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Average Price: $8,000
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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
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What is the polyphony of the Oberheim OB-X synthesizer?
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The Oberheim OB-X synthesizer comes in three versions, offering polyphony of 4, 6, or 8 voices, allowing for rich and complex chordal textures.
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Is the Oberheim OB-X an analog or digital synthesizer?
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The Oberheim OB-X is an analog synthesizer, known for its warm, rich sound characteristic of classic analog synths from the late 1970s.
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What type of keyboard action does the Oberheim OB-X have?
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The Oberheim OB-X features a synth action keyboard, which provides a smooth and fast response ideal for playing synth leads and pads.
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How many keys does the Oberheim OB-X synthesizer have?
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The Oberheim OB-X synthesizer is equipped with a full-size 61-key keyboard, offering a wide range for performance and composition.
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What are the standout sound characteristics of the Oberheim OB-X?
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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.
Videos
RetroSound
Oberheim OB-X Classic Analog Synthesizer Sounds (1979)
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
User experience
Comparisons
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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.
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The OB-X8's voice panning/spread is highlighted for its classy and rich sound, contrasting with the OB6's electric vibe.
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The OB-X8 provides 8-voice polyphony, ideal for jazz chord voicings, and features 61 keys for a 5-octave range.
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Setup and maintenance
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Owners recommend Synthchaser resources for OB-X maintenance, including power supply and voice board component kits.
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Build quality
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Some owners note the OB-X8 has plastic knobs that don't feel premium, especially when compared to Moog synths.
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Use cases and applications
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The OB-X8 is favored for studio environments due to its size, while the OB-6's compactness suits live gigs.
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Value and pricing
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The OB-X8 is described as a "collector level luxury item" with a price point significantly higher than the OB-6.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 7 Ratings
Artist usage
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In the music video for the Flash Gordon theme, Brian May is seen playing the Oberheim OB-X, as evidenced by the image provided.
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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."
In this photo from July 2021, The Weeknd displays synth racks which include an Oberheim OB-X.
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."
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.
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.”
Album Usage
The Oberheim OB-X has been featured on the following albums:
The Box Of Delights (Original Television Soundtrack)
The BBC Radiophonic Workshop & Roger Limb (2018)
Rendez-Vous
Jean Michel Jarre (2015)
Syro
Aphex Twin (2014)
Night Time
Killing Joke (1985)
Mishima
Philip Glass (1985)
Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)
Eurythmics & Dave Stewart & Annie Lennox (1983)
Nena
Nena & Nena (1983)
Flash Gordon (Original Soundtrack)
Queen (1980)
The Game
Queen (1980)
Double Fantasy
John Lennon & John Lennon & Yoko Ono (1980)
Pieces Of Eight
Styx (1978)
Rock 'N' Roll
John Lennon & John Lennon (1975)
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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