Oberheim SEM by GForce Software synth plugin interface

Oberheim SEM: Monophonic Synth Plugin by GForce Software Free Download

Rated 4.9/5 on Plugin Boutique (21 ratings)

Oberheim SEM is a monophonic synth plugin from GForce Software that recreates the sound and simple design of the original Oberheim SEM synthesizer. It is available as VST3, VST2, AU and AAX.

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Free trial available from the developer

01Overview

GForce Software developed Oberheim SEM with guidance from Tom Oberheim and Marcus Ryle, two figures tied to the original hardware. The plugin models the two-oscillator, dual-envelope, multi-mode filter architecture of the SEM, and adds a third VCO that doubles as an audio-rate LFO. A library of more than 400 categorized factory patches is included, and presets can be moved between Oberheim SEM and the GForce Oberheim OB-E.

Best for

Warm basses
Soaring leads
Sweeping arpeggios
Retro synth sounds
Sound design starting points

Developer: GForce Software
Category: Synths
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Monophonic SEM-style synth with two VCOs and a third VCO
Pulse and sawtooth waveforms with ADS envelope generators
Tempo-syncable LFOs with multiple wave shapes
Built-in sequencer and arpeggiator
Stereo delay and reverb effects
Extensive velocity and aftertouch modulation
More than 400 categorized factory patches
Presets can be exported to and imported from OB-E

03In depth

Sound and Character of the Oberheim SEM Plugin

The plugin is built around two VCOs with pulse and sawtooth waveforms, two ADS envelope generators, one LFO and a multi-mode filter. According to the developer, the modeling includes the analog inaccuracies of the original SEM, which blurs the line between analog character and digital precision.

The third VCO can also run at audio rate as an LFO, opening up additional modulation and FM possibilities. Because the instrument is monophonic, it suits basses, leads and arpeggios rather than chords and pads.

Workflow, Controls and Performance Features

The synth includes tempo-syncable LFOs with multiple wave shapes, a sequencer, an arpeggiator, a stereo delay and a reverb. Velocity and aftertouch modulation are extensive, giving players several ways to shape expression while playing.

A librarian provides access to the factory patches, and undo/redo is included. The Extended and Flip modes add further options for sound design.

04Specs