A big step forward after the initial Oberheim SEM and Two Voice synthesizers came from the bigger and better Four Voice. Four dual-oscillator SEM modules each with its own filters and envelopes are joined together along with a simple analog mixer and 49-note keyboard to give you a polyphonic/polytonal Obie-beast!

This combination gives you eight oscillators and four voices of polyphony because there are basically four discrete mono-synths all connected together. This has its pros and cons. What is cool is that this was a lot of simultaneous voices for the mid-seventies. And the ability to craft a different sound on each voice led to some diverse and complex sounds. However, it also meant you have to program each voice independently. Each voice also has its own independent audio output.

The Polyphonic Synthesizer Programmer, released in 1976 and added to the Four Voice stores 16 patches per voice (all of which can be different). The Four Voice could accommodate an additional four SEMs, making it just like the Eight Voice model which officially appeared in 1977.

Unfortunately the Four Voice was blown out of the competition by the release of the polyphonic Sequential Prophet-5, which offered true polyphony with a single set of sound shaping controls and comprehensive patch memory. The Four Voice has been used by 808 State, Depeche Mode, Styx, The Shamen, Gary Wright, Joe Zawinul and John Carpenter.

Phil Severence

March 10, 2012 @ 5:58 am

Ed - The Son of Four Voice has been delayed to the end of the year. Instead, Tom Oberheim will be releasing a Two Voice model in June.

Ed

January 27, 2012 @ 2:23 am

On tomoberheim.com, Mr. Oberheim is unveiling a rebirth of the 4 voice known as "Son of 4 Voice". It's scheduled for release some time in 2012. Go to Tom's website for more information on specs and preordering.

visceralvoids

August 23, 2011 @ 6:12 pm

One of Pete Namlook's favorite synths

Morgan Fisher

June 22, 2011 @ 11:42 pm

My Four Voice, bought from VEMIA, is in beautiful shape and was featured heavily in the title and the content of my April 2011 release "The Great White Obi". I love the way each voice can have a totally different timbre and pan position. To hear the richness of this fabulous beast, please go here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSZ9JCIaKlM

SJ

January 3, 2011 @ 6:58 am

The Oberheim 4 voice was used in the 1976 movie " A star is born" Can be seen in the concert scenes. My wife and i were watching it last night and I pointed it out to her , she just looked at me and said your such a geek!.

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