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Description

Step into a world of sonic nostalgia with the Oberheim OB-X, a revered classic that beautifully bridges the gap between vintage charm and modern sound design. Originally released as Oberheim's first polyphonic synthesizer, the OB-X became a staple in the 80s music scene, embraced by artists like Herbie Hancock and Depeche Mode. Today, it continues to inspire, offering musicians a vast palette of sounds that range from ethereal to downright gritty.

This synthesizer is not just a nod to the past; it's a reimagined powerhouse for today's creative demands. With up to 16 voice polyphony, the OB-X is engineered to deliver lush, complex textures and a seamless blend of analog warmth and digital precision. The intuitive design features vintage controls to introduce subtle analog imperfections, while modern enhancements like X-Modifiers expand your sound design possibilities exponentially. Whether you're crafting ambient soundscapes or driving electronic beats, the OB-X empowers you to sculpt your sonic signature with ease.

Explore over 400 production-ready presets from top-tier sound designers, or dive into the flexible preset browser to tailor your creations. With its monophonic, polyphonic, legato, and unison trigger modes, the OB-X adapts to any musical scenario, offering a dynamic and expressive playing experience. Complement your performance with built-in Chorus, Stereo Delay, and Reverb effects, and let your creativity soar.

Key Features:

  • Authentic emulation of the Oberheim® OB-X
  • Up to 16 voice polyphony
  • Vintage knob for authentic analog imperfections
  • Over 400 production-ready presets
  • X-Modifiers for extensive modulation options
  • Arpeggiator and chord mode with scales
  • Built-in Chorus, Stereo Delay, and Reverb effects
  • Fully-scalable UI with a powerful preset browser
  • Monophonic, polyphonic, legato, and unison trigger modes
  • Programmable Aftertouch and expanded Velocity controls for enhanced playability

Product specs

Brand Oberheim
Model OB-X 61-Key 4-Voice Synthesizer, OB-X 61-Key 6-Voice Synthesizer, OB-X 61-Key 8-Voice Synthesizer
Finish Black
Year 1979
Categories Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Analog
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
Number of Keys 61 Keys
Polyphony 4 Voices, 6 Voices, 8 Voices

FAQs

What is the polyphony of the Oberheim OB-X synthesizer?

The Oberheim OB-X synthesizer comes in three versions, offering polyphony of 4, 6, or 8 voices, allowing for rich and complex chordal textures.

Is the Oberheim OB-X an analog or digital synthesizer?

The Oberheim OB-X is an analog synthesizer, known for its warm, rich sound characteristic of classic analog synths from the late 1970s.

What type of keyboard action does the Oberheim OB-X have?

The Oberheim OB-X features a synth action keyboard, which provides a smooth and fast response ideal for playing synth leads and pads.

How many keys does the Oberheim OB-X synthesizer have?

The Oberheim OB-X synthesizer is equipped with a full-size 61-key keyboard, offering a wide range for performance and composition.

What are the standout sound characteristics of the Oberheim OB-X?

The Oberheim OB-X is renowned for its lush, warm tones and powerful analog sound, making it a favorite for creating classic synth pads and leads.

RetroSound

RetroSound

Oberheim OB-X Classic Analog Synthesizer Sounds (1979)

Video thumbnail for Oberheim OB-X Classic Analog Synthesizer Sounds (1979) by RetroSound

Oberheim OB-X Classic Analog Synthesizer Sounds (1979)

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for The Oberheim OB-X (1979) by Alex Ball

The Oberheim OB-X (1979)

Alex Ball

Alex Ball

Video thumbnail for Oberheim OB-X Analog Synthesizer (1979) Retro Sounds by RetroSound

Oberheim OB-X Analog Synthesizer (1979) Retro Sounds

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for Oberheim OB-X Demo by SonicProjects

Oberheim OB-X Demo

SonicProjects

SonicProjects

Video thumbnail for Oberheim OB-X - Rosen Sound Demo by Rosen Sound

Oberheim OB-X - Rosen Sound Demo

Rosen Sound

Rosen Sound

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The OB8's "Page 2" offers extra functions like a unique arpeggiator, allowing programmable intervals for creating complex patterns.

    Source
  • The OB-X8 offers bi-timbrality, additional filter options, and a second LFO, enhancing its sound design capabilities beyond the OB-6.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users initially experienced buyer's remorse with the OB-X8 due to its size and lack of built-in effects, but appreciated its rich sound over time.

    Source
  • The OB-X8 is praised for its "vintage and wild" sound, with specific appeal for those seeking the classic Oberheim character.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users noted the OB-X8 lacks effects and has a more complex programming interface compared to the OB6, which features built-in effects and a polyphonic sequencer.

    Source
  • The OB-X8's voice panning/spread is highlighted for its classy and rich sound, contrasting with the OB6's electric vibe.

