"As the founding member of INHALT and Infinite Power Studios, Matia Simovich’s productions and sound design have questioned the line between forward-thinking, avant pop and the depths of the underground. Never one to shy from the dark or the unorthodox, his production style is equally inclusive: hardware-centric and exudes the decadence and lushness of the past while integrating the precision and speed of today’s studio process.
This synth tips episode features Matia building a patch with PWM that changes rate as you play up and down the Prophet-10.
"This is the first part of an upcoming series of videos showing some of the instruments used by group INHALT. This is our Roland Jupiter 8 14 bit Revision from 1983.
This is an audio demo of a custom sound bank of 64 patches (32 single and 32 double) for the Oberheim OB-X8 Synthesizer programmed by professional sound designer Matia Simovich / INHALT (Sequential, Elektron, Roland, Novation, Akai Pro ...).
Matia was one of the sound designers on the shipping factory banks for the Oberheim OB-X8 (patch 1 "It's an Oberheim" and many others in the X8 factory bank) and this library continues in that well established INHALT sound.
Each patch is presented in two formats: double and single. The main emphasis of this bank is the double patch version which is a true stereo version (4 voices on the Left, 4 voices on the Right per key) which features a super wide, naturally chorused massive stereo field version of the single patch. Should you not want the stereo version, each patch also has a corresponding single patch version (full 8 voices).
The sysex file is split into two separate files (one for the double bank and one for the single bank) and BOTH must be loaded for this library to work. Single patches write into the OB-Sx bank and Double patches write into the entirety of the Double Bank.
"This is a recording of sounds from an upcoming 128 patch INHALT Artist Bank for the Hydrasynth that was commissioned by ASM. It will be directly available from http://ashunsoundmachines.com All sounds were recorded directly from the Hydrasynth into Pro Tools HD with no further processing. All FX were done on the Hydrasynth itself. For other full INHALT Artist Banks, please visit:
"Ever since working on the factory bank patches for the Pioneer AS-1, we always felt that the sound hit close to home. And that home, for INHALT, is the Sequential Circuits Pro One. Now, in this video we put both units head to head to hear which one can out do the body music bass line. Both synths were recorded straight to Pro Tools HD via a Focusrite 2802 (Audient Mic Pres) and absolutely no fx or post processing was applied. What you are hearing is the dry signal playing back to 2 discrete channels on the desk. When the cut light is lit, that channel is muted. The similarities are so remarkable between the two synths, that often times we weren't sure which one we were hearing before we put the board tape on the desk. The characteristic is so strong between these two bass monsters that we are now developing an INHALT Pro One Sound Bank for the Toraiz AS-1 which will be available for download through our Big Cartel Shop. We hope you enjoy this comparison and find it useful. The AS-1 is a monster!!"
"OB-X8 sound demo by INHALT. Programmed, played and recorded by Matia Simovich / INHALT at Infinite Power Studios. The OB-X8 was recorded straight into Pro Tools HD and no post processing or FX were added. What you're hearing is the raw synth.
"We've just released our latest round of Peak Patches featuring the founding member of the established and energetic electronic music group INHALT -
@matiasimovich
! 🎛🎚🎹 Read more and grab your latest pack for free via Components >>> https://bit.ly/2ZbE33y"
"Matia Simovich is a Los Angeles based musician, producer, and sound designer whose work is charactered by an elaborate use of analogue synthesizers and drum machines coupled with a full studio production style, often employing large format mixing desks, hardware FX processing, and a hybrid, tape + digital based recording process.
Matia has a keen interest in enabling underground aesthetics with a through and large studio production as well as championing independent music instrument manufacturers via his various sound design endeavors - Dave Smith Instruments, Oberheim/Sequential, Elektron Music Machines. You will find just that in this pack of 50 presets for Peak and Summit.
He has also collaborated with Peter Baumann (Tangerine Dream), co-produced and co-written on "Machines of Desire", produced the debut of SRSQ for Dais Records, and is a full-time, founding member of the electronic music group INHALT.
"Instant download of these patches here: https://inhalt.bigcartel.com/product/...
