Tom Oberheim SEM vs FRXS

[projectwoofer]

I'm into researching for a new semi modular analog mono with multimode filter and came across those two...any comments on their differences soundwise?

I'm talking about the SEM patch panel version with a Kenton MIDI-CV vs the FRXS...

[ctrlshft]

Originally Posted by projectwoofer

I'm into researching for a new semi modular analog mono with multimode filter and came across those two...any comments on their differences soundwise?

I'm talking about the SEM patch panel version with a Kenton MIDI-CV vs the FRXS...

The SEM filter is exceedingly unique and probably not great for all applications, however awesome as an accompaniment synth. it's bright, although in LP mode it's pretty fat. The big differing factor here is the Notch knob, which allows you to sweep from LP to HP modes seemlessly, and it gives this great phasing sound.

The XS filter sounds great, and to me was a better all arounder, albeit lacking that neat Notch sweep feature. The filter is very sensitive to the mixer settings for the oscs, and allows for a huge range of resonance response.

[projectwoofer]

Thanks for your reply! What about the raw VCO sound? Any differences?

[ctrlshft]

Originally Posted by projectwoofer

Thanks for your reply! What about the raw VCO sound? Any differences?

SEM VCOs sound ridiculously huge, PWM is sick! Only Saw and Pulse waveform options though. XS's oscs sound a tad darker than SEM (although SEM is bright, so that could be construed as normal), and the different waveform options are plentiful.

XS is definitely a better all-arounder IMO, albeit if you've got a few other synths laying around, the SEM fills a niche like no other. It's great for making tripped out drum loops with the notch filter sweeps. Guess it comes down to what you need either of them for.