In his latest video, synthesist Alex Ball offers a retro synth review of the rare Oberheim OB-1 synthesizer.
Originally introduced in 1977, the Oberheim OB-1 built on the design of the classic SEM, but is also considered to be the first programmable synthesizer.
While it’s pretty limited by modern standards, it still sounds fantastic, and Ball demonstrates in his video.
Topics covered:
0:00 Intro Jam
1:26 The OB-1
1:54 Brief History
3:07 A justifiable rant
4:36 SEM vs OB-1 VCOs
7:21 SEM vs OB-1 VCF
11:18 Other notes
11:35 Makeshift Four Voice
13:44 OB-1 Plug-in
15:11 Outro Jam
16:21 I did warn you
Check out the video and share your thoughts on the Oberheim OB-1 in the comments!
I’m pretty sure they used the OB-1 to make the voice of R2-D2. Rumour has it Obi-Wan was also named after this synth…
Star Wars was released in 1977. The Oberheim OB-1 came out in 1978.
Sound designer Ben Burtt made the R2D2 sounds with an ARP 2600:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/f4SxfPg6n-s
The R2D2 sound was the OB-1 and it clearly inspired the name of Obi wan
that makeshift four-voice was well done.