2023 marks the 10 year anniversary of my sound design employment with Sequential. To commemorate this occasion I created a very special library for my favorite analog synth-the Prophet 5. Of all the Sequential synthesizers I've worked on, I feel like the factory patches I made for the Rev4 are most exhibitive of the INHALT sound (particularly patch 1 of the factory bank).
Following in the footsteps of the factory patches I made that ship with the Rev4, I decided to develop this continuation add-on library: "Factory Continuum". What's presented is a full group of 40 patches in the definitive INHALT style of usability and elegance. Basses that sit seamlessly against a kick drum, deep pads and strings, a plethora of classic and cinematic suspense patches and even some drums for good measure. They all have that special sound that only the Prophet 5 (and 10) is capable of delivering and many take advantage of the added velocity and aftertouch controls for ultimate playability.
This patch library overwrites group 5 of the preset banks so if you have patches saved there, make sure to back them up before sending this library to your synth. All of the patches are compatible with both the Prophet 5 and 10 Rev4. This is an instant download."
"If you like what you hear and would like to hear more please like our page on Facebook at:
https://www.facebook.com/INHALT.US
The Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 08 has been a mainstay in both our live and studio rig for many years now. It is one of the very few truly analog, modern, polyphonic synths and its tone, compact size, and instant playability contribute to the reason why we've used it time and time again.
However, we've always been puzzled why in certain parts of the web, the 08 catches a bad rap. It is neither thin, nor harsh, unless of course you want it to be. It has a wonderful brassy tone characteristic that can instantly remind of the Oberheim OB8, but with the dynamics, tightness, and bravado innate to the best Sequential Circuits offered in their heyday.
These are all our custom INHALT patches we've programmed on the Prophet and recorded straight into Pro Tools HD in stereo. You'll notice on some sections that there is strong modulation on the panning and that comes courtesy of the "Pan Spread" parameter on the 08. Absolutely no external effects processors or MIDI was used. It's just what you can do on board the synth with either straight playing or employing the step sequencer and arpeggiator built into the Prophet! For sound design enquiries/requests please email: contact@inhalt.us"
"If you like what you hear and would like to hear more please like our page on Facebook at:
https://www.facebook.com/INHALT.US
The E-MU Emulator III Sampler has to be our top pick for the warmest, most synth-like vintage sampler. It's big, it sounds like a dream, and is stuffed with 16 voices of pure analog filter goodness. INHALT approves.
These are all custom patches that we constructed from sampling direct into the EIII. None are from the factory bank. Most make heavy use of the filtering and other "synth" parameters on the EIII. This was all played by hand and recorded in Pro Tools HD via a Neve Portico preamp."
"For the first time in over 40 years, a legendary analog synth sound returns.
The OB-X8 combines the three different voice architectures of the classic OB-X, OB-Xa, and OB-8 synths into a single incredible instrument. The individual filter types and other unique characteristics of each model have been faithfully reproduced, along with an uncompromising 100% analog signal path, giving you the most authentic and satisfying OB experience possible.
Oberheim is BACK!"
Oberheim OB-X8 INHALT Sound Design Demo No Talking
"My history with Oberheim runs deep. Probably the most important synthesizer for me was the Oberheim OB-8. I connected deeply with its melancholic and midnight music sounding tone which matched very well what I was doing with INHALT at the time. But never to be beguiled by softer emotions, the flick of the unison switch instantly took the OB-8 into an aggressive "body" music. It was the perfect writing tool due to the even tone across all octaves and the fact that its intrinsic musicality was unavoidable. Around the time I got the OB-8 I also got a vintage 2 Voice (thanks for restoring that one Chok) and both were heavily used on many records that I made. Those were my MVP's for many years.
When I received the call from my colleagues at Sequential that not only was a new Oberheim in the works, but that it was to be THE Oberheim, I couldn't wait for the beta testing and sound design to start. And when the prepro unit arrived, I knew that the newly reborn and official Oberheim company, in tandem with the team at Sequential, created something incredible. Something so comprehensive, deep, detailed, featured and yet immediate and simple, with no possibility of making a bad sound. Every sound I made sounded exactly as it should, and they ALL embodied that unmistakable Oberheim sound. That magic that is often imitated but never accomplished. Until now.
