Oberheim
58Also known as: Oberheim Electronics
UnclaimedFounded by engineer and inventor Tom Oberheim in 1969, Oberheim is a San Francisco-based synthesizer manufacturer whose instruments have shaped the sound of popular music for over five decades. The company produced some of the first commercially available polyphonic synthesizers, including the Two Voice, Four Voice, and Eight Voice systems, followed by the iconic OB-series — the OB-X, OB-Xa, an...
$906.26
in Sound Modules Rank
$1,050.00
in Drum Machines Rank
$999.00
in Sound Modules Rank
$2,649.08
in Drum Machines Rank
$1,199.99 - $1,849.99
$1,900.00
in Sound Modules Rank
$3,333.00 - $3,499.99
$546.99
in Audio Sequencers Rank
Founded by engineer and inventor Tom Oberheim in 1969, Oberheim is a San Francisco-based synthesizer manufacturer whose instruments have shaped the sound of popular music for over five decades. The company produced some of the first commercially available polyphonic synthesizers, including the Two Voice, Four Voice, and Eight Voice systems, followed by the iconic OB-series — the OB-X, OB-Xa, and OB-8 — which became staples of 1980s new wave, synth-pop, and hip hop. The Oberheim DMX drum machine was equally influential, providing the rhythmic backbone for countless records of that era. Classic Oberheim synthesizers can be heard on tracks by Van Halen, Prince, Rush, Madonna, Depeche Mode, Herbie Hancock, and Stevie Wonder, among many others.
After a period away from the market, Tom Oberheim regained the Oberheim trademark and relaunched the company. The modern Oberheim lineup includes the OB-X8, a flagship analog polysynth that combines the architecture of the classic OB-X, OB-Xa, and OB-8 into a single instrument; the OB-6, a six-voice analog synthesizer designed in collaboration with Sequential founder Dave Smith; and the TEO-5, a compact polyphonic analog synthesizer. Oberheim brings its instruments to market in partnership with Sequential and the Focusrite organization, continuing the legacy of American-made analog synthesis from its home in San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood.
Oberheim has 56 products cataloged on Equipboard, including Synthesizers, Sound Modules, and Drum Machines. Their gear is featured by 400 artists, with the strongest followings in Electronic, Rock, and Pop. Notable users include Lorn, Junkie XL, and Firechild. Most Oberheim products sit firmly in the high-end, boutique range.
Artists Who Use Oberheim
Community setups featuring Oberheim
Show yoursAre you on the Oberheim team?
- Be the first to know when an artist is spotted using Oberheim gear
- Curate the Oberheim catalog, images, and product details
- Respond to community photos and reviews of Oberheim gear
- See how Oberheim gear is trending on Equipboard
Sequential Circuits
ARP
Sequential
E-Mu
Dave Smith Instruments
Moog
Mellotron
Waldorf
PPG
Access
Ensoniq
Clavia Nord