Dave Smith OB6 6-Voice Polyphonic Analogue Synthesizer Keyboard

The Dave Smith OB6 is a six-voice polyphonic analogue synthesizer created through the collaboration of legendary designers Dave Smith and Tom Oberheim. It combines the distinct sonic character of Oberheim's classic SEM (Synthesizer Expander Module) with modern features and programmability. The instrument delivers the bold, rich tones associated with vintage Oberheim synthesizers within a contemporary, performance-ready keyboard. The OB6's sound engine features two discrete voltage-controlled oscillators per voice, plus a sub-oscillator, with continuously variable waveshapes including sawtooth, variable-width pulse, and triangle. Its signal path is fully analogue, running through a classic two-pole, state-variable resonant filter offering low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and notch modes, and finishing with voltage-controlled amplifiers. The front panel employs a knob-per-function design, giving direct access to virtually all parameters for intuitive sound shaping. A dedicated 'Manual' switch enables live panel mode for instant performance control. This synthesizer is equipped with a comprehensive dual digital effects section providing studio-quality reverbs, delays, chorus, flangers, and emulations of Tom Oberheim's original phase shifter and ring modulator. While the effects are digital, a true bypass maintains the analogue signal path. Performance and composition features include a polyphonic step sequencer supporting up to 64 steps with six-note polyphony per step, a multimode arpeggiator, and X-Mod (cross-modulation) for creating complex, evolving textures. It is housed in a chassis with a four-octave, semi-weighted, velocity- and aftertouch-sensitive keyboard, making it a versatile centrepiece for studio production and live performance.