I'm not going to get into specs, those have been already covered everywhere, but I will say this: as someone that has used all of the "big" Oberheims, and that has made many records in commercial studios with the OB-8 and a vintage 2 Voice, I can definitively say that this Oberheim does all of those sounds and more. Its charisma changes from filter to filter and it seamlessly traverses from X, Xa to 8 with the Page 2 voice offset and vintage knob, but it ALWAYS sounds like the genuine Oberheim that it is. This incredible team, that I've had the pleasure of working with, has created something that might possibly be the ultimate polyphonic analog synthesizer. And I can't wait to use it on the many upcoming projects at Infinite Power Studios.
This is a recording I made of many of the patches I created for Oberheim and the shipping factory library that will come with the synth.
Please note, the OB-X8 in the video is a prototype unit and I recorded this with a beta firmware. As such, while the synth was largely done there were some changes both to the panel and to the OS that are in the final shipping version (obviously). The OB-X8 was recorded straight into Pro Tools HD and no post processing or fx were added. What you're hearing is the raw synth."
The Sound of the Oberheim OB-X8 - Julian "J3PO" Pollack [custom knobs on this one]
"Oberheim has released a new synthesizer--the first in many decades--the OB-X8. It is a faithful recreation of all three of the classic OB-series synthesizers in one: the OB-X, the OB-Xa, and OB-8. It is an incredible synth.
In this video, you will hear a bunch of presets I created for the OB-X8. Some of my sounds will be included factory with the OB-X8 while most of these presets will appear in a presets pack I will release soon (check www.j3po.net for the release of my official sound bank). This particular unit is an early prototype with non-production knobs. The final production units will look slightly different.
It is important to note that the OB-X8, like the original OB's from back in the day, does NOT contain any onboard effects. In this video, I used some external reverbs and delays to give certain presets the ambience and resonance they deserve. Light compression and limiting was applied for the purpose of uploading to YouTube and balancing the sounds."
"I'm always reluctant to post something in prototype form. When I had this unit it was sonically pretty close. Obvious at a glance are the knobs and 3D printed bender box levers. The synth itself sounds great and such a dream to play with a nice modern key bed."
And the press release:
Oberheim Returns to Operations and Releases Its First New Synth in 35 Years
San Francisco, CA – May 9, 2022 – In a momentous industry development, Oberheim Electronics, one of the most venerated names in synthesizer design, has announced its return to operation to meet the rising global demand for its instruments.
Today, the company is launching its first new product, the OB-X8: an eight-voice polyphonic analog synth that combines all of the key features of the legendary OB-X, OB-Xa, and OB-8 products from the 1980s – including all the original presets that gave them their signature sounds.
“I wanted to come back strong with a new design that brings together the sounds of the greatest instruments from across the OB range, together with the distinctive sound and styling of those synths,” said Tom Oberheim. “But we took it even further. You can now combine the various OB voice architectures in ways that produce unique and interesting new sounds and capabilities.”
Originally founded by Tom Oberheim in 1969, Oberheim Electronics created ground-breaking products that fueled the electronic music revolution throughout the 1970’s and early 1980’s. After ceasing operations in 1985, these instruments attained near-mythical status, with highly prized vintage models selling for many times their original price on the secondhand market.
Since that time, Tom Oberheim had created a handful of limited-production instruments and co-designs with various partners under other names. But in a recent significant development, he regained control of the Oberheim trademarks and IP, and now, in partnership with Focusrite PLC, has decided to once again introduce new products under the Oberheim brand name for first time in more than 35 years.
“I’ve always had a very optimistic outlook on our industry and the future in general. I felt that one day, when the time was right, Oberheim would return. A big part of this was the fact that so many musicians have contacted me over the years to ask how to get hold of an original Oberheim. So when I finally reacquired the Oberheim name, it was clear that the time was finally here,” said Oberheim.
