This Little Box Changed Synths Forever | Tom Oberheim’s SEM Story

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

See the full interview here.

"How did the legendary Oberheim SEM (Synthesizer Expander Module) come to life? In this video, Tom Oberheim himself tells the story of how necessity became the mother of invention.
After creating the world’s first digital sequencer, Tom needed a dedicated synthesizer voice to play back the note information generated by the sequencer. His solution was the SEM — a compact, self-contained synth voice that could be sequenced while leaving a musician’s main synthesizer free to perform alongside it. This groundbreaking idea gave players entirely new creative possibilities and laid the foundation for some of the most influential instruments in music history. Join me, along with Rob Rosen (Rosen Sound) and Marcus Ryle (Alesis, Line 6), as we hear directly from Tom about the innovation that started it all.
👉 Discover how the SEM was born and why it changed the future of synthesis."

https://oberheim.com/

https://anthonymarinellimusic.com

The Secret to the "Oberheim Sound"

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

See the full interview here.

"Discover the true origin of the “Oberheim Sound” in this rare and revealing conversation. Legendary synth pioneer Tom Oberheim himself explains how he dialed in his iconic tone—locking himself in a room with nothing but a bag of resistors, capacitors, and an oscilloscope. Over several days, Tom tweaked and tuned until he was satisfied, even embracing a level of filter distortion that most engineers at the time would have rejected. That bold choice became the unmistakable warmth, grit, and musicality that defined the Oberheim legacy.

He’s joined by Marcus Ryle (Alesis, Line 6) and Rob Rosen (Rosen Sound) as they dive into the legacy of Oberheim instruments—from the SEM to the OB-series—and how they shaped music for artists like Prince, Stevie Wonder, Queen, and Daft Punk.

This is the inside story of how imperfection became perfection, and how one man’s vision changed music forever. Don’t miss this exclusive conversation with three icons of synthesis history."

https://oberheim.com/

https://anthonymarinellimusic.com

Tom Oberheim: The Genius Behind the Greatest Sounding Synthesizers

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"Today, we’re at the home of Tom Oberheim — one of the original pioneers who shaped synthesizers and music history. Tom's legacy includes some of the most groundbreaking innovations: (a stand alone ring modulator, the first commercially available phase shifter pedal (my personal favorite), an early digital sequencer, the Oberheim DS-2, and the SEM the first commercially available polyphonic synthesizer made in 2, 4 and 8 voice models, followed by favorites such as the OB-X, OB-Xa, OB-8, Xpander, Matrix 12, DMX drum machine and more... of course, most importantly he gave us the unmistakable "Oberheim sound" on his entire collection of iconic synthesizers that have inspired compositions and performances on countless records by multiple generations of artists.

Joining me for this special interview is my friend Rob Rosen from Rosen Sound—talented musician and renowned expert in synth restoration and preservation, and someone who's worked closely for a while with Tom to keep Oberheim instruments and ALL vintage synthesizers alive for future generations of musicians.
We’ll also be joined by Marcus Ryle, who's done so much. Marcus began his career working closely with Tom, at Oberheim, was a session musician, designed dozens of affordable and accessible products for Alesis - including the ADAT multitrack recording, Quadraverb digital reverb, and HR-1 drum machine, and later co-founded Line 6 (creating innovative guitar effects and revolutionizing digital modeling technology). His insight into Tom’s innovations—and his own contributions in music history —makes this a rare, deeply meaningful conversation.
Let’s get into it."

https://oberheim.com/

https://anthonymarinellimusic.com

Teaching Kids to ‘Think Like a Synth’

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"What happens when you program an ARP 2600 with two curious kids? A whole lot of wild and fun sounds. In this video, Anthony shows his daughters how to “Think Like a Synth” by recreating everything from a roaring lion to a 727 jet taking off — plus rain forest, crickets, birds, fire truck sirens, and even a talking synth that says “Oh yeah!”. Many of these patches are available for you to create using the ARP 2600 patch book.

