SEM V2

One piece of analog hardware that made history in the 1970s wasn’t even a synth; well, not at first. Created by Oberheim Electronics, the Synthesizer Expander Module (or SEM for short) was exactly what its name suggested: a separate module designed to be connected to other synths of that era. This was very useful for musicians who wanted to set up sequences.

However, the module became so popular due to the sound it created that Oberheim soon began to sell it alongside a keyboard. Thus the SEM became a synth in its own right, and now you can have it as a software emulation in the form of SEM V2.

Like with most instruments from their V Collection, Arturia’s developers have managed to find a balance between a historically accurate emulation, sleek graphic design, clear analog sound with modern-day applicability, and ease of use. Well, the latter isn’t really applicable if you don’t know much about synths, but you can use the application’s in-built tutorial to quickly get familiar with the interface and start producing your own sounds.

Apart from the standard interface which mimics the original SEM module (plus a keyboard and a few extra parameters), you can expand the workspace to access four additional sections. In Keyboard Follow you can draw various curves that will help you modulate parameters directly with the keyboard. The 8 Voice Programmer allows you to adjust voices, but can also be used as a sequencer/arpeggiator. As for the Modulation and Effects sections, well, their names are self-explanatory.

SEM V2 comes with a wide variety of presets that you can add to your compositions, and browsing through them is made easy by the filters provided. Whether you’re trying to make your tune sound retro or just producing contemporary electronic music, most of the sound produced by this virtual instrument can fit in seamlessly.