Tom Oberheim on GForce OB-E

video upload by GForce Software

Also see Bright Sparks - Tom Oberheim

"'I was pretty amazed by OB-E, it was pretty damn close right out of the shoot. It was “wow!'. I like listening to that." Tom Oberheim.

In 2021, during the release of OB-E®, we were contacted by Marcus Ryle on behalf of Tom Oberheim. Marcus is a co-founder of Line 6® but also a former Oberheim Developer who contributed to the OB-Xa, DSX, DMX, OB-8, Xpander and Matrix 12. Via Marcus, OB-E had found its way to the ears of Tom Oberheim and they were both impressed enough to suggest a collaboration to refine the instrument and release an update carrying their full endorsement.

Working under the guidance of Tom and Marcus, we further enhanced OB-E, Refining the Detune feature and adding a new Vintage knob, which dials in more realistic musical inaccuracies in line with the original instrument for a truly authentic 8-Voice experience.

The 8-Voice is not simply eight identical SEMs put together. The interaction of those 8 independent, and slightly different Synthesizer Expander Modules, plays a major role in making the 8-Voice’s sound special and the injection of these authentic inaccuracies into each of the eight SEMs in OB-E takes it to another level.

But don't listen to us - listen to two of our heroes, and bonafide industry legends, talk about their opinion of OB-E.

Find Out More: https://gforcesoftware.com/products/ob-e

Legal Notice.
All trademarks, service marks and company names are the property of their respective owners. Oberheim and SEM are registered trademarks of Tom Oberheim."

OB-E Version 2 Enhancements

video upload by GForce Software

"The latest version of OB-E is the first ever software instrument to be endorsed by synthesizer pioneer, Tom Oberheim. It is also PC compatible and both Mac & PC versions contain several enhancements developed in collaboration with Tom that make it even closer to the original. As if that's not cool enough, we've also added several new features including a comprehensive Reverb Effect and a Drum Mode. This video focusses on what's new.

00:08 - Introduction.
00:27 - Interface Resizing.
00:43 - Vintage Knob & Detune Knob.
02:11 - A=440 Tone.
02:26 - Shift = Fine Adjustment.
02:40 - Reverb Effect & Controls
05:46 - Sequencer Zoom & Scale Modes CC control
06:45 - Drum Mode.


Oberheim is a registered trademark of Tom Oberheim"

GForce Oberheim OB-E v2 on a Surface Pro 8

video upload by Molten Music Technology

"Here are some thoughts and sounds on the OB-E v2 running on a Microsoft Surface Pro 8 where it has multi-touch support." Additional GForce OB-E posts

GForce Software OB-E Tutorials

Playlist:

OB-E Quick Start Tutorial
OB-E Interface Sizes Tutorial
OB-E Edit Buttons Tutorial
OB-E Global Controls Tutorial
OB-E Keyboard Modes Tutorial
OB-E SEM Controls Tutorial
OB-E Sequencer Tutorial
OB-E Delay Tutorial
OB-E MIDI CC Tutorial
Dubby OB-E - A demo of GForce's OB-E.
OB-E MPE SET-UP
OB-E VCO3 LFO Modulation Tutorial
OB-E LFO MOD - AUDIO RATE

GForce Introduces the OB-E - Virtual Oberheim 8-Voice Software Synthesizer

Be sure to see this previous demo.

OB-E Tutorials


GForce Software - OB-E - Oberheim 8 Voice - One Synth Track.

video by GEOSynths

"OB-E is our take on the legendary 8-Voice. More than just an emulation, OB-E offers a unique musical experience. Sounding HUGE, it takes the iconic Synthesiser Expander Module based 8-Voice (a.k.a the EVS) into new sonic territory via a raft of enhancements and additions.

The concept of the 8-Voice is actually very simple; based around a single Module containing two VCOs with Pulse and Sawtooth waveforms, two ADS Envelope Generators, one LFO, and a magical Multi-Mode Filter. In isolation eac Module is monophonic, but in the 8-Voice, because there are eight Modules triggered by a polyphonic keyboard, you have a superb eight note polyphonic synthesizer.