This isn't just about music — it’s about learning how to shape sound, think creatively, and have fun doing it! There’s plenty of laughter, hands-on excitement, curious faces, and “wait, what?!” moments.

If you’ve ever wondered what synthesis is all about, this video shows how anyone — even kids — can dive in — and Think Like a Synth."

"🎛️ Think Like a Synth Learn the exact method I've used for decades on hit records & films 👉 https://anthonymarinellimusic.com/pro..."

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Crazy side note: when I (matrix) was in the 9th grade, I actually visted Anthony Marinelli's studio in the 80s on a mini field trip with a few studens in my Geometry class. Anthony sampled our voices and played them back on his Synclavier. Not long after, I bought my first synth, an Oberheim Matrix-6 in 1986. The matrix alias comes from the Matrix-6.

‘Who Are You’ – Tim Pierce & Anthony Marinelli Break Down Pete Townshend’s Guitar Effects

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"When The Who’s 'Who Are You' hit the airwaves, it stopped Tim Pierce in his tracks. That synth-driven guitar sound—bold, aggressive, and totally different—had a huge impact on him as a young musician. In this video, we dive deep into that exact sound.
Tim and I break down how Pete Townshend used a synth and guitar together to create one of the most iconic intros in rock history. I recreate the patch on my original ARP 2600, and Tim brings his firepower to the guitar as we perform the track, analyze the tone, and talk about why this sound was such a game-changer.
This is more than a breakdown—it’s a tribute to a moment that marked how synthesizers would change the sound of rock music."

Website - https://www.anthonymarinellimusic.com
Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_...
IMDb - http://www.imdb.me/anthonymarinelli

Creating ambient music with Hainbach in his Berlin studio

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"Join Anthony Marinelli as he visits Hainbach in his legendary Berlin studio for a one-of-a-kind musical collaboration. Surrounded by vintage synths, precision filter banks, tape machines, and Hainbach’s signature sonic oddities, the two artists step into uncharted territory to create an improvised ambient electronic piece. Watch Anthony step outside his usual musical environment and dive headfirst into Hainbach’s world of beautifully unstable textures, subtle modulations, and analog magic—all while having an unforgettable time exploring sound together."

https://www.anthonymarinellimusic.com

Hainbach Introduces outta-control Italian Synths!

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"When I visited Hainbach at his amazing studio in Berlin, and he introduced me to a whole new world of sound—rare Italian synths that completely reset my thinking. The Farfisa Polychrome is hands down the best string machine I’ve ever heard, with rich choir and synth textures and a built-in phaser that sounds like no other effect I’ve used. The Webo Welson (late 70's) is a rockin’ beast with ripping oscillators, tearing portamento, and beautifully saturated presets that just ooze character. And then there’s the Realton Variophon Gig—a breath-controlled synth that lets you shape the timbre with your mouth. It’s expressive, has rich variable noisy modulation goodness, and is unlike any vocoder or synth I’ve ever played.

Hainbach really opened my ears to a sound palette I didn’t even know existed. He’s a very generous to hang with, and I left his studio totally inspired to create new music. You will too."

Mike Dean, StarPowerDrummer & 2 Vintage Moog Modulars

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"No script. No presets. Just raw vintage synth power!

Join me for an explosive, 100% spontaneous synth jam featuring Mike Dean and powerhouse drummer Russell Holzman (@starpowerdrummer) performing on some of the most iconic vintage synths ever made - unlike anything you’ve seen

We’re firing up legends like the Moog IIIc ('The Plantasia Moog'), Moog Model 55, Oberheim Eight Voice SEM, Roland Jupiter-8, and the Minimoog—all dialed in and recorded live.

Turn up your speakers and witness what happens in real time when three artists meet in a room full of classic analog instruments

Special Thank You to Rob Rosen @RosenSound for supplying the most awesome Moog Model 55 & explosive Oberheim Eight Voice SEM!

CLICK FOR MORE »

Making Nuclear Music with Hainbach

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"Join me for a rare opportunity to step into the incredible world of Hainbach at his studio in Berlin—filled with vintage nuclear test equipment he’s brilliantly turned into musical instruments… and plenty of other wild synthesizers!

