Another Four Voice clone? This time it’s Miltone 4Exp and it’s identical down to the components and custom potentiometers. But you won’t believe the price.
Miltone 4Exp
The Oberheim Four Voice is a legendary synthesizer. The world’s first polyphonic synth, it assembled four of Tom Oberheim’s gorgeous SEMs into a single instrument. The real beauty, however, lay in its ability to generate uniquely complex sounds thanks to the variations that you could program into each voice. Although we’ve had a few SEM clones as of late, this year has seen two Four Voice recreations pop up: first, the NRSynth Quatuor and now this, the Miltone 4Exp, which is making its debut at Superbooth.
Miltone 4Exp · Source: Miltone
Miltone 4Exp: Four Voice, For Love
While the Quatuor takes some liberties with the Four Voice architecture and look, the Miltone 4Exp is much more traditionalist. It looks the part, with the same color scheme, labeling, and even the knobs, which feature custom-built potentiometers that replicate the original’s unique ball bearing-based structure. This attention to detail continues to the PCB level, with discrete through-hole components employed. In fact, the only missing element is the keyboard.
Miltone 4Exp · Source: Rob Puricelli
Looking at the synthesizer itself, each of the voices in 3Exp includes two VCOs with sync, the classic state variable 12dB/Oct VCF, two ADS envelope generators, and an LFO. To the left is the output module, which provides volume and pan controls for each voice, a master volume control, and the outputs, those being left, right, and two headphone outputs.
Currently, the Miltone 4Exp prototype only includes CV/Gate for playing, but Miltone plans to add MIDI very soon.
Miltone 4Exp: Synthesists React
Reaction from Superbooth attendees has been extremely positive, judging by the comments on Miltone’s Instagram account. “I saw this in person today and played it. And it’s phenomenal!! And I say that as a Two Voice owner,” said one commenter. Another wrote, “Absolutely nails the SEM sound (those saws!) and the attention you’ve put into getting all the components right (the dual concentric tuners) is phenomenal.”
Miltone knows a thing or two about vintage synthesizers, having repaired them for years under the name Vintage Synths & Co. It appears that that knowledge has made it into the 4Exp. It’s so authentic, you can even chain it with an original Four Voice to make an Eight Voice.
All of this authenticity comes at a price, though. You’ll have to part with €11,955 to get one. If that sounds alright with you, head to the company’s homepage to find out how to preorder one.
More Information
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