NRSynth Solo is a new Oberheim SEM Synthesizer clone with extended features ahead of SynthFest France 2025.
SynthFest France brings the French Synthesizer community together in one place every year. In addition to big names like Arturia, it’s also an event for developers who pursue their passion alongside their daily jobs. One is Stephen Ingrand, who has already developed numerous vintage synth replicas/clones with add-ons.
Last year at SFF2024, NRSynth previewed the Solo, a clone/replica of the Oberheim SEM with extended features. Meanwhile, the Solo is available and will also be shown at Synthfest France 2025
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NRSynth Solo
Solo is a new analog clone/replica of the Oberheim SEM Synthesizer from 1974. Every NRSynth Solo is handcrafted, not mass-produced, using through-hole components.
At its core, it uses the same circuit as the original Synthesizer Expander Module but with extended features. It has two discrete VCOs: saw and pulse and PW control and sync. Unlike the original, it has a pulse wave sub-oscillator (1 octave below VCO1) and an analog white noise generator.
The signal is then fed into a 12dB multimode filter with the same original SEM topology, including morphable lowpass, highpass, notch, and bandpass modes. The analog VCA follows the same schematics as the original Oberheim synth.
NRSynth has also tweaked the Solo modulation section. It has two analog envelope generators with switchable release from the Sequential Pro-1 Synthesizer. According to the developer, these are more punchy than the originals.
Next to the modified analog envelope, you can find an analog triangle waveform LFO like in the original SEM. Additionally, it has a digital LFO with eight waveforms + tilt with three frequency ranges and sync. Plus, you can find a sample and hold generator with sync, unlocking modulation options.
More Additional Features
Further, NRSynth Solo hosts a Eurorack-compatible patch bay with 15 patch points on 3.5mm jacks. Solo also features a new analog portamento circuit at the input for gliding sounds.
On the backside, you can find an audio output and sync input on 6.35mm, MIDI with velocity support, and a button reset. All this is mounted in a black aluminum enclosure with a black front panel and wooden side panels.
SynthFest France 2024
Here’s my video from SynthFest France 2024 about the NRSynth Solo. Please note there is no sound demo because the developer had shipping issues with the power supply.
NRSynth Solo First Impression
I’m happy to see that the Solo is now finished. In the available demos, the synth sounds lovely and juicy. It looks like an excellent alternative for those who search an Oberheim SEM with modern features without the long hunt for a vintage device that still needs maintenance.
If the price for this boutique handmade synth is too high, remember that Behringer is developing the 2-XM (Oberheim 2-voice).
NRSynth Solo is available now on demand for 1390€ from France. The synth will not be available in shops but will be built for you on demand. It also ships with a patchbook with all the sounds from Séraphin Palmeri’s
More information here: NRSynth
