We found out the Arturia SEM V was coming a few weeks ago but now more details have been posted about this homage to another 70's synth classic.
Based around the legendary Tom Oberheim SEM, Arturia have done their usual faithful reproduction with a few bells and whistles added along the way. As you can see from the gallery, there's a few more screen grabs to dig through now. It's expected to be released in Decmeber for $299 / €249.
Full Info from Arturia below.
A FAITHFUL REPRODUCTION
The original SEM has particular characteristics for which it was loved by many musicians to this day. The Arturia SEM V brings back the sound and special characteristics in an accurate virtual emulation.
The SEM V modules were entirely redesigned after the most recent evolutions in TAE®, Arturia's proprietary technology that recreates analog modules after their detailed electronic circuitry.
The result of this lengthy project is a faithful virtual instrument that delivers the same acoustic properties as the original.
- Oscillators :
Like all components of the SEM V, the two oscillators were recreated by respecting 100% of the properties of the original circuit. They replicate the exact sawtooth and variable-width pulse waveforms present in the original.
On a control level, the SEM V interface also duplicates the behavior of the dual-concentric knobs for coarse and fine-tuning, this last parameter being easily accessible via right-click. - Filter :
The 12dB/octave multimode filter is one of the most remarkable modules in the SEM.
In many ways, it helped define the sonic identity of Oberheim because it shaped a diverse range of sounds that were almost impossible to get on other synthesizers.
The SEM V carefully models the four modes of the filter (low-pass, high-pass, notch and band-pass) with attention to detail, meaning that you can either switch to bandpass or sweep through the other three modes by turning the knob clockwise. - ADS Envelopes and Modulations :
The particular response of the ADS envelopes is accurately reproduced, as well as the VCF Mixer, Modulation knobs and switches, allowing you to nail any of the classic SEM tones.
What We Added
Extended Functionalities
The SEM V adds a few tricks to the original model, that considerably increase the sonic possibilities and allow the demanding musician to push the boundaries of the Oberheim sound a little further.
- Polyphony and 8 Voice multitimbrality inspired by the 2, 4, and 8 voice models
- White Noise, to mix into your etheral pads and FX sounds
- Sub Oscillator with sawtooth and sine waves, for added growl and bottom end
- LFO 2 with sine, sawtooth and square waves, for more complex modulations
- Professional Effects (Distortion, Delay, Chorus), to directly process your sounds on-board
- Arpeggiator, for instant basslines and inspiring melodic patterns
- Portamento to unlock more expression in your playing
New Exclusive Modules
The SEM V also brings 3 new-generation modules offering a unique and contemporary sound palette:
- Keyboard Follow
The intuitive Keyboard follow lets you draw modulation curves on the fly. You can map up to 6 parameters of your choice, guaranteeing a maximum expression of playing on your MIDI keyboard - Voice Programmer
Inspired by the multi-timbrality of the Oberheim 2, 4 and 8 voice, the Voice Programmer is a powerful module on which you can edit no less than 7 additional virtual SEM voices.
Unlike the repetitive manipulations on hardware SEM, the Voice Programmer makes programming a breeze thanks to its ergonomic interface. Whether you want to play spectral pads or complex sequences, this module will allow you to reach amazing sonic results in no time. - Modulation Matrix
The SEM V Modulation Matrix offers 8 simultaneous modulations which you can set between 8 different sources and more than 25 destinations.
With its polyphonic capability, Arpeggiator, Voice Programmer, Modulation Matrix and effects, you can create an incredible array of sounds, all while keeping the ease of use and true sound of the Oberheim SEM architecture.
What you can do with the SEM V
The SEM V is a powerful instrument capable of producing a wide range of warm analog sounds.
Reproducing the unique SEM architecture, with its oscillator sync, characteristic filter shape and specific envelope response, the SEM V is able to generate the fat basses that have made the Oberheim brand so popular. Thanks to its simple and clever PW and pitch modulations, it is also very easy to produce moving and lively leads.
Its remarkable 12 dB/oct multimode filter is a real blast from the past, becoming an awesome weapon in the context of current electronic music. This unique module can instantly tailor your sound to fat, crisp, or spectral textures with access to all the nuances in between...
But you can do a lot more!
The added polyphony and multitimbrality will allow you to step into the world of deep pads, warm brass and complex sequences, which are characteristic of the late 70's Oberheim SEM-based synthesizers : the 2, 4, and 8 voice.
Your SEM module is basically given the strength of 8 SEMs!
Thanks to the ergonomic Voice Programmer module, setting each SEM voice is much faster than on hardware, and will bring you unique sonic results. Completed by the Keyboard Follow and the Modulation Matrix, the expression of playing is increased tenfold.