While simple at heart, OB-E is, to our knowledge, the first virtual instrument with complete per-voice control. This unique Octaphonic architecture offers fresh and exciting creative possibilities to music producers, composers and sound designers for the first time in the digital realm.

We’ve painstakingly emulated every section of the synth to create an authentic sounding instrument with the convenience of software control over those eight modules. Mono, Poly, Unison, Split, it’s all yours now. Add to this a new third oscillator that doubles as LFO, a new LFO per voice, and a stack of additional performance controls via velocity, polyphonic aftertouch and MPE control and you’ll begin to understand the depth of musical possibilities OB-E provides.

Programming a polyphonic Patch on an original 8-Voice was a daunting mission, OB-E makes it a cinch. Unison Chords a forté. To overcome the arduous task of editing 8 individual modules, OB-E provides a number of clearly-thought out editing controls such as Zoom which zooms on a specific module and its rear panel, Group (shown above) which enables a Synthesizer Expander Module parameter change to be applied to all Modules at once, and Offset modes as well as a resizable user interface. While it possible to save OB-E preset, it is also possible to save and reload each single Module as a preset, copy-paste them in between each Module or lock a Module to prevent changes from being applied to it (even when loading a new patch)

And that’s not all! With the original MS-1 sequencer as a starting reference point, we’ve added an extremely comprehensive and creative 8-step Sequencer (shown on the right above) providing a flexibility and fun-factor unavailable via the original hardware. In keyboard Split mode with the Sequencer routed to Module 8, OB-E provides the ability to create a complete three part soundscape from a single Patch. An all-new routable Stereo Delay provides sonically complimentary effects.

Finally, we’ve complemented our instrument with 600+ factory patches designed by Dave Spiers and a roster of brilliant sound designers. Even better, each patch has been tagged, categorised and is quickly accessible from OB-E’s librarian (arrow navigation friendly)."

You can find additional details at https://www.gforcesoftware.com/products/OB-E

GForce Software Releases OBERHEIM OB-E 2.5 & SEM 1.5 Updates

via @tom_oberheim

"New OB-E / SEM v2.5 update now available from GForce Software! The update is free and will be available immediately to registered Oberheim OB-E (respectively SEM) customers. More info at https://gforcesoftware.com/products"

via GForce Software:

OB-E 2.5 adds the GForce Preset Browser & exponential filter tracking option

SEM 1.5 adds the GForce Preset Browser

GForce OB-E quick demo

video by boxoftextures

"Quick demo of the OB-E synth software from GForce, makers of the fine M-Tron software among other things. The patch is my own, freshly made. Had no idea this was coming out, and when I saw it this morning was more or less an instabuy. When I was a lad in high school I'd go to Sam Ash on 48th Street in New York City on my way home from high school in the '70s and play all the synths until they'd kick me out, often when it got busy once folks got off work but more often probably because I'd accidentally made some horrid and/or way too loud sound. I played Minimoogs, ARPs, and the Oberheims, and eventually saved up enough to get my first Minimoog. But there was no way I was ever going to be able to get one of those Oberheim Four- or eight-voices as they cost a small fortune at the time. And kind of still do, I suppose. But this software emulation comes darn close. It has the flavor of the eight-voice, and it sounds fantastic. It's also modern, meaning because it's software there are handy shortcuts to make patch programming a bit easier than on the original hardware version. Had great fun making this first patch, and can see getting lost in it for the next week or two. Highly recommended.

You can find the GForce OB-E at https://www.gforcesoftware.com/produc...

Twitter: @selgart
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/boxoftextures"

See the announcement post for additional demos and details.

GForce Software OB-E vs. Oberheim SEM Pro - Nachtblau

video upload by Marius Leicht

"The sound is alternating between the OB-E and the SEM-Pro. In the bottom left corner of the video the letters A and B are displaying the audio of which corresponding synth you hear, regardless of which one may be pictured in the video at a given moment. Can you guess it right?

