In the early 1980's Oberheim unveiled a new (pre-MIDI) proprietary system called the Oberheim Parallel Buss. This was a system in which several newly released pieces of Oberheim gear could be easily connected and synchronized. These included the lush OB-8 eight voice synth, the DMX drum machine, and the DSX Digital Polyphonic Sequencer. The DSX can interface directly with other Oberheim synths as well, including the OB-Xa, OB-SX, and OB-X. The DSX can synchronize to the DMX, or it can control the OB-synths. In addition to controlling these synths, the DSX features 8 CV and Gate outputs to control up to 8 more other analog synthesizers!

For an analog synth player, the DSX adds an incredible amount of sequencing power never really seen on other analog synths' built-in sequencers of the time. The DSX records in realtime the notes and patch changes you create while playing your OB-synth. It can hold up to 6,000 notes! The DSX can store up to 10 different sequences/songs. Each sequence can have 10 polyphonic tracks for multiple OB-synths and DMXs. Patch info including splits and doubles can be stored too. Quantizing, looping, editing, transposing, and sequence merging are a few more features. If you've got any of these classic (pre-MIDI) Oberheim analog OB-synths lying around, the DSX is an easy way to directly control them in a classic way, and without any need for MIDI retro-fits or interfaces.

Cristopher Rodriguez

June 28, 2012 @ 1:49 pm

You cannot record a sequence without an Oberheim equipped with the computer interface cable.

dj not a dj

December 8, 2011 @ 2:20 pm

hi, if i dont have an oberheim synth, can i still record onto the dsx ?
How do i track the notes i want the dsx to play without an oberheim.

New Alliance East

May 10, 2011 @ 10:52 pm

Highly UNDER RATED!! no other sequencer gives you 8(!!) CV/Gate outs and poly capabilities.
I have mine rigged to run so that the mono synths all have their own dedicated tracks and the poly is routed back to the OB-8 which has midi. It passes the poly info out the midi jack as well!!! i can control anything with the DSX. i love setting up a sequence and just porting the midi to various instruments to create pads, layers, and awesome polyphonie!
z

AnaRenaissance1

December 3, 2010 @ 9:32 am

In response to InfaRed: This does quantize indeed. Options are the usually: 1/2,1/4,1/6,1/8,1/12,1/16,1/24,1/32 and then there is a real time mode. Its PPQ is 96 i believe.
You will need and OBX (after serial 803600), OBXa, OB-SX or OB8 to use as a controller. Then connect CV and gate to and from your OB1.

Infa Red

September 29, 2010 @ 4:16 pm

Does anyone know if this thing quantizes your notes in the sequence ? If so, what are all its quantizing options ? And if not, does anyone know its PPQ resolution ?

Also, could it sequence notes/patterns, etc.. from my OB-1 ?

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