Hainbach is known for making haunting, immersive soundscapes using everything from lab gear to tape loops to modular synths. His music feels like it's from another dimension—organic, rich, hypnotic and totally captivating. In this video, I explore his unique setup and we dive into a completely new palette of sounds together. It was inspiring to see how he breathes life into machines that were never meant to make music… and to try my hand at making "nuclear music" myself.

If you're into experimental sound design, synths, or just curious how scientific gear from the Cold War can become part of modern composition—this is something you’ve got to see (and hear)."

https://anthonymarinellimusic.com

Improvised Jam on Iconic Vintage Synths!

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"Fresh off Superbooth 2025, I dropped into the Synthesizer Museum in Berlin for a rare, fully improvised performance on their legendary vintage synths—including the Yamaha CS-80, two ARP 2600s, and a Roland Jupiter-8.
Joining me was my longtime friend and Vienna-based artist Felix of Flame, playing his custom FLAME drum and percussion instruments. Together, we dove into a one-of-a-kind sonic journey—shaped by texture, tone, and the moment.
No script. No presets. Just raw, analog expression—captured live!"

ARP at 100: The Alan R. Pearlman Celebrates the man behind the ARP Name on his 100th Birthday!

video upload by Alan R. Pearlman Foundation

"ARP@100 is a year-long celebration commemorating the 100th heavenly birthday of Alan R. Pearlman, inventor of ARP Synthesizers, but also a father, husband and futurist.

Join the Alan R. Pearlman Foundation and the world as we celebrate one of the synth worlds pivottal pioneers in musical instruments.

Detals: The history of ARP is one of innovation, of pioneering musical technology, of driving humanity forward, and of a genuine connection between circuits and souls.

There is a growing legacy of incredible music that keeps us going every day..
ARP makes us move. ARP tells us stories. And ARP takes us to new worlds.

As we celebrate the 100th birthday of our namesake, let's talk about the man who changed the world."

https://alanrpearlmanfoundation.org/

ARP 2500 to ARP Chroma Synths - Celebrating 100 Years of Alan R. Pearlman

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"Join me and synth expert Rob Rosen as we honor the 100th birthday of Alan R. Pearlman, the visionary founder of ARP Instruments.

In this special tribute, we explore the evolution of ARP synthesizers—from the iconic ARP 2500 to the advanced Chroma. You'll get a rare, up-close look (and listen) at the panels, sounds, and inner workings of these legendary instruments that helped shape the sound of modern music.

These synths didn’t just make history—they are just as relevant today as they ever were!

Whether you're a synth fan, musician, or just love music tech history, this one’s for you.

Please join the ARP Foundation mailing list to support and stay current with the latest exciting synthesizer related events alanrpearlmanfoundation.org"

Russell Holzman: Unfiltered Sessions

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"Russell Holzman: Unfiltered Sessions

I’m super excited to launch a brand-new series on the channel called Unfiltered Sessions! This has been in the works for a while, and I can’t wait to share it with all of you. In this series, I perform alongside some incredibly talented musicians, and the energy off the charts!

The whole idea is to capture that raw, spontaneous magic of a live tracking session, where we’re all vibing together, creating music in the moment. No scripts —just pure, unfiltered creativity. I’m beyond thrilled to bring you guys behind the scenes and share these special moments with you.

I hope you enjoy the sessions as much as we do while making them! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe so you can stay updated on all the new videos coming your way. Let’s get unfiltered!


ABOUT RUSSELL HOLZMAN
I first heard about Russell after my good friend Mike Dean told me to check out @starpowerdrummer on Instagram. It didn’t take me long to be blown away by his incredible talent, and before I knew it, I was picking up the phone to invite him to LA (all the way from New York) to create this video.

Russell is not only a gifted musician and drummer, but he’s also someone with a deep passion for his craft and a talent that brings something truly special to the table. He’s got this unique energy balanced with sensitivity that you can’t help but feed off of when you’re in the room with him, and that’s exactly what makes collaborating with him so amazing.

