True Oberheim Sound
It sounds like a classic Oberheim because it is a classic Oberheim. Its 100% analog audio path cuts through a mix like no other synth.
The audio signal path of the OB-X8 is all analog, filled with warmth and punch. It’s the same trademark Oberheim sound that made iconic tracks like 1999 by Prince, Jump by Van Halen, and Tom Sawyerby Rush so unforgettable. And now it’s yours to enhance your own music.
The classic OB-series factory sounds that you know from countless recordings are all here. But that’s just the start: our network of world-class sound designers has created jaw-dropping new sounds just for the OB-X8. And because the OB-X8 has a clear and easy-to-grasp set of controls, creating your own sounds is as easy as turning a few knobs and saving what you like.
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 characteristics of each model have been faithfully reproduced, giving you the most authentic OB experience possible. You can even mix elements of different models to create sounds never possible with the originals. There’s never been an OB-series synth as powerful and versatile.
A Classic — Evolved
The OB-X8 is more than just a new OB-series Oberheim. It’s engineered to be the best modern OB ever created.
Creating the classic OB sound required more than just replicating vintage oscillators, filters, and envelopes.
The Oberheim design team exhaustively 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 of the warmth, subtlety, and presence of the originals.
OB insiders know that the myriad of “Page 2″ functions unlocked the hidden power of the original OB-X, OB-Xa, and OB-8.We’ve included all of the classic page 2 parameters and created new ones for 2022, giving you direct access to 40+ nuanced controls such as additional SEM filter modes, per-voice panning, LFO keyboard tracking, Mod delay time and envelope inversion, independent pulse width control, and much more.
The unique design of the expression levers was integral to bringing out performances that made the OB-series synths famous.
And for even greater expressiveness than the originals, the OB-X8 features a premium-quality Fatar keyboard with velocity and aftertouch sensitivity. Dig in with both hands for sizzling filter sweeps, intense vibrato, and more.
The unique design of the expression levers was integral to bringing out performances that made the OB-series synths famous.
And for even greater expressiveness than the originals, the OB-X8 features a premium-quality Fatar keyboard with velocity and aftertouch sensitivity. Dig in with both hands for sizzling filter sweeps, intense vibrato, and more.
OS v2.0 — Update
The OB-X8 is a modern legend. And now, the free OS version 2.0 update builds on the Oberheim legacy by providing a host of new features.
The OB-X8 is a true modern legend. And now, OS version 2.0 builds on the Oberheim legacy by summoning immersive binaural worlds and stacking simultaneously selectable oscillator waveforms. Ignite creativity and expand your sound palette with a fresh new low pass filter type and independent VCO 1 and 2 level modulation.
- Instant binaural mode pans individual voices hard left and right for true stereo operation
- Simultaneously selectable waveshapes for each oscillator extends timbral variety
- New 4-Pole low pass filter type with fuller bass at high resonance
- New VCO 1 and 2 level LFO modulation destinations for independent timbral mixing
- Arpeggiator clock sync now has selectable note division values for expanded rhythmic control
More than an upgrade, it’s an analog classic reborn. Download the free OB-X8 OS v2.0 update and reforge your sonic legacy.
- Twice the Split and Double memory locations, including program storage directly in the new banks for 512 more stored sounds
- Separate MIDI channels for lower/upper split bi-timbral operation
The addition of poly chain allows for 32-voice epics with multiple instruments connected. Experience massive Oberheim sound from the company that pioneered polyphonic analog synthesis.
Now you can sculpt nuanced dreamscapes with MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression). With OS v2.0, OB-X8 now responds to MPE, a revolutionary MIDI extension enabling independent control for every note. MPE lets you bend the pitch, adjust timbre, and manipulate other sound aspects individually.
SPECIFICATIONS
- 8-voice, pure-analog polyphony with saw, square/pulse, triangle, and noise
- Two discrete SEM/OB-X-lineage VCOs per voice deliver classic punchy Oberheim tone
- Discrete SEM-lineage VCFs deliver authentic OB-X-style tone and presence
- Genuine Curtis filters add bold OB-Xa/OB-8 character
- Meticulously modeled envelope responses match each OB model: OB-X, OB-Xa, and OB-8
- The 61-key FATAR velocity- and touch-sensitive keyboard allows unparalleled expression and responsiveness
- Bi-timbral capability allows two presets simultaneously for splits and doubles
- 400-plus factory programs, including the full set of factory sounds for the OB-X, OB-SX, OB-Xa, and OB-8
- Integral, fanless, heatsink-free power supply
- Real walnut end cheeks
- High-resolution OLED display enables patch management and easy access to advanced features
- Classic Oberheim Pitch and Mod levers allow expressive note bending, vibrato, and access to arpeggiator functions
- Weight: 32.5 lbs
- Dimensions: 40.5” L x 16.67” W x 5.87” H
- Additional SEM filter modes add high-pass, band-pass, and notch functions to the classic OB-X filter
- Vintage knob allows variable amounts of voice-to-voice variability to emulate the behavior of vintage instruments
- Velocity sensitivity adds expressiveness to volume and filter
- Channel Aftertouch adds real-time performance-based modulation
- Enhanced unison allows variable voice stacking from 1-8 voices
- Variable triangle wave cross-modulation
- Over 600 user-programmable preset locations
- Programmable per-program pan allows wider stereo presence
- Variable oscillator and noise levels
INS & OUTS
- Stereo and Mono outputs
- Volume, Sustain, and Filter inputs
- Arpeggiator clock input
- MIDI In, Out, Thru
- USB