SEM V by Arturia analog synth plugin interface

SEM V: Analog-Modeling Synth by Arturia Free Download

Rated 4.7/5 on Plugin Boutique (40 ratings)

SEM V is a software synthesizer by Arturia that emulates the Oberheim SEM analog synth. It is built on Arturia's TAE technology and runs as VST2, AU, AAX or Standalone on Windows and macOS.

VST2AUAAXStandaloneWindowsmacOS64-bit

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

Download Now

Free trial available from the developer

01Overview

Arturia's SEM V recreates the Oberheim Synthesizer Expander Module, a synth known for its multimode filter that moves continuously from low pass to high pass. The developer says the plugin reproduces the tone, waveshapes and 12dB/octave filter of the original while extending it with a sub-oscillator, a second LFO, an arpeggiator and a modulation matrix. Polyphony reaches 32 voices, with 8-voice multitimbrality.

Best for

Deep analog basses
Acid arpeggios
Moving 8-voice pads
Electronic percussion
Retro lead sounds

Developer: Arturia
Category: Synths
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Software recreation of the Oberheim SEM analog synthesizer
TAE technology for analog oscillator and filter behavior
12dB/octave multimode filter: low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, notch
Two oscillators with sawtooth and variable-width pulse with PWM
Added sub-oscillator, noise source and second LFO
On-board overdrive, chorus and delay effects
Arpeggiator, portamento and Keyboard Follow module
Polyphony up to 32 voices and 8-voice multitimbrality

03In depth

Analog Sound and Filter Character

The original SEM was celebrated for its filter, which the developer describes as unlike any other. SEM V models two oscillators with sawtooth and variable-width pulse waves with PWM, a sine wave LFO, and a 12dB/octave multimode filter offering low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and notch responses. Two ADS envelope generators shape the sound.

Arturia uses its TAE (True Analog Emulation) technology to reproduce analog oscillators and filters. Soft clipping adds punch and presence. The plugin is positioned for bass and lead sounds, but Arturia also points to moving 8-voice pads, acid arpeggios and electronic percussion.

Workflow, Controls and Presets

Added features include a noise source, a sub-oscillator for deep basses, a new LFO with more waveforms, on-board overdrive, chorus and delay, an arpeggiator, and portamento. The Keyboard Follow and Modulation Matrix modules expand modulation options. An 8-Voice Programmer mode recreates the rare 8-voice instrument, with Forward Retrigg and Reassign modes for sequencing.

The factory library includes presets from Ian Boddy, Erik Norlander, Richard Courtel, Kevin Lamb and Drew Newmann. The redesigned browser supports search by name and tags, favorites, comments and playlists. The interface is resizable for high-resolution screens.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Arturia
Type	Plugin
Category	Synth
Formats	VST2, AU, AAX, Standalone
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit
Free trial	Yes

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does SEM V support?

SEM V is available in VST2, AU, AAX and Standalone formats. It runs on Windows and macOS, and works in Standalone, VST, AAX, Audio Unit and NKS in 64-bit DAWs.

What do I need to run SEM V?

On macOS you need Mac OS 10.13 or later, 4 GB RAM, a 4-core CPU at 3.4 GHz or an Apple Silicon CPU, 3 GB of free disk space and an OpenGL 2.0 compatible GPU. On Windows you need Win 10 or later (64-bit), 4 GB RAM, a 4-core CPU at 3.4 GHz, 3 GB of free disk space and an OpenGL 2.0 compatible GPU. ARM processors are not supported on Windows.