I’m beyond excited to share this video with you all, and I can’t wait for you to see how this session came to life. Stay tuned for more collaborations with Russell and some very special surprises in the upcoming Unfiltered Sessions future!

00:00:00 Track 1 - 'Lift Off'
00:02:53 Track 2 - 'Low Flying Object'
00:06:29 Conclusion"

The Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun” - SYNTH PARTS YOU’VE NEVER HEARD BEFORE!

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"I’m going to take you on a quest into one of The Beatles’ most iconic songs, 'Here Comes the Sun', and show you something I recently discovered, that really surprised me. — THERE ARE SYNTHESIZERS IN THIS ACOUSTIC AND ORGANIC SOUNDING TRACK!

I’ll break down the arrangement of this beautiful song and show you how to create all the synth sounds that were used to transcend it's sound. We’ll cover everything from the signature whistle sound, the main lead synth, the intro sound, and the buzzy synth bass that gives the track its vibe. I’ll also discuss the Beatles’ evolution as they started experimenting with effects on traditional instruments, which ultimately led them to integrate synthesizers in ways that completely reshaped what others thought possible.

They used the Moog synthesizer to replace orchestral parts in some sections of the song and to complement the acoustic elements in others. It was all about pushing the boundaries of what was possible at the time but still keeping their unique voice in tact.

What makes this even more special is that I’ve recreated these sounds on my rare, vintage 1969 Moog IIIc — the same model that was shipped just months after The Beatles received their own Moog directly from Bob Moog. This instrument, used on the 'Plantasia' album by Mort Garson, is in fully working order, so it’s my chance to give you a sense of the subtle nuances The Beatles heard when they first explored this revolutionary sound in their music. I’ll bring you as close to the original sound as possible and show you exactly how they used it in 'Here Comes the Sun'.

So, grab your synths (or just sit back and enjoy), and let’s take a closer look at how The Beatles incorporated this groundbreaking technology into their timeless music. You might just discover something new about one of the most loved songs in history and how you can do the same in your music today.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss out on any of the synth goodness I have coming your way! Also, check out my course Think Like a Synth to learn the exact method I've used for decades on hit records and films — and still use today.

____________________________________
ABOUT ANTHONY

Anthony's musical touch as both composer and performer is connected with some of the most influential creative minds over the last 40 years. He’s composed and conducted original orchestral scores for over 80 feature films including Young Guns , Internal Affairs , The Man From Elysian Fields , 15 Minutes and Planes, Trains & Automobiles , been commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic for his symphonic work 'In the Family Way', written over one thousand TV commercials in a myriad of musical styles, co-founded Levels Audio Post (LA's premiere post production facility) and performed and arranged on big-box-office films and influential hit records such as Michael Jackson's Thriller .

His extensive work as a young arranger, orchestrator and performer for Quincy Jones , Jack Nitzsche , Lamont Dozier , Arthur Rubenstein and Giorgio Moroder was vital in launching his own career. His early years pioneering modular analog synthesizers along with his wide-ranging music scholarship positioned Anthony at the center of the music technology revolution. He attended the University of Southern California School of Music as a piano and composition major.

Website - https://www.anthonymarinellimusic.com"

Talking Bass | “Dream Weaver” by Gary Wright

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"Let's break down the iconic synthesizer bass sound from Gary Wright’s iconic song "Dream Weaver". I’ll show you exactly how to recreate that unique, "talking" bass tone that happens in one of the most memorable chorus sections in synth history. I’ll also dive into how to adjust the sustain portion of the bass sound, for the variation that happens in the bridge—it's subtle but makes a huge difference in the overall vibe.

I had the pleasure of working with Gary one unforgettable summer—collaborating on a song for a movie and a couple of tracks for one of his albums. He was not only a gifted singer and songwriter but also an incredibly innovative electronic musician. Gary had a special kind of energy that made every session inspiring. I’m honored to share a bit of that magic form this wonderful person with you today.