The catalog of artists associated with the original products is long, and includes innovators like Prince, Van Halen, and Herbie Hancock. For many, it was much more than just an instrument. A handful of A-list artists such as Trent Reznor, creative force behind Nine Inch Nails, and Golden Globe, Academy Award, and Primetime Emmy-winning composer got pre-release previews. “When I was shown the new OB-X8, I was immediately impressed with the forensic level of detail that went into its design and the respect for its lineage,” remarked Trent. I will be making room in my studio for one and I’m excited more people will be able to experience this classic instrument.”
Creating a new company out of thin air was no small feat. “I’m excited to work with my old friend and audio industry innovator Marcus Ryle, along with some other members of the original Oberheim team again,” said Tom. “And thanks to an exclusive partnership with Focusrite group company Sequential LLC, we have the ability to design, manufacture, distribute, and support new instruments on a global scale.”
For Marcus Ryle, one of the inventors behind the ADAT, the QuadraSynth, and Line 6 guitar amps and effects, this represents closure of sorts: “Synths were my first love and the reason I entered this industry. Tom hired me when I was 19, and I feel lucky to have been a part of the Oberheim design team during its glory days. Now, a whole new chapter in the story of analog synthesizer-based music is about to get written.”
Dave Smith, founder of Sequential and himself a legendary figure in synth history, also collaborated with Marcus (an Oberheim team member from the 1980s) and Tom to create the new product. “We’ve already developed other interesting design ideas with Tom for follow-up products that will allow us to take Oberheim into the future as a synth brand,” commented Smith. “It’s a very exciting time to be a musician.”
The OB-X8 eight-voice analog synthesizer will be available at the end of June with a US MAP of $4,995.
About Oberheim
Oberheim is the 21st century return of the legendary company that helped fuel the electronic music revolution. Now,
just as then, Oberheim is guided by the vision of engineer and inventor, Tom Oberheim. Tom’s genius for innovation introduced the world to the first commercially available poly synth and other groundbreaking electronic instruments that literally changed the sound of music. Today, Oberheim reawakens this legacy by bringing the famed Oberheim sound to a new generation of instruments and artists. The company’s passion remains unchanged by time or technology — to once again provide the world with the finest-sounding analog synthesizers ever made. Oberheim brings its products to market with the help of the Focusrite organization and renowned synth maker, Sequential."
OBERHEIM OB-X8 SPECIFICATIONS
• 8-voice, pure-analog polyphony with saw, square/pulse, triangle, and noise • Two discrete SEM/OB-X-lineage VCOs per voice deliver classic punchy Oberheim tone • Discrete SEM-lineage VCFs deliver authentic OB-X-style tone and presence • Genuine Curtis filters add bold OB-Xa/OB-8 character • Meticulously modeled envelope responses match each OB model: OB-X, OB-Xa, and OB-8 • The 61-key FATAR velocity- and touch-sensitive keyboard allows unparalleled expression and responsiveness • Bi-timbral capability allows two presets simultaneously for splits and doubles • 400-plus factory programs, including the full set of factory sounds for the OB-X, OB-SX, OB-Xa, and OB-8 • Integral, fanless, heatsink-free power supply • Real walnut end cheeks • High-resolution OLED display enables patch management and easy access to advanced features • Classic Oberheim Pitch and Mod levers allow expressive note bending, vibrato, and access to arpeggiator functions
ENHANCEMENTS • Additional SEM filter modes add high-pass, band-pass, and notch functions to the classic OB-X filter • Vintage knob allows variable amounts of voice-to-voice variability to emulate the behavior of vintage instruments • Velocity sensitivity adds expressiveness to volume and filter • Channel Aftertouch adds real-time performance-based modulation • Enhanced unison allows variable voice stacking from 1-8 voices • Variable triangle wave cross-modulation • Over 600 user-programmable preset locations • Programmable per-program pan allows wider stereo presence • Variable oscillator and noise levels
INS & OUTS • Stereo and Mono outputs • Volume, Sustain, and Filter inputs • Arpeggiator clock input • MIDI In, Out, Thru • USB • Dimensions: • Weight: 32.5 lbs • Dimensions: 40.5” L x 16.67” W x 5.87” H
A demonstration of some of the 100 patches and sequences we've created for this very special INHALT Artist Sound Bank for the Oberheim OB6 Analog Synth. Absolutely no additional FX were used, what you hear are the raw patches on the OB6. The patch bank is a direct download from our Big Cartel store (link above)."
