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Description

Dive into the world of classic analog synthesis with the Oberheim FVS-1 Four Voice. This legendary synthesizer is a testament to the pinnacle of 1970s sound engineering, offering musicians a rich tapestry of tonal possibilities. The FVS-1 is renowned for its distinct sound character, thanks to the four independent SEM (Synthesizer Expander Module) voices. Each voice is fully programmable, allowing for lush, polyphonic textures that evoke the warmth and depth of vintage analog circuits.

Crafted with precision, the Oberheim FVS-1 provides a versatile platform for sound design, making it a favorite among seasoned synthesists and enthusiasts of retro gear alike. Its interface is intuitive, featuring a series of knobs and controls that invite hands-on experimentation, perfect for those who thrive on creating unique soundscapes. Whether you're crafting ambient pads, punchy basslines, or soaring leads, the FVS-1 stands ready to deliver with its powerful architecture.

This synthesizer is not just a piece of equipment; it’s a piece of history, embodying the spirit of innovation that defined an era in music production. With its classic design and robust build, the Oberheim FVS-1 is a true collector’s item, offering both aesthetic appeal and sonic excellence.

Key Features:

  • Contains four independent SEM (Synthesizer Expander Module) voices
  • Fully programmable, polyphonic analog synthesizer
  • Classic 1970s design with intuitive controls
  • Suitable for creating a wide range of sounds, from ambient to aggressive
  • Ideal for vintage sound enthusiasts and professional musicians alike
Perfect Circuit

Perfect Circuit

Oberheim FVS-1 Four Voice Vintage Analog Synthesizer Overview

Video thumbnail for Oberheim FVS-1 Four Voice Vintage Analog Synthesizer Overview by Perfect Circuit

Oberheim FVS-1 Four Voice Vintage Analog Synthesizer Overview

Perfect Circuit

Perfect Circuit

Video thumbnail for Oberheim FVS Demo by Randy Piscione

Oberheim FVS Demo

Randy Piscione

Randy Piscione

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Oberheim FVS-1 Four Voice.

Comparisons

  • Vermona Perfourmer offers a similar experience to FVS-1 with independent voice controls, albeit with a different filter sound.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • G-force OB-E VST impresses users, particularly when used outside DAWs, offering a compelling virtual alternative to the FVS-1.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Deckard's Dream shares a twin resonant low and high pass 12dB/oct filter architecture that is somewhat akin to the FVS-1.

    Source
  • Studio Electronics Omega 8 and CODE synths come with SEM filters, providing a sound closer to the FVS-1.

    Source
  • The synth's unison mode is praised for producing intensely rich and satisfying sounds, making it a favorite feature among users.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners rave about the FVS-1's ability to "cut hard in the mix," highlighting its standout presence in complex arrangements.

    Source
  • Despite high praise, some listeners find the FVS-1's sound polarizing, comparing it to "nails on a chalkboard," highlighting its unique tonal character.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Availability is a challenge, with some users suggesting alternatives like OB6 or OBX8 for those who prioritize modern features over vintage authenticity.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The FVS-1's filter sweeps are particularly admired for their depth, often compared to iconic cinematic soundscapes like Bladerunner end credits.

    Source

Critic Reviews

The Oberheim Four Voice Synthesizer – Synthtopia

synthtopia.com

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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Artist usage

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See how John Carpenter uses Oberheim FVS-1 Four Voice

John Carpenter

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Texas Toad Lickers

...
Verified via Soundonsound

"My studio was called Pi West, and the initial bank of keyboards there when John and I started out working together were the Sequential Circuits Prophet 5 Rev3, a Prophet 10, an early ARP Quadra and two ARP Avatars — one Avatar was integrated with a Sequential Circuits Model 700 programmer — an ARP Sequencer, an Oberheim Four Voice, and an Emulator 1 sampler. I also had the Linn LM1 drum machine, which drove our main arpeggiator, the ARP Sequencer, using clock pulses."

