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SEM

DesktopAnalogMonophonic

Back in 1974, this little module kicked off Oberheim's legendary run as one of the first true analog synthesizers, designed as a keyboardless expander to stack killer layers onto your existing synths.

At its heart, two analog VCOs deliver sawtooth and variable-width pulse waves with PWM and sync, feeding into a standout 12dB/octave multimode filter—low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, or notch—that you sweep via a single knob for tones no other synth could match back then. Dual ADSD envelope generators shape the VCF and VCA, while a sine-wave LFO adds modulation depth, all controlled from a compact desktop panel packed with sturdy knobs, switches, and 1/4-inch jacks on the rear, plus two external audio inputs. Housed in a solid steel and plastic (or wood-sided) box around 10x14x7 inches and weighing in hefty, it runs monophonic with one voice output, sequencer compatibility, and pairs perfectly with the external Polyphonic Synthesizer Programmer to store settings for up to eight units.

Vintage players still chase these for their raw, characterful bite—the filter's airy edge and oscillators' warmth shine in everything from leads to basses—though some note the thinner 12dB slope compared to steeper Moog ladders, and tuning can drift like any classic analog. It's a modular vibe in a box, endlessly tweakable for that timeless Oberheim snarl.

Released

1974

Status

Discontinued

Synthesizer
Format
Desktop, Semi-Modular
Type
Subtractive
Internal Battery
No
Voice
A/D
Analog
Polyphony
Monophonic
Oscillators
2
Oscillator Type
VCO (Voltage Controlled)
Voices
1
Filter
Multimode, 12dB/oct (2-pole), Lowpass, Highpass, Bandpass, Notch
Envelopes
2
LFO
1
Effects
No
Expression
Aftertouch
No
Velocity
No
MPE
No
Additional
-
Software
-
I/O
Audio In
2x 1/4" (EXT1 with preamp, EXT2 with A440 reference tone)
Audio Out
1 mono
Headphone
-
MIDI
-
MIDI Type
-
Ports
CV/Gate
Wi-Fi
No
Workflow
Arpeggiator
No
Sequencer
No
Mod Matrix
Yes
Memory
Not on-board. External Polyphonic Synthesizer Programmer module stores control voltage settings for up to 8 SEM modules each.
Measurements
Dimensions
263 x 367 x 175 mm
Weight
-
Last updated Mar 17, 2026