The Oberheim Four Voice Synthesizer always fascinated me - both for its heart-melting sound and for its unusual (for todays standards) concept of having a completely distinct monophonic synthesizer module for each voice.

From time to time I take the effort to build some Four Voice type pad sounds by multitracking my Tom Oberheim SEM Pro, which is a reissue of one of those monophonic synthesizer modules the Four Voice is built of.

Of course, I was excited when I heard about the GForce Software OB-E and as soon as I got my hands on it, I was inspired to compose some music with it, resulting in this piece called "Nachtblau". To make this comparison video, I took the MIDI track of the piece, split all the notes into 8 Channels (Yes, the OB-E is not only emulating the already unobtainable Four Voice, but the even more rare and expensive 8 Voice, consisting of 8 individual SEMs) and run them through my SEM Pro one after another. Due to the nature of the unconventional architecture and my multitrack trickery, it was impossible to be reasonably precise about the matching of the sounds and realtime adjustments. So don't take this as a scientific test on the question if the OB-E can match the sound of the 8-Voice I don't even have at hand..."

GForce Software OB-E Sale - Free 2.1 Update & Synth_nyc Patches

GForce Software's OB-E is currently on sale. They also released a 2.1 update - details below. Synth_nyc patches [demos previously posted here] are also available for free for registered users.

Additional details via GForce Software:

"An updated Oberheim OB-E is released today. This new version 2.1, is free to registered users and sees the return of the MIDI Program Change folder* along with a new FX Lock that 'locks' the current FX settings while patches are changed. Additionally, a number of small bugs have been addressed.

The update is free and available via your account on our website now.

Complimenting the update is a set of 50 new patches from the super talented Synth_nyc. The set contains a range of great go-to pads, leads and bases along with a selection of unique rhythmic pads and risers.

The Synth_nyc patches are FREE to registered users and can be downloaded from the Oberheim OB-E page in your user account on our website.

*MIDI Program change is unavailable in VST3."

GForce Software OB-E Demo - OBERHEIM 8 Voice Emulation

video by Oblivion Corner

"A song made entirely with GForce Software OB-E VST synthesizer (apart from drums). This is the synth music-only version (no talking) of a video I made about supermarkets. [below]

The OB-E is an emulation of the Oberheim Eight Voice (EVS) vintage analog synthesizer which was released in the late 70s.

Presenting and framed artwork by Isabel
Stock footage from Storyblocks
Typewriter footage made with a Smith Corona personal word processor
3D modelling made on Caligari trueSpace 5


If you'd like to support this channel with a one-off purchase, please check out our affordably priced music: https://synthandsundry.bandcamp.com"

SUPERMARKETS - A Guide

video by Oblivion Corner

"This Reality Window-Watcher's Guide provides incisive information about Supermarkets, helpfully divided into byte-sized chapters for your own convenience. We answer all the key questions on the topic at your leisure.

The music was composed using GForce Software OB-E, a virtual emulation of the Oberheim 8-Voice polyphonic synthesizer.

Credits:
Presented by Isabel
Text written by Reality Guides
Continuity announcement by Alix Austin
Production by Oblivion Corner
Music by Alpicat for Oblivion Corner
Framed artwork by Isabel
Stock footage from Storyblocks

Isabel's paintings can be found here: http://isabelpirillo.com/​

Furthermore, the 3D modelling and animation was executed on Caligary trueSpace 5.
The typewriter used was a Smith Corona Personal Word Processor.
The computer is a BBC Micro Model B. Most of the keyboard has stopped responding recently, I must get it repaired."

Can you get OB-X tones from the GForce OB-E plug-in?

video upload by Polydata

OB-X card at :45.

"Showing just how dang identical the GForce OB-E plug-in can sound to a real Oberheim OB-X.

This video is for educational purposes.

