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Average Price: $895
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$500
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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
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Is the Oberheim OB-12 synthesizer polyphonic?
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Yes, the Oberheim OB-12 is a 12-voice polyphonic synthesizer, allowing for complex chord and pad sounds.
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What type of synthesis does the Oberheim OB-12 use?
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The Oberheim OB-12 utilizes digital synthesis with physical modeling, providing a wide range of sound design possibilities.
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How many keys does the Oberheim OB-12 have and what is the key action like?
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The Oberheim OB-12 features 49 full-size keys with a synth action, suitable for expressive playing styles.
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What MIDI connectivity options are available on the Oberheim OB-12?
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The Oberheim OB-12 offers MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and MIDI Through, making it compatible with various MIDI setups and external gear.
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Does the Oberheim OB-12 have any real-time control options?
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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.
Videos
musictrackjp
Oberheim OB-12 Demo&Review
Reviews
PROS
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Huge sound capabilities, excels in generating massive sounds
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Easy to create patches, user-friendly for sound programming
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Features double multimode filter style with parallel, series, or split modes
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Includes 4 effects: overdrive, chorus, delay, and reverb with dedicated controls
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Full Graphic EQ on the panel for enhanced sound shaping
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Can layer up to 4 timbres for complex sounds
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Screen automatically shows what you're editing for intuitive design
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Described as a "Monster massive sound generator" for its effects and pads
CONS
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Firmware issues reported, leading to buggy performance
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Digital filters considered not up to mark
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Original screen prone to failure, necessitating replacement
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Factory presets poorly designed, suggesting lack of musical insight
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Manual deemed terrible and unhelpful
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Certain features, like "morph," reportedly never worked correctly
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Advised against ROM flashing, risk of frying the machine
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
This is one of many pieces of gear listed in a 2007 Computer Music feature on Venetian Snares.
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."
In a Facebook post by Leftfield, the Oberheim OB-12 synthesizer is shown as part of their setup.
Known Tools of Choice: Oberhieim OB-12 Reason Pro Tools Korg Poly Ensemble Arp String Ensemble.
At 3:02 you see a Oberheim OB-12 in clear view while Battlecat is in the studio making a beat
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 OB-12, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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