The New Tom Oberheim SEM Thread

[Dogboy73]

In my opinion the midi version wouldn't be worth it, only being able to control one parameter in addition to CV and Gate would be c**p. The minimum for me would be aftertouch and mod wheel.

Most of the magic happens on the inside & from the front panel & this is exactly the same on both versions. Sound wise they will be the same, which is my main concern. The patch version will be great for the extra routing but most useful as part of a set-up with other CV gear. I don't have any so the patch panel doesn't seem worth it for me. I'd have to buy an additional MIDI > CV converter just to be able to trigger it! I just want to plug it in & go

[soundxplorer]

In my opinion the midi version wouldn't be worth it, only being able to control one parameter in addition to CV and Gate would be c**p. The minimum for me would be aftertouch and mod wheel.

Hmm. I think calling it "c**p" is going a bit far, don't you think? It's still an SEM and it still has a knob for every single synth parameter available. Direct analog control too, not some digital encoder with 128 values. Why would I need to control something with a mod wheel if I can just reach directly for the knob?

The MIDI SEM is the PERFECT marriage of old and new, for those who don't already have a MIDI-CV converter or don't care to buy one. I wouldn't expect MIDI control over each parameter. That's for synths without knobs.

[Scories]

Calling it c**p seems like a harsh statement. From what I can understand, MIDI version has some features that the CV version doesn't have like velocity/modwheel applied to VCO1/VCO2/VCF/VCA and built-in portamento.

However, by controlling the SEM from a Kenton Pro-Solo, you could get a pitch-LFO with various wafeshapes rather than just a sine wave.

Though decision.

[jcn7]

Hi, I have a pp version and love it. I also have a Kenton Pro ll driving it and its great, however, I think the fact that Tom has analog portamento for his midi version would tip the scales in that direction for me if I were to buy a second one...which I'm thinking of doing...the Kenton offers 2 types of portamento, but I still find that it is not the same as good old OB portamento. Anyway, I've always been a fan of Oberheim's portamento...so there you go. Jaime

[Scories]

Hi, I have a pp version and love it. I also have a Kenton Pro ll driving it and its great, however, I think the fact that Tom has analog portamento for his midi version would tip the scales in that direction for me if I were to buy a second one...which I'm thinking of doing...the Kenton offers 2 types of portamento, but I still find that it is not the same as good old OB portamento. Anyway, I've always been a fan of Oberheim's portamento...so there you go. Jaime

And what do you think of the patch pannel's options to create odd noises and sound effects?
Seeems quite like a must when you want more than bass & leads.

[Dogboy73]

I think the fact that Tom has analog portamento for his midi version would tip the scales in that direction for me if I were to buy a second one...which I'm thinking of doing.

Would be nice to have both versions & I think very worthwhile if you can afford it. I'd like to buy both but i'm struggling with my single order for the MIDI>CV version (the wife is NOT happy. I'm telling her it's an investment, but this will clearly only wash with a single SEM ). The MIDI>CV version has CV outs so you could trigger the patch panel version from it & save on buying a Kenton, if you didn't already have one of course.

[jcn7]

Well for me I ended up putting together a small but powerful Euro Modular system to augment my SEM. See the following 2 pics:



I really like this setup, however, I kind of ended up overspending, so I'm in the process of selling my Future Retro XS to make up the difference in price. I feel this is almost a "perfect" combination. I still wouldn't mind getting a midi version SEM though. Jaime

PS. Yes I too suffer from trying to make my other half feel good about my purchases...not easy, but she's been very good about it all.

[soundxplorer]

Well for me I ended up putting together a small but powerful Euro Modular system to augment my SEM.

Heh, umm, small by YOUR standards I guess.
I have exactly 4 Euro modules. Oh, but they say size doesn't matter,right?

Looks sweet though. You've got one of every new module that has been released in the past few months...Morphing Terrarium...Pressure Points...Z8000...Maths...uLFO

[jcn7]

Well yes, I probably did over build a bit, but I've really grown fond of the Euro modules and what they can do. I've actually changed a few things in the cabinet (which by the way was from a set of 2 old stereo speakers I bought at a local goodwill...dirt cheap). since this picture was taken. I still have the other speaker cabinet also, If I end up expanding...which I kind of don't think I will...I end up with too much choice and nothing gets produced...if you know what I mean. Anyway, I really like the integration of the Euro with the SEM...it sounds really beautiful and I think looks quite cool together. Jaime

[Stab Frenzy]

In my opinion the midi version wouldn't be worth it, only being able to control one parameter in addition to CV and Gate would be c**p. The minimum for me would be aftertouch and mod wheel.

Hmm. I think calling it "c**p" is going a bit far, don't you think? It's still an SEM and it still has a knob for every single synth parameter available. Direct analog control too, not some digital encoder with 128 values. Why would I need to control something with a mod wheel if I can just reach directly for the knob?

The MIDI SEM is the PERFECT marriage of old and new, for those who don't already have a MIDI-CV converter or don't care to buy one. I wouldn't expect MIDI control over each parameter. That's for synths without knobs.

I disagree.

When you're playing on the keys it's much easier to use aftertouch to modulate something than reach over to the right knob and tweak it the right amount. Same with the mod wheel, you set the knob to your minimum value then set the mod range to what your max should be and then you can easily tweak away without looking and get back to where you were easily without overshooting.

It's still good that you can have at least one of these parameters available, I guess it was a bit harsh of me to call it c**p. I should have said 'a bit c**p'. For me synths are all about the modulation so I wouldn't give up the ability to modulate anything with anything via the patch panel for a built in midi convertor that just does CV/gate/mod. Like jcn7 I'm going to put together a small modular to go with a patchable SEM, seems like the best way to go to get the most out of it really.

[Scories]

Question: Is it possible to modulate the filter with velocity on the patch pannel version?

[Stab Frenzy]

Question: Is it possible to modulate the filter with velocity on the patch pannel version?

If you're using a midi to CV convertor that has an output for velocity then yes.

[jcn7]

Yes I can use my Kenton CV/midi converter and use velocity on the filter...could also route this into a multiple to control filter, envelope, etc all at once...I've also used my Yamaha bc-1 breath controller on the filter which is also very cool! Jaime

[Scories]

Thanks, for the answers.

[Dogboy73]

The patch panel on the SEM is totally passive. There is no circuitry in there. So I'm guessing that adding patch points to the MIDI>CV version would not be the hardest mod in the World to do.

Before ordering an SEM I was looking at the AS Telemark. This is based on AS's Semblance, which itself was based on the SEM. The Telemark has a MIDI interface but adds an extensive patch section over the Semblance. So it's like the best of both Worlds & you basically get the abilities of both new SEM's in one box. Very cool ....... except soon after looking at this I found out Tom was re-launching the original SEM, which of course blew the Telemark idea completely out of the water! But I wonder why Tom didn't do something similar? The patch panel version with basic MIDI>CV built in would have been awesome.