"I'm very pleased to announce the release of Jupiter Rising, the first INHALT Sample Library exclusively for the Akai MPC and Force range. This library is available directly through Akai Professional:
When I first got the MPC X I was taken aback by the sheer sound quality of the new audio engine. The filters, in particular, sounded warm and very analog like. After putting the machine through several productions, I quickly realized that the X is essentially a modern day Fairlight. It soon became my go to production center piece and my older MPCs (3000 and the ASQ10 sequencer) were quickly sold. Yes, it's that good. After some more time of working with the machine passed, I wanted to develop a comprehensive set of synthesizer oriented patches that could be quickly recalled for fast production access but with no compromise in sound quality. One of the most useful synths in a production context, to my ears and experience, is the Jupiter 8. While not a particularly showy synth, its tone and range of sounds makes it possible to slot into any production. As such, I thought this would be a great candidate for a deep sampling.
This library is the culmination of many months of work doing exactly that. Some patches are multi-sampled classic JP8 patches, and while those sound absolutely exceptional, the real stars are the short cycle samples. I employed the power of the MPC Engine to play back a different short-cycle sample per key press, per zone, randomly. This creates the feeling of playing the real JP8 as every key press is slightly different than the previous. When combined with the vast set of filters, an incredibly convincing analog-like sound is the end result. There are many patches of various combinations of samples included to cover every possible oscillator combination like on the real synth (i.e. 1 vco saw, 2 vco saw+saw, 2 vco saw+square ...) which leads to the most convincing sample based emulation of the classic synth. These raw patches serve as a starting point for your own sound design, however there are also many characteristic INHALT patches that are ready to go for your own music making.
In short, once the library was done, I was absolutely floored by how accurate and convincing this sample library really is at getting the mood, vibe, feel, and exact sound of the JP8. I think you will find the same. I had a really fantastic time working with all at Akai Professional on this and out of the many projects I've taken on, I'm probably the most pleased with how the end result came out on this one. All of the sounds (including drums) that you hear are 100 percent the Jupiter Rising Library recorded directly from the MPC X stereo output."
"Introducing Jupiter Rising, the latest expansion instrument offering from Akai Professional. Jupiter Rising re-creates the legendary sounds of one of the world's most iconic synthesizer. The highly sought after sonic palette is now available for your MPC X, MPC Live, MPC One and Force."
Uploaded on Jan 20, 2016 Dave Smith Instruments - "Tom Oberheim & Dave Smith Introduce the OB-6"
Update: new demo video from INHALT in via Soviet Space Child below! Update2: DSI / Tom Oberheim - OB6 - live looping demonstration by Daniel Davis added below.
Awesome video! You'll find an audio demo at the bottom of this post. So, if you weren't sure NAMM had any big surprises coming, well here you go. A brand new six voice polyphonic Oberheim synth based on the original SEM's discrete VCOs and filters, complete with trademark blue pin strips, and a few extras. This is not a CEM based Oberheim. This is discrete analog with some modern capabilities. Think closer to the original Oberheim FVS and classic OB-X (CEM VCOs & VCFs came with the OB-Xa). A new Tom Oberheim six voice polysynth has arrived!
The following is the official press release:
"Tom Oberheim and Dave Smith Unveil OB-6 Analog Synthesizer
Legendary Poly Synth Creators Team Up on New Instrument with Discrete VCOs and Filters
Anaheim, CA—January 21, 2016—Dave Smith Instruments today announced the OB-6, a new 6-voice synthesizer with an all-analog signal path and discrete VCOs and filters developed in collaboration with Tom Oberheim. Boasting a sound engine inspired by Oberheim’s original SEM (the core of his acclaimed 4-voice and 8-voice synthesizers), the new instrument is designed to provide true, vintage SEM tone with the stability and exibility of modern technology.