@GForceSoftware

00:00 Intro
03:48 Brass Ensemble
03:58 Brass in Fifths
04:11 Farr's Funk
04:21 Trumpet"

GForce Software OB-E | Overview and Demonstration

video by Alex Ball

"An overview of the new synthesizer OB-E from GForce Software.

Based on the God-tier Oberheim Eight Voice, OB-E is a new plugin for Mac that brings all the features of the original with a raft of additions that would make original Eight Voice owners jealous. Well, relatively jealous, they own an Eight Voice after all.

A note - I was using a Beta version of the software in October of last year so the final release version may have some changes and improvements.

0:00​ Intro Track
0:22​ This is OB-E
1:05​ Demo 1: Bread & Butter
2:22​ Demo 1: Explanation
3:33​ Demo 2: Return to SEM-der
4:43​ Demo 2: Explanation
6:02​ Demo 3: Off to Uni Son
6:40​ Demo 3: Explanation
7:08​ Demo 4: Expander & Chief
8:02​ Demo 4: Explanation
8:46​ Summary"

GForce Software Introduces the Oberheim OB-EZ Mini

video upload by GForce Software

GForce Oberheim OB-EZ Mini Demos
video upload by GForce Software

"Oberheim OB-EZ is not just a lite version of our multi-award winning OB-E, it is OB-E under the hood. With an easy-to-understand control set and 260 carefully curated presets to suit it, OB-EZ brings the majesty of the Oberheim 8-Voice sound to your productions instantly.

Find out more: www.gforcesoftware.com/products/ob-ez

Music and Video by Alexander Ewald"

K-Board Pro 4 x GForce OB-E V2 Virtual Analog Synthesizer

video upload by Keith McMillen Instruments

"Kevin Mah demos the K-Board Pro 4 MPE keyboard controller with the GForce OB-E V2 Virtual Analog Synthesizer in Ableton Live.

========

Video by Kevin Mah (SolidTakes)
Ableton Certified Instructor from Vancouver BC
More info here: https://www.ableton.com/en/certified-..."

50 GForce Software OB-E v2 Custom Patches by synth_nyc

"(no factory effects; but ITB effects, everything 24bit, 96kHz)

As a point of reference, I’ve owned couple of OBs: a Matrix-6R, Xpander and OB-X 8 voices with Encore MIDI…"

Update: "‘the patches will be given away soon to all registered OB-E v2 licensees by GForce Software Ltd’"

Update2: details posted here

Octaphonic synth? - GForce OB-E recreates the classic #Oberheim​ #SEM8​

video by Nu-Trix The Synth Guy

"@GForce Software has come up with a great 'creamy' sounding synth recreating the very special #octaphonic​ SEM-8 from Oberheim. It's can be polyphonic and so much more!.

Check the video to hear how an octaphonic synth is different from a polyphonic synth.

00:00​ intro
00:53​ Octaphonic VS polyphonic
02:49​ SEM 8 presentation
03:36​ OB-E Zoom on 1 SEM
07:42​ Keyboard section
11:19​ Vibrato
12:38​ Grouping SEMs
13:05​ Stereo Delay
14:12​ Preset sound demo Part 1
16:25​ MIDI Sequencer
18:50​ Preset sound demo Part 2
25:31​ Conclusion"

See the GForce label below for more.

GForce Software Releases New Oberheim SEM Software Synthesizer

video uploads by GForce Software

Playlist:
1.

A short video on the Oberheim SEM history, illustrating how there is beauty in simplicity and limitations, before delving into a brief overview of the GForce/Oberheim SEM collaboration.

2. GForce Oberheim SEM demo - SEM Mountains - Music by Graeme Rawson
3. GForce Oberheim SEM demo - SEM City - Music by Graeme Rawson
4. GForce Oberheim SEM Tutorial

0:00 Getting Started
1:25 VCO 1 & 2
4:12 Filter
7:04 Modulation: Envelopes
9:33 Modulation: LFO 1
12:34 Modulation: Velocity
13:40 Modulation: Aftertouch
15:46 VCO 3: As Oscillator
17:17 VCO 3: For Modulation
21:55 Effects: Delay
24:07 Effects: Reverb
25:50 Arpeggiator
30:12 Sequencer
33:34 Keyboard Controls
34:24 Portamento
35:28 Vibrato
36:06 Tuning Controls
36:36 Volume
36:57 Undo/Redo
37:25 CC Mapping

"Oberheim" and "SEM" are registered trademarks of Tom Oberheim.

