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Average Price: $895

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$500

$1501+

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Description

The Oberheim OB-12 synthesizer is a versatile instrument for musicians who crave deep sound sculpting capabilities and vintage charm combined with modern technology. Designed for both studio and live performances, this synthesizer features 12-voice polyphony that allows for rich, complex sound layering. With its intuitive control interface, musicians can easily manipulate sounds in real-time, making it perfect for live tweaking or intricate studio work.

The OB-12 is equipped with a wide range of oscillators, filters, and effects, offering users the flexibility to create anything from classic analog warmth to cutting-edge digital tones. Its user-friendly layout is complemented by a vibrant LCD screen, providing clear navigation through its expansive sound library and settings. Whether you're an experienced synth player or a newcomer to electronic music production, the OB-12’s combination of vintage design and modern features makes it a reliable addition to your musical toolkit.

Key Features:

  • 12-voice polyphony for expansive sound creation
  • Extensive oscillator and filter options
  • Real-time control interface with dedicated knobs and sliders
  • Vibrant LCD screen for easy navigation
  • Built-in effects for enhanced sound modulation
  • MIDI connectivity for seamless integration with other gear
  • Comprehensive sound library with a wide range of presets

Product specs

Brand Oberheim
Model OB-12 49-Key 12-Voice Synthesizer
Finish Blue
Year 2000
Categories Digital Synthesizers, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Digital
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Number of Keys 49 Keys
Polyphony 12 Voices

FAQs

Is the Oberheim OB-12 synthesizer polyphonic?

Yes, the Oberheim OB-12 is a 12-voice polyphonic synthesizer, allowing for complex chord and pad sounds.

What type of synthesis does the Oberheim OB-12 use?

The Oberheim OB-12 utilizes digital synthesis with physical modeling, providing a wide range of sound design possibilities.

How many keys does the Oberheim OB-12 have and what is the key action like?

The Oberheim OB-12 features 49 full-size keys with a synth action, suitable for expressive playing styles.

What MIDI connectivity options are available on the Oberheim OB-12?

The Oberheim OB-12 offers MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and MIDI Through, making it compatible with various MIDI setups and external gear.

Does the Oberheim OB-12 have any real-time control options?

Yes, the Oberheim OB-12 includes numerous real-time control options such as 22 knobs, 24 sliders, and 33 buttons, along with a ribbon controller and modulation wheel for dynamic performance adjustments.

musictrackjp

musictrackjp

Oberheim OB-12 Demo&Review

Video thumbnail for Oberheim OB-12 Demo&Review by musictrackjp

Oberheim OB-12 Demo&Review

musictrackjp

musictrackjp

Video thumbnail for Synth Stuff Ep. 16 - Oberheim OB-12 by tritonrecordings

Synth Stuff Ep. 16 - Oberheim OB-12

tritonrecordings

tritonrecordings

Video thumbnail for Oberheim OB-12 Poly Synth Sounds Demo by KokasIsland

Oberheim OB-12 Poly Synth Sounds Demo

KokasIsland

KokasIsland

Video thumbnail for The Most Hated Oberheim: The Oberheim OB-12 | Warranted or Hidden Gem? by Alamo Music Sound Lab

The Most Hated Oberheim: The Oberheim OB-12 | Warranted or Hidden Gem?

Alamo Music Sound Lab

Alamo Music Sound Lab

Video thumbnail for Oberheim OB-12 Demo & Review by musictrackjp

Oberheim OB-12 Demo & Review

musictrackjp

musictrackjp

Video thumbnail for Oberheim OB-12 Demo by Pure Ambient Drone

Oberheim OB-12 Demo

Pure Ambient Drone

Pure Ambient Drone

Video thumbnail for Oberheim OB-12 – the weird side [demo/review] by nyppy

Oberheim OB-12 – the weird side [demo/review]

nyppy

nyppy

Video thumbnail for Oberheim OB-12 Review & Demo by Pure Ambient Drone

Oberheim OB-12 Review & Demo

Pure Ambient Drone

Pure Ambient Drone

Reviews

PROS

  • Huge sound capabilities, excels in generating massive sounds

  • Easy to create patches, user-friendly for sound programming

  • Features double multimode filter style with parallel, series, or split modes

  • Includes 4 effects: overdrive, chorus, delay, and reverb with dedicated controls

  • Full Graphic EQ on the panel for enhanced sound shaping

  • Can layer up to 4 timbres for complex sounds

  • Screen automatically shows what you're editing for intuitive design

  • Described as a "Monster massive sound generator" for its effects and pads

CONS

  • Firmware issues reported, leading to buggy performance

  • Digital filters considered not up to mark

  • Original screen prone to failure, necessitating replacement

  • Factory presets poorly designed, suggesting lack of musical insight

  • Manual deemed terrible and unhelpful

  • Certain features, like "morph," reportedly never worked correctly

  • Advised against ROM flashing, risk of frying the machine

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
bobjack

Good!!!

THE MONSTER!!! Monster massive sound generator!!! Very nice effects and pads

Artist usage

Add artist
See how El-P uses Oberheim OB-12

El-P

Rapper, Music Producer

Run the Jewels

...
Verified via YouTube

You can see the Oberheim OB12 in the background behind El-P at 1:00 min.

See how Venetian Snares uses Oberheim OB-12

Venetian Snares

Music Producer

Speed Dealer Moms

...
Verified via Photo

This is one of many pieces of gear listed in a 2007 Computer Music feature on Venetian Snares.

See how Avey Tare uses Oberheim OB-12

Avey Tare

Singer, Guitarist

Animal Collective

...
Verified via Reverb

Mentioned/sold on Animal Collective's Reverb shop

See how Mathew Jonson uses Oberheim OB-12

Mathew Jonson

Music Producer

Cobblestone Jazz

...
Verified via Photo

In his My Studio feature for Attack Magazine, Mathew Jonson writes:

"This is my Trident and OB-12. Both amazing for pads and ambient sounds. The OB-12 is totally buggy and can explode the speakers with just small changes in parameters so I don’t really let my friends use it. It is super powerful though, aside from all the glitches. The Trident is probably best described as majestic. Literally it sounds like the angels flying down from the sky."

See how Leftfield uses Oberheim OB-12

Leftfield

Music Producer

...
Verified via Facebook

In a Facebook post by Leftfield, the Oberheim OB-12 synthesizer is shown as part of their setup.

See how DJ Khalil uses Oberheim OB-12

DJ Khalil

Music Producer

Soul Assassins

...
Verified via Crate Kings

Known Tools of Choice: Oberhieim OB-12 Reason Pro Tools Korg Poly Ensemble Arp String Ensemble.

See how Battlecat uses Oberheim OB-12

Battlecat

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

At 3:02 you see a Oberheim OB-12 in clear view while Battlecat is in the studio making a beat

See how Vorwerk uses Oberheim OB-12

Vorwerk

Music Producer

...
Verified via Facebook

in this photo we can see his ob-12..

See how Ron Boots uses Oberheim OB-12

Ron Boots

Keyboardist

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo from 2007 Oberheim OB-12 is a part of Ron Boots studio equipment

See how Mats Björke uses Oberheim OB-12

Mats Björke

Keyboardist

Mando Diao

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, the Oberheim OB-12 is visible in Bjorke's working space.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Oberheim OB-12, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
luxuszoetic

luxuszoetic

Gear IQ 207

teodor_pop

teodor_pop

Gear IQ 135

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