Said Smith: 'Tom and I have been friends and friendly competitors since the late 1970’s. Back in the day, people were typically in either the Prophet or the Oberheim camp. Now, with the Prophet-6 out and doing so well, we thought it would be fun to combine our strengths and bring back Tom’s classic polyphonic sound, too — in a modern format.' Added Oberheim: 'A lot of people, myself included, have always felt that the SEMs had a certain uniquely big, organic sound unlike anything else. Working with Dave to make that sound widely available again with some modern touches and full programmability has been real a pleasure.'
The OB-6 features two discrete voltage-controlled oscillators (plus sub-oscillator) per voice, with continuously variable waveshapes (sawtooth and variable-width pulse, with triangle on oscillator 2). There is a classic SEM- inspired state-variable lter (low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and notch) per voice. Voltage-controlled ampli ers complete the all-analog signal path. 'The classic, bold SEM sound is all there,' said Oberheim.
Present also is X-Mod, with lter envelope and oscillator 2 as modulation sources (with bi-polar control). Destinations include oscillator 1 frequency, oscillator 1 shape, oscillator 1 pulse width, lter cutoff, and lter mode. The knob-per-function front panel puts virtually all parameters at a user’s ngertips. Toggling on the Manual switch enables live panel mode, in which the OB-6 switches to the current settings of its knobs and switches.
A dual effects section provides studio-quality reverbs, delays (including standard and BBD), chorus, and faithful recreations of Tom Oberheim’s acclaimed phase shifter and ring modulator. The effects are digital, with 24-bit, 48 kHz resolution, but a true bypass maintains a full analog signal path. Additionally, the OB-6 features a multimode arpeggiator and a polyphonic step sequencer with up to 64 steps (and up to 6 notes per step) plus rests. It allows polyphonic keyboard input and can sync to external MIDI clock.
The full-size, four-octave, semi-weighted keyboard is velocity and aftertouch sensitive. Said Dave Smith, 'As with the Prophet-6, we made size a primary concern on the OB-6. It’s the right mix of power and portability and it ts right in on-stage or in the studio.' Added Oberheim, 'And of course, it’s got that unmistakable SEM sound that’s going to turn a lot of heads. '
The OB-6 is manufactured and sold by Dave Smith Instruments. It will be available in March, with a projected MAP of $2,999."
"As long time users of the Oberheim OB8 and 2 Voice (take a listen to our "Occupations" EP as both are on it all over the place) we were pleasantly surprised when Dave Smith Instruments showed us their new analog workhorse and collaboration with the inimitable Tom Oberheim— the OB6. The allure for the Oberheim polyphonic sound, for us, has always been it's unique melancholic tone colour. No matter what kind of sounds are programmed, Oberheim's tend to have this wonderful midnight music vibe, like driving in a car late at night circa 1983. We're pleased to report that the OB6 captures this sound quality effortlessly and in spades.
Our approach to the design of the factory bank patches we submitted (most of which you hear in the demo) was rather simple: we made the same kinds of sounds we would program on our Oberheims, and barring a couple, largely ones we would find useful in a production context. Though we don't typically record synthesizers with FX printed on the same track, the FX engine is so wonderful sounding on the OB6, and highly controllable, that it made us reconsider. In short, the FX engine is no slouch, and for the many decades spent dismissing the on board FX of most 'modern' synths, this is the first time that we've heard an FX engine exude the same quality as the top end hardware units from Lexicon, Eventide, or AMS that we tend to use in the production process.
Everything you hear on the demo was done entirely on the OB6. Absolutely NO additional FX or sequencers were used. We simply ran the stereo output from the OB6 into a DI and a stereo mic pre amp directly into Pro Tools HD and tracked it in."
DSI / Tom Oberheim - OB6 - live looping demonstration
Published on Jan 21, 2016 Daniel Davis
"DSI / Tom Oberheim - OB6 - live looping demonstration
Live looping demonstration of the new OB6 analog synthesizer. Only used the OB6 and Pigtronix Infinity looper."
I own an OB-Xa and the two videos above nail the sound and then some.
