GForce Software Oberheim OB-1 plugin is a meticulously crafted emulation of the iconic 1978 Oberheim OB-1 synthesizer, developed in collaboration with Oberheim. This virtual instrument captures the essence of the original hardware while expanding its capabilities for modern music production. The OB-1 plugin features a rich, aggressive sound that strikes a balance between the fullness of a Minimoog and the snarling character of an MS-20. It offers up to 16-voice polyphony, a significant upgrade from the monophonic original, along with a powerful unison mode. The user interface is clean and intuitive, with a fully scalable design that maintains clarity at various sizes. GForce has augmented the original architecture with contemporary features like an X-Modifier for extensive modulation options, built-in effects, an arpeggiator, and a versatile 16-step sequencer. With over 300 presets crafted by renowned sound designers, the OB-1 plugin caters to a wide range of musical styles, from techno and electro to more traditional analog synth sounds.
Pros:
• Authentic emulation of the rare Oberheim OB-1 with expanded modern features
• Powerful and versatile sound engine capable of rich, aggressive tones
• Intuitive, scalable user interface with both classic and modern viewing options
• Extensive modulation capabilities via the X-Modifier system
• High-quality built-in effects including chorus, delay, and reverb
• Creative 16-step sequencer with independent lane lengths and macro modulation
Cons:
• May be considered expensive for some users at full price
• Learning curve for utilizing all advanced features effectively
The GForce Software Oberheim OB-1 plugin boasts an impressive array of features that both honor the original hardware and expand its capabilities. At its core are two oscillators with unique waveshaping possibilities, offering a mix of triangle, sawtooth, ramp, sine, and pulse waveforms. Each oscillator includes a sub-oscillator for added depth, and a noise generator with a color control blending white and pink noise completes the sound sources.
The mixer section allows precise control over the levels of each oscillator, sub-oscillator, and noise generator. The filter section is a standout feature, offering a switchable 2-pole or 4-pole design with a distinctive, screaming resonance characteristic. This filter, coupled with the waveshaping options, contributes significantly to the OB-1’s aggressive sonic character.
GForce has enhanced the original OB-1 design with modern synthesis techniques. The X-Modifier system allows for complex modulation routing, enabling users to modulate almost any parameter with an LFO or ADSR envelope. This vastly expands the sound design possibilities beyond what was achievable with the original hardware.
The plugin offers up to 16-voice polyphony, a significant upgrade from the monophonic original. A unison mode is also included, allowing for massive, room-filling sounds. The keyboard control section provides options for legato, polyphonic, and unison playing modes, along with vintage mode, pan mode, aftertouch, and velocity control.
Four programmable macros offer quick access to multiple parameter changes, enhancing real-time performance capabilities. The built-in arpeggiator and 16-step sequencer add rhythmic and melodic possibilities to the instrument. The sequencer is particularly noteworthy, featuring independent lane lengths for pitch, velocity, and macro modulation, as well as probability settings for each step.
Effects are another area where GForce has expanded on the original design. The OB-1 plugin includes a high-pass filter, chorus, delay, and reverb. These effects can be bypassed or locked, allowing users to maintain consistent effect settings across preset changes.
The preset browser is robust and user-friendly, offering extensive tagging, sorting, and search capabilities. With over 300 presets designed by a diverse array of sound designers, the OB-1 provides a wide palette of sounds right out of the box. Lastly, the plugin supports various modern features such as MIDI learn for easy controller mapping, and a resizable interface that maintains clarity at different zoom levels.
When compared to similar plugins, the GForce Oberheim OB-1 stands out for its unique combination of vintage authenticity and modern enhancements. While there are many analog synth emulations on the market, few capture the specific character of the OB-1. Its closest competitors might be other Oberheim emulations like the GForce OB-E or Arturia’s OB-Xa V. However, the OB-1 offers a distinct sound and feature set that sets it apart. Compared to more general-purpose virtual analog synths like u-he’s Diva or Native Instruments’ Massive X, the OB-1 provides a more focused, character-driven experience. It excels at producing the specific aggressive, rich tones associated with the Oberheim sound, while still offering enough flexibility for a wide range of sound design tasks. OB-1’s sequencer and arpeggiator features are more advanced than many competing synth plugins, offering greater creative potential for rhythmic and evolving sounds. Its X-Modifier system also provides more extensive modulation options than many similar instruments.
This plugin is best for:
• Producers and composers seeking authentic vintage Oberheim tones
• Electronic music creators, especially in techno and electro genres
• Sound designers looking for a characterful, versatile synth with extensive modulation options
• Musicians who appreciate intuitive interfaces and high-quality presets
• Anyone interested in exploring the unique sound of the rare Oberheim OB-1 hardware
GForce Software Oberheim OB-1 plugin is a remarkable achievement in virtual instrument design. It successfully captures the essence of a rare and influential synthesizer while expanding its capabilities for modern music production. The plugin’s sound quality is exceptional, delivering the rich, aggressive tones that made the original OB-1 special. The user interface strikes a perfect balance between authenticity and functionality, making it accessible to both vintage synth enthusiasts and newcomers to analog-style synthesis. The expanded feature set, including polyphony, the X-Modifier system, and the creative sequencer, significantly enhances the instrument’s versatility. These additions, combined with the high-quality effects and extensive preset library, make the OB-1 a powerful tool for a wide range of musical applications. For producers, composers, and sound designers seeking a unique and characterful synthesizer with both vintage charm and modern capabilities, the GForce Software Oberheim OB-1 is an excellent choice. It not only preserves an important piece of synthesizer history but also reimagines it for contemporary music creation.