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Oberheim Xpander Synthesizer Module- very rare

Estimated price for orientation: 2 600 $

Category: Oberheim Xpander Synthesizer hre
Class:











Description
Condition: Used: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections. See all condition definitions- opens in a new window or tab ... Read moreabout the condition Brand: Oberheim
Analog/Digital: Analog Type: Synthesizer
Model: Xpander 6 voice analog synth, with digital control Inputs/Outputs: MIDI (DIN) In, MIDI (DIN) Out, Gate In, Trigger Out, CV In
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States


Oberheim XpanderIf you are looking at this and you're thinking, "Didn't I just see this a week ago?," you're right. I listed it, sold it, and the dude backed out of the sale. So here we are again, so be sure you know what you are bidding on! Oberheim Xpander, 6-voice synth module, not an OB8, OBx, or any other older synth.
What is it?: If you know the '80s you already know what an awesome, historic synth this is. If you want all the specs, I can send you them, but specs don't translate to sound. And this thing has THE sound. I am the original owner, I bought it in the early '80s when they were first introduced and I used on so many gigs. It was my go-to synth. I also had a Micro Moog, Prophet-5 and a DX-7, but they were never as fat as this OB. Those huge '80s synth sounds were so iconic, and now real analog sounds are back. BTW-this one is US built (highly sought after), not Japanese, as the later models were.Condition: It hasn't been seriously used in about 25 years, yet all the patches still come up on demand. The internal battery that keeps the PRAM going, holding patch settings, is amazingly still working (a testament to Oberheim's design). The internal diagnostics that tune the oscillators, filters, etc. all PASS (see video below). Lastly, it sounds awesome! Some of the switches were a little funky at first, but as I used them more and more, they became less so. Like I said, it hasn't been played in a very long time. Almost changed my mind when I heard it again after all those years.Features: Many of the original factory patches have been replaced by some of my designs. If you want a fully restored factory set, they can be obtained. To my knowledge, everything is working as designed. Notice the back panel, something I never took advantage of, but if you're into modular stuff, it has all the control voltage and gate in's. The output section has individual outs for each of the 6 voices, plus a L/R and mono. All this flexibility and interconnectivity is why players like Michael Brecker and Bob Mintzer used one to give voice to their EWIs (electronic wind instruments) Kind of ridiculous how much went into this machine, the modulation matrix alone was ground breaking. You can use each voice set to its own individual MIDI channel, or group together any combination of voices. When you want an awesome lead patch, just put it in unison mode and you get this 6-12 oscillator monster sound. Because MIDI was brand new then, it features the then standard MIDI in, out & thru, so you would need either a keyboard with a MIDI out, or an interface with those 5-pin din connector MIDI plugs, going to USB. I have an old MOTU interface that still works with it.
Shipping: It can be shipped in the flight case I bought for it, back in the day, but sadly the cheap foam they used turned into mush some time ago. I cleaned all that out, and I can fit it with alternative packing material inside to keep the unit safe, then I will pack the case in a box. If you need a case you can probably get new foam to fit the old case. This will add about 10 lbs. to the shipping weight, for a total 35 lbs., which you would on the hook for. Alternatively, I will just box up the synth, very well. Estimate below is based on the 25 lb. package without the case. Since you will be paying the shipping, you can choose packaging scheme, which carrier/time frame, etc. 
Check out these videos:A quick preview of me playing some patches: https://youtu.be/YR8FJ3ikWA4This shows the Tune function, checking and passing the oscillators, filters and LFOs: https://youtu.be/Q_rkXMzrPrw

On May-24-17 at 16:29:33 PDT, seller added the following information:
After posting above, I realized I entered dimensions and weight for a different item, my mistake. Not sure if I'm allowed to change it officially, but actual dimensions will be: L 37" X W 17" X H 10" and the weight more like 38 lbs. Shipping will be more than indicated by the calculator.

On May-24-17 at 17:56:11 PDT, seller added the following information:
Since this was clearly MY mistake, I will cover any difference in shipping.