Sequential OB-6 vs Oberheim OB-X8 Compared

The latest Miles Away video offers a head-to-head comparison between the Sequential OB-6 and the Oberheim OB-X8 synthesizers, two of Tom Oberheim’s greatest synth designs ever.

The OB-X8 is a fantastic synth and a joy to use, but the OB-6 is a better value. Which one is best? Check out the video and share your thoughts in the comments!

Topics covered:

0:00 – intro talking

0:52 – sound comparison

1:25 – oscillators

7:45 – filters

15:02 – modulation

24:39 – stereo spread

26:11 – arp, glide and unison

27:52 – unique features on OB-6

30:34 – unique features on OB-X8

33:44 – final verdict, which one should you get?

15 thoughts on “Sequential OB-6 vs Oberheim OB-X8 Compared

  1. Sonically they might be close but the OB-X8 edges out the OB-6 bcos it has two more voices otherwise they’re both great¡! OB-6 is more Prophet like so they’d make a really good combo kid’s¡! thanx folks.

  2. Yeah, not gonna swap my OB6 for one. I bought myself a Low Frequency Expander after seeing the module version of the OBX8, and do the subjective math, so to say. The actual Oberheim sound people praise so much isn’t for me; I rather have the moody prophet sound the OB6 has to offer.

  3. These are too different synthesizers with different capabilities, excluding the differences and comparing only what is common is completely missing the characteristic of the instruments for the sake of more views, no matter how impractical or unproductive it is.
    If you are interested in the OB-X8 the OB6 will probably not be a substitute for you.
    If you already have the OB6 this video may delude you to feel better that you can’t spend the 5k.

    1. The OBX8 module is quite affordable. I could sell my OB6 and expander and it is in reach (and looks less awful that the keyboard version). It’s just that it’s not worth the money for something that we’ve heard so many times before already. Let alone the page 2 nonsense. Seems to me it’s you who is defending spending 5k.

      Here’s hoping that when Tom dies, someone’s actually going to do something worthwhile with the IP of the Oberheim legacy. I appreciate the OBX8 as a love letter from Tom, for Tom, but for me that’s where it ends.

      1. I’m suggesting some OB6 owners may find comfort in this video.
        It doesn’t mean I’m “defending spending 5k” on the OBX-8.
        Not everyone’s motives are based on being challenged by others’ products (that they find comparable to the one that they decided to have).

    2. I agree videos like this are junk. Many synths can approximate each other. It’s the differences between synths that are interesting.

  4. I’m suggesting OB6 owners may find comfort in this video.
    It doesn’t mean I’m “defending spending 5k” on the OBX-8.
    Not everyone’s motives are based on being challenged by new products (that they find comparable to the one that they decided to have).

    1. yeah… OB comparisons and reviews until the end of time, then we will have three consecutive UDO posts, seven VST’s in a box, and Behringer free for all to finish out the week.

      getting kinda repetitive. lol.

  5. It makes a big difference if you have decent monitors. Its fine if you prefer the hardware route, but at this point, its easy to use software for the filter aroma that defines most classic synth tones. If you want the Oberheim or an MS-20 squeal, its just a click away. Most of the emulations are beautifully on the mark now. Otherwise, I’d go for the OB-6, as I prefer polys w/FX over modulars. Dangling patch cords just cause cat attacks.

  6. This is kinda similar to P5 vs P6, but at the end of the day I ended wit a P5 due to that im not fan of devices with built-in effects and rather want to focus on the pure tone.

  7. Love how many self-assuring and least objective comments people trend to make. Could it be that rather than seeking the best synth solution one should focus more on what to do with it? 🙂

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