Vintage Oberheim DS-2 Digital Sequencer

Vintage Oberheim DS2 Digital Sequencer

This is a rare Oberheim DS2 Digital Sequencer. The DS2 was the second commercially available digital sequencer ever made (after the EMS) and one of the first machines that Tom Oberheim ever built. It was built in the ‘70s. It was utilized by many famous artists like Peter Gabriel, Stevie Wonder, Brian Eno, Larry Fast, Tangerine Dream and many more.

DS-2 Digital Sequencer stores melodic rhythmic sequences which are played on the synthesizer keyboard into its memory and plays them back automatically. Sequences recorded can be played back at tempos up to 16 times faster or slower than load tempo. The moment you finish loading playback is instantaneous. There are three sequences that can be recorded and played back. Operation is simple. Sequences can be recorded in real-time via an attached CV/Gate keyboard. When played back, all three sequences can be pitched in real-time with knobs over a very large range. If you choose a high clock rate when recording, the machine can playback sequences in very high speed. So, an attached synth can be used as a sound generator. This machine can also be used for very effective and unique sound design.

The digital display tells you the sequence number and note number at all times. You can transpose with the DS-2 as well. Three separate transposition alternatives, in addition to the original load key, are available, using potentiometers which you can set and forget or change during play, over a four octave range. The DS-2 has a single step feature which increases its flexibility. In the single step mode one note in a sequence can be loaded or played back at a time. The unit is compatible with Oberheim, Arp, Moog synthesizers or with other CV/Gate keyboards.

Solld for parts not working because it is untested. A pdf with user- and service manual (with complete schematics) is included. Sold as-is.