Oberheim OB-X8 Synthesizer Is Like Three Classics In One Synth

Oberheim has officially announced the OB-X8, a new synth that they say brings back a legendary analog synth sound after over 40 years, but with state-of-the-art features that expand on the capabilities of the originals.

The Oberheim OB-X8 combines the three different voice architectures of the classic OB-X, OB-Xa, and OB-8 synths into a single instrument. The individual filter types and other unique characteristics of each model have been faithfully reproduced, along with an uncompromising 100% analog signal path.

As a result, the Oberheim OB-X8 is much more than a reissue, it’s a new Oberheim design that offers better synthesis options and expressive capabilities than its predecessors, including:

  • 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

OB insiders know that the myriad of “Page 2? functions unlocked the hidden power of the original OB-X, OB-Xa, and OB-8. The OB-X8 features all of the classic page 2 parameters and 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.

For even greater expressiveness than the originals, the OB-X8 features a premium-quality Fatar keyboard, with velocity and aftertouch sensitivity.

Features:

  • 8-voice, pure-analog polyphony with saw, square/pulse, triangle, and noise
  • Two discrete SEM/OB-X-lineage VCOs per voice deliver classic 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 offers expanded 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

Pricing and Availability

The Oberheim OB-X8 is available to pre-order now, priced at $4,999.

13 thoughts on “Oberheim OB-X8 Synthesizer Is Like Three Classics In One Synth

  1. My OB-8 is a magical thing. That said, I find myself afraid to use it a lot because every time I turn it on, I worry that something will be different. Right now, it’s an OB-7…

    I never thought I’d sell it but this makes me strongly consider it.

  2. Terrific! Now all of you that moaned and groaned when the OB-6 came out, It didn’t have this and didn’t have that. Get out your money it has come. Or wait a few more eons for the Behringer clone to come out. I’ve gotten years of joy from my OB-6. Congrats on the new awesome instrument Tom!!!

  3. A well designed synth with the mix of X, Xa and 8 features in one 5 octave synth. Announced the same year you can buy it….expensive but it will hold its value. Congrats to Tom and the team.

  4. I bought an OB6 when it came out and it seemed to cover a lot of territory of prior Oberheims I had owned, i.e. OBXa, OB8, Matrix, 4 voice, etc. making them ludicrous (never mind the maintenance headaches). Nevertheless this is certainly impressive but I would have to do a hands-on to see if any difference is worth the price.

  5. Well… I did it.. I put some money down on one. They aren’t cheap but I think it’s going to be great. I was thinking of selling my OB6 module to fund it but then I found out that the SEM filter in the X8 doesn’t allow you to smoothly morph from one filter type to the next as on the OB6. That’s one feature I love about the pads on the 6 so I’ll have to keep it. Besides.. I have the tabletop version and it takes up almost no space.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *