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Description

The Oberheim SEM-1 Synthesizer Expander Module is a bridge between the vintage allure of classic analog synthesis and the precision of modern sound crafting. This module, an ode to the legendary Oberheim lineage, packs an array of sonic possibilities into a compact form. Featuring dual voltage-controlled oscillators, it delivers a rich palette of tones that cater to both nostalgic and contemporary auditory pursuits. The extensive 21-point CV patch panel allows for a seamless integration with other analog gear, providing a playground for creative exploration.

The SEM-1's multimode filter and versatile LFO offer further sculpting tools, empowering musicians to shape their soundscapes with finesse. Whether you're diving into the world of analog synthesis for the first time or enhancing a seasoned setup, the SEM-1 is a vital addition to any rig. Its robust design ensures durability for both studio sessions and live performances, while external audio inputs enhance its utility as a formidable processing tool.

Designed with a musician's touch, the Oberheim SEM-1 is not just about sound creation; it's about sound transformation. Let your creativity run wild with this tool that has helped define genres and continues to inspire musicians across the globe.

Key Features:

  • True analog synthesis with dual voltage-controlled oscillators
  • 21-point CV patch panel for extensive connectivity
  • Multimode filter and flexible LFO for sound sculpting
  • Robust design suitable for both studio and live use
  • External audio inputs for expanded processing capabilities
Alex Ball

Alex Ball

OBERHEIM'S FIRST SYNTH!

Video thumbnail for OBERHEIM'S FIRST SYNTH! by Alex Ball

OBERHEIM'S FIRST SYNTH!

Alex Ball

Alex Ball

Video thumbnail for Oberheim Sem - Two Minute Demo by Asteroid Killer

Oberheim Sem - Two Minute Demo

Asteroid Killer

Asteroid Killer

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Oberheim SEM-1 Synthesizer Expander Module.

Features and functionality

  • The SEM's oscillator sync is highlighted as the smoothest available, distinguishing it from others for crafting Jan Hammer's iconic lead sounds.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Oberheim SEM is preferred over the Moog for Jan Hammer-like sounds due to its multimode 12 dB filter, PWM, and smoother oscillator sync.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Jan Hammer's lead sounds on Jeff Beck's tracks are more effectively emulated with an SEM module, as they lean towards an Oberheim sound signature.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Tom Oberheim SEM

soundonsound.com

The Oberheim SEM-1 Synthesizer Expander Module balances nostalgia with modern engineering, delivering a sound that stays true to its vintage roots while offering subtle improvements. The oscillators and filters closely emulate the original, though differences in control and modulation are noted. The lack of patch memories and limited MIDI capabilities might deter modern users, but the SEM's simplicity and rich analog character are undeniable. It's a must-have for enthusiasts of classic analog sounds, despite some constraints like the external PSU and lack of polyphonic expansion. Overall, a well-regarded return for a vintage classic.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

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jimmarchi1

the original Obi

I recently picked this 70s Oberheim SEM up on flea bay for cheap because it had dodgy pots and switches, but after receiving it, disassembling it and thoroughly cleaning some grime from the board with alcohol and then cleaning the pots and switches with proper cleaner and then giving them 100 turns and flips each she works like new. This module was Oberheim's 1st synth and it was meant to expand existing performance synths with an extra syncable, independently programmable voice via CV/gate. Mine is the common 2nd version, the 1180 model. The 1180 is the basis of the 2 voice, 4 voice and 8 voice performance synths. The thing has the great Obi filters that are less steep than a Moog or Arp. I have used this a little bit slaved to my Studio Electronics MIDI Moog to create Some Oberheim 2 voice diatonic patches with the SE1's fitler set to Oberheim mode and it sounds great. However, the SEM is a 70s synth and the VCOs suffer from considerable drift so it can sometimes be dodgy when recording long passages depending on the weather. Its lack of stability can thicken parts in unexpected ways, but some days the drift becomes unmusical. My original SEM is also noisey and I find myself running it SEM tracks thru denoising software to remove a lot of the unwanted hiss and the slight hum. It probably neds more extensive servicing.

