Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $5,800
High-end/Boutique
$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.
26904
awesome.
Artist usage
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From the FAQ page found on The Enigma Archive: "From the credits of various albums, it is known that Michael Cretu uses or has used the Waveframe 1000, Audi Frame Workstation, MIDIMoog, PPG System, Korg M1, C-Lab Notator, Takamine 6 and 12 String, Tom Anderson Electric Guitars, Otari DTR-900, Akai 900, Linn 9000, Prophet 2002, X-Pander, EMS Vocoder, DX-7, and Roland Super Jupiter."
At 1:05 Ceephax pans the camera over some equipment where the Xpander is brefily seen.
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.
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Evergreen Drum Programming [Simmons SDS5, Linn LM1], Synthesizer [Synthesizers: Minimoog, Oberheim Expander, Crumar Roadrunner, Korg PE1000], Electronics [Treatments: Ibanez AD80, Smallstone Phaser, EMT Plate] – Benge Vocals [Digitech Vocalist, Yamaha Rev1 delay], Drum Machine [Roland CR78], Synthesizer [Synthesizers: ARP Odyssey, Crumar Multiman] – John Foxx
The Oberheim Xpander can be seen on the still shot of this video (before pressing play), in Alan Braxe's studio, on the left.
In this Gearspace post from 2016,Rhys tells his experience making Fear Factory´s "Demanufacture" and the gear he used
Oberheim Xpander is included in the list of synths at Daniel Miller's home studio.
The Oberheim Xpander can be seen in the right side of this photo of LFO in the studio.
On his website Adam Holzman lists the gear he uses, including this one.
The article mentions Bon Harris using the Oberheim Xpander back in his days with Nitzer Ebb.
In an article from The-black-hit-of-space, Phil Oakey of The Human League discusses the Oberheim Xpander, describing it as "incredibly smooth" and highlighting its rich modulations.
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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Community setups
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