The Oberheim OB-X8 is the first new Oberheim in over 40 years! This brand which brought legendary analog synthesizers to the market for years is now back with a new classic.
The OB-X8 sounds like a classic Oberheim. The 100% analog audio path cuts through a mix like no other synth could.
Pure analog
The OB-X8's audio signal path is all analog, filled with warmth and punch. It's the same distinctive Oberheim sound that made iconic songs like Prince's "1999," Van Halen's "Jump" and Rush's "Tom Sawyer" so unforgettable. And now it's up to you to enhance your own music.
All new sounds
The classic factory OB series sounds you know from countless recordings are all here. The Oberheim network of world-class sound designers has created stunning new sounds specifically for the OB-X8. And because the OB-X8 has a clear and easy to understand set of controls, creating your own sounds is as simple as turning a few knobs and saving what you like.
Three in One
The OB-X8 combines the three different voice architectures of the OB-X, OB-Xa and OB-8 into a single instrument. The individual filter types and other unique features of each model are faithfully reproduced, giving you the most authentic experience possible. You can even mix elements from different models to create sounds that would otherwise never be possible with the originals. There has never been an OB series synth so powerful and versatile.
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Artist Quotes
"I was immediately impressed by the forensic level of detail in the OB-X8 design and its respect for its origins."
Trent Reznor - Nine Inch Nails/Film Composer
"After playing the OB-X8, I am convinced that I need it. It's a true Oberheim, a great instrument and a part of synth history."
Michael Stein - Composer "Stranger Things."
"My reaction to the OB-X8 was one of pure joy. That sound was back and covers every filter type Oberheim has ever used."
Steve Porcaro - Toto / songwriter / composer
Carefully matched
Creating the classic OB sound required more than just replicating vintage oscillators, filters and envelopes.
Oberheim's design team extensively analyzed and recreated the complex interactions between the various components of each OB series synth to capture their nuances and character.
The result is the most faithful, authoritative renewal of an analog classic possible - with all the warmth, subtlety and presence of the originals.
Page 2022
OB insiders know that the numerous "Page 2" features have unlocked the hidden power of the original OB-8.
They've added all the classic parameters and created new ones for 2022, giving you direct access to more than 40 nuanced controls, including additional SEM filter modes, per-voice panning, LFO keyboard tracking, Mod delay time and envelope inversion, independent pulse width control, and much more.
A tactile triumph
The unique design of the expression levers was integral to bringing out performances that made OB series synths famous.
And for even more expressiveness than the originals, the OB-X8 features a top-quality Fatar keyboard with touch and aftertouch sensitivity. Dive in with both hands for blistering filter sweeps, intense vibrato and more.
Specifications:
Hardware
- 8-voice pure analog polyphony
- Two discrete OB-X/SEM line VCOs per voice provide a classic, powerful Oberheim sound
- Discrete SEM-line VCFs deliver authentic OB-X-style sound and presence
- Genuine Curtis filters add bold OB-Xa/OB-8 character
- Carefully modeled envelope responses match any OB model: OB-X, Ob-Xa and OB-8
- FATAR touch-sensitive keyboard with 61 keys provides unparalleled expression and responsiveness
- Bi-timbral capability allows you to split and double two presets simultaneously
- Over 400 factory programs, including the full set of factory sounds for the OB-X, OB-SX, OB-Xa and OB-8
- Integrated fanless power supply without heat sink
- Real walnut sides
- High-resolution OLED display allows patch management and easy access to advanced features
- Classic Oberheim Pitch and Mod levers allow expressive note bending, vibrato and access to arpeggiator functions
Enhancements
- USB
- MIDI in, out, through
- Arpeggiator clock input
- Volume, sustain and filter pedal inputs
- L/R stereo and mono outputs
- Ins & Outs
- Over 600 user-programmable preset locations
- Variable triangle wave cross modulation
- Variable oscillator and noise levels
- Programmable pan per voice provides a wider stereo presence
- Adjustable pulse width per oscillator allows for richer and more animated timbres
- Enhanced unison allows variable voice stacking of 1-8 voices
- Channel Aftertouch adds real-time performance-based modulation
- Velocity sensitivity adds expressiveness to volume and filter
- Vintage knob allows variable amounts of voice-to-voice variability to mimic the behavior of vintage instruments
- Additional SEM filter modes add high-pass, band-pass and notch functions to the classic OB-X filter
