Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $6,300
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$500
$1501+
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Description
Launched in 1984 and discontinued in 1988, the Oberheim Xpander is essentially the keyboardless, six-voice predecessor of the Oberheim Matrix-12 (released a year later, in 1985). Utilizing Oberheim's Matrix Modulation technology, the Xpander combined analog audio generation (VCOs, VCF and VCAs) with the flexibility of digital controls logic.
Product specs
| Brand | Oberheim |
| Model | Xpander Desktop 6-Voice Synthesizer |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1984 |
| Categories | Analog Synths, Desktop Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Analog |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through |
| Polyphony | 6 Voices |
FAQs
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Is the Oberheim Xpander polyphonic?
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Yes, the Oberheim Xpander is a polyphonic synthesizer with 6 voices, allowing for complex and rich sound layering.
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What type of synthesis does the Oberheim Xpander use?
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The Oberheim Xpander uses analog synthesis, providing warm, classic tones characteristic of vintage synthesizers.
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Does the Oberheim Xpander have MIDI connectivity?
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Yes, the Oberheim Xpander features MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and MIDI Through, making it compatible with various MIDI devices and setups.
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What are the standout features of the Oberheim Xpander's sound engine?
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The Oberheim Xpander's sound engine is notable for its extensive modulation capabilities and customizable signal paths, offering a wide range of sound design possibilities.
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Is the Oberheim Xpander suitable for live performances?
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While the Oberheim Xpander is a desktop synthesizer, its robust sound design features and MIDI capabilities make it suitable for both studio use and live performances with proper setup.
Videos
Alex Ball
The Oberheim Xpander from 1984
The Oberheim Xpander from 1984
Alex Ball
Oberheim Xpander | Living in the Matrix
Alex Ball
Oberheim Xpander Demo & Review
musictrackjp
Oberheim Xpander Ambient Live Looping
Martin Stürtzer
Oberheim Xpander Demo
Paper Street Audio Company
Oberheim Xpander Single Sounds Demo
tom noise
Oberheim Xpander Review
K’s Music Lounge
Oberheim Xpander pure, dry and raw
synthlegends
The Secret Sounds of Oberheim Xpander Revealed
Andy Whitmore
Oberheim OB-Xa vs Xpander
synthlegends
Reviews
PROS
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Warm and bassy oscillators
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High versatility with up to 6 mono synths or 1 polysynth
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Sophisticated modulation matrix for near-infinite sound possibilities
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15 filter modes including low pass, band pass, and high pass
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Can act like 6 computer-controlled modulars in one box
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CV Gates in for each voice for external modular control
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Legendary analog synth from the 80's era
CONS
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Rare and expensive chips prone to failure
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Filters may not satisfy all preferences
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Programming can be long-winded and confusing
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Slow envelopes limit snappy or funky sound production
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Delicate machine; US version preferred for durability
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Display and rotary knobs prone to wear out
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Parts are difficult to find, making repairs a challenge
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Pricey, especially given potential for costly repairs
4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 11 Ratings
186
Without doubt, one of the best synthesizers ever made.
The Oberheim Xpander is legendary for being one of the greatest analog synths of the 80's era. It represents the pinnacle of achievement in the era in terms of programmability. It is essentially a modular synth that is configured through a sophisticated modulation matrix. it can be used in poly mode, but each of its six voices are also independently configurable. Combined with its individual outputs, the Xpander is sort of like having 6 computer controlled modulars in one box.
No mention of the Xpander would be complete with a discussion of its filter; a multimode filter that provides no fewer than 15 (!) configurations, including low pass, band pass, high pass, and various combinations. There are few, if any analog synths other than the Xpander and its keyboard cousin, the Matrix 12, that have a filter this flexible. (Notable exception: the Mutable Instruments 4-Pole Mission filter offers a similar design.)
All of this comes at a cost: the Xpander is not cheap. At the time of this writing, they are generally around $4000. Additionally, the Xpander's use of rare filter chips and VFD displays makes it a risk in some ways: parts are difficult, if not impossible to find. Those interested in achieving something close to its sound without making such a serious investment might check out a Mutable Instruments Ambika with the 4-Pole Mission filter boards.
Lastly, those dying to own an Xpander should be on the lookout for the American-made version. Perhaps paradoxically, the Japanese-made units were not as well made, and the modern VFD display replacement that is made for the Xpander will NOT work with Japanese models. for this reason, Japanese Xpanders should be avoided as they will be harder to future-proof. Japanese Xpanders can be identified by looking at the back panel. On Japanese models, the legends describing the purpose of the various jacks are below the jacks, as opposed to the U.S. made versions, where the lettering appears above the jacks.
26711
awesome.
Artist usage
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The 1994 studio was equipped with a 56-input Amek Mozart console with Rupert Neve modules, two Studer A800 Mk3 multitrack machines, Mac-based Pro Tools and a host of outboard gear, in addition to Akai S1100 and Kurzweil K2000 samplers; Prophet VS, Digidesign Turbosynth, ARP Odyssey, Oberheim Expander, Oberheim OBMx, Roland MKS80 and Minimoog synthesizers; Doepfer and Oberheim sequencers; a Mellotron MKIV polyphonic tape replay keyboard; a Roland R70 drum machine; and assorted Jackson and Gibson guitars.
The Chemical Brothers' Tom Rowlands discusses using the Oberheim Xpander to craft distinct sounds, as highlighted in the Kreativsound article titled "Chemical Brothers – Tom Rowlands – In Studio."
Music producer and audio engineer The Real Mike Dean uses the Oberheim Xpander, as evidenced by his Instagram post where he describes it as his "super portable powerful analog synth" and expresses gratitude to @rosen_sound and @photocallmusic, stating that he will "put it to good use."
Included in equipment list
In the Synthtopia article "Vince Clarke and the Temple of Synth," Vince Clarke is mentioned using the Oberheim Xpander synthesizer.
In this article Com Truise talks about his purchase of the Oberheim Xpander.
In a video on VK, Lorn is shown adjusting a parameter on the Oberheim Xpander synthesizer.
In this photo, which shows Downes during the recording sessions, the Oberheim Xpander can be seen.
"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."
Album Usage
The Oberheim Xpander 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 Xpander, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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