Rackears IconRackears.io
DSX - Image 1

DSX

DesktopDigitalPolyphonic

Back in 1981, this sequencer arrived as the digital brain of Oberheim's proprietary Parallel Buss system, letting you chain OB-X, OB-Xa, or OB-SX synths and DMX drums into a seamless production rig before MIDI even existed.

At its core, it's a polyphonic digital sequencer with 3,000 notes of memory expandable to 6,000, supporting up to 10 patterns and 10 songs across 8-10 tracks—perfect for layering multiple synth voices or drum parts. You get real-time recording, step entry, overdubbing, editing, quantizing, looping, transposition, and even patch changes with key splits for Oberheim synths. Eight independent CV/gate outputs (positive or negative polarity) control up to eight external analog synths, plus sync options for tape, DMX, or other Oberheim gear; a 16-digit alphanumeric display and cassette dump make navigation and backup straightforward. Housed in a sturdy blue metal chassis with wood side panels, it feels like a vintage command center built for studio pros.

Collectors and OB-series owners prize it for unlocking hands-free sequencing on those fat analog beasts, with praise for its rock-solid timing and polyphonic power—though its pre-MIDI exclusivity means it's a niche gem today, not for the faint of wallet.

Released

1981

Status

Discontinued

Synthesizer
Format
Desktop
Type
-
Internal Battery
Yes
Voice
A/D
Digital
Polyphony
Polyphonic
Oscillators
-
Oscillator Type
-
Voices
16
Tracks
8
Filter
No
Envelopes
-
LFO
-
Effects
No
Expression
Aftertouch
No
Velocity
-
MPE
No
Additional
-
Software
-
I/O
Audio In
-
Audio Out
-
Headphone
-
MIDI
-
MIDI Type
-
Ports
CV/Gate, Serial, Tape Interface
Wi-Fi
No
Workflow
Arpeggiator
-
Sequencer
Yes
Mod Matrix
-
Memory
-
Measurements
Dimensions
-
Weight
-
Last updated Mar 17, 2026