Oberheim SEM - GForce Software - Presentation

video upload by sonicstate

#soniclab #gforcesofware #oberheimsem

00:00 Intro and chat to Tom Wolfe
19:02 Nick takes a look at a few patches

Exclusive extra content (8 SEM patches) on Patreon
https://patreon.com/sonicstate"

"Today GForce Software release the Oberheim SEM in collaboration with Tom - who's 86th birthday it is today! We spoke with sound designer Tom Wolfe and Nick takes a look at some patches for this single voice SEM software instrument. Featuring the same attention to detail as the OB-E (8 Voice release) plus a few differences. Available now priced at 29.99 +VAT (UK) Introductory offer."

http://gforcesoftware.com

See the Bright Sparks interview with Tom Oberheim here.

How close does the GForce SEM sound to a real OB-X?

video upload by Polydata

"Comparing a 1-voice OB-X from Rosen Sound to the GForce / Oberheim SEM plug-in. Both are really awesome!

OB-E vs OB-X video: [posted here]

• Can you get OB-X ...

00:00 Intro
01:30 Comparison"

GForce / Oberheim OB-E - Sound Bank '79

video upload by Polydata

"Drawing from the earliest days of polyphonic synthesizers, Sound Bank ‘79 for the GForce / Oberheim OB-E finds its inspiration in synthesizer music found in documentaries and library music from the late 70’s and early 80’s.

A bank comprised of 40 patches for instant inspiration. The goal was to highlight the raw analog tone and organic behavior of this instrument, primarily working within the constraints of the original Oberheim 8-Voice. This plug-in sounds fantastic. If you looking for the SEM sound, especially the polyphonic SEM sound, this is the only game in town without spending five figures.

Link:
polydata.bigcartel.com

After payment, you will receive the file in your email within 24 hours. Effects have also been programed for each patch, though they are saved in the "off" state. Recorded with no external processing - what you hear is all from the plug-in.

POLYDATA music
polydata.bandcamp.com

CLICK FOR MORE »

OB-E Oberheim 8 Voice - GForce Software Overview

video upload by sonicstate

"Our friends over at GForce Software sure take their time over their instruments, so its surprising that the rate of release this year has been positively light-speed compared to previous years. Just a couple of weeks back the OB-E V2 was released, which adds PC support and is M1 silicon native, as well as new features including Drum Mode, Vintage control and other tweaks."

OB-E MPE SET-UP

video by GForce Software

"A tutorial video showing how to set-up MPE in ROLI Connect and OB-E version 1.0.1.

If you don't seem to have full slide or Y-Axis MPE functionality please update to version 1.0.1."

GForce Software Minimonsta 2 - Patch Flip - Sonic LAB

video upload by sonicstate

"GForce Software's latest instrument update is for the Minimonsta making it now at version 2. It follows the new features first seen in the OB-E V2 and then the Oddity V3 - namely an improved audio engine, re-sizable UI, four macro controls, new preset browser and a vintage control for dialling in more wonkiness.

The Minimonsta2 is a Minimoog Model D at it's heart with the familiar panel but obviously also is polyphonic. GForce also include the XLFO and XADSR - two fully assignable modulation sources, though with as many instances as you’ll likely to need that can be mapped to most variable parameters on a one to one basis.

You also get an additional 300 presets.

At present the Minimonsta2 is available at a reduced price of £49 (+VAT) from £99 - which makes if a pretty affordable deal, given that it's a fairly simple to navigate interface and is capable of a wide variety of sounds - from monster basses to lovely atmospheric pads."