Update2:
NAMM2016 Introducing the New Dave Smith OB 6 Desktop Synth
Published on Jan 21, 2016 Analogue Zone Showroom / Synths and Studio
"Introducing the New Dave Smith OB 6 Desktop Synth
@dsiSequential
"A resident of the San Francisco electronic and experimental music circuit for nearly two decades, Matia Simovich’s productions and sound design have questioned the line between forward-thinking, avant pop and the depths of the underground. He honed his craft at the now-infamous Asphodel Studios/Recombinant Media Labs where, as an in-house producer, engineer, and sound designer, he collaborated with the likes of M.I.A., Keith Hillebrandt (Nine Inch Nails), and many others responsible for pushing the boundaries of the pop context. Never one to shy from the dark or the unorthodox, his production style is equally inclusive: hardware-centric and exudes the decadence and lushness of the past while integrating the precision and speed of today’s studio process. As the founding and principle member of INHALT, German for “content,” he defined this production style via several records put out by cult power house Dark Entries Records as well as Cleopatra Records. Most recently, he has collaborated with Peter Baumann (Tangerine Dream) on the Machines of Desire LP and has started a series of Artist Patch Bank libraries for various synthesizers."
Custom sound bank of 64 patches for the Moog Subsequent 25 analog synthesizer programmed by professional sound designer Matia Simovich / INHALT (Sequential, Elektron, Roland, Novation, Akai Pro ...).
This Artist Bank traverses 64 classic sounds intrinsic to the Moog history. Basses that reference the Moog Source and Model D, sequences and modulations that hint at Moog Modulars, and even sounds that buzz and breath like the Oberheim SEM (thanks to the 12dB filter mode).
Meticulously sound designed and programmed to exude the vintage mood and playability of analog mono synths, this library is full of patches that will give you all the core sounds you expect from the Moog name."
Dave Smith Instruments asked us to return to the sound design world and join a stellar team to create some of the patches for their upcoming super synth: the Pro 2. Since we're avid and long time users of the Pro One, the name alone peaked our curiosities. Once we got the absolutely stunning synth back to our studio, we were blown away not just by the raw sound quality of the new voice architecture, but also by the sheer number of possible control options. If there is a synth out there that is truly the best of all worlds and that is almost intentionally designed to sit right in the middle of a full studio set up, it most certainly is the Pro 2. 4 CV outputs (that can be used as gate outputs too), 4 CV ins, audio input, dual MIDI outputs ... it's exactly the kind of thinking a professional studio and live musician would employ in synth design.
As a sound designer, what was most interesting was the arrangement of the new filters. Not only do both the SSM and SEM inspired analog filters sound fantastic on their own, but they can be used together to create very complex effects. Since their routing (serial, meaning one filter into the other, or parallel, meaning both filters running together) is completely user assignable and modulatable (all parameters regarding the filter can be accessed via the modulation matrix and modulated by pretty much anything) incredibly rich and complex effects can be created. The first patch (first string sound you hear in this video) takes full advantage of this new architecture to create a very sophisticated and distinct jet phasing effect.
The same tonal integrity can be found on the digital delays. This time around there is a new BBD style analog modeling delay that is warm and lush. When combined with delay time modulation from an LFO, an extremely rich chorus effect results. I might also mention that the audio input itself is of very high quality and presents a clean and full bodied pre amplifier stage that just sounds good. The last two sounds in the video use this input with a bass guitar.
Absolutely no external fx or sequencing were used when recording this demo of our patches for the factory bank. Everything you hear was done with the internal sequencer, live playing, and employing the abundant set of controls on board the Pro 2. Also, these are all single patches, so no multitracking was involved. The sounds were tracked via a Precision 8 mic pre using both outputs from the Pro 2 and straight into a Digidesign 192 IO feeding Pro Tools HD."
64 patches and 64 sequences that completely take over your SH-01a into INHALT approved territory. We scrutinized every parameter in Roland's new Boutique and tamed the digital nature (when necessary) towards the genuine 101 tone, and played it up when taking advantage of the new features like polyphony. The SH-01a definitely delivers the goods when it comes to those famous flat 101 bass lines but, in the 4 voice polyphonic mode, leads to results that remind us of our beloved Jupiter 4 and Juno 60. That was shocking at first, but with the added fast LFO mode, it lead to the groundwork of the many famous klangy and FM-like Jupiter 4 sounds.
