounds fantastic. Dave Greenfield of the Stranglers used Oberheim 8 voice (I think) and the sound was terrific 👍🏻

[@Noise-Conductor]

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

[@tihinter]

Wonderful video, great stories, great humour! thanx for making those clips again and again. I love my OB1. No modern synth can do those punchy mid-range‘y sync sounds like early Oberheims! It’s not obvious with single sounds, but you’ll immediately notice it in an arrangement. Therefore I love how you present mono synths with many multitrack song snippets, Alex. I’d love to hear more from your ARP Avatar in conjunction with your Roland modular! I bought a vintage 140 envelope as an add on for my patch-panel modded Avatar. It’s so much fun!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers. I've played a couple of OB-1s and they're pretty similar to the SEM, even though the filter is only LP. Avatar - did you see the feature video I did with it? Also did this little jam the other day: instagram.com/reel/ClM1gj6NWLw/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= I'd be interested to see your modded hybrid!

[@tihinter]

@@AlexBallMusic oh thanx for that tip, missed that insta clip! wonderful. I recently bought two Furman RV1 springs, the same as Howarth/Carpenter used as their one and only reverb for a long time. Wonderful input clipping for synths. Also with my VS. Sidenote about OB1 vcf: mine came „broken“, according to the former owner. If you switch it from 4pole to 2pole operation, it distorts like hell. As you can imagine, I use it all the time at the crazy 2pole setting! :-)

[@KAGerby]

I think you deserve at least 500k discribers mate ♥️

[@user-ql1pc7pi9x]

Dude, that tune at 3:30 was BANGIN!!!!

[@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.

[@tonewreck1]

gorgeous synth, and great demos!!thanks Alex!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers!

[@mk1st]

This was super interesting and your jams are outstanding.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Thank you kindly!

[@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.

[@jamesr2934]

Fantastic vid! Really interesting history and also, as always, wonderful tunes! I also checked out Drokk, what a waste if that wasn’t used in a film score, reminded me of the Terminator soundtrack - absolutely brilliant.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Yep, crying shame that wasn't used.

[@macronencer]

12:35 This was a wonderful moment :D Thanks for another entertaining and informative video, Alex!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Had to be done.

[@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.

[@OrangeMedal2]

the oberheim stuff is pretty consistently great sounding.

[@garaughty]

What a beautiful beast !

[@fuzz7boy]

Alex, your videos are always amazing. They are funny, entertaining and informative. I'm always sad that they don't continue on for hours.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers Roger!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@BlurredTrees]

The music you make is sick! Production value of channel is crazy. 🎉 Looks like Cubase 6.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers. It's actually Cubase 11.

[@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

[@TheGunnarRoxen]

Your videos are bloomin' brilliant, Alex. I always look forward to watching them. Thank you! What an awesome synth. Also, I had no idea Drokk was meant to be the score for Dredd. I wonder why they dropped it?

[@AlexBallMusic]

Cheers Gunnar. Yeah, Drokk was indeed going to be the Dredd score. At least we can enjoy it as an album.

[@erikribeiro5772]

Alex, I don't know how you manage to make better videos than the already spectacular ones you have made before. I look forward to every one of them because you keep knocking them out of the park. I don't know how to like this one more than I do. Love the music as well. I guess it's time to check if you've added more to your Bandcamp. Cheers!

[@AlexBallMusic]

Why thank you again sir. Hoping to put an album of actual tracks out this year.

[@mikegeary8056]

Love that sound. Pure Electro.

[@DenesDobai]

Thanks. Great video.

[@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.

[@ianwynne764]

Hello Alex: Thank you for this. The opening section, really reminded me of Daft Punk. Good job. Well done.

[@AlexBallMusic]

Hi Ian, happy new year. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@jonothanthrace1530]

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

[@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!

[@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.