See how Steve Porcaro uses Oberheim FVS-1 Four Voice

Steve Porcaro

Keyboardist

Toto

...
Verified via Photo

In this scan of a Keyboard magazine feature, Steve Porcaro mentions using an Oberheim 4 voice for the slide-ups in Michael Jackson’s "Human Nature".

See how Joe Zawinul uses Oberheim FVS-1 Four Voice

Joe Zawinul

Keyboardist

Weather Report

...
Verified via Soundonsound

"Zawinul did not stop at the Wurlitzer and Fender Rhodes electric pianos he used in the 1960s. By the late 1960s he was extending his sonic palette with effects like phase shifters, Echoplexes, wah-wahs and ring modulators, and when synthesizers came on the market he was among the first to buy one (the EMS Putney). The list of synthesizers he has used since then — among them the ARP 2600, Rhodes Chroma, Oberheim Four-voice and Eight-voice, ARP Quadra, Sequential Prophet 5 and Prophet T8, Korg Trident, Oberheim Xpander, Korg VC10 vocoder, Emu Emulator, Casio CZ101, Korg DW8000, DSS1, DSM1 and M1 — reads like a synth museum's treasure list."

See how George Duke uses Oberheim FVS-1 Four Voice

George Duke

Singer, Keyboardist

Earth, Wind & Fire

...
Verified via Keyboardmag

from Contemporary Keyboard Magazine, July 1977:

"When did you start getting into the polyphonic synthesizer?

Well, as I said, I just got the Oberheim recently. I tried out a bunch of them—the Oberheim, the Polymoog, the new Yamaha unit that will be out soon. All of them are great; but so far I like the Oberheim best, so I'm working with it"

See how Ellen Allien uses Oberheim FVS-1 Four Voice

Ellen Allien

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Ellenallien

In the article she clearly states: "Neben einem Oberheim Four Voice habe ich mich dort sofort in den ARP2600 verliebt." The Oberheim is also referred to in other articles...

See how Michael McDonald uses Oberheim FVS-1 Four Voice

Michael McDonald

Singer, Keyboardist

Steely Dan

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video a pair of Oberheim FVS synthesizers can be seen as a part of Michael’s set-up live with the Doobie Brothers in 1977.

See how Lyle Mays uses Oberheim FVS-1 Four Voice

Lyle Mays

Keyboardist, Composer

Pat Metheny Group

...
Verified via MusicRadar

In this music radar article, it mentions Mays originally used an Oberheim Four Voice while with the Pat Metheny Group.

See how Dave Greenfield uses Oberheim FVS-1 Four Voice

Dave Greenfield

Keyboardist

The Stranglers

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video you can clearly see him using a FS-1. He also has 4 additional SEM’s to the left to create an 8 voice.

See how Graham Massey uses Oberheim FVS-1 Four Voice

Graham Massey

Guitarist, Keyboardist

808 State

...
Verified via 808state

"There's also the Oberheim 4-voice which is a wicked sounding synth. Each voice has two oscillators, and it sounds like it looks really - you can blow holes in walls with it! The main riff on 'Timebomb' features one of those."

See how Phil Oakey uses Oberheim FVS-1 Four Voice

Phil Oakey

Singer, Keyboardist

The Human League

...
Verified via The-black-hit-of-space

Phil Oakey of The Human League is listed as using the Oberheim FVS-1 Four Voice synthesizer in the Sounds article dated August 12, 1978, featured on The-black-hit-of-space.

See how Rick Davies uses Oberheim FVS-1 Four Voice

Rick Davies

Singer, Keyboardist

Supertramp

...
Verified via YouTube

Roger Hodgson and Rick Davies used this on Breakfast and on the Paris concert

See how Dennis DeYoung uses Oberheim FVS-1 Four Voice

Dennis DeYoung

Singer

Styx

...
Verified via Cathedralstone

Dennis used a four voice Oberheim synth on The Grand Illusion album.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Oberheim FVS-1 Four Voice, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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barry_warne

barry_warne

Gear IQ 194

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