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Description

Step back into the golden age of electronic music with the Oberheim DX, a drum machine that has left an indelible mark on the music scene since its debut in the early 1980s. This iconic piece of gear is renowned for its distinctive sound, featuring digital samples of real acoustic drums that deliver a warm, authentic punch. Whether you're crafting beats for hip-hop, synth-pop, or any genre craving a touch of retro flair, the DX offers you a palette of sounds that are both classic and timeless.

With its straightforward interface, the Oberheim DX allows musicians and producers of all skill levels to dive into beat-making with ease. The machine's sequencing capability is straightforward yet powerful, giving you the ability to create intricate patterns and loops that can breathe life into your tracks. The DX's MIDI compatibility ensures seamless integration into modern setups, making it a versatile addition to any studio or performance rig.

The Oberheim DX's 12-bit sound engine remains a favorite among artists who appreciate its character and depth, offering a sonic quality that's hard to replicate with modern counterparts. It's not just a drum machine; it's a piece of music history that continues to inspire and enable creativity across genres.

Key Features:

  • Digital samples of real acoustic drums
  • 12-bit sound engine for vintage tonal quality
  • MIDI compatibility for modern integration
  • User-friendly interface for easy programming
  • Iconic sound, perfect for retro and contemporary music styles

Product specs

Brand Oberheim
Model DX 6-Voice Drum Machine
Finish Blue with Wood Sides
Year 1982
Categories Drum Machines
Analog / Digital Digital
Polyphony 6 Voices

FAQs

What is the difference between the Oberheim DX and the DMX drum machines?

The Oberheim DX features 18 sounds and allows for 6-sound polyphony, compared to the DMX's 24 sounds and 8-sound polyphony. The DX also has a 4-digit, 7-segment display and features plastic wood sides instead of walnut.

How many voices of polyphony does the Oberheim DX have?

The Oberheim DX drum machine has 6 voices of polyphony, allowing it to play up to six sounds simultaneously.

Is the Oberheim DX a digital or analog drum machine?

The Oberheim DX is a digital drum machine, which means it uses digital samples to recreate drum sounds.

What are the dimensions of the Oberheim DX drum machine?

The Oberheim DX measures 18 inches wide, 12 inches deep, and 5 inches high, making it a compact option for studio setups.

What is the finish of the Oberheim DX drum machine?

The Oberheim DX features a blue finish with wood sides, giving it a classic and distinctive look.

Justin Mullins

Justin Mullins

Oberheim DX Drum Machine Demo (HQ Audio)

Video thumbnail for Oberheim DX Drum Machine Demo (HQ Audio) by Justin Mullins

Oberheim DX Drum Machine Demo (HQ Audio)

Justin Mullins

Justin Mullins

Video thumbnail for Oberheim DX Drum Machine - Free Sample Pack by Alex Ball

Oberheim DX Drum Machine - Free Sample Pack

Alex Ball

Alex Ball

Video thumbnail for How to use a Oberheim DX or DMX Drum Machine Complete Tutorial by TONELAB

How to use a Oberheim DX or DMX Drum Machine Complete Tutorial

TONELAB

TONELAB

Video thumbnail for Synth Stuff Ep. 10 - Oberheim DX by tritonrecordings

Synth Stuff Ep. 10 - Oberheim DX

tritonrecordings

tritonrecordings

Video thumbnail for Oberheim DX with Linn LM-1 and LinnDrum EPROMs by Justin Mullins

Oberheim DX with Linn LM-1 and LinnDrum EPROMs

Justin Mullins

Justin Mullins

Video thumbnail for THE OBERHEIM DX, THE  DRUM MACHINE THAT STARTED WITH HIP HOP AND MOVED TO EVERY MUSIC GENRE 🎚️ by Nostalgic Explorer

THE OBERHEIM DX, THE DRUM MACHINE THAT STARTED WITH HIP HOP AND MOVED TO EVERY MUSIC GENRE 🎚️

Nostalgic Explorer

Nostalgic Explorer

Reviews

PROS

  • Iconic "fat" beats and crunchy drum sounds

  • Featured on numerous hit records

  • Models with red writing indicate desirable MIDI-ready versions

  • MIDI upgrade kits available, easy to install without soldering

  • Sequencer offers a unique, finicky charm

CONS

  • Original units may require battery and tactile switch replacements

  • Double-triggering switches can make programming frustrating

  • Parts can be temperamental, requiring careful maintenance or replacement

  • Quality highly dependent on the unit's condition

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Oberheim DX.