Its a cool piece to have, but with Dave Smith and Tom Oberheim reissuing Obis now with modern, stable Oscillators this piece is only for afficianados. I would recommend new guys in search of the early Obi sound get a reissue keyboard model, a studio electronics boomstar or one of SE's other Obi flavored options. I am considering servicing and reselling it to buy a reissue or boomstar with money left over. However, it has its vintage charm so we'll see. Its the only synth from this seminal era of synth design I own so I may put up with its flaws just to have some legit vintage quirkiness in the arsenal.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Trent Reznor uses Oberheim SEM-1 Synthesizer Expander Module

Trent Reznor

Keyboardist, Singer

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via nin.wiki

Trent Reznor is confirmed to use the Oberheim SEM-1 Synthesizer Expander Module, as it is listed among the equipment used to record The Fragile in the Fragility Tour program. This information is supported by the source provided by nin.wiki.

See how Vince Clarke uses Oberheim SEM-1 Synthesizer Expander Module

Vince Clarke

Keyboardist, Composer

Depeche Mode

...
Verified via Archive

The Oberheim SEM is featured in the "Studio Equipment List" on Vince Clarke's website.

See how Jan Hammer uses Oberheim SEM-1 Synthesizer Expander Module

Jan Hammer

Keyboardist

The Mahavishnu Orchestra

...
Verified via Keyboardmag

Hammer added an Oberheim SEM module to his setup, later replacing it with an Oberheim Expander. He would layer the Minimoog and the Oberheim together to beef up his sound, specifically adding synced oscillators to the blend.

See how Eric Persing uses Oberheim SEM-1 Synthesizer Expander Module

Eric Persing

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Oldschooldaw

Spectrasonics Studio List The equipment list for the Spectrasonics studio reads like a gear-head's dream. Favourites amongst Eric's sizeable synthesizer collection include the Access Virus, the Prophet VS, his collection of Waldorf synthesizers, and a 1976 Yamaha CS80. "It's my favourite axe to play, because of the awesome polyphonic aftertouch and that sensuous ribbon," explains Eric.

For effects processing Eric is a fan of the Roland SRV330 reverb, an item that "gets missed by most people, mainly because it doesn't say Lexicon on the front panel." For distortion tricks Eric often uses a rare Boss GL100 guitar preamp: "It's basically the history of Boss pedals in one rack space."

Mixing, until recently, was done on some "very odd, custom-made analogue mixers made by a guy named Mo West," reveals Eric. He recently purchased a Roland VM 7000-series mixer, however, taking him one step closer to an all-digital setup.

SAMPLERS • Roland S760 and S770 • Kurzweill K2000 • Bitheadz Unity DS1 (running on an Apple Macintosh G4)

SYNTHESIZERS/DRUM BOXES • Access Virus • Clavia Nord Lead • Doepfer modular synth • Emu modular synth • Moog Minimoog (modified by Studio Electronics) • Oberheim SEMs • Polyfusion modular synth • Roland JP8000 prototypes & production units • Roland JP8080 • Roland JD800/990 • Roland Jupiter 8 • Roland JV1080 and 2080 • Roland MKS50 Alpha Juno • Roland MKS80 Super Jupiter • Roland System 700 and 100m modular synths • Roland MC303 • Roland MC505 • Roland TB303 • Roland TR808 • Roland TR909 • Korg EX8000 • Korg M1R • Korg Mono/Poly • Sequential Circuits Prophet VS • Waldorf Wave, Microwave, Microwave XT • Yamaha CS80

SOFTWARE • Alchemy • Arboretum HyperEngine • Arboretum Hyperprism plug-in pack • Arboretum Ionizer • Arboretum Raygun noise-reduction plug-in • Antares Infinity • BIAS Peak audio editor • BIAS SFX machine effects • Emagic Logic Audio Platinum • Emagic Sound Diver synth editor/librarian • Fireball • GRM Tools plug-in pack • Metasynth • Opcode Vinyl, Vocode & Filter plug-ins • Propellerheadz Rebirth soft synth • Prosoniq SonicWorx Artist effects • Steinberg Magneto tape-saturation emulator • Steinberg ReCycle sample editor • Thonk soft synth • RAIFF • Region Munger • Transfer Station • Samplifier sample transfer software • Saturator • Sound Morph • Sound Hack audio editor • Unisyn synth editor • Waveboy Voder

