The Return of a Legend: Miltone Unveils the 4Exp
Parisian vintage synthesizer specialists Miltone have officially entered the manufacturing space with the announcement of the 4Exp, a meticulous recreation of the legendary Oberheim Four Voice System. Known primarily for their expert restoration work on classic gear, the team has pivoted to building a high-fidelity homage to one of the most sought-after polyphonic synthesizers in history.
Engineering a Faithful Reproduction
Rather than creating a modern, digital-leaning approximation, Miltone has focused on a component-for-component reconstruction. The 4Exp integrates four individual Synthesizer Expander Modules (SEM) into a unified, hand-built instrument. By sourcing modern equivalents for original parts that are no longer in production, the team has managed to capture the authentic sonic character of the 1975 original.
Manfred Veber, the mastermind behind the project, explained the evolution of the concept in an interview with Resident Advisor. He noted that the initial goal was simply to manufacture replacement SEM parts, but the project quickly scaled once they realized they could achieve a true, full-scale replica rather than a mere clone.
Customization and Craftsmanship
Each 4Exp unit is individually numbered and constructed to order, reflecting the boutique nature of the build. Miltone offers a high degree of aesthetic personalization for the instrument:
- Module Aesthetics: Users can choose between classic beige or a sleek black finish for the SEMs.
- Chassis Options: The housing is available in either a professional-grade aluminum or a vintage-inspired Tolex wrap.
Pricing and Availability
Given the labor-intensive nature of hand-building these complex analog systems, the 4Exp is positioned as a premium investment for serious collectors and studio professionals.
* 4Exp Aluminum Edition: €9,990 (excluding VAT and shipping).
* 4Exp Tolex Edition: €11,990 (excluding VAT and shipping).
While the original Oberheim Four Voice remains a rare “holy grail” item on the vintage market-often fetching prices that fluctuate wildly based on condition-the 4Exp offers a reliable, factory-fresh alternative. Prospective buyers should note that the current production timeline anticipates shipping in late 2026. You can secure your unit or explore further technical specifications here.