Build quality

  • Original documentation often includes rare items like the original magazine advertisement and handwritten notes from the 1980s.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners should consider checking and possibly replacing the battery, as rechargeable batteries can leak and cause damage, though lithium cells are generally more stable.

    Source
  • Battery is a Panasonic part, suggesting later service or replacement, and it still backs up memory effectively.

    Source

User experience

  • Machines often still contain original patterns and songs, providing a unique historical snapshot and reference for new creations.

    Source
  • The Oberheim DX's memory can be pre-loaded with historical content, enhancing the nostalgia and usability straight out of the box.

    Source
  • Owners report success in fixing dead toms with a simple plug-and-play replacement of the filter chip, enhancing the longevity of the unit.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Purchases from small music shops might include unadvertised extras like padded boxes and full documentation, enhancing the value of the acquisition.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The CEM3328 filter chip can be replaced with a NOS chip or potentially a retrofitted CEM3320 using an adapter for dead tom issues.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 10 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Frusciante uses Oberheim DX

John Frusciante

Guitarist

Red Hot Chili Peppers

...
Verified via Photo

Posted by his Label "Acid Test" John Frusciante names various Instruments he used over time. One of those is the Oberheim DX.

See how Kim Deal uses Oberheim DX

Kim Deal

Singer, Guitarist

Pixies

...
Verified via YouTube

In this interview with Marc Maron, at about 1:04:27 Kim says she had a studio back at her house where she made solo music and used an Oberheim DX to create her beats.

See how Oneohtrix Point Never uses Oberheim DX

Oneohtrix Point Never

Music Producer

Ford & Lopatin

...
Verified via YouTube

At 2:54 Mr Lopatin is using the DX.

See how Junkie XL uses Oberheim DX

Junkie XL

Composer, Music Producer

Tiësto vs. Junkie XL

...
Verified via YouTube

At 9:02 Junkie XL shows his Oberheim DX

See how Lorn uses Oberheim DX

Lorn

Music Producer

...
Verified via Vk

In a video on VK, Lorn is seen using the Oberheim DX drum machine.

See how Manudigital uses Oberheim DX

Manudigital

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

The item can be seen 0:01 into in this video.

See how Luke Million uses Oberheim DX

Luke Million

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Swiss

...
Verified via YouTube

Luke Million uses a Oberheim DX to play the drum machine part in his rendition of Funky Town as seen in this video from his studio.

See how FM Attack uses Oberheim DX

FM Attack

Music Producer

...
Verified via Iheartsynths

In an interview with iheartsynths.com, FM Attack mentions owning an Oberheim DX drum machine among other gear, highlighting his expansive collection that includes favorites like the Minimoog and Jupiter 8.

See how Wojtek Olszak uses Oberheim DX

Wojtek Olszak

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Woobie Doobie

...
Verified via Olszak

The instrument appears on the list of instruments on official artist's website (http://olszak.pl/).

See how Jimmy Cauty uses Oberheim DX

Jimmy Cauty

Music Producer

The KLF

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video around 5:42 you can see Jimmy using the Oberheim and at 5:57 under the left turntable with a vinyl on top it.

M

Marc Marzenit

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Marc Marenit shows his studio on Facebook in 2012

See how Matt "Fryborg" Jones uses Oberheim DX

Matt "Fryborg" Jones

Singer, Guitarist

Male Gaze

...
Verified via Photo

hot drum machine action in the Jones-Cave.

Album Usage

The Oberheim DX has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Oberheim DX, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
xipac

xipac

Gear IQ 135

rothhandlestudios

rothhandlestudios

Gear IQ 1963

4 alternative and related items for Oberheim DX, curated by the Equipboard community.

Oberheim DMX

$12.07

Vintage or Discontinued high-end alternative
Oberheim Prommer

 

Vintage or Discontinued goes with
Aly James Lab VProm

 

similar sound cheaper alternative

In addition to emulating the Linn LM-1, VProm can also load and play back the all the original 8-bit ROM files of the Oberheim DX, DMX, and any file created by an Oberheim Prommer.

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