    Source
  • The OB-X8 provides 8-voice polyphony, ideal for jazz chord voicings, and features 61 keys for a 5-octave range.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners recommend Synthchaser resources for OB-X maintenance, including power supply and voice board component kits.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some owners note the OB-X8 has plastic knobs that don't feel premium, especially when compared to Moog synths.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The OB-X8 is favored for studio environments due to its size, while the OB-6's compactness suits live gigs.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The OB-X8 is described as a "collector level luxury item" with a price point significantly higher than the OB-6.

    Source

Other

  • The OB-X8's screen and patch naming system are considered more user-friendly compared to the OB-6's numeric patch display.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 7 Ratings

5 star
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1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Paul McCartney uses Oberheim OB-X

Paul McCartney

Singer, Bassist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Hog Hill Mill Blog

the Oberheim OB-X is listed in this blog

See how Aphex Twin uses Oberheim OB-X

Aphex Twin

Music Producer

Universal Indicator

...
Verified via Photo

On the list of gear used for Syro.

See how Brian May uses Oberheim OB-X

Brian May

Singer, Guitarist

Queen

...
Verified via Photo

In the music video for the Flash Gordon theme, Brian May is seen playing the Oberheim OB-X, as evidenced by the image provided.

See how John Lennon uses Oberheim OB-X

John Lennon

Singer, Guitarist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Photo

John Lennon used the Oberheim OB-X synthesizer on his last album Double Fantasy in 1980, which he recorded with Yoko Ono. The distinctive sound of the OB-X can be heard in the track "Watching The Wheels," as evidenced by an image available on Equipboard.

See how Prince uses Oberheim OB-X

Prince

Guitarist, Bassist

Prince

...
Verified via Google

A photo of Lisa Coleman using the keyboard was taken during Prince and The Revolution were rehearsing it can also be spotted during the 1999 tour in the year 1982. This keyboard was owned by Prince and used on his albums.

See how Geddy Lee uses Oberheim OB-X

Geddy Lee

Singer, Bassist

Rush

...
Verified via YouTube

In the beginning of the "Subdivisions" music video, it can be seen that he is using an OB-X, as the OB-Xa has blue pinstriped-lines running vertically across the entirety of the synth, whereas this one has the grey panel/boxes around the buttons and knobs that would be found on the OB-X.

See how Jean Michel Jarre uses Oberheim OB-X

Jean Michel Jarre

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Dustbins

...
Verified via Wordpress

At the back of the album cover of the Rendez-vous album by Jean-Michel Jarre is a list of used instruments. In short:

Seiko DS 250, Synthex, Moog, Roland JX 8P, ARP 2600, Fairlight, Emulator II, Eminent, AKS, Lynn 9000, Memory Moog, Drumulator, Laser Harp, RMI, Seiko DS 320, OBX, DX 100, Matrisequencer, TR 808, Prophet, Casio CZ 5000, Baby Korg personal keyboard.

See how Chromeo uses Oberheim OB-X

Chromeo

Music Producer

...
Verified via Musicradar

"This is 'the Prince synth' with such a massive sound," says Patrick. "This particular one was one of a few OB-Xs that used to belong to D-Train, too."

See how The Weeknd uses Oberheim OB-X

The Weeknd

Singer, Keyboardist

Bulleez n Nerdz

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo from July 2021, The Weeknd displays synth racks which include an Oberheim OB-X.

See how The Real Mike Dean uses Oberheim OB-X

The Real Mike Dean

Music Producer, Audio Engineer

Def Squad

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video by Reverb titled "Mike Dean Building a Track Is Analog Synth Mayhem | The Process," The Real Mike Dean, a renowned music producer and audio engineer, demonstrates the use of the Oberheim OB-X. He states, "The CS-80 and Jupiter 8 were the best synths in the room until I got the Four Voice and the OB-X."

See how Oneohtrix Point Never uses Oberheim OB-X

Oneohtrix Point Never

Music Producer

Ford & Lopatin

...
Verified via Photo

In a photo posted by The Weeknd in July 2021, Oneohtrix Point Never is seen next to synth racks that include an Oberheim OB-X, confirming his use of it.

See how Roger Meddows Taylor uses Oberheim OB-X

Roger Meddows Taylor

Singer, Guitarist

Queen

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Roger Taylor is seen playing an Oberheim OB-X synth.

As quoted in (Musicradar)[https://www.musicradar.com/amp/news/roger-taylor-favourite-queen-drum-songs]:

“The first synth we ever used as Queen was the Oberheim OB-X. It was one of the first polysynths and absolutely loaded with amazing sounds. That thing is all over the Flash Gordon soundtrack. I’m not sure what happened to it, but I’ve been looking around to try and get a replacement and there aren’t many of them about.”

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 OB-X, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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x0d

x0d

Gear IQ 161

pergamoon

pergamoon

Gear IQ 157

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