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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

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Susan Ciani uses Oberheim OB-X

Susan Ciani

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0:32 minute mark, Ciani is visible playing the Oberheim OBX synthesizer.

See how Annie Lennox uses Oberheim OB-X

Annie Lennox

Singer

Eurythmics

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used on "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)", as mentioned by bandmate Dave Stewart in this Sound on Sound "Classic Tracks" interview about the song.

Lennox, meanwhile, was suffering a low, inspiring the song’s deceptively jaded lyric, which was written quickly in a half?hour burst when she heard the track that Stewart was working on. “Annie won’t dispute this,” says Stewart, “but she was actually feeling really down and often quite depressed and lost. I kept up with the drum beat, and I also had half of the sequence. Annie sort of leapt off the floor and was like, ‘What is that?’ And she got on the [Oberheim] OB?X. Annie had a string sound that we liked on there, and then she played that riff on top of what I was playing and the two synthesizers together with that drum beat made this unbelievable thing.

“The drum computer was triggering a sequence into the Roland SH?101 that sounded powerful, and the Oberheim was more of a soft string sound that we managed to cut off so it made it more attacking. I think it was actually a preset, I don’t think we made the sound. The Roland is playing the original sequence and then Annie was playing in between it. ‘Sweet Dreams’ always confuses keyboard players when they try and play it, because they don’t realise it’s actually two keyboard parts that are playing completely different things.”

See how Lisa Coleman uses Oberheim OB-X

Lisa Coleman

Keyboardist

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.

See how Claude Schnell uses Oberheim OB-X

Claude Schnell

Keyboardist, Composer

Dio

...
Verified via Claudeschnell

Source: Magazine interview

See how Anthony Marinelli uses Oberheim OB-X

Anthony Marinelli

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

During Anthony Marinelli's studio tour video titled "My Synth Studio Revealed | Studio Tour 2025," the Oberheim OB-X synthesizer is featured at 13:06. This serves as confirmation of its use in his studio setup. The video is provided by Anthony Marinelli Music on YouTube.

See how Claudio Simonetti uses Oberheim OB-X

Claudio Simonetti

Keyboardist, Composer

Goblin

...
Verified via Photo

The synth can be seen in the foreground of this promotional photo.

See how Dr. Fink uses Oberheim OB-X

Dr. Fink

Keyboardist

The New Power Generation

...
Verified via Photo

Dr Fink used an Oberheim OB-X with Prince in the early 1980s.

See how Swim Deep uses Oberheim OB-X

Swim Deep

Singer, Guitarist

Swim Deep

...
Verified via Photo

"Finishing recording album 2 over the next couple of months in Brussels. HERE WE GO!! #SwimDeep" -@jamesbalmont

See how Vince DiCola uses Oberheim OB-X

Vince DiCola

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Gearslutz

In a Gearslutz forum discussion, Vince DiCola is mentioned using the Oberheim OB-X synthesizer.

See how Johannes Schmölling uses Oberheim OB-X

Johannes Schmölling

Keyboardist, Composer

Tangerine Dream

...
Verified via Muzines

Schmoelling is mentioned with the Oberheim OB-X in this article.

See how Jörn-Uwe Fahrenkrog-Petersen uses Oberheim OB-X

Jörn-Uwe Fahrenkrog-Petersen

Keyboardist, Composer

Nena

...
Verified via YouTube

at 12:40 you can see him using his ob x

See how Firechild uses Oberheim OB-X

Firechild

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

Video showing the OB-X in Firechild's studio.

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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