SIGNAL PROCESSORS • AMS RMX reverb • API 5502 equaliser • Boss GL100 guitar driver • Boss SE70 multi-effects • Dimension beam controller • Euphonics mixing console • Eventide DSP4000 & H3500 harmonizers • GML stereo parametric EQ • Innovonics compressors • Langevin passive equalisers • Lexicon PCM70/80/480 reverbs • MXR Distortion Plus • Quest custom mixers • Roland Dimension D & C processors • Roland RSP550 multi-effects • Roland RSS10 3-dimensional effects • Roland SDE330 delay • Roland SDX330 chorus • Roland SRV330 reverb • Roland SVC330 vocoder • TC Electronics Fireworx multi-effects • Summit tube mic preamps

See how Martin Stürtzer uses Oberheim SEM-1 Synthesizer Expander Module

Martin Stürtzer

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In Martin Stürtzer's studio tour video, he discusses the integration of his Oberheim SEM-1 Synthesizer Expander Module within his audio setup, providing insight into his routing and workflow.

P

Pat Regan

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Harlow

...
Verified via Facebook

Pat Regan is confirmed to use the Oberheim SEM-1 Synthesizer Expander Modules, as evidenced by a photo on his Facebook page showing him with a wall of these modules.

See how Drew Neumann uses Oberheim SEM-1 Synthesizer Expander Module

Drew Neumann

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via SoundCloud

"SEA WITCH VS THE ALIENS" by Drew Neumann c2010 Droomusic ASCAP

"The story so far--fresh from their easy victory over the brainless Zombies, the Aliens dive into the Pacific Rim of Fire to raid the earth's resources and steal Methane Hydrates. They encounter something deep underwater that can actually fight back, and she is on her own home turf...

This cue features the Euro and Frac system set up in this simple patch--the one on the left is called Morbeus, it is an Emu/Paia homebrew made from Emu SSM evaluation boards and Paia EKX series boards. On the right top to bottom is an Encore Expressionist, Analogue Systems modular, Blacet, and Doepfer A100 modulars. Below that is a Powertran Digital Delay and an Alesis Quadraverb. These synths are backed up by 2 Waldorf Microwave 1, WAVE, and Q+, a Minimoog, 2 Minimoog Voyagers, Studio Electronics Omega 8, 2 Oberheim SEMS, a Tom Oberheim New SEM, Access Virus B and C, Arturia Origin, 2 MacBeth M3X, Jomox Sunsyn, Alesis Andromeda, and the 5U Knob Grotto. Mixed live off of all of the synths, this used 63 tracks and a couple of hundred voices. It probably should be titled the battle against noise floor and ground loops, but I won that battle!"

See how Michael Iceberg uses Oberheim SEM-1 Synthesizer Expander Module

Michael Iceberg

Keyboardist

...
Verified via YouTube

The Oberheim SEM-1 Synthesizer Expander Module is used by Michael Iceberg, as evidenced by its appearance at the 19:19 mark in the video "Michael Iceberg - In Concert from Disneyland," authored by Bill Shelly and originally aired on The Disney Channel in 1983.

Album Usage

The Oberheim SEM-1 Synthesizer Expander Module has been featured on the following albums:

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 SEM-1 Synthesizer Expander Module, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

PPG Wave 2.2
PPG Wave 2.2 Synthesizers
2
Waldorf Microwave
Waldorf Microwave Synthesizers & Sound Modules
2
Roland SH-1
Roland SH-1 Synthesizers
1
Roland MC-505 Groovebox
Roland MC-505 Groovebox Production & Groove
1
Korg DVP-1
Korg DVP-1 Vocal Effects Processors
1
Korg MS-10
Korg MS-10 Synthesizers
1

Community setups

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hxs28

hxs28

Gear IQ 359

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