The all-analog-signal path, classic OB-X8 is now a desktop module. It’s a perfect synth: OB-X, OB-Xa, and OB-8 in one instrument, with all the Page 2 extras, and the sounds that made 1999 by Prince, among others.
There’s not much more to say about the OB-X8 desktop. Take one of the best synths currently on the market, and make it accessible to more folks with a walnut-cheeked desktop case. Sounds pretty good to me. That fits in 4.34 kg (9 lb, 9 oz) and 55.88 x 21.59 x 10.16 cm.
Specs:
Hardware
- 8-voice pure-analog polyphony
- Two discrete OB-X/SEM-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
- 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 fan-less, heatsink-free power supply
- Real walnut end cheeks
- High-resolution OLED display enables patch management and easy access to advanced features
Enhancements
- 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 response adds expressiveness to volume and filter
- Channel Aftertouch response adds real-time performance-based modulation
- Enhanced unison allows variable voice stacking from 1-8 voices
- Programmable per-voice pan allows wider stereo presence
- Variable oscillator and noise levels
- Variable triangle wave cross-modulation
- Over 600 user-programmable preset locations
Ins & Outs
- L/R Stereo and Mono outputs
- Volume, Sustain, and Filter pedal inputs
- Arpeggiator clock input
- MIDI In, Out, Thru
- USB
The OB-X8 is available from Sweetwater:
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Oberheim OB-X8 8-voice Polyphonic Analog Desktop Synthesizer Module
Oberheim OB-X8 8-voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer
We’ve covered the full-sized unit with keyboard plenty – so let’s review, especially now that we get another edition of this modern classic: