Virtual Oberheim OB-X Synthesizer, OB-Xd v2.0, Available As A Free/Donationware Download

discoDSP has introduced OB-Xd 2, a free/donationware software synthesizer based on the classic Oberheim OB-X.

Here’s what they have to say about it:

“OB-Xd is based on the Oberheim OB-X. It attempts to recreate its sound and behavior, but as the original was very limited in some important ways a number of things were added or altered to the original design. OB-Xd was designed to sound as good and as rich as the original. It implements micro random detuning which is a big part of that sound.”

Here’s what’s new in OB-Xd v2.0:

  • 7x faster GUI controls.
  • Linux build.
  • Standalone app.
  • Signed and notarized installers.
  • Updated JUCE framework to 5.4.7 for better stability and compatibility.
  • Updated Banks with 2.0 compatibility.
  • Ilkka Rosma Dark Theme.
  • macOS Catalina support.
  • MIDI CC Learn.
  • MIDI CC support.
  • Parameter refactor.
  • XML based skinning.
  • HiDPI (Retina) ready GUI themes.

Pricing and Availability

OB-Xd 2.0 is available for Linux, Mac & Windows as a free download. Donation of $49 USD are suggested.

15 thoughts on “Virtual Oberheim OB-X Synthesizer, OB-Xd v2.0, Available As A Free/Donationware Download

        1. I think ‘toxic’ is a bit of an overstatement for a small bit of sarcasm. Nevertheless, looking forward to checking out the OB-xd having heard great things.

          1. It’s a fairly accurate assessment. The analog vs. digital and hardware vs. software battles are sometimes wildly inflammatory. It also seems that there are quite a few people who collect instruments based solely on specifications and circuitry rather than actually using them to make music.

    1. A good hardware controller with lots of knobs (maybe even a dedicated OBX-inspired one) certainly wouldn’t hurt in the long run, if you love your OB-Xd.

      Personally, I sure did like the first version of OB-Xd!
      Good prodct!

  1. I wonder which legendary synth will get this treatment next? Suddenly, an alleged hardware clone and 3 software emulations on the scene? Interesting timing. The OB is a very basic synth compared to most, but Synapse Audio elevates it the best in my view. It has the right beef, with good bells & whistles.

    1. DiscoDSP’s software emulation isn’t exactly *that* new – it’s just a version 2.0 update, as the name suggests. The first version of it (by developer 2DAT) has been around since about seven years, so quite a while!

      A lovely piece of software.

  2. We all love plug-in synths. Lets be grateful too. Has anyone listened to an OB-X? It was super fast, aggressive, gnarly square wave and possibly buzzy. It was my first synth and I spent hours and hours programming it, after all it was the first programmable, is that not so?

    So the variety of responses is here, and some weighing the “out of the box” reality. I will never give up my Oberheim hardware, it’s simply amazing, has never been duplicated, replaced, or plugged. I congratulate these software makers for creating this wonderful plug-in, and for the major effort.

    But please don’t sell the few devices that only playing can inspire and challenge you as a musician and as a keyboardist. I played my OB-X at the Whiskey in 1980, sharing the stage with Split Enz,, with sounds on the first four patches, and played the patch buttons. Try that with a plug-in.

    Not to mention the barking electricity in my fingers.

  3. Guys anyone know how to install this? I installed it but it doesn’t allow to put it in my own location and also it appears to just install an application and not .dll file. Thanks.

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