Double Feature
OB-E’s MIDI Sequencer is inspired by Oberheim’s original add-on eight-step sequencer module (MS-1) and to be true to the original, OB-E’s SEM 8 Output mode uses the eighth SEM for your sequence, leaving the remaining SEMs to play live. However, far more interesting is All mode, which, if used in conjunction with the Cont playback setting, activates all eight SEMs in order, one-SEM-per-sequence step.
Whichever Output mode you use, each sequence step has a dedicated Gate and Velocity setting, and there are five overall sequence styles (Modes) including a chord option. There are a few ways to input sequence notes, including manually and via MIDI. You can also control the sequence starting pitch using a DAW MIDI part or drag the MIDI for the sequence from OB-E back into your DAW. Further overall sequence options include Swing, Rate, Octave, number of Steps, Start step and Start SEM. Finally, the Rhythm knob selects one of 14 presets (these affect the Velocity and Swing settings). So still very much a programmable analoguestyle sequencer, but one designed to showcase the eight-SEM design. If we have one gripe, it’s simply that you can’t zoom the sequencer window.