Let’s dive in and give this classic bass sound the spotlight it deserves."

How Did ABBA Create THIS on "Gimme Gimme Gimme"

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"Get ready to unlock the secret behind ABBA’s iconic "Gimme Gimme Gimme" synth melody. I’m diving into the legendary sound that doubles the strings, showing you exactly how to recreate it on an ARP Odyssey guiding you step-by-step in plain language. You can use these techniques to re-create the sound on any instrument that you have. Whether you're new to synthesizers or an experienced producer, my easy-to-follow approach will help you understand the basics of creating sounds and how to apply them to your own music. I’ll also share tips on how to decide which sounds work best in an arrangement, so you can make informed choices when crafting your own compositions. Stick around, and let's bring that classic disco vibe to life on your synth!"

Lets Make the Bass from “Hot To GO!" by Chappell Roan

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"In this video, I take on the challenge of recreating the bass sound from Chappell Roan’s “Hot to Go” using four legendary vintage synthesizers: Sequential Circuits Prophet-5, Roland Jupiter-8, ARP 2600 & Minimoog.

The secret sauce? Pulse width modulation (PWM)—it’s the key to nailing that rich, dynamic bass tone. I’ll walk you through how I dial in the sound on each synth and perform the bassline, so you can hear the differences and pick your favorite. You'll see that sometimes a simple sound requires some very subtle knob turns especially with the envelope, generators, filter, modulation, and resonance

But here’s the real takeaway—it’s not about which synth was used on the record, but about understanding how to craft the sound on any synth you have. Once you know the building blocks, you can shape it your way. Plus, the way you play the notes is just as important as the sound itself!

So, which synth gets the vibe just right? Watch and decide for yourself!"

Cosmic Synth Slide | “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” by Roy Ayers

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"Dive deep into the art of synthesis with Anthony Marinelli as he unpacks the sliding melody synth sound from Roy Ayers’ classic “Everybody Loves the Sunshine.” In this video, Anthony meticulously breaks down this unforgettable sound, revealing unique oscillator tunings and the subtle performance techniques—like dynamic portamento speed changes—that bring this nuanced melody to life.

He also explores how thoughtful arrangement allows synthesizer tones to create space and counterpoint, perfectly complementing the song’s rhythm section. Whether you’re a synth enthusiast or a music producer looking to enhance your sonic palette, this breakdown offers rare insights into the creative process behind one of the most captivating synth sounds in modern music. Subscribe for more videos about the techniques and artistry of synthesis!

For an even deeper exploration into synthesis check out Anthony's course "Think Like a Synth." Visit anthonymarinellimusic.com to learn his proven method and start creating legendary sounds for your music!"

The SCREAMING Filter: How Herman Gillis Created the Sherman Filterbank

video upload by Anthony Marinelli Music

"Meet Herman Gillis, the inventor of the Sherman Filterbank, one of the most aggressive and unique filters in electronic music history! In this exclusive interview, Herman reveals how he employed Switched-Capacitor Filter (SCF) technology to create an analog powerhouse that shaped the sound of artists like The Orb, David Bowie, Human League, Ziggy Marley, and more...

What makes the Sherman Filterbank so special? Herman takes us through the evolution of his designs, from his teenage years building guitar pedals and drum machines to his legendary Filterbank 1, Quad Modular Filter, Filterbank Compact, and the latest 500 series module, the Rodec/Sherman Minirestyler.

I’ll be performing on a Minimoog and laying down grooves with a TR-909 drum machine throughout the video—bringing Herman’s filter madness to life with some face-melting musical examples! You won’t just hear us talk about this screaming filter—you’ll experience it in all its glorious, growling, and gut-punching sound!

If you’re into synths, sound design, and legendary instruments, this deep dive into one of the most extreme filters ever built is a must-watch!"

Alan R. Pearlman Foundation Panel Discussion and Booth Events Coming to NAMM 2025

via The Alan R Pearlman Foundation

ALAN R. PEARLMAN FOUNDATION TEC TRACKS PANEL DISCUSSION AND BOOTH EVENTS AT THE 2025 WINTER NAMM SHOW

The Foundation promises an exciting event schedule in advance of Alan R. Pearlman’s centennial.

