Studio Electronics Oberheim SEM "Obie Rack"

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Some interesting history via the listing: "If you are looking at this item you no doubt know what it is and what it is capable of. You will also be aware that they are very rare and don’t often come up for sale.

The Studio Electronics “Obie-Rack” is effectively two Oberheim SEM modules in a rack but with a list of very useable modifications, which make it an incredible performer. This unit uses the “ORIGINAL” Oberheim cards (NOT REPRODUCTIONS). Each module has 2 VCO’s, 2 Envelope Generators and a single VCF section.

It has extensive MIDI performance modifications, which include Dynamics (VCA / VCF) Modulation (VCO / VCF) Aftertouch (VCO / VCF). As well on the front panel you have access to three “switchable” octave ranges HLM, Multi-Trigger, Midi Channel assignment, Pitch Bend, DVCF, LFO, Glide and Master Volume. Located in the center bottom of the front panel is a switch to choose between Midi Poly 1, Poly 2 or Mono. This switch allows you to play two notes at the same time and depending on how you have the VCO’s set four separate notes can be had. On the rear of the unit you have Midi In, Out and Thru, an IEC rated three prong power connector, an On / Off Switch and two unbalanced audio outs (Module L & Module R (Mono)

This unit has had only one owner, myself and is “virtually” new. Since purchase it has been stored in its fully enclosed shock-mounted transport rack case (case not included). Cosmetically the front panel face is excellent, there is only minor rack rash. As for the rest of the unit there is a minor abrasion here or there but nothing abnormal considering its age. It was stored in a smoke free and climate-controlled environment.

This unit was bought new in October of 1990 directly from Greg St Regis of Studio Electronics and shipped to Europe (where I lived at that time) with the idea of hopefully attempting to market the product there. There was great interest in it but it was hard to compete in Europe with Roland, Korg and Yamaha and what they were selling at that time. Needless to say the lack of voices was an insurmountable hurdle sale’s wise.

Myself, being a Moog guy and owning two Mini’s has unfortunately meant that the “Obie Rack” was only used for its initial product demonstrations and twice to record sound effects for a theater production I was involved in, so it has never known the wear and tear of the road. It has only ever been transported to Europe and then back to the USA.

The Obie Rack has a great and unique sound all it’s own but I just haven’t found myself setting up this wonderful synth and exploring all its possibilities. I find it a big waste to just let it sit idle so I am selling it. It has recently been tested both by my synth-tech and myself and it works just like the day I bought it. Since it had not been used in years I recently did a 24hour burn in with absolutely no adverse effects other than as expected some initial scratchiness on a few of the pots which went away after a few turns.

Unlike other “Obie Rack” unit’s created by Studio Electronics, this one was special ordered with a switchable power supply which means the unit will work on either 120 or 240 volts. Greg St Regis of Studio Electronics informed me that the power supply used in this unit greatly surpassed the original Oberheim specifications and provided much improved power stability. This is a big plus when it comes to the operation of vintage anything let alone synths.

To change the voltage requires that a simple adjustment must be done internally, requires the unit be free standing at the time and the removal of the top panel (removal of four screws, 2 on each side of the upper side of the case). With the panel removed you simply switch the power supply circuit to the appropriate voltage as labeled, reattach the panel and that’s it. The rear of the unit says that it is a 220volt unit but internally it has been set to 120volts. If the unit is purchased for use anywhere where 220 / 240 volts is required I will make that adjustment for you prior to shipping."