Oberheim DX
Digital Drum Machine (1983)

 

A cut-down ersion of the legendary Oberheim DMX model with different soundset but a better pitch tuning management.

DRUM MACHINE main panel features a simple 4 digit numeric display, 18 pads (no velocities) 8 sliders and 24 buttons.

Back panel terminal connectors:
- 3 main outputs: single mix mono + 2 left/right
- 6 individual outs
- 6 pitch trimmers
- click output
- tape interface
- memory protection tab
- clock I/O sync
- 2 pedalswitch inputs for star/stopt and nextpattern function.
- trigger inputs control a single selected percussion channel
- Midi interface only on lastest USA release.

 

 

VOICE system based on a CPU Z80 ZILOG manages 6 voices polyphony.
The channels offers individual gain mix and pitch tuning.

WAVETABLE there are 18 sounds (including dynamic variations) on various EPROM memories coded at 8 bits with a companded compression.
SOUND LIST: kick (x3), snare (x3), hihats (x3), tom (x3), cymbal (x3), shaker (x2) and handclaps.

EPROM (ABOVE) can be easily removed and replaced by other sounds (accepted from 2 to maximum 32 kb) still available around the net, or get a PROMMER and burn your own samples.

 

 

EDIT INTERFACE very similar to previous DMX model but limited display won't help.

 

SEQUENCER 2 recording modes:
- real-time
- step mode.
Classic array of edit functions: insert, punch IN/OUT, copy, replace, delete and some grooving options like quantizes, swing and flames.

 

 

SYNC internal clock from 25 to 250 BPM or can be synched to other devices in 3 ways:
1- pulses at 24/48 or 96 PPQ
2- sync tape
3- Midi clock (if interface is present).

MIDI latest DX production came with MIDI factory implementation, however some third-part companies offers some modification boards for this purpose.
TIP: Saved patterns can be DMX compatible depending on the machine OS.

MEMORY :
- 50 sequences lenght 1-99 bars
- 100 patterns
- 13200 notes
Data can be saved either to TAPE dump or MIDI SYSEX if relative interface is implemented.
MAINTENANCE most common issue is the pad contact which may need a simple good cleaning.

 

RELATED FAMILY:

DX VS DMX The DX mainboard has been redesigned from previous model: the original DMX removable card boards (similar to OB-XA synth) system has been replaced by a unique simpler voiceboard. A major improvements from the older sister is the external pitch trimmers now easily accessible from the back panel.	DMX father of the DX - each voice has a dedicated board channel. DX sounds are a bit different from classic DMX.
	Stretch optional - this rare boards add 4 new voices and Midi options. It connects on the left side.

 

VST PLUGIN / SAMPLED VERSION there are some free and commercial samples set. but no official VST plugin.

	name	price	demo
	-logic-cafe -FLSM	FREE	n/a

 

AUDIO DEMO

	Supermix: Oberheim DX + synth SIEL CRUISE
	pattern 1
	pattern 2
	tuning test 1
	tuning test 2

VIDEO SELECTION Demo 1 with KORG volca and BOSS DR55 TR909 Eproms

-more demo - Free sample set (also custom sets)

original Brochure

original Brochure

original Brochure



original Brochure

original Brochure