KINGSTON, NY, JANUARY 17, 2025– The Alan R. Pearlman Foundation has announced a series of exciting events during the 2025 Winter NAMM show, featuring a TEC Tracks session in conjunction with Korg, USA, featuring a distinguished panel of filmmakers, sound designers and composers discussing ARP's profound influence on movies, games and television. The session; Behind the Screen: ARP Synthesizers Impact on Sound Design in Film, TV, Gaming and More will take place on Thursday, January 23rd from 4PM to 5PM in Ballroom B at the Hilton Anaheim. Moderated by DJ Cherish the Luv, panelists include: Anthony Marinelli, Mark Isham, and Michael Stein.

In addition, the Foundation will be exhibiting at booth #10700, where we will have vintage instruments to play, host famed synthesist and composer Anthony Marinelli as well as other luminaries, and have short demos including a primer on integrating vintage (and modern) ARP synths into Eurorack modular systems.

ARP synthesizers have been woven into our storytelling tapestry for over half a century,” said Dina Pearlman-Ifil, ARP Foundation founder and daughter of Alan R. Pearlman. "We’re excited to inspire at NAMM with insights into my father’s genius from some very influential artists, and to go ‘behind the screens’ with the influential creators who put the endless potential of ARP synths into their work.”

The Foundation continues its work with contributors, collaborators, vendors, manufacturers, venues, and owners of rare original ARP synthesizers. Among their goals is the creation of installations where students can utilize ARP synthesizers as part of their music curriculum, and to explore the endless possibilities of electronic music.

For more information about the Alan R Pearlman Foundation, please visit alanrpearlmanfoundation.org.

And a message on the Los Angeles Wildfires:

"RESPONSE TO THE LOS ANGELES FIRES
The Alan R Pearlman Foundation acknowledges the horrors of the Los Angeles fires and would like to share a few words about this, and about our presence at the NAMM show.

We have been keeping close watch and staying in touch with our numerous friends, colleagues and family in Los Angeles. While it appears that Anaheim, the home of the NAMM Show, is safe from imminent danger, the impact that this tragedy inevitably has had, and will have, on our community of musicians, producers, film and recording professionals and friends cannot be downplayed.

Because Anaheim has been deemed as safe, we will be displaying at the NAMM Show in booth 10700. We hope to see many of you there and to learn more of how you’ve weathered these unprecedented circumstances, whether directly or through contact with those you know who have been impacted.

We salute the NAMM organization for their pledge of $50,000 to donate to the 2025 LA Wildfires Relieve Fund, and their encouragement of more contributions. (Read NAMM's President & CEO John Mlynczak statement.) We encourage everyone that is either going to NAMM or watching from afar to join us in supporting our music family who are being affected by these horrific events.

For those of our music family who are in need of gear from losses from the fires, please reach out to us and we will try to connect you with members of the industry who are helping musicians replenish their studios."

Alan R Pearlman Foundation: The Year in Review 2024

video upload by Alan R. Pearlman Foundation

https://alanrpearlmanfoundation.org/

"What a fantastic year! From our ARP 2500 wing cabinet coming to Boston, to Stevie Wonder, Pete Townshend, Patrick Moraz, Jon Batiste, Greg Phillinganes and Anthony Marinelli playing and displaying ARPs for the world to see. We have summarized all of it in this video... music by the immensely talented Chicago musician Rick Reger, used with his permission.

Thank you to all of our supporters, partners, volunteers, sponsors, friends and donors. We are literally nothing without you and. your ARP Love. A Very Happy New Year!

About Rick Reger:
arpchive interview: • ARPCHIVES Live! Episode 24 with Rick ... [posted here]
websites : https://modular-station.com/modulisme... and https://regermusic.com/
instagram: / rick.reger.75
bandcamp: https://modulisme.bandcamp.com/album/..."