This download kidnaps the Boutique and will overwrite all of the internal factory patches and sequneces but because Roland have made patch dumps super easy to back up (copy to your desktop n done), it's easy to pick and choose what you want loaded on the SH-01a. We've done our best to provide a wide assortment of sounds and sequences that we hope will inspire and lead to finished songs that embody that classic Roland sound. In our studio it definitely has from the moment it got the Tr 808 trigger input ..."
Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 12 Hybrid Digital Analog Synth Demo by INHALT
Published on Jan 24, 2013 INHALTVIDEO·11 videos
"When asked by Dave Smith Instruments if we would contribute to the sound design for the next Prophet synthesizer, of course, our response was a resounding yes. However we were not prepared for exactly what was in store for us. When first encountering the units 4 wavetable and wave generation oscillators coupled with Curtis Analog Filters and VCAs it became clear that the sound palette on offer was complex and wide.
As such, our intention with the sound design for the factory bank programs we produced was not only to showcase the expanded architecture but to make something that was reflective of the serious tonal integrity of the instrument before us.
This new Prophet, while firmly rooted to the legacy established by the 5, 600, VS, and 08, offers a sound that is characteristically dark and smooth and does not overlap with the sonics of the past. We discovered just how well the prototype model recorded and just how elegant the on-board delays sounded and matched the sonic identity of the raw synth engine.
Our hope with the sound design was that the user would be able to actually play and perform with the patches we've programmed. While some of these programs may sound somewhat standard in isolation, we hope you listen in stereo and hear the richness, detail, movement, and uniqueness of the raw sound palette inherent to the Prophet 12.
Please note that this is a prototype unit we have worked with and is what you are seeing and hearing in the video.
"We've just released our latest round of Peak Patches featuring the founding member of the established and energetic electronic music group INHALT - 
San Francisco, CA – May 9, 2022 – In a momentous industry development, Oberheim Electronics, one of the most venerated names in synthesizer design, has announced its return to operation to meet the rising global demand for its instruments.
• 8-voice, pure-analog polyphony with saw, square/pulse, triangle, and noise
The following is the official press release:
Anaheim, CA—January 21, 2016—Dave Smith Instruments today announced the OB-6, a new 6-voice synthesizer with an all-analog signal path and discrete VCOs and filters developed in collaboration with Tom Oberheim. Boasting a sound engine inspired by Oberheim’s original SEM (the core of his acclaimed 4-voice and 8-voice synthesizers), the new instrument is designed to provide true, vintage SEM tone with the stability and exibility of modern technology.
Said Smith: 'Tom and I have been friends and friendly competitors since the late 1970’s. Back in the day, people were typically in either the Prophet or the Oberheim camp. Now, with the Prophet-6 out and doing so well, we thought it would be fun to combine our strengths and bring back Tom’s classic polyphonic sound, too — in a modern format.' Added Oberheim: 'A lot of people, myself included, have always felt that the SEMs had a certain uniquely big, organic sound unlike anything else. Working with Dave to make that sound widely available again with some modern touches and full programmability has been real a pleasure.'
The OB-6 features two discrete voltage-controlled oscillators (plus sub-oscillator) per voice, with continuously variable waveshapes (sawtooth and variable-width pulse, with triangle on oscillator 2). There is a classic SEM- inspired state-variable lter (low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and notch) per voice. Voltage-controlled ampli ers complete the all-analog signal path. 'The classic, bold SEM sound is all there,' said Oberheim.
Present also is X-Mod, with lter envelope and oscillator 2 as modulation sources (with bi-polar control). Destinations include oscillator 1 frequency, oscillator 1 shape, oscillator 1 pulse width, lter cutoff, and lter mode. The knob-per-function front panel puts virtually all parameters at a user’s ngertips. Toggling on the Manual switch enables live panel mode, in which the OB-6 switches to the current settings of its knobs and switches.
