NRSynth Solo Is a Boutique SEM Remake With New Envelopes, Sub-Oscillator
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In the mood for SEMthing special? Try the NRSynth Solo, a made-to-order Oberheim SEM recreation with some useful new features.
NRSynth Solo
In 1974, Oberheim released the Synthesizer Expander Module. Better known as the SEM, the little white single-voice analog synth was intended to be used as a expander along with Tom’s DS-2A digital sequencer. The SEM has since taken on a life of its own, being incorporated into polyphonic synths like the Four Voice and Eight Voice, and its incredible filter is now famous in its own right.
Although Tom Oberheim re-released the SEM in the 21st century, it’s no longer in production, meaning if you want a hardware version (and not one of the many great software versions), you’ll want to look at NRSynth Solo.
Extended SEM
NRSynth Solo has everything that you expect from a SEM, including two discrete VCOs with hard sync, saw, square, and pulse plus pulse width; analog VCA; analog triangle wave LFO; plus that amazing 12dB/Oct filter with LPF, HPF, notch, and bandpass modes.
However, Solo is also what NRSynth is calling an extended version of the SEM. New features include a sub-oscillator with a pulse wave one octave below VCO 1, 100% analog white noise generator, two analog envelopes borrowed from the Sequential Pro-One with deactivatable release (for a punchier response), a digital LFO with eight waveforms plus tilt, three frequency ranges, and sync, sample and hold, and glide.
Other new additions include a Eurorack-compatible patchbay with 15 I/O jacks, MIDI with velocity support, audio in and sync in.
Back in Black
You may have also noticed that the look of the Solo is different from the SEM. Where the original went with unusual white, NRSynth’s version is in black, with waxed oak sides and Marshall amp-style Tolex.
Price and Availability
NRSynth Solo is available directly from the manufacturer for €1390 and is made to order. Purchase includes a patchbook of sound examples.
More Information
- NRSynth Solo product page
- All about Oberheim
- All about synthesizers
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