To do justice to this incredible machine in print, it is first necessary to mention names like Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Larry Fast, James Newton-Howard (with Elton John), Tyrin Porter and Mike McDonald of the Doobie Brothers, Mike Utley (with Kris Kristofferson), Joe Zawinul (with Weather Report), Gary Wright, John Entwhistle Skip Konte (with Three Dog Night), and Tomita.

The fact of the matter is that each one of these musicians owns and performs with an Oberheim. Listen to Three Dog Night’s version of John Kay’s “Easy Evil” on their new American Pastime LP, and you’ll immediately know why.

Oberheim’s 4-Voice unit clearly ushers in a new era in performance/ studio synthesizers. It’s the first commercially available synthesizer on which four notes can be played simultaneously. In other words, a polyphonic synthesizer. (An 8-Voice model is also available.)

Using versatile synthesizer Expander Modules as its major elements (yes, they’re available separately), the Oberheim is actually four complete synthesizers controlled by a single keyboard. Each Expander Module is a complete synthesizer voice including all the basic components of a standard, monophonic unit. Additionally, a variety of keyboard controls are provided to enhance polyphonic “playability,”

An output mixer allows a stereo “pan” to be generated, producing an unusually live sound. Space is provided for the addition of a digital or analogue sequencer (Oberheim also makes a fine digital sequencer). The result is a portable, live performance or studio synthesizer far surpassing in capability other instruments in its price range.

The precision and stability of the Expander Modules that comprise the Oberheim 4-Voice is remarkable. It’s a quality that is absolutely essential in a polyphonic (multi-note) situation where as many as eight oscillators must stay in tune with each -other.

The special polyphonic keyboard is unique to the synthesizer field. It uses special circuitry to search the keyboard at high speed to detect when a note has been played. Upon detection of a note depression, control signals are directed to an Expander Module as determined by the keyboard and the settings of the keyboard switches. Numerous playing options are provided by these switches. The “Sequential-Alternate” Switch is used to select whether successive notes are always assigned to Expander Modules in ascending numerical order (1,2,3,4) or whether a note is assigned to the Expander Module following in sequence to the last Expander Module assigned.

You can split the Modules and change the entire synthesizer to monophonic operation. And, of course, by adding more Expander Modules, you can expand the number of voices beyond four.

The real advantages become clear once you play the Oberheim. Not only does the instrument offer a tremendous amount of versatility . . . but it performs more efficiently both electronically and practically than most units on the market.

If $3995 is too steep, go for the 2Voice model which is considerably less and build from there.

You can write for more detailed information to: Oberheim Electronics, Inc., 1549 9th Street, Santa Monica, California 90401. But we strongly suggest that you find a dealer who carries these products and let him plug you in.