The Oberheim OB‑1 is a monophonic analog synthesizer manufactured by Oberheim Electronics in the United States. Introduced in 1978, it was one of the first commercially available programmable synthesizers, allowing users to store and recall patches via a simple memory system.
Design and Architecture
- Synthesis type: Subtractive analog.
- Oscillators: Two voltage‑controlled oscillators (VCOs) capable of generating sawtooth, square, pulse, and noise waveforms.
- Filter: 24 dB/octave low‑pass voltage‑controlled filter (VCF) designed by Dave Smith; the same filter architecture later appeared in other Oberheim instruments.
- Envelopes: Two envelope generators (attack‑decay‑sustain‑release) for amplitude and filter modulation.
- LFO: Single low‑frequency oscillator with selectable rates and waveforms for pitch and modulation depth.
- Memory: Eight user‑programmable patch slots, selectable via a rotary knob and a dedicated “Program” button.
Historical Context
The OB‑1 followed Oberheim’s earlier OB‑2 duophonic model and was released at a time when most synthesizers required manual patching for each sound. Its programmable feature set a precedent that influenced later instruments, including the subsequent Oberheim OB‑8 and the popular Moog Source.
Notable Users
The instrument has been employed by a range of artists and producers in the late 1970s and 1980s, including Depeche Mode, The Human League, and New Order, primarily for its rich analog timbres and the convenience of patch recall.
Legacy and Reissues
The OB‑1 has been reissued in various forms. In 2019, a limited‑edition recreation called the “OB‑1 Rev 2” was announced, featuring updated circuitry while preserving the original’s analogue signal path.
Technical Specifications (selected)
- Polyphony: Monophonic
- Keyboard: 37 keys (no velocity or aftertouch)
- Power supply: External AC adapter (approx. 12 V DC)
- Dimensions: Approximately 19 in × 8 in × 3 in (48 cm × 20 cm × 7.5 cm)
- Weight: ~4 kg
Significance
The Oberheim OB‑1 is regarded as a milestone in synthesizer development for integrating programmable memory with fully analog sound generation, bridging the gap between classic voltage‑controlled technology and emerging user‑friendly workflows.
