bx_oberhausen effectively revisits an acclaimed analog synthesizer expander module (Oberheim SEM, anyone? ) much loved by generations of musicians for its sought-after sound. The sound itself is reliant on fully-analog, discrete circuits and a classic state-variable 2-pole filter. First introduced in the Seventies, that trailblazing synthesizer subsequently proved popular — so much so that it was reissued in various form factors by its iconic creator using the same circuits as the original (and inspired a number of other cool hardware and software synths – such as the Analogue Solutions Nyborg-12 and the Arturia SEM V, featured for the first time the Arturia V Collection 4)
The Brainworx Touch
Thanks to Brainworx Audio ably boosting bx_oberhausen with full polyphony of up to 32 VOICES — twice the voice count of today’s priciest poly synths remaining resolutely in the analog domain, users can create sounds that are not possible using the original hardware! But better still, Brainworx Audio also includes its proprietary, patent-pending TMT (Tolerance Modeling Technology) that was first used on its industry-leading pro audio plugins like the Solid State Logic-approved bx_console SSL 4000 E and bx_console SSL 4000 G channel strips, therefore this is the most realistic recreation to date!
Saying that, bx_oberhausen’s voices can be combined into a powerful UNISON mode which — when used with the unique TMT feature — forms a complex, rich, and authentic analog sound simply unrivalled by any other VIs. ‘Virtual vitamin’ boosting brings Mid/Side (M/S) technology to bx_oberhausen, further facilitating its uniqueness. Users can select which part of the sound passes through the filter section and which part does not. Results ranging from a solid bass foundation to crazy stereo processing are all perfectly possible!
Pushing onwards and upwards, bx_oberhausen benefits from an intuitive set of effects modules based on some of the Brainworx Audio brand’s best effect plugin products, plus partner Mäag Audio’s AIR BAND® shelf boost EQ. So signal chain changes in bx_oberhausen’s FX section can quickly be made with drag and drop functionality.
Further features of note include an Arp (arpeggiator) with an adjustable Swing parameter and a sound design dimension-enhancing Mod (modulation) matrix. Meanwhile, Brainworx Audio also took this opportunity to add FREQ MODULATION (Frequency Modulation) to an analog classic.
Complete with over 300 presets professionally created by celebrated sound designers to get them started, bx_oberhausen users can categorise their own sound creations for easy recall while also adding notes. Needless to say, the in-plugin preset management system itself is fully NKS (Native Kontrol Standard) compliant, so integrates well with NKS-enabled products.
Watch Brainworx Audio Director of Product Management Christian Diehl’s informative introductory bx_oberhausen video here:
Price and Availability
bx_oberhausen is available for purchase — as an AAX Native-, AU-, VST2-, and VST3-supporting Virtual Instrument plugin for MacOS (10.9 through 10.14) and Windows (7 through 10) — exclusively from Brainworx Audio’s US-based sister company/distribution partner Plugin Alliance for an introductory price of $179.00 USD, rising to $249.00 USD thereafter.
From April 9 onwards, a fully-functional, 14-day trial is available to anyone registering for a free Plugin Alliance account.
Learn more on the bx_oberhausen webpage.
