Oberheim Xpander Classic Analog Synthesizer Matrix 12 Start Price USD 9.99 Current Price USD 2,050.00 Time Left - Bid Count 7 Buy It Now Price USD 2,700.00 Reserve Price - Start Time Tuesday, September 02, 2008 End Time Tuesday, September 09, 2008 Location Chicago, Illinois See more about 'Oberheim Xpander Classic Analog Synthesizer Matrix 12' Description onlinesfinest Store You are bidding on the Oberheim Xpander Analog Synthesizer.  Few minor blemishes on the product, but still very good condition. Right panel is a little loose, but still held on strong by the screw.  Included with your bid is the power supply.  DESCRIPTION: A multi-timbral analog desktop synthesizer module with 6-voice polyphony. Approximately 2000 units produced between 1984 and 1988. The synth features 2 syncable VCOs per voice, with sawtooth, triangle, pulse and noise (on VCO2) waveforms. The filter is a rather unusual multimode VCF with 15 different modes available by switching between 1-4 poles and pass types. Each voice sports 5 DADSR envelope generators, with 4 individual ramp generators for simple additional envelopes. A total of 15 VCAs are available. For modulation there are 5 individual LFOs with sample/hold, 3 tracking generators plus a lag processor for a portamento-style effect. Some of the components are in fact done with software. This includes the LFOs and EGs. According to most users, this does not have a noticeable negative effect on the instrument's sound. Belonging to the same series as the Matrix-12 and Matrix-6, The Xpander features very flexible virtual patching of components, in a style similar to old modular synthesizers. 27 sources can be patched to 47 destinations, with a maximum of 20 connections per sound. The unit's internal memory holds 100 single and 100 multi patches. Backup is possible via a cassette interface or MIDI SysEx dump. The Xpander was the first Oberheim synth to feature an extensive MIDI implementation. Each voice or a voice group can be assigned to its own MIDI channel or one of the 6 onboard CV/gate inputs. Individual audio outputs for all the voices are included. Famous users of the Xpander include Tangerine Dream, Yello, Keith Emerson, Jan Hammer, Orbital, Front 242 and Trent Reznor. When the Xpander was released in 1984, it caused quite a stir being the first truly all-analogue, multi-timbral synth with a comprehensive and 'modern' MIDI implementation. However, the lack of a keyboard caused some confusion and consternation - "What the hell is this... a synth with no keyboard?". For Oberheim, it was a simple concept and a modern extension of their earlier SEM (Synthesiser Expansion Module) which established the company back in the early '70s. However, at the time, keyboardless modules were pretty much unheard of and something else that we had to understand in this new, post-MIDI world. Interestingly, it was users of Akai EWI wind synth that were early adopters of the Xpander as it fitted in perfectly with many of the core performance concepts that the unique EWI had (and indeed still has!) to offer. The Xpander also had some advantages over the Matrix 12 in that it had individual outputs for each of the voices and so could act as six totally independent monophonic mini-modulars. Of course, given the prices of the Xpander/Matrix and the fact that programming and editing required some highly deep and specialised knowledge of synthesis, neither sold in abundance but their impact on the design of synths is evident with many of the user interface principles they introduced - modulation matrices are now common on almost every synth and sampler and many products use the concept of virtual encoders that line up with parameters on an LCD above. I accept PayPal, Cashier's Check, and Money Orders. My account is onlinesfinest@yahoo.com. All Illinois residents please include 9% sales tax. Thank you for your Business.All sales are final. If Dead On Arrival you have 72 hours to contact us. If not, you forfeit the right to return. DOA not valid on untested or AS/IS. We are NOT responsible for return fees. False claims charged 15% restocking fee. Must return in 7 days.     Thank you for Bidding and Good Luck! Place a Bid!